Electrode shell and battery

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of power batteries, and discloses an electrode shell and a battery. The electrode shell comprises a shell main body, the shell main body is provided with an inner cavity for accommodating a single battery cell, the shell main body comprises two first shells and two second shells, the two first shells are U-shaped and manufactured by a stamping and bending forming process, the two second shells are flat-plate-shaped, the two first shells are oppositely arranged at an interval, and the two second shells are oppositely arranged at intervals; and two second shells are spliced on the two sides of the first shell so as to jointly enclose and connect to form an inner cavity. Through the arrangement, the shell main body is changed from a single incoming material to a split incoming material, a processing mode is changed from a traditional integrated processing and forming mode into a mode of firstly forming the first shell and the second shell and then splicing and welding the first shell and the second shell, the process of forming is relatively simple, the complexity in the manufacturing process can be effectively reduced, and the manufacturing cost is reduced. The forming size and shape of the first shell and the second shell are improved, the forming efficiency and quality of the electrode shell are guaranteed, and the production and manufacturing cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of power battery technology, and in particular to an electrode housing and a battery. Background Technology

[0002] A lithium-ion power battery generally includes an internal battery structure and an external battery structure. The internal battery structure mainly includes a single cell, while the external battery structure mainly includes an electrode top cover and an electrode housing. The electrode housing has an inner cavity for accommodating the single cell. The electrode top cover and the electrode housing are welded together to form a closed space, thus forming a complete lithium-ion battery structure.

[0003] Currently, aluminum is the primary material used for the external structure of batteries in the market. However, stainless steel, with its superior corrosion resistance and strength compared to aluminum, is gradually becoming the main material for battery external structures. However, due to its material characteristics, stainless steel is more difficult to form than aluminum, making it challenging to guarantee forming efficiency and quality, thus increasing manufacturing costs and hindering rapid, mass production.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an electrode housing and battery to solve the problems existing in the above-mentioned prior art. Utility Model Content

[0005] One objective of this invention is to provide an electrode housing that reduces molding difficulty and improves manufacturing efficiency, quality, and safety and stability during use.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] An electrode housing, used in a power battery, includes a housing body having an inner cavity for accommodating a single cell. The housing body includes two first housings and two second housings. The two first housings are U-shaped, formed by stamping and bending. The two second housings are flat. The two first housings are arranged at intervals relative to each other, and two second housings are spliced ​​on both sides to jointly enclose and connect to form the inner cavity.

[0008] Preferably, at least one end of the shell body has an opening along the axial direction of the shell body, the opening is sealed with an electrode top cover, and a positioning part is provided on the side wall of the shell body near the opening, and the electrode top cover is connected to the positioning part.

[0009] Preferably, a stepped structure is provided on the inner sidewall of the shell body, the stepped structure forming the positioning part, and the electrode top cover overlaps the stepped structure.

[0010] Preferably, the step structure is provided inwardly on the inner sidewall of the first housing; and the step structure is provided inwardly on the inner sidewall of the second housing.

[0011] Preferably, both the first housing and the second housing are connected to the stepped structure by integral stamping.

[0012] Preferably, the distance between the step surface near the opening and the cross section where the opening is located is set to W, where 1.5mm≤W≤2.5mm.

[0013] Preferably, the outer periphery of the electrode top cover is provided with a U-shaped flange, which overlaps the positioning part and abuts against the inner sidewall of the shell body.

[0014] Preferably, the electrode top cover is a stainless steel cover plate, and the shell body is a stainless steel outer shell.

[0015] Preferably, the electrode housing further includes a bottom cover, the bottom cover being a sealing cap disposed on the housing body at one end away from the electrode top cover, the bottom cover comprising a stainless steel layer and an aluminum layer, wherein:

[0016] The stainless steel shelf is fixed to the shell body, and a first explosion-proof through hole is provided through the stainless steel shelf.

