Cap assembly and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

The application provides a top cover assembly and a manufacturing method thereof, wherein the top cover assembly is used for connecting a tab in an electric cell and comprises a top cover, a welding piece, a pole and an upper plastic piece; the welding piece comprises a bearing part, a first limiting section and a second limiting section; the pole comprises a main body and a protruding part; and the upper plastic piece comprises a first section, a second section, a third section and a fourth section connected in sequence. The upper plastic piece is arranged as the first section, the second section, the third section and the fourth section connected in sequence, the first limiting section in the welding piece is clamped between the first section and the third section, the relative fixation between the upper plastic piece and the welding piece is realized, the protruding part in the pole is clamped between the third section and the bearing part in the welding piece, the relative fixation between the pole and the upper plastic piece and the welding piece is realized, and therefore the stability of the connection between the components in the top cover assembly is ensured, and the safety of the electric cell is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery technology, and more specifically to a top cover assembly and its manufacturing method. Background Technology

[0002] Secondary batteries are mainly used in energy storage batteries and power batteries in the new energy industry. As the new energy industry develops, the requirements for batteries are constantly increasing. As a core component of the battery, the safety and sealing performance of the battery top cover are receiving more and more attention.

[0003] In the top cover assembly process, the battery top cover can be manufactured using injection molding. The injection-molded plastic part achieves insulation and relative fixation between the welding ring and the terminal post. However, in the top cover assemblies provided by related technologies, the connections between the various components are not tight enough, making them prone to loosening or even detachment, affecting the normal use of the battery cells and posing a significant safety hazard. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention provide a top cover assembly that can improve the technical problem of loose connection between top cover assemblies in related technologies.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a top cover assembly for connecting tabs in a battery cell, the top cover assembly comprising:

[0006] Top cover, wherein a first through hole is provided on the top cover;

[0007] A welded component, at least a portion of which is disposed within a first through hole, the welded component including a bearing portion, a first limiting segment and a second limiting segment, the first limiting segment and the bearing portion being disposed at both ends of the second limiting segment and extending toward the first through hole along the axial direction of the first through hole;

[0008] The electrode post is spaced apart from the welded part. The electrode post includes a main body and a protrusion, and the protrusion protrudes from the peripheral side of the main body.

[0009] The upper plastic part includes a first segment, a second segment, a third segment, and a fourth segment connected in sequence. The second segment is sandwiched between the first limiting segment and the main body. The first segment and the third segment are respectively connected to the two ends of the second segment along the axial direction of the first through hole and extend in the direction away from the pole post. The first limiting segment is at least partially sandwiched between the first segment and the third segment. The fourth segment is sandwiched between the second limiting segment and the protrusion.

[0010] In one embodiment, the upper plastic part further includes a fifth segment, which connects to the end of the fourth segment away from the third segment and is sandwiched between the protrusion and the support portion.

[0011] In one embodiment, the top cover assembly further includes a seal, at least a portion of which is connected to the upper surface of the support portion to allow the seal to be mounted on the support portion, and the pole post is connected to the seal.

[0012] In one embodiment, the bearing portion is provided with a second through hole, and the sealing element includes:

[0013] The mounting section is clamped between the pole post and the support portion;

[0014] A connecting segment is provided, which connects to one end of the mounting segment near the second through hole and extends axially toward the second through hole, the connecting segment abutting against the sidewall of the second through hole.

[0015] In one embodiment, the welded component further includes a third limiting segment, which is disposed on the side of the second limiting segment away from the bearing portion, and the end of the third limiting segment away from the second limiting segment is connected to the top cover.

[0016] In one embodiment, the second limiting segment includes a first surface facing away from the pole post, and the third limiting segment is connected to the sidewall of the first through hole, wherein the first surface and the sidewall of the first through hole are spaced apart.

[0017] The upper plastic part further includes a sixth segment, which connects to the end of the first segment away from the second segment and extends along the first surface such that the sixth segment is at least partially clamped between the sidewall of the first through hole and the first surface.

[0018] In one embodiment, the top cover has a connecting groove, the opening of the connecting groove faces the side wall of the first through hole, and part of the third limiting segment is accommodated in the connecting groove.

[0019] In one embodiment, the ratio of the size of the third limiting segment to the size of the top cover along the axial direction of the first through hole is between 0.2 and 0.5.

