Battery

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of energy storage, and discloses a battery. The battery comprises: a housing having a square structure; the electrode assembly is arranged in the shell; the flexible liquid absorption piece is of a pore structure and comprises a first filling part, a second filling part and a third filling part which are connected with one another, the first filling part is arranged between the first side face of the electrode assembly and the shell, the second filling part is arranged between the second side face of the electrode assembly and the shell, and the first side face is adjacent to the second side face; and the third filling part is arranged between the bottom surface of the electrode assembly and the shell. The flexible liquid absorbing part is arranged between the electrode assembly and the edge structure of the shell, the flexible liquid absorbing part can absorb the electrolyte deposited between the electrode assembly and the edge structure of the shell, and the flexible liquid absorbing part can be extruded along with expansion of the electrode assembly, so that the flexible liquid absorbing part discharges the absorbed electrolyte; the residual electrolyte between the electrode assembly and the edge structure of the shell is reduced, the performance of the battery is ensured, and the service life of the battery is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of energy storage technology, specifically to batteries. Background Technology

[0002] A battery typically includes an electrode assembly and a casing, with the electrode assembly housed inside the casing. The electrode assembly may include one or more cores, whose cross-section perpendicular to the height is typically elliptical or racetrack-shaped. For ease of transport and assembly, the casing is usually square. The inner sides of the casing's edge structures typically have no curved corners or have small corner radius, while the corner radius corresponding to the core's edge structure is larger, thus creating a gap between the core and the casing's edge structure.

[0003] After the battery is filled with electrolyte, some of the electrolyte concentrates between the core and the edge structure of the casing. As the battery cycles, the electrolyte inside the battery is gradually consumed. The electrolyte concentrated between the core and the edge structure cannot be effectively utilized, resulting in a decrease in battery performance. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a battery to solve or improve the problem that the electrolyte between the edge structure of the core and the outer casing cannot be effectively utilized in the related art.

[0005] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a battery, comprising:

[0006] The outer shell is designed with a square structure.

[0007] The electrode assembly is located inside the housing;

[0008] A flexible liquid-absorbing component is configured with a porous structure and includes a first filling portion, a second filling portion, and a third filling portion connected to each other. The first filling portion is disposed between a first side surface of the electrode assembly and the outer shell, the second filling portion is disposed between a second side surface of the electrode assembly and the outer shell, the first side surface and the second side surface are adjacent to each other, and the third filling portion is disposed between the bottom surface of the electrode assembly and the outer shell.

[0009] In one alternative embodiment, at least one of the first filling portion, the second filling portion, and the third filling portion is configured as a fan-shaped structure;

[0010] And / or, at least one of the first filling portion, the second filling portion, and the third filling portion is configured as a polygonal structure.

[0011] In one optional embodiment, the flexible liquid-absorbing element is provided at each of the four corners of the bottom surface of the outer shell.

[0012] In one optional embodiment, the thickness of at least one of the first filling portion, the second filling portion, and the third filling portion ranges from 0.1 mm to 5 mm;

[0013] And / or, the thickness of the electrode assembly is T, and in the direction perpendicular to the first side, the maximum size of at least one of the second filling portion and the third filling portion is W1, and the value of W1 ranges from 1 mm to T / 2.

[0014] And / or, the thickness of the electrode assembly is T, and in the direction perpendicular to the second side, the maximum size of at least one of the first filling portion and the third filling portion is W2, and the value of W2 ranges from 1 mm to T / 2.

[0015] And / or, the thickness of the electrode assembly is T, and in the height direction of the battery, the maximum height of at least one of the first filling portion and the second filling portion is H, where the value of H ranges from 0.3 mm to T / 2.

[0016] In one alternative implementation, any two of the first filling portion, the second filling portion, and the third filling portion are perpendicular.

[0017] In one alternative embodiment, the electrode assembly includes a core and an insulating sheet, the insulating sheet being configured as a cover structure with a top opening, the insulating sheet covering the outside of the core, and a through hole being provided at the bottom of the insulating sheet.

[0018] In one alternative embodiment, the through hole is disposed opposite to the third filling portion.

[0019] In one optional embodiment, the insulating sheet includes a side area, a bottom area, and a connecting area. The bottom area is opposite to the bottom surface of the winding core. The side areas are arranged in pairs, and the pair of side areas are respectively opposite to the two large surfaces of the winding core. The side areas are all connected to the bottom area. The connecting area is connected to both sides of the side areas. The through hole is provided in the bottom area.

