Housing and battery

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of batteries, and provides a shell and a battery. The shell has a containing cavity, the two sides of the containing cavity in the length direction are provided with openings, the containing cavity is used for containing a pole group; the outer wall surface of the shell is provided with a boss, the boss is arranged in extension along the length direction of the shell; the inner wall surface of the containing cavity is provided with a groove at the position corresponding to the boss, a weld is arranged on the boss, and the weld is protruded in the groove. The boss is arranged on the outer wall surface of the shell, the boss is arranged in extension along the length direction of the shell, the groove is arranged on the inner wall surface of the containing cavity at the position corresponding to the boss, air exhaust is facilitated, and the air path is not blocked. The weld is arranged on the boss, the weld is protruded in the groove, and a spacing exists between the weld and the inner wall surface of the containing cavity. In the process of putting the pole group into the shell, the weld and the pole group can be prevented from being extruded and scratched, the insulating layer of the outer wall surface of the pole group is protected, the yield of the product is improved, and the safety is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery technology, and more particularly to a casing and a battery. Background Technology

[0002] With the global pursuit of clean energy and sustainable development, lithium-ion battery technology has developed rapidly and matured in recent years. Due to its advantages such as high energy density, long cycle life, and relatively low self-discharge rate, lithium-ion batteries are widely used as power batteries in electric vehicles and energy storage. In these applications, increasingly stringent requirements are placed on the performance and safety of lithium-ion batteries. Battery performance not only affects the operating efficiency and range of equipment but also directly impacts user safety and equipment reliability.

[0003] As the core component of a battery pack, the safety of lithium-ion battery cells and their assembly performance within the pack play a decisive role in the stable operation of the entire battery system. Therefore, the structural design of lithium-ion battery cells has become a key factor in ensuring cell safety and has attracted significant industry attention.

[0004] Currently, the casing uses a high-frequency welding process, which produces weld seams at the interfaces. During the electrode assembly installation process, improper weld seam quality and dimensions can lead to problems such as damage to the electrode insulation layer and electrode misalignment (damage to electrode sheets and tabs), reducing product yield. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a housing and a battery to solve the problem in the prior art where unreasonable weld quality and dimensions on the housing lead to damage to the electrode assembly and reduced product yield.

[0006] The present invention provides a housing having a receiving cavity with openings on both sides along its length, the receiving cavity being used to receive an electrode assembly; the outer wall surface of the housing has a boss extending along the length of the housing; the inner wall surface of the receiving cavity has a groove corresponding to the boss, the boss has a weld seam protruding into the groove.

[0007] According to a housing provided by the present invention, the centerline of the weld width direction is collinear with the centerline of the groove width direction.

[0008] According to a housing provided by the present invention, the centerline of the weld width direction is collinear with the centerline of the boss width direction.

[0009] According to a housing provided by the present invention, the width direction of the weld and the width direction of the boss are the same and are both perpendicular to the length direction of the housing. The width of the weld is W and the width of the boss is M, where 1.6mm ≤ (MW) / 2 ≤ 2.6mm.

[0010] According to a housing provided by the present invention, the groove is provided along the inner wall surface to the outer wall surface of the housing, and the depth of the groove is L, 0.35mm≤L≤0.55mm.

[0011] According to a housing provided by the present invention, the height of the weld seam located in the groove along the inner wall surface to the outer wall surface of the housing is H, where 0.2mm≤LH≤0.5mm.

[0012] According to a housing provided by the present invention, in the length direction of the housing, there is a distance between each end of the boss and the end face of the housing corresponding to the opening.

[0013] According to a housing provided by the present invention, in the length direction of the housing, there is a distance A between each end of the boss and the end face of the housing corresponding to the opening, where the distance is the same, 6mm≤A≤10mm.

[0014] According to a housing provided by the present invention, in the longitudinal direction of the housing, the extension length of the boss is greater than or equal to the extension length of the groove.

[0015] The present invention also provides a battery comprising a housing as described in any of the preceding claims, further comprising an electrode assembly and an end plate assembly, the electrode assembly being disposed within the receiving cavity, and at least one of the openings being covered by the end plate assembly.