[0020] In one embodiment, there are at least two first limiting segments and at least two second limiting segments, and the at least two second limiting segments are arranged opposite to each other, so that the bearing portion, the first limiting segment and the second limiting segment form an opening, and the pole post can be inserted between the second limiting segments through the opening.

[0021] In one embodiment, a positioning hole is provided on the upper surface of the pole post, and the positioning hole is strip-shaped.

[0022] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for manufacturing a top cover assembly, comprising:

[0023] Obtain a sealing element, a top cover, a welded component, and an electrode post; wherein, the top cover is provided with a first through hole; the welded component includes a supporting part, a first limiting section, and a second limiting section, the first limiting section and the supporting part being disposed at both ends of the second limiting section and extending toward the middle of the welded component; the electrode post includes a main body and a protrusion, the protrusion being provided on the peripheral side of the main body;

[0024] The sealing element is installed on the bearing portion of the welded part, and the pole is placed on the sealing element so that the main body is spaced apart from the first limiting segment, the protrusion is spaced apart from the first limiting segment, and the protrusion is spaced apart from the second limiting segment.

[0025] Injection molding is performed along the side wall of the main body of the pole post, and fluid material flows sequentially between the main body and the first limiting segment, between the main body and the first limiting segment, and between the protrusion and the second limiting segment to form an upper molded part;

[0026] The upper plastic part, the welded part, the sealing part and the pole are locked together to form a connecting terminal;

[0027] The welding component in the connecting terminal is sealed and welded to the top cover.

[0028] In one embodiment, the top cover is provided with a first through hole, and the welded component includes a supporting portion, a first limiting segment, and a second limiting segment. There are at least two first limiting segments and at least two second limiting segments, and the at least two second limiting segments are arranged opposite to each other, so that the supporting portion, the first limiting segment, and the second limiting segment form openings. Placing the pole post on the sealing component includes:

[0029] Insert the pole through the opening between the spaced second limiting segments;

[0030] Adjust the position of the pole post so that the electrode tab can be connected to the pole post through the first through hole.

[0031] In one embodiment, the upper surface of the electrode post is provided with a positioning hole, the positioning hole being strip-shaped, and the step of placing the electrode post on the sealing member further includes:

[0032] Rotate the pole so that the angle between the positioning hole and the welded part is a preset angle.

[0033] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention are as follows:

[0034] This invention sets the upper plastic part into four segments connected in sequence: a first segment, a second segment, a third segment, and a fourth segment. The first and third segments clamp the first limiting segment in the welded part, thus achieving relative fixation between the upper plastic part and the welded part. The third segment and the bearing part in the welded part clamp the protrusion in the pole post, thus achieving relative fixation between the pole post and the upper plastic part and the welded part. This ensures the stability of the connection between the various components of the top cover assembly, thereby improving the safety of the battery cell. Attached Figure Description

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the top cover assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the top cover assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the top cover assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the welded component provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the welded component provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the top cover provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a top cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a top cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a top cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] The labels in the diagram are as follows:

[0047] 1. Top cover assembly;

[0048] 11. Top cover; 111. First through hole; 112. Connecting groove; 1121. Groove opening;

[0049] 12. Welded component; 121. Bearing part; 122. First limiting section; 123. Second limiting section; 1231. First surface; 124. Third limiting section; 125. Opening;

[0050] 13. Pole post; 131. Main body; 132. Protrusion; 133. Positioning hole;

[0051] 14. Upper plastic part; 141. First section; 142. Second section; 143. Third section; 144. Fourth section; 145. Fifth section; 146. Sixth section;

[0052] 15. Seals; 151. Mounting section; 152. Connecting section;

[0053] H1, the radial direction of the first through hole;

[0054] H2, the axial direction of the first through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for illustration and explanation of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. In the present invention, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" generally refer to the upper and lower positions of the device in actual use or operation, specifically the drawing directions in the accompanying drawings; while "inner" and "outer" refer to the outline of the device.

[0056] A power battery generally includes a battery cell, a battery casing housing the battery cell, a battery top cover sealed on the battery casing, and electrolyte filled inside the battery casing. When sealing the battery casing with the battery top cover, the positive and negative tabs of the battery cell must first be connected to the bottom end of the terminals extending inside the top cover. After the battery top cover seals the battery casing, the exposed top ends of the terminals are connected to the external circuit, allowing the positive and negative terminals of the battery cell to be led out. However, the inventors of this invention have discovered that during the use of power batteries provided by related technologies, the connections between the various components in the top cover assembly are relatively loose. This can lead to some parts easily shifting or even falling off in the event of collisions or drops, resulting in open circuits or short circuits.