[0017] The aluminum layer is fixed to the inner side of the stainless steel layer, and a second explosion-proof through hole is provided through the aluminum layer. The second explosion-proof through hole corresponds to and communicates with the first explosion-proof through hole in the inner cavity. An explosion-proof valve assembly is provided on the second explosion-proof through hole as a sealing cover. The explosion-proof valve assembly is an aluminum component.

[0018] Another objective of this invention is to provide a battery that reduces molding difficulty, improves structural strength, and enhances safety and production efficiency.

[0019] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0020] The battery includes a single cell and the aforementioned electrode housing, the electrode housing being used to encapsulate the single cell.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0022] This embodiment provides an electrode housing. The housing body includes a first housing and a second housing. The first housing is U-shaped and formed by stamping and bending. The second housing is flat. The two first housings and two second housings are connected together to form the housing body. This improves the housing body from a single material to a multi-material material. The processing method changes from the traditional one-piece forming to forming the first and second housings first, then splicing and welding them together. This process is relatively simple and can effectively reduce the complexity of the manufacturing process. It avoids the defects of difficult one-piece forming of stainless steel electrode housings and the inability to control precision. It helps to improve the forming size and shape of the first and second housings, ensures the forming efficiency and quality of the electrode housing, and correspondingly reduces the manufacturing cost, which is conducive to rapid and mass production.

[0023] This embodiment also provides a battery including the aforementioned electrode housing. By using this electrode housing, the battery has the advantages of low molding difficulty, high structural strength, higher safety, higher production efficiency, and lower processing and manufacturing costs. It can well meet the needs of rapid and mass production of batteries in some actual working conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electrode housing provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the electrode housing provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a top view of the electrode housing provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 Sectional view at point AA;

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle;

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a section at point C;

[0030] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the explosion-proof valve assembly and bottom cover provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0031] In the picture:

[0032] 1. Shell body; 11. First shell; 12. Second shell; 13. Stepped structure;

[0033] 2. Electrode top cover; 21. U-shaped flange; 22. Liquid injection hole; 23. Electrode post assembly; 24. Lower plastic part;

[0034] 3. Bottom cover; 31. Stainless steel shelf; 311. First explosion-proof through hole; 32. Aluminum shelf; 321. Second explosion-proof through hole; 322. Sinking groove;

[0035] 4. Explosion-proof valve assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0037] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0039] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," and "left," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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 this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0040] Combination Figures 1 to 7As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides an electrode housing that can be applied to power batteries, particularly prismatic batteries, as part of the prismatic battery in electric devices, such as new energy vehicles, engineering or industrial equipment. It should be noted that the electrode housing provided in this embodiment is made of stainless steel. Due to its strong corrosion resistance and high structural strength, stainless steel has better application prospects compared to aluminum electrode housings. However, stainless steel is difficult to form, resulting in high production difficulty, low actual manufacturing efficiency, and difficulty in quality control. Therefore, this embodiment mainly addresses the shortcomings of existing stainless steel electrode housings by improving the forming difficulty, increasing production efficiency, and ensuring quality.

[0041] Of course, the improvement provided in this embodiment can also be applied to electrode housings made of other materials. As long as it helps to improve the production efficiency and quality of the electrode housing and reduce the molding difficulty, it is within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0042] Combination Figures 1 to 2 As shown, in an embodiment of this utility model, the electrode housing includes a main body 1, which is square in shape and has an inner cavity capable of accommodating a single battery cell. Specifically, the main body 1 includes two first housings 11 and two second housings 12. The two first housings 11 are manufactured by stamping and bending processes and are processed into U-shaped stainless steel plates. The two second housings 12 are flat. The two first housings 11 are arranged relatively apart, and two second housings 12 are spliced ​​on both sides to jointly enclose and connect to form the inner cavity. In this embodiment, after the first housings 11 and second housings 12 are spliced, they can be fixedly connected into a single unit at the joint using laser welding, electromagnetic welding, resistance welding, or other methods to ensure molding quality.

