Unpacking tool and high-capacity battery assembly

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the field of batteries, and particularly relates to an unpacking tool and a high-capacity battery assembly. And the problems of short service life, poor safety and the like caused by difference of single batteries of the existing battery module are solved. The unpacking tool comprises a tubular main body, and at least one axial end part of the tubular main body is provided with a sharp part; a plurality of groups of hollow areas are arranged on the pipe wall of the tubular main body and are distributed at intervals along the length direction of the tubular main body; the tubular main body is made of a high-temperature-resistant material which does not react with electrolyte, and the melting point of the tubular main body is not lower than a set temperature. The high-capacity battery assembly comprises a high-capacity battery and the unpacking tool. The high-capacity battery comprises a plurality of single batteries arranged in the same direction and a shared channel; the unpacking tool is arranged in the shared channel, and the inner cavity of each single battery is communicated with the inner cavity of the unpacking tool through a group of hollow areas. The unpacking tool has an unpacking function and can also support an original shared channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of batteries, specifically an unpacking tool and a high-capacity battery assembly. Background Technology

[0002] A battery module is composed of multiple individual cells to meet the performance requirements of different devices, such as voltage and capacity. However, due to the influence of manufacturing processes, even individual cells from the same batch can vary in parameters such as capacity, internal resistance, and self-discharge rate.

[0003] This inconsistency between individual cells can lead to the "barrel effect" in battery modules, where the overall performance is limited by the worst-performing individual cell, causing the actual performance of the battery module to be far below the theoretical design value, which seriously affects its lifespan, charging and discharging efficiency and safety. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an unpacking tool and a high-capacity battery assembly, overcoming the problems of short service life and poor safety caused by the differences in individual battery cells in existing battery modules.

[0005] The first aspect of this utility model provides a package opening tool, which is characterized in that it includes a tubular body, and at least one axial end of the tubular body is provided with a sharp portion;

[0006] Multiple sets of hollow areas are provided on the tubular main body wall, and the multiple sets of hollow areas are distributed at intervals along the length direction of the tubular main body.

[0007] The tubular body is made of a high-temperature resistant material that does not react with the electrolyte, and its melting point is not lower than the set temperature.

[0008] This utility model's unpacking tool is mainly applicable to large-capacity batteries with shared channels. These batteries consist of multiple individual cells arranged in the same direction, each with a sub-channel. The inner cavity of each sub-channel communicates with the inner cavity of each individual cell, and both ends of each sub-channel are sealed in the axial direction. After the sub-channels of each individual cell are joined together, the unpacking operation is performed. Specifically, the unpacking tool is inserted into the sub-channel of the outermost individual cell along the cell arrangement direction, and then pushed to pierce the sealed ends of all individual cell sub-channels sequentially with its sharp point, thus forming a continuous shared channel.

[0009] Each individual cell is connected through a shared channel, which optimizes the distribution of electrolyte and / or gas inside the cell, reduces differences between cells, effectively alleviates the "weakest link" effect, and thus improves the performance of large-capacity cells.

[0010] When the sub-channel is made of plastic, it is prone to deformation and blockage due to its small aperture when the battery temperature rises, especially during thermal runaway. This can cause a surge in internal pressure of the battery, leading to rupture of the individual battery casing and leakage of electrolyte, resulting in serious safety accidents.

[0011] To address the aforementioned issues, this unpacking tool has been optimized in terms of both materials and structure. Regarding materials, its high-temperature resistance ensures structural stability even during battery overheating or thermal runaway. Its structural strength supports the original shared channel, preventing blockage due to deformation and collapse of the plastic shared channel, effectively preventing safety accidents. Furthermore, its non-reaction with the electrolyte maintains the stability of the battery's internal chemical system. After unpacking, the tool is left inside the shared channel, its inner cavity serving as a new shared channel, connected to the inner cavity of the individual battery cells through a perforated area.

[0012] Furthermore, the aforementioned set temperature is the battery thermal runaway temperature.

[0013] Furthermore, each hollowed-out area includes multiple through-hole units arranged axially along the tube wall, and each through-hole unit includes multiple through-holes evenly distributed circumferentially along the tube wall. This hollowed-out area enhances the structural strength of the unpacking tool while ensuring its lightweight design. The multiple through-holes distributed axially and circumferentially can evenly distribute pressure when subjected to external forces. In addition, the circumferentially distributed through-holes do not require the unpacking tool to be placed at a specific angle within the shared channel, and the inner cavity of each individual battery can be effectively connected to the inner cavity of the unpacking tool based on these through-holes.