[0057] Based on this, refer to Figures 1 to 5 The first aspect of the present invention provides a top cover assembly 1 for connecting a battery cell. The top cover assembly 1 includes a top cover 11, a welding member 12, a terminal post 13, and an upper plastic part 14. The top cover 11 is provided with a first through hole 111. The welding member 12 is at least partially disposed within the first through hole 111. The welding member 12 includes a support portion 121, a first limiting segment 122, and a second limiting segment 123. Along the axial direction H2 of the first through hole, the first limiting segment 122 and the support portion 121 are disposed at both ends of the second limiting segment 123 and extend toward the first through hole 111. The terminal post 13 is spaced apart from the welding member 12. The terminal post 13 includes a main... The body 131 and the protrusion 132 are provided on the peripheral side surface of the body 131; the upper plastic part 14 includes a first segment 141, a second segment 142, a third segment 143 and a fourth segment 144 connected in sequence. The second segment 142 is sandwiched between the first limiting segment 122 and the body 131. The first segment 141 and the third segment 143 are respectively connected to the two ends of the second segment 142 along the axial direction H2 of the first through hole and extend in the direction away from the pole post 13. The first limiting segment 122 is at least partially sandwiched between the first segment 141 and the third segment 143. The fourth segment 144 is sandwiched between the second limiting segment 123 and the protrusion 132.

[0058] The welded component 12 is fixed to the top cover 11. The upper plastic component 14 includes a first segment 141, a second segment 142, a third segment 143, and a fourth segment 144 connected in sequence. The first segment 141 and the third segment 143 extend in a direction away from the pole post 13, thereby clamping the first limiting segment 122 of the welded component 12 in the middle, so that the position of the upper plastic component 14 in the axial direction H2 of the first through hole is fixed by the welded component 12; the body 131 of the pole post 13 and the first limiting segment 122 of the welded component 12 clamp the second segment 142 in the middle, and the protrusion 132 and the second limiting segment 123 of the pole post 13 clamp the fourth segment 144 in the middle, so that the position of the upper plastic component 14 in the radial direction H1 of the first through hole is fixed by the welded component 12, so that the upper plastic component 14 is fixed on the welded component 12. Meanwhile, the protrusion 132 of the pole post 13 is sandwiched in the middle by the third section 143 and the bearing part 121 of the welded part 12, so that the position of the pole post 13 on the axial direction H2 of the first through hole is fixed, thereby fixing the pole post 13 on the welded part 12. That is, the welded part 12, the upper plastic part 14 and the pole post 13 are all stably connected to the top cover 11, so that even if the battery cell vibrates during production and use, the components in the top cover assembly 1 are still stably connected together, thereby improving the connection reliability between the components in the top cover assembly 1.

[0059] The second segment 142 also serves to isolate the terminal post 13 and the first limiting segment 122, preventing direct contact between them and avoiding potential short circuits. Furthermore, the second segment 142 acts as a buffer, preventing damage caused by friction or collision between components in the top cover assembly 1 when subjected to external vibrations or impacts. The third segment 143 and the fourth segment 144 extend further into the gap between the terminal post 13 and the welded part 12, reducing the possibility of dust, moisture, and other impurities from the external environment entering the cell through the gap, effectively extending the cell's lifespan and improving battery safety and performance stability.

[0060] The first through hole 111 and the electrode post 13 are correspondingly arranged, so that the electrode post 13 can connect to the connecting piece, tab and other structures inside the battery cell through the first through hole 111 to realize the circuit conduction. The welded part 12 includes a first limiting section 122, a second limiting section 123 and a supporting part 121 that are connected to each other. The supporting part 121 can be connected to the top cover 11 by welding, bonding, snap-fitting or other methods. The supporting part 121 can be connected to the outer surface of the top cover 11. The supporting part 121 can also be connected to the inner wall of the first through hole 111. This embodiment of the invention does not limit this. The first limiting section 122 and the second limiting section 123 can be made by integral molding, or the first limiting section 122 and the second limiting section 123 can be made separately and then connected to form the welded part 12 by subsequent welding, bonding or other methods; the second limiting section 123 is usually connected by welding, bonding or snap-fitting or other methods. The first limiting segment 122 and the supporting portion 121 extend toward the first through hole 111, that is, toward the interior of the welded part 12, so that the first limiting segment 122, the second limiting segment 123 and the supporting portion 121 enclose and form a groove, and the groove has an opening 125 toward the interior of the welded part 12.

