Top cover assembly, assembling method thereof, battery monomer and battery

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of battery production and manufacturing, and discloses a top cover assembly, an assembling method thereof, a battery monomer and a battery. The top cover assembly comprises: a top cover sheet, wherein the top cover sheet is provided with at least one pole hole penetrating through the top cover sheet along the thickness direction; the terminal post corresponds to the terminal post hole, and the terminal post is provided with an annular first groove; the sealing element corresponds to the pole, the sealing element is arranged on the outer side of the pole in a sleeving mode, the sealing element is provided with an annular second groove, and the second groove is matched with the first groove; the limiting piece corresponds to the pole, the limiting piece is arranged on the outer side of the sealing piece in a sleeving mode so that the first groove can be matched with the second groove, the sealing piece can be compressed in the radial direction, and the limiting piece is further connected with the top cover piece; and the lower insulating part is attached to the lower surface of the top cover plate. In this way, the space energy density of the battery can be improved, the battery cost is reduced, and installation steps are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of battery production and manufacturing, and in particular to a top cover assembly, an assembly method thereof, a battery cell and a battery. Background Art

[0002] As essential components for new energy devices, batteries have become a common sight and part of everyday life, including electric vehicles, home energy storage, portable batteries, and digital devices. The battery cover is a crucial structural component, playing a crucial role in ensuring battery safety and overcurrent protection.

[0003] Currently, the top cover of a square aluminum-cased battery is typically composed of positive and negative poles, a top cover sheet, upper and lower plastics, and an explosion-proof valve. A sealing ring is placed between the positive and negative poles and the top cover sheet and compressed to achieve a seal. Upper and lower plastics are also installed between the poles and the top cover sheet to ensure insulation between the top cover sheet and the positive and negative poles. However, the existing pole connection and fixing methods of square aluminum-cased battery top covers, whether riveted or injection-molded, require a sealing ring that occupies a large amount of internal battery space, which is not conducive to improving the battery's spatial energy density. Furthermore, the battery top cover has many parts, resulting in high costs and cumbersome assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a top cover assembly, an assembly method thereof, a battery cell, a battery top cover assembly, an assembly method thereof, a battery cell and a battery, which can improve the spatial energy density of the battery, reduce the battery cost and shorten the installation steps.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, a technical solution adopted by the present invention is to provide a top cover assembly, comprising:

[0006] A top cover sheet, the top cover sheet having at least one pole hole penetrating the top cover sheet along a thickness direction;

[0007] at least one pole, the pole corresponding to the pole hole, the pole having a first annular groove;

[0008] At least one sealing member, the sealing member corresponds to the pole, the sealing member is sleeved on the outer side of the pole, the sealing member has an annular second groove, and the second groove cooperates with the first groove;

[0009] At least one limiting member, the limiting member corresponding to the pole, the limiting member being sleeved on the outer side of the sealing member so that the first groove and the second groove cooperate and the sealing member is compressed in the radial direction; the limiting member includes a first limiting portion, a connecting portion, and a second limiting portion arranged in sequence in a stepped structure, the first limiting portion being connected to the sealing member, and the second limiting portion being connected to the pole hole;

[0010] A lower insulating member is attached to the lower surface of the top cover sheet.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pole is integrally stamped.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pole includes a first main body portion located in the middle, a first raised portion formed along one end of the first main body portion, and a second raised portion formed along the other end of the first main body portion, and the first groove is formed between the first raised portion, the second raised portion and the first main body portion.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the seal includes a second main body portion located in the middle, a third protrusion portion formed along one end of the second main body portion, and a fourth protrusion portion formed along the other end of the second main body portion, and the second groove is formed between the third protrusion portion, the fourth protrusion portion and the second main body portion.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the limiting member is made of aluminum by stamping.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the limiting member further defines a welding groove, which is located at the end of the limiting member. The welding groove includes a first welding portion located at one end of the limiting member and a second welding portion located at the other end of the limiting member.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the top cover sheet further has an explosion-proof hole penetrating the top cover sheet along the thickness direction; the top cover assembly further includes an explosion-proof valve corresponding to the explosion-proof hole and a protective sheet attached to the surface of the explosion-proof valve.