[0014] Furthermore, the pointed end has a conical or triangular pyramidal structure. This conical or triangular pyramidal structure allows the applied force to be highly concentrated on a very small contact area at the tip during opening. In actual opening operations, the operator can quickly complete the opening without applying excessive force.

[0015] Furthermore, the tubular body is made of aluminum. Aluminum has excellent machinability and is easy to process using various techniques such as forging, extrusion, and cutting. This allows for more precise machining of the required shape and size when manufacturing the tubular body of the unpacking tool, including creating multiple hollow areas in the tube wall and setting specifically shaped sharp points at the axial ends. In addition, aluminum has a significantly low density. Compared to many other metals, using aluminum can significantly reduce the overall weight of the unpacking tool while ensuring the structural strength of the tubular body meets the unpacking requirements. Furthermore, aluminum has good thermal conductivity. When the battery generates heat, the aluminum tubular body can quickly absorb the heat and conduct it to the surrounding environment through its structure. Simultaneously, when the battery experiences localized overheating, the aluminum tubular body can quickly conduct heat from that area to cooler areas, resulting in more even heat distribution and effectively mitigating the thermal stability issues of large-capacity batteries.

[0016] Furthermore, reinforcing ribs can be added to the inner wall of the tubular body to enhance the structural strength of the unpacking tool.

[0017] The second aspect of this utility model provides a high-capacity battery assembly, which is characterized in that it includes a high-capacity battery and the above-mentioned unpacking tool.

[0018] A high-capacity battery consists of multiple individual cells arranged in the same direction, with sub-channels on the individual cell casings. The sub-channels are made of plastic, and the sub-channels of each individual cell are spliced ​​together to form a shared channel.

[0019] The unpacking tool is placed in the shared channel, and the inner cavity of each individual battery is connected to the inner cavity of the unpacking tool through a set of hollow areas.

[0020] The package opening tool provided by this utility model not only has the function of opening packages, but also supports the original shared channel to prevent it from deforming and ensure the function of the shared channel.

[0021] Furthermore, each individual battery cell casing is a plastic casing with a strength of P, where P1≤P≤P2; where P1 is the strength requirement of the casing during the formation stage and the normal charge and discharge stage of the battery; and P2 is the strength requirement of the casing during the thermal runaway stage.

[0022] The aforementioned single-cell battery casing is a sealed plastic casing that serves as a cavity for the electrode components and electrolyte, providing a sealing function. Simultaneously, the strength of the sealed casing must meet the strength requirements of the casing during the formation stage and the normal charge / discharge stages of the battery. That is, the sealed casing must possess sufficient strength to ensure that it will not crack under changes in the internal environment of the battery, such as temperature and pressure, during the formation stage and normal charge / discharge stages. Compared to existing finished plastic-cased single-cell batteries, this single-cell battery has a lower cost, thereby reducing the overall cost of the large-capacity battery.

[0023] Furthermore, the aforementioned high-capacity battery assembly also includes a pressure-bearing housing, with each individual battery cell housed within the pressure-bearing housing;

[0024] The pressure-bearing shell has the strength required for the shell during the thermal runaway stage, and the pressure-bearing shell is equipped with a venting section.

[0025] This utility model's large-capacity battery assembly also includes a pressure-bearing housing, the strength of which needs to meet the strength requirements of the housing during thermal runaway; that is, the pressure-bearing housing needs to have good strength to protect multiple individual cells simultaneously. In the extreme case of thermal runaway of a single individual cell and melting of the plastic housing, the pressure-bearing housing can form a robust barrier, effectively isolating high-temperature flames and harmful gases, preventing the spread of thermal runaway, and improving the safety of the large-capacity battery after thermal runaway.

[0026] The third aspect of this utility model provides a method for unpacking a large-capacity battery assembly, characterized in that: along the length of the shared channel, an unpacking tool is inserted into the sub-channel of the outermost single battery cell, and the unpacking tool is pushed to pierce the sealed ends of all the single battery cell sub-channels in sequence based on the sharp part, forming a shared channel; the unpacking tool is kept in the shared channel, and its position is adjusted so that the inner cavity of the unpacking tool is connected to the inner cavity of each single battery cell through the hollow area.