[0061] The electrode post 13 is made of a metal material, typically copper, aluminum, nickel, or other materials with good electrical conductivity. The electrode post 13 includes a main body 131 and a protrusion 132, and the electrode post 13 is spaced apart from the weldment 12, so that a tortuous gap is formed between the electrode post 13 and the weldment 12, which facilitates the formation of the upper molded part 14 in the subsequent injection molding process.

[0062] This invention achieves relative fixation between the upper plastic part 14 and the welded part 12 by configuring the upper plastic part 14 as a first segment 141, a second segment 142, a third segment 143 and a fourth segment 144 connected in sequence, and by clamping the first limiting segment 122 in the welded part 12 between the first segment 141 and the third segment 143, and by clamping the protrusion 132 in the pole post 13 between the third segment 143 and the bearing part 121 in the welded part 12, the pole post 13 is relatively fixed to the upper plastic part 14 and the welded part 12, thereby ensuring the stability of the connection between the various components of the top cover assembly 1, and thus improving the safety of the battery cell.

[0063] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 4 The upper plastic part 14 also includes a fifth segment 145, which connects to the end of the fourth segment 144 away from the third segment 143, and is sandwiched between the protrusion 132 and the support portion 121.

[0064] The protrusion 132 of the pole post 13 and the support portion 121 of the welded part 12 clamp the fifth segment 145 in the middle, thereby further fixing the position of the upper plastic part 14 in the radial direction H1 of the first through hole, thus further improving the stability of the connection between the upper plastic part 14 and other components. Furthermore, the fifth segment 145 is made of insulating material, eliminating the need for additional insulating coatings or other insulating structures between the pole post 13 and the welded part 12, thus simplifying the manufacturing process of the top cover assembly 1. The length of the fifth segment 145 can be set as needed; for example, the fifth segment 145 can extend along the support portion 121 to the edge of the first through hole 111.

[0065] Understandably, in order to form the fifth segment 145 of the upper plastic part 14 during injection molding, the mold used during injection molding can be adjusted so that the part of the mold used to support the pole post 13 is set higher than the part used to support the welded part 12, so that a certain gap is left between the pole post 13 and the welded part 12 to facilitate the flow of fluid material used for injection molding.

[0066] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figures 2 to 4 The top cover assembly 1 also includes a seal 15, at least a portion of which is connected to the upper surface of the support portion 121 so that the seal 15 can be installed on the support portion 121, and the pole post 13 is connected to the seal 15.

[0067] For example, to allow the seal 15 to be directly installed on the support portion 121, the bottom of the seal 15 can be made into a flat surface, allowing the sealing sheet to be directly installed on the upper surface of the support portion 121; alternatively, a groove can be provided on the seal 15, and a corresponding protrusion can be provided on the support portion 121, so that the seal 15 and the support portion 121 can be interlocked. This embodiment of the invention does not limit this. After the seal 15 is installed, the electrode post 13 can be placed directly on the seal 15. Subsequently, during the injection molding process, the fluid material can flow in along the gap between the electrode post 13 and the welded part 12 and solidify into the upper molded part 14.

[0068] In this embodiment of the invention, the sealing element 15 can be directly installed on the bearing part 121, so that the pole post 13, the sealing element 15 and the welding ring can be combined together first, and then locked by injection molding to form a connection terminal. This facilitates the subsequent connection of the welding element 12 in the connection terminal to the top cover 11, simplifies the operation steps during connection, and reduces the difficulty of connection.

[0069] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 4 The bearing portion 121 is provided with a second through hole, and the sealing element 15 includes:

[0070] Installation section 151 is clamped between pole post 13 and bearing part 121;

[0071] The connecting section 152 connects to one end of the mounting section 151 near the second through hole and extends along the axial direction of the second through hole, with the connecting section 152 abutting against the side wall of the second through hole.