[0017] In order to solve the above technical problems, another technical solution adopted by the present invention is to provide an assembly method of a top cover assembly, the assembly method comprising:

[0018] A pole is formed by stamping, and a seal is placed on the outer side of the pole;

[0019] A limiting piece is formed by stamping, and the limiting piece is wrapped around the outer side of the sealing piece. The first limiting portion is clamped in the second groove of the sealing piece, so that the second groove is clamped in the first groove of the pole, and the sealing piece is compressed in the radial direction;

[0020] Install the limiting member correspondingly to the pole hole of the top cover plate, and weld the second limiting portion to the top cover plate;

[0021] The lower insulating member is mounted on the lower surface of the top cover sheet.

[0022] In order to solve the above technical problems, another technical solution adopted by the present invention is to provide a battery cell including the above-mentioned top cover assembly.

[0023] In order to solve the above technical problem, another technical solution adopted by the present invention is: providing a battery, comprising at least one battery cell as described above.

[0024] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: a top cover assembly comprises: a top cover sheet, the top cover sheet having at least one pole hole penetrating the top cover sheet along the thickness direction; at least one pole, the pole corresponding to the pole hole, the pole having a first annular groove; at least one seal, the seal corresponding to the pole, the seal sleeved on the outer side of the pole, the seal having a second annular groove, the second groove cooperating with the first groove; at least one limiter, the limiter corresponding to the pole, the limiter sleeved on the outer side of the seal so that the first A groove cooperates with the second groove and compresses the seal in the radial direction; the limiting member includes a first limiting portion, a connecting portion and a second limiting portion arranged in sequence in a step structure, the first limiting portion is connected to the seal, and the second limiting portion is connected to the pole hole; a lower insulating member, the lower insulating member is attached to the lower surface of the top cover sheet; the seal is radially compressed to achieve sealing, and the seal does not occupy the internal space of the battery, thereby improving the battery space energy density; the top cover assembly does not require a separate upper plastic structure, and the insulation between the top cover sheet and the pole is achieved by the seal, with fewer assembly steps and lower cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a top cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the decomposition structure;

[0027] Figure 3 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a pole according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a sealing member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along line AA;

[0030] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the local enlarged structure of area B in the middle;

[0031] Figure 7 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a position limiting member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 The figure is a flow chart of an assembly method of a top cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] The meanings of the reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are:

[0034] 100-top cover assembly; 10-top cover plate; 20-pole; 30-seal; 40-limiting member; 50-lower insulating member; 60-explosion-proof valve; 70-protective plate; 101-pole hole; 102-explosion-proof hole; 201-first groove; 21-first main body; 22-first raised portion; 23-second raised portion; 301-second groove; 31-second main body; 32-third raised portion; 33-fourth raised portion; 41-first limiting portion; 42-connecting portion; 43-second limiting portion; 44-welding groove; 441-first welding portion; 442-second welding portion; 80-sealing ring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] The terms "first", "second" and "third" in the present invention are used only for descriptive purposes and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first", "second" and "third" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In the description of the present invention, "multiple" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined. All directional indications in the embodiments of the present invention (such as up, down, left, right, front, back...) are only used to explain the relative positional relationship, movement, etc. between the components under a specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units that are not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0037] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute a separate or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0038] The methods for connecting and fixing the positive and negative poles of the square aluminum shell battery top cover in related technologies to the top cover sheet are generally riveting and injection molding. Sealing rings are placed between the positive and negative poles and the top cover sheet and pressed tightly to achieve sealing. Upper and lower plastics are also installed between the poles and the top cover sheet to ensure insulation between the top cover sheet and the positive and negative poles. The square aluminum shell battery top cover in related technologies has the following disadvantages:

[0039] 1. The existing connection and fixing method of the pole of the top cover of the square aluminum shell battery, whether it is a riveted structure or an injection molded rubber structure, the sealing ring is compressed axially to achieve sealing, that is, compressed along the up and down direction of the top cover, which will occupy more internal space of the battery and is not conducive to improving the spatial energy density of the battery;

[0040] 2. The existing square aluminum shell battery top cover terminal injection molding and rubber connection fixing method, because plastic (such as polyphenylene sulfide) is greatly affected by high temperature and plastic itself can withstand small force, there is a risk that the plastic will fail due to high temperature or external force during battery use, leading to battery safety hazards;

[0041] 3. The existing riveting connection and fixing method of the poles of the top cover of square aluminum shell batteries is usually direct riveting with rivets and rivet blocks or welding after riveting. Whether direct riveting or welding after riveting will increase the internal resistance of the battery, reduce the flow capacity, and increase the risk of heating and even fire during high-rate charge and discharge of the battery;

[0042] 4. The existing square aluminum shell battery top cover usually has a sealing ring and plastic for insulation, which is costly and has complicated assembly steps;

[0043] 5. The existing square aluminum shell battery top cover pole connection and fixing method, whether it is riveting or injection molding and overmolding, has cumbersome assembly steps, and has high requirements for injection molding and riveting welding, and low fault tolerance. When there are defects in injection molding and riveting welding, the entire battery top cover will be scrapped and cannot be used normally.

[0044] An embodiment of the present invention provides a top cover assembly that not only can achieve sealing between the top cover plate and the pole without occupying the internal space of the battery, thereby improving the spatial energy density of the battery, but also can omit the plastic coating while ensuring insulation, thereby reducing the number of parts, lowering the battery cost and reducing the number of installation steps.

[0045] Figure 1 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a top cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 For a schematic diagram of the decomposition structure of Figure 1 and Figure 2 The top cover assembly 100 includes: a top cover sheet 10, at least one pole 20, at least one seal 30, at least one stopper 40, and a lower insulator 50. The lower insulator 50 is attached to the lower surface of the top cover sheet 10. The top cover sheet 10 has at least one pole hole 101 that passes through the top cover sheet 10 along the thickness direction. Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the pole 20 corresponds to the pole hole 101, and the pole 20 has a first annular groove 201. Figure 2 and Figure 4 The seal 30 corresponds to the pole 20 and is sleeved on the outside of the pole 20. The seal 30 has an annular second groove 301, which matches the first groove 201. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The limiting member 40 corresponds to the pole 20 and is sleeved on the outer side of the sealing member 30 so that the first groove 201 and the second groove 301 are matched and the sealing member 30 is compressed in the radial direction; see Figure 6 and Figure 7 The limiting member 40 includes a first limiting portion 41 , a connecting portion 42 and a second limiting portion 43 which are sequentially arranged in a step structure. The first limiting portion 41 is connected to the sealing member 30 , and the second limiting portion 43 is connected to the pole hole 101 .

[0046] The top cover assembly 100 of this embodiment can not only achieve the sealing of the top cover sheet 10 and the pole 20 without occupying the internal space of the battery, thereby improving the spatial energy density of the battery; it can also omit the plastic coating while ensuring insulation, reduce the number of parts, reduce battery costs and reduce installation steps, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the top cover assembly 100 and reducing the scrap rate of the entire top cover assembly 100.

[0047] In the embodiment of the present invention, two pole holes 101 are provided on the top cover sheet 10 , and the poles 20 include a positive pole and a negative pole. The positive pole and the negative pole are respectively provided through the two pole holes 101 .

[0048] As an embodiment, the terminal 20 is integrally stamped. Specifically, the terminal 20 is first machined into a cylindrical shape, and then a first annular groove 201 is machined in the center of the terminal 20. Compared to traditional riveted and welded terminal structures, the integrally formed terminal 20 in this embodiment of the present invention has lower internal resistance, can meet higher rate charge and discharge requirements, and improve battery safety.