[0027] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0028] This invention relates to an unpacking tool specifically designed for high-capacity batteries with shared channels. These high-capacity batteries consist of multiple individual cells arranged in the same direction. Each individual cell has a sub-channel, the inner cavity of which communicates with the inner cavity of the individual cell, and both ends of the sub-channel have axially sealed ends. After the sub-channels of the individual cells are assembled, the unpacking operation can be performed. Along the arrangement direction of the individual cells, the unpacking tool is inserted into the outermost sub-channel of the individual cell. By pushing the tool, its pointed end sequentially pierces the sealed ends of all sub-channels, thus forming a continuous shared channel and connecting all the individual cells.

[0029] This connection method optimizes the distribution of electrolyte and / or gas inside the battery, effectively reducing the differences between individual cells, mitigating the "weakest link" effect, and significantly improving the performance of large-capacity batteries. However, when the sub-channels are made of plastic, there are serious hidden dangers. When the battery temperature rises, the sub-channels are prone to deformation and blockage due to their small pore size. The situation is even worse in the event of thermal runaway, which can cause a surge in internal battery pressure, leading to cell casing rupture, electrolyte leakage, and serious safety accidents.

[0030] To this end, the unpacking tool has been optimized in terms of materials and structure. In terms of materials, high-temperature resistant materials are selected to ensure the tool's structural stability under high-temperature environments such as battery heating or thermal runaway. This allows it to support the original plastic shared channel, preventing it from collapsing and becoming blocked, effectively preventing safety accidents and providing a solid guarantee for the safe and stable operation of large-capacity batteries. Simultaneously, the material does not react with the electrolyte, maintaining the stability of the battery's internal chemical system. Structurally, after unpacking, the unpacking tool remains within the shared channel, its inner cavity serving as a new shared channel, connecting to the inner cavity of the individual battery through a perforated area on the tube wall. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the unpacking tool in Example 1;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the unpacking tool in Example 1;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the large-capacity battery in Example 2;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a single cell in Example 2;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the lower cover plate of a single cell with a first sub-tube segment in Embodiment 2;

[0036] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of a portion of the high-capacity battery structure in Example 2;

[0037] Figure 7 Structural explosion of the large-capacity battery module in Example 2 Figure 1 ;

[0038] Figure 8 Structural explosion of the large-capacity battery module in Example 2 Figure 2 ;

[0039] Figure 9 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the high-capacity battery assembly in Example 2;

[0040] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a single cell in Example 3. Figure 1 ;

[0041] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a single cell in Example 3. Figure 2 ;

[0042] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the casing of a single battery cell in Example 3;

[0043] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the large-capacity battery module in Example 4;

[0044] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the large-capacity battery module in Example 4.

[0045] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0046] 1. Packaging tool; 11. Sharp part; 12. Hollowed-out area; 121. Through hole; 13. Tube wall; 2. High-capacity battery; 21. Pressure-bearing shell; 22. Single cell; 23. Shell; 24. Cylinder; 25. Lower cover plate; 26. Upper cover plate; 27. First sub-tube section; 28. First opening; 29. ​​First closed end; 30. Second closed end; 31. First connecting pipe; 32. First blind hole; 33. Recess; 34. Protrusion; 35. Second blind hole; 36. Bottom of the second blind hole; 38. Second connecting pipe; 39. Boss. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0048] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0049] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "top," "bottom," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0050] This utility model discloses an unpacking tool, mainly applied to the unpacking operation of large-capacity batteries with shared channels. The large-capacity battery described here is mainly composed of multiple individual cells arranged in the same direction. Unpacking primarily targets each individual cell within the large-capacity battery. Through the unpacking operation, the internal cavities of each individual cell in the large-capacity battery can be interconnected via the shared channels. This means that the internal cavities of all individual cells are in the same environment, effectively reducing the differences between individual cells and thus improving the overall performance of the large-capacity battery.

[0051] Specifically, the shared channel in the high-capacity battery involved in this invention is formed by splicing sub-channels located on each individual cell, with the inner cavity of each sub-channel communicating with the inner cavity of each individual cell. In the axial direction, each sub-channel has a sealing end at both ends. Before opening the package, this sealing end is used to prevent electrolyte leakage from inside the individual cell and to prevent external impurities from entering the individual cell, thereby ensuring the stable performance and safety of the individual cell.

[0052] For the aforementioned high-capacity batteries, this utility model provides an unpacking tool with the following structure: the main body of the unpacking tool is a slender tube with a length at least equal to the length of the shared channel in the high-capacity battery, its outer diameter being slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the shared channel, and a sharp part is provided at least one end of the slender tube.