[0072] The mounting section 151 of the seal 15 is clamped between the pole post 13 and the support portion 121, while the connecting section 152 contacts the side wall of the second through hole. The cooperation between the mounting section 151 and the connecting section 152 facilitates the positioning and alignment of the seal 15 during assembly, reduces human error, simplifies the assembly process, and thus improves the production efficiency of the top cover assembly 1. The mounting section 151, clamped between the pole post 13 and the support portion 121, provides mechanical support for the pole post 13, allowing a gap to be formed between the bottom of the pole post 13 and the support portion 121 without the need for a mold. The design of the connecting section 152 further restricts the position and deformation of the seal 15, improving the seal 15's resistance to vibration and impact during battery cell use, thereby enhancing the overall stability of the top cover assembly 1.

[0073] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The welded component 12 also includes a third limiting section 124, which is located on the side of the second limiting section 123 away from the bearing part 121. The end of the third limiting section 124 away from the second limiting section 123 is connected to the top cover 11.

[0074] The third limiting segment 124 can be welded or bonded to the top cover 11, or it can be engaged by a buckle on the top cover 11 and a corresponding groove on the third limiting segment 124. By setting a third limiting segment 124, the third limiting segment 124 and the second limiting segment 123 can jointly serve as the positioning reference for the welded part 12. By controlling the distance between the second limiting segment 123 and the top cover 11 while controlling the contact between the third limiting segment 124 and the top cover 11, the connection between the third limiting segment 124 and the top cover 11 can be accurately achieved, thereby simplifying the assembly process between the welded part 12 and the top cover 11 and improving production efficiency.

[0075] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 5 The second limiting segment 123 includes a first surface 1231 that is away from the pole post 13, and the third limiting segment 124 is connected to the side wall of the first through hole 111. The first surface 1231 and the side wall of the first through hole 111 are spaced apart.

[0076] The upper plastic part 14 also includes a sixth segment 146, which connects to the end of the first segment 141 away from the second segment 142. The sixth segment 146 extends along the first surface 1231 so that the sixth segment 146 is at least partially clamped between the sidewall of the first through hole 111 and the first surface 1231.

[0077] Because the third limiting segment 124 protrudes from the first surface 1231, and by controlling the connection of the third limiting segment 124 to the sidewall of the first through hole 111, a gap is left between the first surface 1231 and the sidewall of the first through hole 111. Therefore, during the injection molding process, the fluid material can extend along the first surface 1231 of the second limiting segment 123 to form a sixth segment 146 clamped between the sidewall of the first through hole 111 and the first surface 1231. At this time, the sixth segment 146 and the fourth segment 144 jointly clamp the second limiting segment 123 of the welded part 12, increasing the fixing effect of the upper plastic part 14 on the welded part 12, reducing the probability of displacement, loosening or structural failure caused by vibration or impact, thereby improving the overall stability and tightness of the component.

[0078] Since the sixth segment 146 is formed by filling the gap between the first surface 1231 and the sidewall of the first through hole 111 with fluid material, the sixth segment 146 ensures that there are no gaps between the sidewall of the first through hole 111 and the second limiting segment 123. This effectively prevents external gas or liquid from seeping into the top cover assembly 1 and causing corrosion, thus improving the sealing and safety performance of the top cover assembly 1. Furthermore, when subjected to vibration or impact, the tightly connected top cover assembly 1 is more conducive to stress dispersion, which is especially important in battery cell applications requiring high safety and stability.

[0079] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 7 The top cover 11 has a connecting groove 112, the opening 1121 of the connecting groove 112 faces the side wall of the first through hole 111, and part of the third limiting segment 124 is accommodated in the connecting groove 112.

[0080] By partially accommodating the third limiting segment 124 within the connecting groove 112, an embedded connection structure is formed between the limiting segment and the top cover 11. This significantly improves the stability of the connection between the third limiting segment 124 and the top cover 11, thereby enhancing the stability of the entire assembly under mechanical vibration, thermal expansion and contraction, or external impact, and preventing the welded part 12 from loosening or shifting. Furthermore, the connecting groove 112 provides a clear installation position for the third limiting segment 124, making it easier to install the limiting segment onto the top cover 11 during assembly, reducing the assembly difficulty of the top cover assembly 1, and minimizing performance degradation of the top cover assembly 1 due to assembly errors.