[0049] As an example, see Figure 3 The pole 20 includes a first main body portion 21 located in the middle, a first protrusion portion 22 protruding from one end of the first main body portion 21 in a radial direction, and a second protrusion portion 23 protruding from the other end of the first main body portion 21 in a radial direction. A first groove 201 is formed between the first protrusion portion 22, the second protrusion portion 23 and the first main body portion 21.

[0050] As an example, see Figure 4 The seal 30 includes a second main body portion 31 located in the middle, a third protrusion portion 32 radially extending from one end of the second main body portion 31, and a fourth protrusion portion 33 radially extending from the other end of the second main body portion 31. A second groove 301 is formed between the third protrusion portion 32, the fourth protrusion portion 33, and the second main body portion 31. The seal 30 corresponds to the electrode 20. For example, one seal 30 is provided on the outside of each of the positive and negative electrode posts.

[0051] As an embodiment, the limiting member 40 is made of aluminum by stamping. Aluminum has good ductility, which facilitates the limiting member 40 to limit and squeeze the sealing member 30. For further information, please refer to Figure 7 The limiting member 40 is also provided with a welding groove 44, which is located at the end of the limiting member 40. The welding groove 44 includes a first welding portion 441 located at one end of the limiting member 40 and a second welding portion 442 located at the other end of the limiting member 40. During assembly, the limiting member 40 surrounds the sealing member 30 so that the first groove 201 is matched with the second groove 301. The sealing member 30 has a certain amount of compression in the radial direction to achieve sealing. Then, the first welding portion 441 and the second welding portion 442 of the limiting member 40 are affixed and welded to each other. Compared with the traditional sealing ring that achieves sealing by axial compression, that is, compression along the upper and lower directions of the top cover, the sealing member 30 of the embodiment of the present invention does not occupy more internal space of the battery to achieve sealing, which is conducive to improving the spatial energy density of the battery. In addition, the force on the pole 20 is borne by the limiting member 40 made of metal. Compared with the injection molding and encapsulation structure where the force is borne by plastic, the limiting member 40 made of metal can withstand higher temperatures and greater external force impacts, and has higher safety and reliability.

[0052] As an example, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The top cover sheet 10 also has an explosion-proof hole 102 extending through the thickness of the top cover sheet 10. The top cover assembly 100 also includes an explosion-proof valve 60 corresponding to the explosion-proof hole 102 and a protective sheet 70 attached to the surface of the explosion-proof valve 60. For example, the explosion-proof hole 102 is located between the two pole holes 101. A sealing ring 80 can also be provided between the protective sheet 70 and the explosion-proof valve 60 to enhance the sealing effect.

[0053] Figure 8 It is a flow chart of a method for assembling a top cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that the method of the present invention is not limited to the method of assembling a top cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 The process sequence shown is limited. Figure 8 As shown, the method includes the steps of:

[0054] Step S10: forming a pole by stamping, and putting a seal on the outer side of the pole.

[0055] In step S10, the electrode has a first annular groove. The electrode includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The electrode is stamped and formed in one piece. Specifically, the electrode is first machined into a cylindrical shape, and then a first annular groove is machined in the middle of the electrode. Compared with traditional riveted and welded electrode structures, the electrode of the embodiment of the present invention is integrally formed, with lower internal resistance, which can meet higher rate charge and discharge requirements and improve battery safety.

[0056] Step S20: stamping a limiting piece, wrapping the limiting piece around the outer side of the seal, clamping the first limiting portion in the second groove of the seal, clamping the second groove in the first groove of the pole, and compressing the seal in the radial direction.

[0057] In step S20, the limiting member is made of stamping aluminum. Aluminum has good ductility, which is convenient for the limiting member to limit and squeeze the seal. During assembly, the limiting member surrounds the seal so that the first groove matches the second groove. The seal has a certain amount of compression in the radial direction to achieve sealing. Then the first welding part and the second welding part of the limiting member are fitted together and welded to fix. Compared with the traditional sealing ring that achieves sealing by axial compression, that is, compression along the up and down directions of the top cover, the sealing member of the embodiment of the present invention does not take up more internal space of the battery to achieve sealing, which is beneficial to improve the spatial energy density of the battery. In addition, the force on the pole is borne by the limiting member made of metal. Compared with the injection molding and rubber-coated structure that is subjected to plastic force, the limiting member made of metal can withstand higher temperatures and greater external force impacts, and has higher safety and reliability.