[0053] During the unpacking process, the unpacking tool can be inserted into the sub-channel of the outermost single battery along the length of the shared channel. Then, the unpacking tool is pushed to pierce the sealed ends of all the single battery sub-channels in sequence based on the sharp part, thereby forming a through shared channel.

[0054] If the aforementioned single-cell sub-channels (i.e., shared channels) are made of plastic, they may meet basic channel function requirements under normal use. However, problems arise when the battery temperature rises. Increased temperature can cause slight deformation of the plastic material. Due to the small pore size of the shared channels, deformation can lead to channel blockage, rendering the designed shared function impossible. In the extreme case of thermal runaway, a series of violent chemical reactions occur inside the battery, causing a rapid increase in temperature. Under high temperatures, the molecular structure of the plastic material changes rapidly, potentially deforming quickly. This deformation compresses the internal space of the shared channels, causing blockage. The large amount of gas generated by thermal runaway cannot escape through the blocked channels, accumulating inside the battery and causing a sharp rise in internal pressure. As the pressure continues to increase, exceeding the tolerance limit of the single-cell battery casing, the casing will rupture. Once ruptured, the internal electrolyte will leak out and, upon contact with oxygen and other substances in the air, is highly susceptible to combustion, potentially leading to serious safety accidents such as fires and explosions, posing a significant threat to personnel and equipment safety.

[0055] To effectively overcome the potential hazards posed by shared channels made of plastic materials, this invention improves the material selection and structural design of the unpacking tool. Regarding the material, a special material is used that is resistant to high temperatures (specifically, thermal runaway temperature, which can reach hundreds of degrees Celsius or even higher) and does not react with the electrolyte. The choice of a high-temperature resistant material ensures that the unpacking tool remains structurally stable and does not deform or melt under high-temperature conditions such as battery overheating or thermal runaway. The non-reactive characteristic ensures the stability of the battery's internal chemical system, preventing the formation of new harmful substances or alteration of the electrolyte's chemical composition due to reaction between the unpacking tool and the electrolyte, thus affecting battery performance. In terms of structural design, multiple sets of perforated areas are spaced apart on the unpacking tool. After unpacking each individual battery cell using this tool, the tool remains within the shared channel. At this point, the inner cavity of the unpacking tool can act as a new shared channel, communicating with the inner cavity of the individual battery cells through the perforated areas. Meanwhile, the unpacking tool can also support the original shared channel thanks to its structural strength. Even when the battery temperature rises and the plastic shared channel faces the risk of deformation and collapse, the unpacking tool can ensure that the original shared channel will not collapse, maintaining the channel's unobstructed flow and effectively preventing safety accidents caused by channel blockage, thus providing a solid guarantee for the safe and stable operation of large-capacity batteries.

[0056] It should be noted that:

[0057] The aforementioned shared channel can be an electrolyte sharing channel. This ensures that each individual battery cell is in a uniform electrolyte environment, guaranteeing electrolyte homogeneity and improving the performance and charge / discharge cycle life of the large-capacity battery. The corresponding sub-channels for each individual battery cell should correspond to the electrolyte area of ​​the casing. Typically, the sub-channels for electrolyte sharing are located at the bottom of each individual battery cell casing. These can be sub-tube segments on the lower cover plate, with interconnected openings on both the lower cover plate and the sub-tube segments; both ends of the sub-tube segments are closed. Alternatively, the sub-channels for electrolyte sharing can be recesses and protrusions directly on opposite sidewalls of the lower cover plate. The recesses allow the protrusions of another individual battery cell to be embedded and fixedly connected. With the aid of an unpacking tool, a channel can be created in the protrusions and recesses, communicating with the electrolyte area inside the individual battery cell casing. To prevent electrolyte leakage from the insertion point of the unpacking tool, the large-capacity battery can be inverted during unpacking. After unpacking, sealing the openings at both ends of the shared channel, the large-capacity battery can be placed upright.

[0058] The aforementioned shared channel can also be a gas-sharing channel. This channel achieves gas balance among individual cells, improving the performance and charge-discharge cycle life of large-capacity batteries. The corresponding sub-channels for each individual cell should correspond to the gas region of the casing. Typically, the sub-channels for gas sharing are located on the top of each individual cell casing. These can be sub-tube segments on the top cover, with interconnected openings on both the top cover and the sub-tube segments; both ends of the sub-tube segments are closed. Alternatively, the sub-channels for gas sharing can be recesses and protrusions directly on opposite sidewalls of the top cover. The recesses allow the protrusions of another individual cell to be embedded and fixedly connected. With the aid of an unpacking tool, a channel can be created in the protrusions and recesses, communicating with the gas region inside the individual cell casing.