[0016] The housing and battery provided by this invention feature a boss on the outer wall of the housing, extending along the length of the housing. A groove is provided on the inner wall of the receiving cavity corresponding to the boss, facilitating venting and ensuring unobstructed airflow. The weld is located on the boss and protrudes into the groove, with a gap between the weld and the inner wall of the receiving cavity. During the insertion of the electrode assembly into the housing, this prevents the weld from being squeezed or scraped against the electrode assembly, protecting the insulation layer on the outer wall of the electrode assembly, improving product yield, and ensuring high safety. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the housing provided by the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a top view of the housing provided by the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This invention provides Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross section of AA.

[0021] Figure 4 This invention provides Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of region C.

[0022] Figure 5 This invention provides Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-section of BB.

[0023] Figure 6 This invention provides Figure 5 A magnified view of a portion of region D.

[0024] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the battery provided by the present invention.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the electrode assembly installed inside the housing provided by the present invention.

[0026] Figure 9 This invention provides Figure 8 A magnified view of a portion of region E in the middle.

[0027] Figure label: 10. Shell; 11. Receiving cavity; 12. Opening; 13. Groove; 14. Weld; 15. Boss; 20. Insulation layer; 30. Electrode group; 40. End plate assembly; 41. End plate; 42. Cover plate. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0029] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0033] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. Additionally, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention; however, those skilled in the art will recognize the applicability of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0034] The following is combined with Figures 1-9 The housing 10 and battery of the present invention are described.

[0035] An embodiment of the present invention provides a housing 10, which has a receiving cavity 11. Openings 12 are provided on both sides of the receiving cavity 11 along its length. The receiving cavity 11 is used to receive an electrode assembly 30. A boss 15 is provided on the outer wall surface of the housing 10, extending along the length of the housing 10. A groove 13 is provided on the inner wall surface of the receiving cavity 11 corresponding to the boss 15. A weld 14 is provided on the boss 15, located within the groove 13.

[0036] like Figure 1As shown, the housing 10 has a rectangular structure and a receiving cavity 11. Openings 12 are provided on both sides of the receiving cavity 11 along its length. The electrode assembly 30 can be placed into the receiving cavity 11 through one of the openings 12. At least one outer wall surface of the housing 10 has a weld 14. If the weld 14 is not manufactured to standard, the insulation layer 20 on the outer wall surface of the electrode assembly 30 is easily damaged, resulting in significant movement of the electrode assembly 30 and affecting product yield. Therefore, in this embodiment of the invention, a boss 15 is provided on the outer wall surface of the housing 10, extending along the length of the housing 10. A groove 13 is provided on the inner wall surface of the receiving cavity 11, corresponding to the boss 15. The depth of the groove 13 can be set according to actual needs, and can be greater than the thickness of the housing 10 but less than the sum of the thicknesses of the boss 15 and the housing 10. By providing the boss 15 and groove 13 structure, this embodiment of the invention facilitates venting when the pressure inside the battery is too high. Weld 14 is located on the boss 15 and protrudes into the groove 13, meaning that weld 14 has a certain height within the groove 13. The height of weld 14 on the outer wall of the boss 15 can be smoothed using grinding technology. In this embodiment of the invention, the height of weld 14 within the groove 13 is less than the depth of the groove 13. During the insertion of the electrode assembly 30 into the housing, this avoids squeezing and scraping against the electrode assembly 30, protects the insulation layer 20 on the outer wall of the electrode assembly 30, improves product yield, and ensures high safety.

[0037] In the actual processing, the rectangular structure of the shell 10 is formed by welding. Before welding, a stamping process can be used to create corresponding protrusions and notches on both sides of the shell 10 that need to be welded. After welding, the two protrusions are joined together to form a rectangular structure. Figure 1 As shown, the boss 15 has two notches joined together to form a shape like... Figure 6 The groove 13 shown.

[0038] In the prior art, the side plate structure is used to prevent the electrode assembly 30 from shifting on the weld 14 side, which increases the process difficulty and cost. The embodiment of the present invention eliminates the side plate structure, reduces the number of parts, reduces process difficulty and cost, and also reduces the defect rate caused by side plate hot melting and assembly.