[0043] Through the above settings, the shell body 1 is improved from a single incoming material to a multi-material incoming material, and the processing method is changed from the traditional one-piece processing to first forming the first shell 11 and the second shell 12, and then splicing and welding the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 together. This process is relatively simple to form, which can effectively reduce the complexity of the manufacturing process, avoid the defects of difficult one-piece processing of stainless steel electrode shells and uncontrollable precision, and help to improve the forming size and shape of the first shell 11 and the second shell 12, thereby improving the forming quality of the shell body 1, thus ensuring the forming efficiency and quality of the electrode shell, and correspondingly reducing the manufacturing cost, which is conducive to rapid and mass production.

[0044] Specifically, the electrode housing provided in this embodiment of the present invention further includes an electrode top cover 2, which is made of stainless steel to facilitate better welding with the electrode housing. Along the axial direction of the housing body 1, at least one end of the housing body 1 has an opening, and the opening is sealed with the electrode top cover 2. In one embodiment of this invention, the electrode housing has tabs (including a positive tab group and a negative tab group) only at the top, therefore the electrode top cover 2 is only provided at the top. Of course, in other alternative embodiments, an electrode top cover 2 can be provided at both ends of the housing body 1 to accommodate battery types with tabs at both ends (i.e., a positive tab group at one end and a negative tab group at the other end). Furthermore, a positioning part is provided on the side wall of the housing body 1 near the opening, and the electrode top cover 2 is connected to the positioning part, allowing for better assembly of the electrode top cover 2 with the housing body 1 and higher precision.

[0045] More specifically, in this embodiment, a stepped structure 13 protrudes inward from the inner sidewall of the shell body 1, forming the aforementioned positioning part. The electrode top cover 2 overlaps the stepped structure 13, thereby completing the positioning and installation of the electrode top cover 2 on the shell body 1. Using the stepped structure 13 to position and assemble the electrode top cover 2 is quick, convenient, stable, and reliable.

[0046] Furthermore, the inner walls of the two first shells 11 and the two second shells 12 are provided with the aforementioned stepped structure 13, so that the four sides of the electrode top cover 2 can be supported and positioned on the shell body 1 by a stepped structure 13, ensuring the stability of the electrode top cover 2 on the shell body 1 and preventing it from tipping over or deflecting.

[0047] It should be noted that the reference Figure 2 As shown, the step structures 13 on adjacent first shells 11 and second shells 12 are not connected, that is, adjacent step structures 13 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The advantage of this arrangement is that when manufacturing the first shell 11, after the step structure 13 is formed on the first shell 11, the first shell 11 can be bent smoothly from a flat shape to the final U-shaped shape. Since there is no step structure 13 on the bent part of the first shell 11, the bending difficulty of the first shell 11 can be effectively reduced, thereby ensuring the forming efficiency and quality of the first shell 11.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, both the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 are connected to the stepped structure 13 by integral stamping. This facilitates the processing and forming of the stepped structure 13 and avoids the need to additionally set protrusions on the shell body 1 to form the stepped structure 13. The stepped structure 13 can be formed by stamping and deforming only a portion of the shell material, thereby avoiding an increase in the weight of the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 and ensuring that the shell body 1 has the advantage of being lightweight.

[0049] Furthermore, refer to Figure 5 As shown, the distance between the step surface near the opening on the stepped structure 13 and the cross-section where the opening is located is set as W. In this embodiment, W needs to satisfy: 1.5mm ≤ W ≤ 2.5mm. For example, W can be 1.5mm, 1.7mm, 1.9mm, 2.1mm, 2.3mm, 2.5mm, etc. If W is too small, less than 1.5mm, the distance between the step surface and the opening will not be enough to provide space for the electrode top cover 2 to be installed, which may lead to the electrode top cover 2 protruding and the electrode top cover 2 having a poor positioning effect. If W is too large, greater than 2.5mm, the distance between the step surface and the opening will be too large, the height of the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 will be larger, and more waste will be produced. On the one hand, this increases the cost, and on the other hand, it is not conducive to the welding between the electrode top cover 2 and the shell body 1, affecting the assembly efficiency.