[0059] The aforementioned shared channel can also be a gas-liquid shared channel. A single gas-liquid shared channel allows each individual battery cell to operate in a unified electrolyte and gas environment, improving the performance and charge-discharge cycle life of high-capacity batteries. The corresponding sub-channel for each individual battery cell should correspond to the area where the electrolyte and gas regions of the casing coexist. Typically, a region on the side wall of the individual battery cell casing is used as the location for the sub-channel to achieve gas and electrolyte sharing. Alternatively, the aforementioned sub-tube segment or a structure with protrusions and recesses can be used as the sub-channel for gas and electrolyte sharing.

[0060] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0061] Example 1

[0062] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 The figure shows a schematic diagram and a partial cross-sectional view of the unpacking tool 1 in this embodiment. As can be seen from the figure, the main structure of the unpacking tool 1 in this embodiment is a slender hollow tube. One end of the hollow tube has a sharp point 11, which can pierce the sealed ends of each sub-channel. Furthermore, multiple sets of hollow areas 12 are spaced apart on the tube wall 13 of the hollow tube. When the unpacking tool 1 is placed in the shared channel of the large-capacity battery 2, the inner cavity of the hollow tube communicates with the inner cavity of each individual battery 22 through each set of hollow areas 12.

[0063] The pointed part 11 has a tapered structure and can be integrally formed with the tube body or be a separate structure. It is located at at least one end of the tube (axial end), and the tip angle is generally between 15° and 60°. If the angle is too small, the pointed part 11, although sharp, is easily broken; if the angle is too large, more force is required to pierce the sealed end, which is not conducive to operation. The length of the pointed part 11 is generally 1-5cm. Sufficient length ensures effective force when piercing the sealed end, while not being too long and affecting the overall operational flexibility of the tool.

[0064] The pointed part 11 can also be a triangular pyramid structure. Compared to a simple cone, a triangular pyramid has three sharp edges, which can provide multiple points of force when piercing the sealing end, more effectively dispersing pressure and reducing the possibility of uneven rupture of the sealing end due to excessive local pressure during the piercing process. Furthermore, the three faces of the triangular pyramid enhance the stability of the structure to a certain extent, making it less prone to breakage than a regular cone at the same angle and length.

[0065] The hollowed-out area 12 can be designed in a circular, square, or elliptical shape with multiple holes to ensure convenience during processing and uniformity of structural strength. The size and spacing of the hollowed-out area 12 need to be optimized based on the internal size of the individual battery cell 22, the spacing between adjacent individual batteries 22, and the structural strength of the unpacking tool 1. Generally, the size of the hollowed-out area 12 should ensure both the structural strength of the unpacking tool 1 and good connectivity between the internal cavity of the individual battery cell 22 and the internal cavity of the unpacking tool 1. The spacing between adjacent hollowed-out areas 12 ensures effective communication between the internal cavities of each individual battery cell 22 through the hollowed-out area 12.

[0066] from Figure 2 As can be seen, each hollowed-out area in this embodiment includes multiple through-hole units arranged axially along the tube wall, and each through-hole unit includes multiple through holes 121 evenly distributed circumferentially along the tube wall. The special hollowed-out structure formed by the through holes distributed axially and circumferentially creates a stable mechanical support network. When facing the pressure caused by the deformation of the shared channel, the axially arranged through-hole units can disperse the pressure along the direction of force, converting the pressure perpendicular to the tool surface into an axial component force, reducing localized concentrated force. The circumferentially distributed through holes further disperse the pressure from the circumferential direction, so that the pressure can be evenly distributed on the entire tube wall of the unpacking tool. This ensures that the unpacking tool can still maintain structural integrity under complex stress conditions, stably support the shared channel, and prevent it from collapsing and blocking due to deformation. At the same time, since the through holes are evenly distributed circumferentially, no matter what angle the unpacking tool is placed in the shared channel, the inner cavity of the individual battery can be effectively connected to the inner cavity of the unpacking tool based on these through holes.