[0020] In one alternative implementation, the connecting area has a notch on the side opposite to the side area, and the notches of two connected connecting areas are joined together to form a window.

[0021] In one alternative implementation, both the bottom area and the connecting area are connected to the side area via corresponding crease lines.

[0022] The battery provided by this utility model has a flexible liquid-absorbing component disposed between the electrode assembly and the edge structure of the outer shell. The flexible liquid-absorbing component can absorb the electrolyte deposited between the electrode assembly and the edge structure of the outer shell. As the electrode assembly expands, it can squeeze the first filling part, the second filling part, or the third filling part of the flexible liquid-absorbing component, so that the flexible liquid-absorbing component discharges the absorbed electrolyte, reducing the electrolyte residue between the electrode assembly and the edge structure of the outer shell, ensuring the performance of the battery, and extending the service life of the battery. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between an electrode assembly and a flexible liquid suction element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the structure shown;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flexible liquid-absorbing component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A three-dimensional perspective view of the flexible liquid-absorbing component shown;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another flexible liquid-absorbing component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Top view of the flexible liquid suction device shown;

[0030] Figure 7 for Figure 5 A three-dimensional perspective view of the flexible liquid-absorbing component shown;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an insulating sheet according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0033] 1. Electrode assembly; 101. Core; 102. Insulating sheet; 1021. Through hole; 1022. Bottom area; 1023. Side area; 1024. Connection area; 1025. Notch; 1026. Crease line; 2. Flexible liquid suction component; 201. First filling part; 202. Second filling part; 203. Third filling part. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0035] In related technologies, batteries typically include electrode assemblies and a casing, with the electrode assemblies housed inside the casing. The electrode assembly may include one or more cores, whose cross-section perpendicular to the height direction is typically elliptical or racetrack-shaped. For ease of transport and assembly, the casing is usually square. The inner sides of the casing's edge structures typically lack curved corners or have no corner radius, while the corner radius corresponding to the core and edge structures is relatively large, thus creating a gap between the core and the casing's edge structures.

[0036] After the battery is filled with electrolyte, some of the electrolyte concentrates between the core and the edge structure of the casing. As the battery cycles, the electrolyte inside the battery is gradually consumed. The electrolyte concentrated between the core and the edge structure cannot be effectively utilized, resulting in a decrease in battery performance.

[0037] To address or improve the problem of ineffective utilization of electrolyte between the core and the outer casing edge structure, this utility model provides a battery.

[0038] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 8 This describes the battery provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Specifically, the battery includes a casing, an electrode assembly 1, and a flexible liquid-absorbing component 2.

[0040] The outer casing is designed with a square structure, specifically a rectangular structure. Optionally, the outer casing is made of aluminum.

[0041] The electrode assembly 1 is located inside the housing, that is, the housing is fitted over the outside of the electrode assembly 1.

[0042] The flexible liquid-absorbing element 2 is configured with a porous structure, meaning it has pores to absorb and store electrolyte, and can be deformed by compression to facilitate the discharge of absorbed electrolyte. The flexible liquid-absorbing element 2 includes a first filling portion 201, a second filling portion 202, and a third filling portion 203 connected to each other; any one of these three portions is connected to the other two. The first filling portion 201 is located between a first side surface of the electrode assembly 1 and the outer shell; for example, the first side surface of the electrode assembly 1 can refer to a small surface of the electrode assembly 1. The second filling portion 202 is located between a second side surface of the electrode assembly 1 and the outer shell; for example, the second side surface of the electrode assembly 1 can refer to a large surface of the electrode assembly 1. The first and second sides are adjacent. It is understood that the electrode assembly 1 has four sides, of which the two sides with relatively larger areas are the large surfaces, and the other two are the small surfaces. The third filling portion 203 is located between the bottom surface of the electrode assembly 1 and the outer shell.

[0043] In this embodiment, by providing a flexible liquid-absorbing member 2 with a porous flexible structure, the flexible liquid-absorbing member 2 can absorb and store electrolyte after the battery is filled with electrolyte. The first filling part 201 of the flexible liquid-absorbing member 2 is located between the first side of the electrode assembly 1 and the outer shell, the second filling part 202 is located between the second side of the electrode assembly 1 and the outer shell, and the third filling part 203 is located between the bottom surface of the electrode assembly 1 and the outer shell. This allows the flexible liquid-absorbing member 2 to fill the gap between the edge structure of the electrode assembly 1 and the outer shell. As the battery cycles, the electrode assembly 1 expands, which can squeeze the first filling part 201, the second filling part 202, or the third filling part 203, thereby discharging the electrolyte absorbed by the first filling part 201 and the second filling part 202. This reduces the residual electrolyte between the edge structure of the electrode assembly 1 and the outer shell, allowing the electrolyte to be continuously supplied as the electrode assembly 1 expands.