[0039] The housing 10 provided in this embodiment of the invention features a boss 15 on its outer wall surface, extending along the length of the housing 10. A groove 13 is provided on the inner wall surface of the receiving cavity 11 at a position corresponding to the boss 15, facilitating exhaust and ensuring unobstructed air passage. A weld 14 is provided on the boss 15, protruding into the groove 13, with a gap between it and the inner wall surface of the receiving cavity 11. During the insertion of the electrode assembly 30 into the housing, the weld 14 is prevented from being squeezed or scraped against the electrode assembly 30, protecting the insulation layer 20 on the outer wall surface of the electrode assembly 30, improving product yield, and ensuring high safety.

[0040] In some embodiments of the present invention, if the size of the housing 10 is too large, welds 14 need to be provided on the two opposite outer wall surfaces of the housing 10. Correspondingly, bosses 15 are provided on the two opposite outer wall surfaces of the housing 10, and grooves 13 are provided on the inner wall surface of the receiving cavity 11 at positions corresponding to the bosses 15. Each boss 15 is provided with a weld 14, which protrudes from the groove 13. It is understood that the structure of the boss and the structure of the groove are formed by a stamping process, and the bosses 15 and grooves 13 are formed after welding.

[0041] In some embodiments of the present invention, the centerline of the weld 14 in the width direction is collinear with the centerline of the groove 13 in the width direction, such as... Figure 6 and Figure 9 As shown, weld 14 is located in the middle of the width direction of groove 13, which is structurally stable and helps with venting.

[0042] In some embodiments of the present invention, the centerline of the weld 14 in the width direction is collinear with the centerline of the boss 15 in the width direction, that is, the weld 14 is located in the middle of the boss 15 in the width direction, and the structure is stable.

[0043] In some embodiments of the present invention, the centerline of the boss 15 in the width direction is located at the middle of the outer wall surface of the housing 10 in the width direction, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown.

[0044] In some embodiments of the present invention, the centerline of the weld 14 is collinear with the centerline of the groove 13, that is, the weld 14 is located in the middle of the width direction of the boss 15 and also in the middle of the width direction of the groove 13, which makes the structure more stable and also helps with venting.

[0045] In some embodiments of the present invention, the width direction of the weld 14 and the width direction of the boss 15 are the same, both perpendicular to the length direction of the shell (10), such as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the width of weld 14 is W, and the width of boss 15 is M. 1.6mm ≤ (MW) / 2 ≤ 2.6mm, meaning the distance between one end of boss 15 and the side of adjacent weld 14 is 1.6mm-2.6mm. This facilitates stamping, reduces process difficulty, and avoids defects such as cracking in weld 14. In one embodiment, (MW) / 2 can be 1.6mm, 1.8mm, 2mm, 2.3mm, 2.5mm, 2.6mm, etc.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present invention, the groove 13 is provided along the inner wall surface to the outer wall surface of the housing 10, such as... Figure 6As shown, the depth of the groove 13 is L. It should be noted that the groove 13 extends towards the boss 15. The depth of the groove 13 can be less than or greater than the thickness of the shell 10, but less than the sum of the thicknesses of the shell 10 and the boss 15. This ensures that there is a gap between the side of the weld 14 closest to the inner wall of the receiving cavity 11 and the inner wall of the receiving cavity 11. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, it is sufficient to prevent the weld 14 from being squeezed and scraped against the electrode group 30.

[0047] In some embodiments of the present invention, 0.35mm ≤ L ≤ 0.55mm. Optionally, the depth L of the groove 13 can be 0.35mm, 0.4mm, 0.42mm, 0.5mm, 0.55mm, etc.

[0048] In some embodiments of the present invention, the height of the weld 14 within the groove 13 along the inner wall surface to the outer wall surface of the housing 10 is H, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the length of the weld 14 extending toward the inner wall of the receiving cavity 11 is H, 0.2mm≤LH≤0.5mm. That is, the distance between the side of the weld 14 near the inner wall of the receiving cavity 11 and the inner wall of the receiving cavity 11 is LH. During the process of the electrode assembly 30 entering the shell, the electrode assembly 30 is prevented from being squeezed and scraped by the weld 14, thus protecting the electrode assembly 30 and also helping to exhaust air.