[0050] Optionally, in this embodiment, a U-shaped flange 21 is provided on the outer periphery of the electrode top cover 2. One side of the U-shaped flange 21 is integrally connected to the body of the electrode top cover 2, while the other opposite side is attached to the inner wall of the stepped structure 13. Since the welding area on the side of the electrode top cover 2 is large, by providing the U-shaped flange 21, only the other opposite side of the U-shaped flange 21 is heated and melted during welding, and is fixedly connected to the shell body 1. The side of the U-shaped flange 21 is less affected by welding, which can buffer the thermal impact on the body of the electrode top cover 2 during welding, reduce the possibility of deformation of the body of the electrode top cover 2, and thus better ensure the welding sealing quality and product yield.

[0051] Optionally, in this embodiment, the electrode housing further includes a bottom cover 3, which is sealed on the end of the housing body 1 away from the electrode top cover 2 to seal the bottom of the housing body 1 and prevent the internal single cell from leaking out from the bottom of the housing body 1.

[0052] Specifically, refer to Figure 7 As shown, the bottom cover 3 includes a stainless steel layer 31 and an aluminum layer 32. The stainless steel layer 31 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the shell body 1, and can be fixedly connected by laser welding, electromagnetic welding, or resistance welding, etc. This embodiment of the utility model is not limited to this method. A first explosion-proof through hole 311 is provided through the stainless steel layer 31. In addition, the aluminum layer 32 is fixedly connected to the inner side of the stainless steel layer 31, that is, the aluminum layer 32 is fixedly disposed in the inner cavity. A second explosion-proof through hole 321 is provided through the aluminum layer 32. The second explosion-proof through hole 321 and the first explosion-proof through hole 311 are correspondingly arranged and both communicate with the inner cavity. An explosion-proof valve assembly 4 is sealed on the second explosion-proof through hole 321. It should be noted that the explosion-proof valve assembly 4 is made of aluminum.

[0053] In the above configuration, the stainless steel layer plate 31 is welded and fixed to the shell body 1, which can ensure the consistency of the material of the part where the bottom cover 3 is connected to the shell body 1, thereby ensuring the stable connection between the bottom cover 3 and the shell body 1. By setting an aluminum layer plate 32 inside the stainless steel layer plate 31 and using the aluminum layer plate 32 for the part that is fixedly connected to the explosion-proof valve assembly 4, the explosion-proof valve assembly 4 can also be installed on the shell body 1 using aluminum parts. Compared with the existing stainless steel explosion-proof valve assembly 4, the aluminum explosion-proof valve assembly 4 can be opened stably by explosion, reducing the difficulty of opening and thus having better safety performance.

[0054] Furthermore, a recessed groove 322 is provided on the side of the aluminum plate 32 facing the inner cavity. A second explosion-proof through hole 321 is provided through the bottom of the recessed groove 322. The cross-sectional shape and size of the recessed groove 322 are the same as those of the explosion-proof valve assembly 4, so that the explosion-proof valve assembly 4 can be embedded in the recessed groove 322. This can prevent the explosion-proof valve assembly 4 from protruding out of the inner cavity and occupying the height of the inner cavity, thereby ensuring that the electrode housing has a high energy density.