[0044] With this configuration, by placing the flexible liquid absorber 2 between the electrode assembly 1 and the edge structure of the outer shell, the flexible liquid absorber 2 can absorb the electrolyte deposited between the electrode assembly 1 and the edge structure of the outer shell. During the expansion of the electrode assembly 1, the first filling part 201, the second filling part 202, or the third filling part 203 of the flexible liquid absorber 2 can be squeezed to allow the flexible liquid absorber 2 to discharge the absorbed electrolyte, thereby reducing the residual electrolyte between the electrode assembly 1 and the edge structure of the outer shell, ensuring battery performance, and extending battery life.

[0045] Furthermore, the flexible liquid-absorbing component 2 has a first filling portion 201, a second filling portion 202, and a third filling portion 203, which are respectively disposed opposite to the first side surface, the second side surface, and the bottom surface of the electrode assembly 1. This serves two purposes: firstly, it fills the gap between the electrode assembly 1 and the outer casing, thereby reducing vibration displacement of the electrode assembly 1 within the casing and improving battery stability; secondly, it provides better positioning for the flexible liquid-absorbing component 2, preventing it from shifting between the electrode assembly 1 and the outer casing. For example, the third filling portion 203 is located between the bottom surface of the electrode assembly 1 and the outer casing, which can limit the flexible liquid-absorbing component 2 in the height direction of the battery, preventing it from shifting in that direction.

[0046] In some embodiments provided by this utility model, the flexible liquid-absorbing element 2 is made of a polymer. For example, the material of the flexible liquid-absorbing element 2 includes, but is not limited to, polyethylene oxide, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl butyral, and polyacrylonitrile.

[0047] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments provided by this utility model, at least one of the first filling part 201, the second filling part 202, and the third filling part 203 is configured as a fan-shaped structure. This configuration makes the structure of the first filling part 201, the second filling part 202, or the third filling part 203 simple and regular, easier to process, thereby reducing the processing difficulty of the flexible liquid-absorbing component 2.

[0048] refer to Figures 5-7 As shown, in some embodiments provided by this utility model, at least one of the first filling portion 201, the second filling portion 202, and the third filling portion 203 is configured as a polygonal structure. Optionally, the polygonal structure can be a triangular structure, a quadrilateral structure, or a pentagonal structure. For example... Figures 5-7 The example shown is where the first filling part 201 and the second filling part 202 are configured as a triangular structure, and the third filling part 203 is configured as a pentagonal structure.

[0049] In some embodiments of this utility model, flexible liquid-absorbing elements 2 are provided at the four corners of the bottom surface of the outer shell. In this embodiment, by providing flexible liquid-absorbing elements 2 at the four corners of the bottom surface of the outer shell, the four corners of the electrode assembly 1 can abut against the four flexible liquid-absorbing elements 2. On the one hand, this can make the four corners of the electrode assembly 1 bear the force evenly, and on the other hand, it can reduce the electrolyte residue between the four corners of the electrode assembly 1 and the edge structure of the outer shell, so that the electrolyte can be continuously supplied as the electrode assembly 1 expands, and the supply of electrolyte can be increased.

[0050] In some embodiments provided by this utility model, the thickness of at least one of the first filling part 201, the second filling part 202, and the third filling part 203 ranges from 0.1 mm to 5 mm. For example, the thickness of at least one of the first filling part 201, the second filling part 202, and the third filling part 203 is 0.1 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, or 5 mm. By making the thickness of at least one of the first filling part 201, the second filling part 202, and the third filling part 203 range from 0.1 mm to 5 mm, the effect of absorbing and storing electrolyte can be guaranteed, while avoiding the problem of excessive thickness making installation impossible and occupying space.

[0051] In this embodiment, if the thickness of the first filling portion 201, the second filling portion 202, or the third filling portion 203 is less than 0.1 mm, then the first filling portion 201, the second filling portion 202, or the third filling portion 203 stores less electrolyte and cannot release more electrolyte when squeezed. If the thickness of the first filling portion 201, the second filling portion 202, or the third filling portion 203 is greater than 5 mm, then the thickness of the first filling portion 201, the second filling portion 202, or the third filling portion 203 is too large. When the electrode assembly 1 is installed inside the housing, the first filling portion 201, the second filling portion 202, or the third filling portion 203 may cause interference, making it inconvenient to install the electrode assembly 1, and causing the flexible liquid-absorbing member 2 to occupy more internal battery space.