[0067] This utility model's packaging opener 1 is made of a special material that is resistant to high temperatures and does not react with the electrolyte. For example, aluminum can be used. Aluminum has good thermal conductivity, which can help dissipate heat from the battery to a certain extent, and its cost is relatively low, which can effectively control costs when mass-producing the packaging opener 1. At the same time, it will not chemically react with common battery electrolytes, thus ensuring the stability of the internal chemical system of the battery. It also has a certain strength and hardness, which can provide reliable support for the shared channel and prevent it from deforming and collapsing under high temperature environments. In addition, aluminum has good processing performance and is easy to process using various techniques, such as forging, extrusion, and cutting. This allows for more precise machining of the required shape and size when manufacturing the tubular body of the packaging opener, including creating multiple sets of hollow areas on the tube wall and setting a specific-shaped sharp part at the axial end.

[0068] Ceramic matrix composites can also be used, as they possess excellent high-temperature resistance, capable of withstanding temperatures exceeding 1000°C, far surpassing the temperatures that may occur during battery thermal runaway. Furthermore, ceramic matrix composites are chemically stable and do not react chemically with common battery electrolytes, thus ensuring the stability of the battery's internal chemical system. In addition, this material also exhibits high strength and hardness, providing reliable support for the shared channels and preventing deformation and collapse under high-temperature conditions.

[0069] Other metal materials can also be selected, and to prevent them from reacting with the electrolyte, an electrolyte-repellent coating can be applied to their surface.

[0070] The length of the opening tool 1 is at least equal to the length of the shared channel in the high-capacity battery 2. Considering that a certain amount of hand-held operating space needs to be reserved during actual operation to facilitate the operator to push the opening tool 1 to complete the action of piercing the sealed end, its length is usually about 10-20cm longer than the length of the shared channel.

[0071] The cross-sectional shape of the unpacking tool 1 should match the cross-sectional shape of each sub-channel (shared channel). Typically, the sub-channel cross-section is circular, and the corresponding unpacking tool 1 also has a circular cross-section. A circular cross-section provides better structural stability, evenly distributing pressure during insertion into the shared channel and subsequent support, preventing excessive localized stress and damage to the shared channel. Furthermore, a circular cross-section is relatively simple to manufacture and easy to form. The diameter of the unpacking tool needs to be rationally designed based on the inner diameter of the shared channel. Generally, the outer diameter of the unpacking tool 1 should be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the shared channel to ensure smooth insertion while providing sufficient contact area for stable support.

[0072] The wall thickness 13 of the unpacking tool 1 needs to be optimized based on material properties and strength requirements. On the one hand, the unpacking tool 1 must have sufficient strength to withstand the external forces encountered during insertion into the shared channel, puncturing the sealed end, and subsequent support of the shared channel. On the other hand, an excessively thick wall 13 would increase material costs and tool weight, making operation more difficult.

[0073] Additionally, reinforcing ribs can be installed inside the tube wall 13 to enhance strength and reduce the likelihood of deformation when subjected to external forces, especially during the unpacking process when encountering significant resistance or impact. Furthermore, when the unpacking tool remains within the shared channel after unpacking, the reinforcing ribs on the inner wall provide additional support. During the operation of high-capacity batteries, especially when battery temperature rises and the original plastic shared channel may deform, the reinforcing ribs enhance the support provided by the tubular body, preventing the shared channel from collapsing due to deformation.

[0074] Example 2

[0075] This embodiment is a high-capacity battery 2 with the above-mentioned unpacking tool 1. For ease of description, in this utility model, the high-capacity battery 2 with the unpacking tool 1 is defined as a high-capacity battery assembly.

[0076] The structure of the large-capacity battery 2 in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, it includes 12 individual battery cells 22 arranged in the same direction. In some other embodiments, the number of individual battery cells 22 can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0077] The structure of each individual cell 22 is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the battery includes a housing 23 and an electrode assembly located within the housing 23. In this embodiment, to reduce cost and battery weight, a plastic housing is used as the housing 23.

[0078] In this embodiment, the strength of the casing 23 is not required to meet the strength requirements for the casing during the thermal runaway stage; it only needs to meet the strength requirements for the casing during the formation stage and the normal charge and discharge process of the battery. During the formation stage and the normal charge and discharge stage of the battery, the battery undergoes a series of chemical reactions and physical changes. During this process, a certain amount of pressure and heat will be generated inside the battery. The casing 23 needs to have sufficient strength to withstand this pressure and heat to ensure the smooth progress of the formation process and the normal use of the battery.