[0081] In some embodiments, the connecting groove 112 is located in the middle of the top cover 11, that is, the groove opening 1121 of the connecting groove 112 is located in the middle of the side wall of the first through hole 111, so that the bottom surface of the welding part 12 is in a higher position than the bottom surface of the top cover 11, thereby avoiding the welding part 12 from affecting the electrode plates, tabs and other structures inside the cell.

[0082] In some embodiments, the connecting groove 112 is located at the bottom of the top cover 11. In this case, the connecting groove 112 has a slot 1121 facing the bottom surface of the top cover 11, so that the third limiting segment 124 can be installed in the connecting groove 112 by moving from bottom to top when the welded part 12 is installed, thereby reducing the assembly difficulty of the top cover assembly 1.

[0083] In one embodiment, the ratio of the size of the third limiting segment 124 to the size of the top cover 11 along the axial direction H2 of the first through hole is between 0.2 and 0.5.

[0084] If the ratio of the size of the third limiting segment 124 to the size of the top cover 11 is less than 0.2, the thickness of the third limiting segment 124 is too small, resulting in low structural strength and poor connection strength between the third limiting segment 124 and the top cover 11. If the ratio of the size of the third limiting segment 124 to the size of the top cover 11 is greater than 0.5, the thickness of the third limiting segment 124 is too large, occupying a large space and making the connecting groove 112 larger. This can easily lead to a smaller thickness of the top cover 11 at the location where the connecting groove 112 is provided, resulting in lower structural strength of the top cover 11. Therefore, in this embodiment of the invention, the ratio of the size of the third limiting segment 124 to the size of the top cover 11 is set between 0.2 and 0.5. For example, it can be 0.2, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, 0.25, 0.26, 0.27, 0.28, 0.29, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, or 0.5. This ensures that the third limiting segment 124 maintains high structural strength while eliminating the need for an excessively large connecting groove 112 on the top cover 11, thereby reducing the negative impact on the top cover 11.

[0085] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 5 and Figure 6 There are at least two first limiting segments 122 and at least two second limiting segments 123, and at least two first limiting segments 122 are arranged opposite to each other so that the bearing part 121, the first limiting segments 122 and the second limiting segments 123 form an opening 125, and the pole post 13 can be inserted between the second limiting segments 123 through the opening 125.

[0086] The design of the opening 125 formed by the bearing part 121, the first limiting section 122, and the second limiting section 123 allows the pole post 13 to be directly inserted between the second limiting sections 123 through the opening 125 without the need for a complicated operation path. This simplifies the assembly process, reduces production difficulty and the precision requirements of the assembly equipment, improves production efficiency, and reduces the possibility of human error.

[0087] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 1 The upper surface of the pole post 13 is provided with a positioning hole 133, and the positioning hole 133 is strip-shaped.

[0088] By observing the relative position and angle between the strip-shaped positioning hole 133 and the welded part 12, it can be determined whether the pole post 13 and the welded part 12 achieve precise fit. This allows for targeted adjustments to the direction and position of the pole post 13, reducing positioning errors caused by pole post 13 offset and improving overall assembly accuracy. For example, when the positioning hole 133 is perpendicular to the second limiting segment 123 on the welded part 12, the pole post 13 is at an accurate angle, facilitating inspection of the pole post 13's installation status and improving the yield rate of the top cover assembly 1. It is understood that the shape of the positioning hole 133 can be set according to actual needs; for example, the positioning hole 133 can be rectangular, elliptical, or other shapes, as long as the angle of the pole post 13 can be determined using the positioning hole 133. This embodiment of the invention does not impose any limitations on this.

[0089] According to a second aspect of the invention, referring to Figure 8 A method for manufacturing a top cover assembly 1 is provided, comprising:

[0090] S100: Obtain the sealing element 15, top cover 11, welded part 12, and pole post 13; wherein, the top cover 11 is provided with a first through hole 111; the welded part 12 includes a supporting part 121, a first limiting section 122, and a second limiting section 123, the first limiting section 122 and the supporting part 121 are disposed at both ends of the second limiting section 123 and extend toward the middle of the welded part 12; the pole post 13 includes a main body 131 and a protrusion 132, the protrusion 132 protruding from the peripheral side of the main body 131;

[0091] S200: Install the seal 15 on the bearing portion 121 of the welded part 12, and place the pole post 13 on the seal 15, so that the main body 131 is spaced apart from the first limiting section 122, the protrusion 132 is spaced apart from the first limiting section 122, and the protrusion 132 is spaced apart from the second limiting section 123.