[0052] refer to Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments provided by this utility model, the thickness of the electrode assembly 1 is T, and the maximum value of at least one of the first filling portion and the third filling portion in the direction perpendicular to the second side is W2, where W2 ranges from 1 mm to T / 2. It can be understood that the thickness of the electrode assembly 1 is the same as the width of the first side. In this embodiment, by making the maximum value of the first filling portion less than or equal to half the thickness of the battery assembly, interference or overlap between the two first filling portions disposed on the first side can be avoided. Optionally, the maximum values ​​of the first filling portion and the third filling portion in the direction perpendicular to the second side are equal, and the intersection of the two portions has a maximum value in the direction perpendicular to the second side.

[0053] refer to Figure 2As shown, in some embodiments provided by this utility model, the thickness of the electrode assembly 1 is T, and the maximum size of at least one of the second filling portion and the third filling portion in the direction perpendicular to the first side is W1, where W1 ranges from 1 mm to T / 2. Optionally, the maximum sizes of the second filling portion and the third filling portion in the direction perpendicular to the first side are equal, and the intersection of the two portions has a maximum size in the direction perpendicular to the first side, where W1 equals W2.

[0054] refer to Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments provided by this utility model, the thickness of the electrode assembly 1 is T, and the maximum height of at least one of the first filling portion and the second filling portion in the height direction of the battery is H, where H ranges from 0.3 mm to T / 2. Optionally, the height values ​​of the first filling portion and the second filling portion are equal. It should be noted that the height direction of the battery refers to the height direction shown in the figure.

[0055] In some embodiments provided by this utility model, any two of the first filling part 201, the second filling part 202 and the third filling part 203 are perpendicular.

[0056] In this embodiment, since any two of the first side, second side and bottom surface of the electrode assembly 1 are perpendicular, and the three surfaces of the outer shell corresponding to the first side, second side and bottom surface are also perpendicular to each other, by making any two of the first filling part 201, second filling part 202 and third filling part 203 perpendicular, the flexible liquid absorbent 2 can better adapt to the shape of the electrode assembly 1 and the outer shell, thereby better filling the space between the edge structure of the electrode assembly 1 and the outer shell.

[0057] In some embodiments provided by this utility model, the electrode assembly 1 includes a core 101 and an insulating sheet 102. The insulating sheet 102 is configured as a cover structure with an open top, covering the outside of the core 101, and a through hole 1021 is provided at the bottom of the insulating sheet 102.

[0058] In this embodiment, by providing an insulating sheet 102, and by configuring the insulating sheet 102 as a cover structure with an open top, the insulating sheet 102 can cover the outside of the winding core 101, thereby forming insulation between the winding core 101 and the outer shell and avoiding short circuit problems. By providing a through hole 1021 at the bottom of the insulating sheet 102, after the electrode assembly 1 squeezes the flexible liquid-absorbing member 2, the flexible liquid-absorbing member 2 releases electrolyte, and the electrolyte can enter the winding core 101 through the through hole 1021 at the bottom of the insulating sheet 102.

[0059] Alternatively, the insulating sheet 102 may be a Mylar sheet.

[0060] In some embodiments provided by this utility model, the insulating sheet 102 includes a side area 1023, a bottom area 1022, and a connecting area 1024.

[0061] The bottom area 1022 is opposite to the bottom surface of the core 101. The side areas 1023 are set as a pair, and the pair of side areas 1023 are opposite to the two large surfaces of the core 101 respectively. The side areas 1023 are connected to the bottom area 1022. The two sides of the side areas 1023 are connected to the connecting areas 1024. The through hole 1021 is set in the bottom area 1022.

[0062] In this embodiment, the bottom area 1022 covers the bottom surface of the core 101, and the side area 1023 and the connecting area 1024 cover two adjacent side surfaces of the core 101. For example, the side area 1023 covers the large surface of the core 101, and the connecting area 1024 covers the small surface of the core 101, so that the core 101 can be insulated from the outer shell.