[0079] It can be assumed that the strength of the aforementioned casing 23 is P, P1≤P≤P2; where P1 is the strength requirement of the casing during the formation stage and the normal charging and discharging stage of the battery; and P2 is the strength requirement of the casing during the thermal runaway stage.

[0080] It should be noted that the plastic material selected in this utility model should have the following properties:

[0081] First, it must have sufficient strength to ensure the stability of the battery structure;

[0082] Second, it has chemical corrosion resistance and can resist the corrosion of electrolytes;

[0083] Third, it has barrier properties, which can effectively prevent the electrolyte, gas and other substances inside the battery from leaking out, and at the same time prevent external impurities such as moisture and oxygen from entering the battery.

[0084] Fourth, it possesses excellent thermal stability. Batteries generate heat during charging and discharging, especially at high rates. This plastic material needs to maintain stable performance within a certain temperature range and will not soften, deform, or decompose due to high temperatures.

[0085] The plastic material used can be the material used in existing plastic-cased single-cell batteries, or the plastic material disclosed in Chinese patents CN106543551A and CN106977894A.

[0086] from Figure 4 As can be seen, in this embodiment, the housing 23 is formed by an upper cover plate 26, a cylindrical body 24, and a lower cover plate 25. At least one of the upper cover plate 26, the cylindrical body 24, and the lower cover plate 25 has a sub-tube segment (the inner cavity of this sub-tube segment is the aforementioned sub-channel). The inner cavity of the sub-tube segment communicates with the inner cavity of the housing 23. By connecting the corresponding sub-tube segments of multiple individual batteries 22, a shared channel can be formed. For example, connecting the sub-tube segments located on the lower cover plate 25 forms an electrolyte shared channel, and connecting the sub-tube segments located on the upper cover plate 26 forms a gas shared channel. Connecting the sub-tube segments located on the cylindrical body 24 forms both an electrolyte and a gas shared channel (the electrolyte area and gas area in each individual battery 22 are connected through this pipeline).

[0087] This embodiment takes setting a sub-pipe section on the lower cover plate 25 as an example.

[0088] In this embodiment, for ease of description, the sub-pipe segment on the lower cover plate 25 is defined as the first sub-pipe segment 27; in this embodiment, the outer wall cross-section of the first sub-pipe segment 27 can be circular or rectangular, from... Figure 4 As can be seen from the diagram, this embodiment preferably uses a rectangular cross-section, allowing the bottom surface of the first sub-tube segment 27 to serve as the supporting surface for the individual battery 22. Compared to the first sub-tube segment 27 with a circular outer tube wall cross-section, the rectangular cross-section provides a larger contact area on the plane. This feature makes the individual battery 22 with this type of lower cover plate 25 more stable during use and less prone to rolling or shaking.

[0089] In this embodiment, the first sub-tube segment 27 extends along the width direction of the lower cover plate 25. From the perspective of improving the stability of the single-cell battery 22 during use, the size of the first sub-tube segment 27 along the length direction of the lower cover plate 25 can be increased to create a larger bottom surface area, as a larger bottom surface area results in a more stable placement of the single-cell battery 22. However, this introduces a new problem: as the size of the first sub-tube segment 27 increases, the size of the electrolyte sharing channel it forms also increases. A larger electrolyte sharing channel means more electrolyte is required, which undoubtedly leads to an increase in the cost of the single-cell battery 22 or the large-capacity battery 2.

[0090] To resolve the contradiction of ensuring stable placement of the individual battery cells 22 while minimizing electrolyte usage, this embodiment employs a clever design. For example... Figure 4 As shown, two smaller first sub-tube segments 27 are provided on the lower cover plate 25. These two first sub-tube segments 27 can simultaneously provide support, ensuring that the individual battery 22 can be placed stably. At the same time, due to their smaller size, compared to a design that increases the size of a single first sub-tube segment 27, the size of the electrolyte sharing channel formed is relatively smaller, thereby reducing the amount of electrolyte used. This effectively controls battery costs while meeting the requirement for stable battery placement, achieving a win-win effect.

[0091] from Figure 5 As can be seen, a first opening 28 is formed on the lower cover plate 25 and the first sub-tube section 27, which are interconnected. In this embodiment, the shape of the first opening 28 is not limited, but the size of the first opening 28 needs to be ensured so that the electrolyte inside the single cell 22 can enter the first sub-tube section 27 through the opening.