[0055] Another objective of this utility model embodiment is to provide a battery comprising a single cell and an electrode housing as described in any of the above embodiments. The main body 1 of the electrode housing has an inner cavity for accommodating the single cell. The top cover 2 and bottom cover 3 are respectively sealed and welded to the openings at both ends of the main body 1 to encapsulate the single cell. It is understood that the electrode housing is also provided with an injection hole 22, an electrode post assembly 23, and a lower plastic 24. The injection hole 22 is connected to the inner cavity of the main body 1, allowing electrolyte to be injected into the internal single cell, and then the injection hole 22 is sealed by a sealing structure. The electrode post assembly 23 is installed in the electrode post through hole of the top cover 2 and is electrically connected to the electrode tab of the single cell through an adapter piece to transmit the current of the single cell to the outside through the electrode post assembly 23. The lower plastic 24 is located between the main body 1 and the top cover 2, used to seal and fix the top cover 2 and the single cell, and has an electrical insulation function. Since the injection hole 22, the terminal assembly 23 and the lower plastic 24 are all conventional components of existing power batteries, the embodiments of this utility model will not be described in detail here.

[0056] By setting the aforementioned electrode casing on the battery, the battery has the advantages of low molding difficulty, high structural strength, higher safety, higher production efficiency, and lower processing and manufacturing costs, which can well meet the needs of rapid and mass production of batteries in some actual working conditions.

[0057] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0058] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. An electrode case applied to a power battery, characterized by, The electrode shell comprises a shell body (1) having an inner cavity for accommodating a single cell, the shell body (1) comprises two first shells (11) and two second shells (12), the two first shells (11) are in U-shaped shape made by stamping and bending forming process, the two second shells (12) are in flat plate shape, the two first shells (11) are oppositely spaced and spliced with the two second shells (12) on both sides to jointly enclose and connect to form the inner cavity.

2. The electrode housing of claim 1, wherein Along the axial direction of the shell body (1), at least one end of the shell body (1) has an opening, the opening is sealed by an electrode top cover (2), and a positioning portion is arranged on the side wall of the shell body (1) close to the opening, and the electrode top cover (2) is connected to the positioning portion.

3. The electrode housing of claim 2, wherein, A step structure (13) is arranged on the inner side wall of the shell body (1) and protrudes inwardly, the step structure (13) forms the positioning portion, and the electrode top cover (2) is overlapped on the step structure (13).

4. The electrode housing of claim 3, wherein, The step structure (13) is arranged on the inner side wall of the first shell (11) and protrudes inwardly, and the step structure (13) is arranged on the inner side wall of the second shell (12) and protrudes inwardly.

5. The electrode housing of claim 4, wherein, The first shell (11) and the second shell (12) are connected with the step structure (13) by one-piece stamping forming.

6. The electrode housing of claim 3, wherein, The distance between the step surface of the step structure (13) close to the opening and the cross section where the opening is located is W, and 1.5mm≤W≤2.5mm.

7. The electrode housing of claim 3, wherein A U-shaped flange portion (21) is arranged on the outer periphery of the electrode top cover (2), the U-shaped flange portion (21) is overlapped on the positioning portion and abuts against the inner side wall of the shell body (1).

8. The electrode housing of any one of claims 2-7, wherein, The electrode top cover (2) is a stainless steel cover plate, and the shell body (1) is a stainless steel shell.

9. The electrode housing of claim 8, wherein, The electrode shell further comprises a bottom cover (3) sealed and arranged on one end of the shell body (1) away from the electrode top cover (2), the bottom cover (3) comprises a stainless steel layer plate (31) and an aluminum layer plate (32), wherein: The stainless steel layer plate (31) is fixedly connected to the shell body (1), and a first explosion-proof through hole (311) is formed through the stainless steel layer plate (31); The aluminum layer plate (32) is fixedly connected to the inner side of the stainless steel layer plate (31), and a second explosion-proof through hole (321) is formed through the aluminum layer plate (32), the second explosion-proof through hole (321) and the first explosion-proof through hole (311) correspond to and communicate with the inner cavity, and an explosion-proof valve assembly (4) is arranged on the second explosion-proof through hole (321), and the explosion-proof valve assembly (4) is made of aluminum.

10. A battery characterized by The electrode shell for packaging the single cell comprises the single cell and the electrode shell according to any one of claims 1-9.

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