[0092] S300: Injection molding is performed along the side wall of the main body 131 of the pole post 13, and the fluid material flows sequentially between the main body 131 and the first limiting section 122, between the main body 131 and the first limiting section 122, and between the protrusion 132 and the second limiting section 123, and an upper plastic part 14 is formed.

[0093] S400: The upper plastic part 14, the welded part 12, the sealing part 15 and the pole post 13 are locked together to form a connecting terminal;

[0094] S500: The welding part 12 in the connecting terminal is sealed and welded to the top cover 11.

[0095] By installing the sealing element 15 onto the welding element 12 and placing the pole post 13 onto the sealing element 15, the sealing element 15, welding element 12, and pole post 13 are combined into an intermediate component. This intermediate component contains continuous gaps including multiple bends, allowing fluid material to flow along these gaps and solidify to form the upper plastic part 14 during the subsequent injection molding process. This forms the connecting terminal and achieves self-locking. Then, the welding element 12 in the connecting terminal is sealed and welded to the top cover 11, completing the fabrication of the top cover assembly 1. This embodiment of the invention simplifies the welding process by first assembling the sealing element 15, welding element 12, pole post 13, and upper plastic part 14 into a connecting terminal, which is then welded to the top cover 11 as a whole. This reduces the probability of errors during welding and improves the production efficiency of the top cover assembly 1.

[0096] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 9 The top cover 11 is provided with a first through hole 111. The welded part 12 includes a supporting part 121, a first limiting section 122 and a second limiting section 123. There are at least two first limiting sections 122 and at least two second limiting sections 123, and the at least two second limiting sections 123 are arranged opposite to each other so that the supporting part 121, the first limiting section 122 and the second limiting section 123 form an opening 125. Placing the pole post 13 on the sealing part 15 includes:

[0097] S210: Insert the pole post 13 from the opening 125 between the spaced second limiting segments 123;

[0098] Since the pole post 13 includes a main body 131 with a smaller radial dimension and a protrusion 132 with a larger radial dimension, if the second limiting segment 123 is set as an annular shape, the installation of the pole post 13 would be difficult, often requiring a flipping operation, which usually needs to be done manually by workers. Therefore, in this embodiment of the invention, at least two second limiting segments 123 are spaced apart, so that the pole post 13 can be directly inserted into the opening 125 formed by the supporting part 121, the first limiting segment 122, and the second limiting segment 123, simplifying the installation steps of the pole post 13, allowing the installation of the pole post 13 to be completed by machine, thereby improving the installation efficiency of the top cover assembly 1.

[0099] S220: Adjust the position of pole post 13 so that the pole tab can be connected to pole post 13 through the first through hole 111.

[0100] In order for the terminal post 13 to be connected to the tab, it is necessary to ensure that the terminal post 13 corresponds to the first through hole 111, so that the tab can be connected to the terminal post 13 through the first through hole 111, thereby ensuring that the battery cell can be used normally.

[0101] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 10The upper surface of the electrode post 13 is provided with a positioning hole 133, which is strip-shaped. Placing the electrode post 13 on the seal 15 also includes:

[0102] S230: Rotate the pole post 13 so that the angle between the positioning hole 133 and the welded part 12 is a preset angle.

[0103] By observing the relative position and angle between the strip-shaped positioning hole 133 and the welded part 12, it can be determined whether the pole post 13 and the welded part 12 achieve precise fit. This allows for targeted adjustments to the direction and position of the pole post 13, reducing positioning errors caused by pole post 13 offset and improving overall assembly accuracy. For example, a preset angle of 90° can be set so that when the positioning hole 133 is perpendicular to the second limiting segment 123 on the welded part 12, the pole post 13 is at an accurate angle. This facilitates inspection of the pole post 13's installation status by personnel, thereby improving the yield rate of the top cover assembly 1.