[0063] In some embodiments of this utility model, the through hole 1021 and the third filling part 203 are arranged opposite to each other. In this embodiment, by arranging the through hole 1021 and the third filling part 203 opposite to each other, during the process of the electrode assembly squeezing the flexible liquid absorber 2, the electrolyte released by the flexible liquid absorber 2 can be directly squeezed into the insulating sheet from the through hole 1021 for use by the core, thereby improving the efficiency of electrolyte entering the insulating sheet.

[0064] In some embodiments of this utility model, a notch 1025 is provided on the side of the connecting area 1024 opposite to the side area 1023, and the notches 1025 of two adjacent connecting areas 1024 are joined to form a window. In this embodiment, after the notches 1025 of the two connected connecting areas 1024 form a window, the window can be covered with tape. Specifically, the tape outside the window area is bonded to the connecting area 1024, and the tape within the window area is bonded to the core 101. Thus, the core 101 and the insulating sheet 102 are connected by tape, preventing the core 101 from moving relative to the insulating sheet 102.

[0065] In some embodiments of this invention, the bottom area 1022 and the connecting area 1024 are both connected to the side area 1023 via corresponding fold lines 1026. This arrangement facilitates the folding of the insulating sheet 102 via the fold lines 1026, forming a cover structure that can be fitted onto the outside of the core 101.

[0066] This utility model also provides a battery pack in this embodiment.

[0067] Specifically, the battery pack includes at least two batteries as described above.

[0068] It should be noted that the battery pack includes the battery, and therefore includes all the advantages of the battery mentioned above, so this will not be elaborated further.

[0069] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery, characterized in that, include: The outer shell is designed with a square structure. Electrode assembly (1) is disposed inside the housing; The flexible liquid-absorbing component (2) is configured with a porous structure and includes a first filling part (201), a second filling part (202) and a third filling part (203) connected to each other. The first filling part (201) is disposed between a first side of the electrode assembly (1) and the outer shell. The second filling part (202) is disposed between a second side of the electrode assembly (1) and the outer shell. The first side and the second side are adjacent to each other. The third filling part (203) is disposed between the bottom surface of the electrode assembly (1) and the outer shell.

2. The battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the first filling portion (201), the second filling portion (202), and the third filling portion (203) is configured as a fan-shaped structure; And / or, at least one of the first filling portion (201), the second filling portion (202), and the third filling portion (203) is configured as a polygonal structure.

3. The battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible liquid-absorbing element (2) is provided at each of the four corners of the bottom surface of the outer shell.

4. The battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of at least one of the first filling portion (201), the second filling portion (202), and the third filling portion (203) ranges from 0.1 mm to 5 mm; And / or, the thickness of the electrode assembly is T, and in the direction perpendicular to the first side, the maximum size of at least one of the second filling portion and the third filling portion is W1, and the value of W1 ranges from 1 mm to T / 2. And / or, the thickness of the electrode assembly is T, and in the direction perpendicular to the second side, the maximum size of at least one of the first filling portion and the third filling portion is W2, and the value of W2 ranges from 1 mm to T / 2. And / or, the thickness of the electrode assembly is T, and in the height direction of the battery, the maximum height of at least one of the first filling portion and the second filling portion is H, where the value of H ranges from 0.3 mm to T / 2.

5. The battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, Any two of the first filling part (201), the second filling part (202), and the third filling part (203) are perpendicular to each other.

6. The battery according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The electrode assembly (1) includes a core (101) and an insulating sheet (102). The insulating sheet (102) is configured as a cover structure with an open top. The insulating sheet (102) covers the outside of the core (101). A through hole (1021) is provided at the bottom of the insulating sheet (102).

7. The battery according to claim 6, characterized in that, The through hole (1021) is disposed opposite to the third filling part (203).

8. The battery according to claim 6, characterized in that, The insulating sheet (102) includes a side area (1023), a bottom area (1022), and a connecting area (1024). The bottom area (1022) is opposite to the bottom surface of the core (101). The side areas (1023) are arranged in pairs, and the pair of side areas (1023) are respectively opposite to the two large surfaces of the core (101). The side areas (1023) are all connected to the bottom area (1022). The connecting area (1024) is connected to both sides of the side area (1023). The through hole (1021) is provided in the bottom area (1022).

9. The battery according to claim 8, characterized in that, The connecting area (1024) has a notch (1025) on the side opposite to the side area (1023), and the notches (1025) of two connected connecting areas (1024) are spliced ​​together to form a window.

10. The battery according to claim 8, characterized in that, The bottom area (1022) and the connecting area (1024) are both connected to the side area (1023) through corresponding crease lines (1026).

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