[0049] In one embodiment, LH can be 0.2mm, 0.26mm, 0.3mm, 0.35mm, 0.4mm, 0.42mm, 0.48mm, 0.5mm, etc.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present invention, the extension length of the boss 15 in the length direction of the housing 10 is less than the extension length of the housing 10, that is, there is a gap between the two ends of the boss 15 and the end face of the corresponding housing 10 where the opening 12 is provided, and the gaps between the two can be the same or different.

[0051] In some embodiments of the present invention, in the longitudinal direction of the housing 10, the distance between the two ends of the boss 15 and the end face of the housing 10 where the opening 12 is provided is the same as A, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown. Where 6mm≤A≤10mm. Optionally, A can be 6mm, 6.5mm, 7mm, 7.3mm, 8mm, 8.6mm, 9mm, 9.5mm, 10mm, etc.

[0052] In some embodiments of the present invention, the extension length of the boss 15 is greater than or equal to the extension length of the groove 13, which can ensure the quality of the weld 14 and avoid problems such as cracking in the weld 14.

[0053] Based on the above embodiments, corresponding experiments were conducted, as shown in Table 1, which shows the scratching of the electrode assembly 30 into the housing and the product yield under different parameters, where T is the thickness of the housing 10, and T can be 0.35mm.

[0054] like Figure 7 As shown, this embodiment of the invention also provides a battery, including a housing 10 as described in any of the above embodiments. The battery further includes an electrode assembly 30 and an end plate assembly 40. The electrode assembly 30 is disposed within a receiving cavity 11, and the end plate assembly 40 is provided at least one opening 12 at both ends of the receiving cavity 11.

[0055] Specifically, the electrode assembly 30 is placed inside the receiving cavity 11 through the opening 12. The bottom surface of the receiving cavity 11 is provided with multiple venting grooves, which are spaced apart along the width direction of the receiving cavity 11. A support portion is formed between two adjacent venting grooves. The bottom surface of the electrode assembly 30 abuts against the support portion to provide support and prevent the electrode assembly 30 from sinking. The end plate assembly 40 includes an end plate 41 and a cover plate 42. The end plate 41 is inserted into the opening 12, and the cover plate 42 covers the end plate 41 to fix and seal it.

[0056] Table 1. Scratching of electrode assembly during casing and product yield under different parameters. Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A housing, characterized in that, The housing has a receiving cavity with openings on both sides along its length, and the receiving cavity is used to receive the electrode assembly; The outer wall surface of the housing is provided with a boss, which extends along the length of the housing; the inner wall surface of the receiving cavity is provided with a groove corresponding to the boss, and a weld is provided on the boss, which protrudes into the groove.

2. The housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centerline of the weld width direction is collinear with the centerline of the groove width direction.

3. The housing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The centerline of the weld width direction is collinear with the centerline of the boss width direction.

4. The housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width direction of the weld and the width direction of the boss are the same, and both are perpendicular to the length direction of the shell. The width of the weld is W, and the width of the boss is M, 1.6mm≤(MW) / 2≤2.6mm.

5. The housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The groove is provided along the inner wall surface to the outer wall surface of the shell, and the depth of the groove is L, 0.35mm≤L≤0.55mm.

6. The housing according to claim 5, characterized in that, Along the inner wall surface to the outer wall surface of the shell, the height of the weld within the groove is H, 0.2mm≤LH≤0.5mm.

7. The housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the length of the housing, there is a distance between each end of the boss and the end face of the housing corresponding to the opening.

8. The housing according to claim 7, characterized in that, Along the length of the housing, there is a equidistant distance A between each end of the boss and the end face of the housing with the corresponding opening, where 6mm ≤ A ≤ 10mm.

9. The housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the longitudinal direction of the housing, the extension length of the boss is greater than or equal to the extension length of the groove.

10. A battery, characterized in that, The housing includes the housing as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, and further includes an electrode assembly and an end plate assembly, the electrode assembly being disposed within the receiving cavity, and at least one of the openings being covered by the end plate assembly.

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