[0058] Step S30: Install the limiting member corresponding to the pole hole of the top cover plate, and weld the second limiting portion to the top cover plate.

[0059] In step S30 , a flange is formed in the pole hole, and the second limiting portion is welded to the flange to achieve connection between the limiting member and the top cover sheet.

[0060] Step S40: installing the lower insulating member on the lower surface of the top cover sheet.

[0061] The assembly method of the top cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention can improve the assembly efficiency of the top cover assembly, reduce the scrap rate of the entire top cover assembly, and save costs by first assembling the pole with the seal and the limiter and then assembling it with the top cover sheet.

[0062] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a battery cell, which includes the above-mentioned top cover assembly. The structure, function, assembly method, etc. of the top cover assembly 100 have been described in detail above and will not be repeated here.

[0063] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a battery, which may be a battery pack including a plurality of battery cells, or a battery pack including a plurality of grouped battery packs.

[0064] The above are merely embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structure or equivalent process transformation made using the contents of the present invention description and drawings, or directly or indirectly applied in other related technical fields, are also included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A top cover assembly, characterized in that: include: A top cover sheet, the top cover sheet having at least one pole hole penetrating the top cover sheet along a thickness direction; at least one pole, the pole corresponding to the pole hole, the pole having a first annular groove; At least one sealing member, the sealing member corresponds to the pole, the sealing member is sleeved on the outer side of the pole, the sealing member has an annular second groove, and the second groove cooperates with the first groove; At least one limiting member, the limiting member corresponding to the pole, the limiting member being sleeved on the outer side of the sealing member so that the first groove and the second groove cooperate and the sealing member is compressed in the radial direction; the limiting member includes a first limiting portion, a connecting portion, and a second limiting portion arranged in sequence in a stepped structure, the first limiting portion being connected to the sealing member, and the second limiting portion being connected to the pole hole; A lower insulating member is attached to the lower surface of the top cover sheet.

2. The top cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The pole is integrally stamped.

3. The top cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The pole includes a first main body portion located in the middle, a first protrusion portion formed along one end of the first main body portion, and a second protrusion portion formed along the other end of the first main body portion. The first groove is formed between the first protrusion portion, the second protrusion portion and the first main body portion.

4. The top cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The sealing member includes a second main body portion located in the middle, a third protrusion portion formed along one end of the second main body portion, and a fourth protrusion portion formed along the other end of the second main body portion, and the second groove is formed between the third protrusion portion, the fourth protrusion portion and the second main body portion.

5. The top cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The limiting component is made by stamping aluminum.

6. The top cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The limiting member is further provided with a welding groove, which is located at the end of the limiting member. The welding groove includes a first welding portion located at one end of the limiting member and a second welding portion located at the other end of the limiting member.

7. The top cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The top cover sheet also has an explosion-proof hole penetrating the top cover sheet along the thickness direction; the top cover assembly also includes an explosion-proof valve corresponding to the explosion-proof hole and a protective sheet attached to the surface of the explosion-proof valve.

8. A method for assembling a top cover assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The assembly method comprises: A pole is formed by stamping, and a seal is placed on the outer side of the pole; A limiting piece is formed by stamping, and the limiting piece is wrapped around the outer side of the sealing piece. The first limiting portion is clamped in the second groove of the sealing piece, so that the second groove is clamped in the first groove of the pole, and the sealing piece is compressed in the radial direction; Install the limiting member correspondingly to the pole hole of the top cover plate, and weld the second limiting portion to the top cover plate; The lower insulating member is mounted on the lower surface of the top cover sheet.

9. A battery cell, characterized in that: The utility model comprises a top cover assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A battery, characterized in that: The battery comprises at least one battery cell according to any one of claims 9.

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