[0104] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of the present invention. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

Claims

1. A top cover assembly, characterized in that, The top cover assembly includes components for connecting tabs in the battery cell: Top cover, wherein a first through hole is provided on the top cover; A welded component, at least a portion of which is disposed within a first through hole, the welded component including a bearing portion, a first limiting segment and a second limiting segment, the first limiting segment and the bearing portion being disposed at both ends of the second limiting segment and extending toward the first through hole along the axial direction of the first through hole; The electrode post is spaced apart from the welded part. The electrode post includes a main body and a protrusion, and the protrusion protrudes from the peripheral side of the main body. The upper plastic part includes a first segment, a second segment, a third segment and a fourth segment connected in sequence. The second segment is sandwiched between the first limiting segment and the main body. The first segment and the third segment are respectively connected to the two ends of the second segment along the axial direction of the first through hole and extend in a direction away from the pole post. The first limiting segment is at least partially sandwiched between the first segment and the third segment. The fourth segment is sandwiched between the second limiting segment and the protrusion. The upper plastic part further includes a fifth segment, which is connected to the end of the fourth segment away from the third segment, and the fifth segment is sandwiched between the protrusion and the supporting portion; There are at least two of the first limiting segment and the second limiting segment, and at least two of the second limiting segments are arranged opposite to each other so that the bearing part, the first limiting segment and the second limiting segment form an opening, and the pole post can be inserted between the second limiting segments through the opening.

2. The top cover assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top cover assembly also includes a seal, at least a portion of which is connected to the upper surface of the support portion so that the seal can be installed on the support portion, and the pole post is connected to the seal.

3. The top cover assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bearing portion is provided with a second through hole, and the sealing element includes: The mounting section is clamped between the pole post and the bearing portion; A connecting segment is provided, which connects to one end of the mounting segment near the second through hole and extends axially toward the second through hole, the connecting segment abutting against the sidewall of the second through hole.

4. The top cover assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The welded component further includes a third limiting section, which is disposed on the side of the second limiting section away from the bearing portion, and the end of the third limiting section away from the second limiting section is connected to the top cover.

5. The top cover assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second limiting segment includes a first surface facing away from the pole post, and the third limiting segment is connected to the side wall of the first through hole, with the first surface and the side wall of the first through hole being spaced apart. The upper plastic part further includes a sixth segment, which connects to the end of the first segment away from the second segment and extends along the first surface such that the sixth segment is at least partially clamped between the sidewall of the first through hole and the first surface.

6. The top cover assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The top cover has a connecting groove with the opening of the connecting groove facing the side wall of the first through hole, and part of the third limiting segment is accommodated in the connecting groove.

7. The top cover assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, Along the axial direction of the first through hole, the ratio of the size of the third limiting segment to the size of the top cover is between 0.2 and 0.

5.

8. The top cover assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The upper surface of the pole post is provided with a positioning hole, and the positioning hole is strip-shaped.

9. A method for manufacturing a top cover assembly, characterized in that, include: A sealing element, a top cover, a welded component, and an electrode post are obtained; wherein, the top cover is provided with a first through hole; the welded component includes a supporting part, a first limiting segment, and a second limiting segment, the first limiting segment and the supporting part being disposed at both ends of the second limiting segment and extending toward the middle of the welded component; the electrode post includes a main body and a protrusion, the protrusion being protruding from the peripheral side of the main body; the top cover is provided with a first through hole, the welded component includes a supporting part, a first limiting segment, and a second limiting segment, both the first limiting segment and the second limiting segment having at least two, and at least two second limiting segments being disposed opposite to each other, so that the supporting part, the first limiting segment, and the second limiting segment form an opening; The sealing element is installed on the bearing portion of the welded part, and the pole is placed on the sealing element so that the main body is spaced apart from the first limiting segment, the protrusion is spaced apart from the first limiting segment, and the protrusion is spaced apart from the second limiting segment. Injection molding is performed along the side wall of the main body of the pole post, and fluid material flows sequentially between the main body and the first limiting segment, between the main body and the first limiting segment, and between the protrusion and the second limiting segment to form an upper molded part; The upper plastic part, the welded part, the sealing part and the pole are locked together to form a connecting terminal; The welding component in the connecting terminal is sealed and welded to the top cover. Placing the pole on the seal includes: Insert the pole into the spaced-apart second limiting segments through the opening; Adjust the position of the pole post so that the electrode tab can be connected to the pole post through the first through hole.

10. The manufacturing method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The upper surface of the electrode post is provided with a positioning hole, which is strip-shaped. Placing the electrode post on the sealing member further includes: Rotate the pole so that the angle between the positioning hole and the welded part is a preset angle.

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