[0092] from Figure 5 As can be seen from the diagram, the two ends of the first sub-pipe segment 27 in this embodiment are closed ends. This can be achieved in several ways. One feasible method is to set a sealing gasket or sealing plug inside the first sub-pipe segment 27, thereby effectively blocking the channels at both ends of the first sub-pipe segment 27 and forming a closed end. Alternatively, a sealing plate can be integrally molded inside the first sub-pipe segment 27, which can also achieve the purpose of sealing both ends of the first sub-pipe segment 27. Since this embodiment uses injection molding, the second method is preferred.

[0093] This sealing end mainly has the following two functions:

[0094] First, the function of preventing external substances from entering the interior of the single cell 22 before or during the construction of the large-capacity battery 2.

[0095] This sealed end plays a crucial role in the use of the individual cell 22. Before and during the construction of the large-capacity battery 2, the individual cell 22 is in an independent state. If the internal environment of the battery is affected by external factors, its performance will be impaired. For example, if air from the external environment enters the battery through both ends of the first sub-tube section 27 and the first opening 28, it may trigger an oxidation reaction, affecting the chemical reaction balance inside the battery; the entry of moisture may cause problems such as short circuits or corrosion of the electrodes; the intrusion of other impurities will also damage the electrochemical system inside the battery.

[0096] In this embodiment, the two ends of the first sub-tube segment 27 are designed as closed ends. The purpose is to build a barrier to ensure that air, water and other impurities in the external environment cannot enter the interior of the single cell 22 through the openings at both ends of the first sub-tube segment 27.

[0097] To achieve this function, certain requirements are placed on the strength of the sealing end. It needs to have a certain structural strength and sealing performance to resist various external pressures and corrosion, thereby creating a stable and pure environment inside the single cell 22 and ensuring that the battery performance is not adversely affected by external factors.

[0098] Second, the sealed end can be opened by the unpacking tool 1 to form an electrolyte sharing channel;

[0099] After the large-capacity battery 2 is constructed, the unpacking tool 1 in Example 1 is used to open the closed ends on each first sub-tube segment, thereby forming an electrolyte sharing channel.

[0100] To meet this functional requirement, the sealed end must be able to be opened by the unpacking tool 1. This requires that the sealed end be designed to be able to be opened smoothly by the unpacking tool 1 without damaging other parts of the large-capacity battery 2 during the opening process, ensuring that the integrity and functionality of the large-capacity battery 2 are not affected.

[0101] For ease of description, in this embodiment, the closed ends at both ends of the first sub-pipe segment 27 are defined as the first closed end 29 and the second closed end 30, respectively; from Figure 5 As can be seen from the figure, in this embodiment, the first pair of pipes 31 are connected to the first closed end 29, and the first blind hole 32 is opened at the second closed end 30. The first pair of pipes 31 of one single cell 22 is inserted into the first blind hole 32 of the other single cell 22 to realize the connection of the two first sub-pipe segments 27.

[0102] In some other embodiments, the first sub-tube segment 27 of one of the single cells 22 can be abutted against the end face of the first sub-tube segment 27 of the other single cell 22, and the connection between the two can be achieved by heat fusion at the abutment.

[0103] Combination Figure 4 As can be seen, in this embodiment, the outer wall cross-section of the first connecting pipe 31 is circular, and the corresponding first blind hole 32 that mates with it is also circular. Using a circular cross-section for the first connecting pipe 31 makes it easier to insert it into the first blind hole 32. The circular shape provides good guidance, reducing resistance and friction during connection and improving smoothness. Furthermore, due to the uniform stress distribution of the circular shape, a tight fit with the first blind hole 32 is more easily achieved. After the circular cross-section first connecting pipe 31 is heat-fused within the first blind hole 32, its sealing performance is relatively good, effectively preventing electrolyte leakage.

[0104] like Figure 6 The diagram shown is a partial exploded view of the large-capacity battery 2 in this embodiment; the first sub-tube segment 27 in adjacent single cells 22 is sealed and connected, forming two electrolyte sharing channels at the bottom of the large-capacity battery 2.

[0105] In this embodiment, the first sub-tube segments 27 are sealed and connected by heat fusion to form a shared electrolyte channel. The connection process is simple and has low precision requirements. Even with a certain degree of dimensional deviation, a good sealing connection can be achieved by heat fusion, which reduces the precision control cost in the production process. At the same time, compared with the traditional connection method, the heat fusion connection has higher strength and can withstand greater external force and internal pressure, ensuring the structural stability of the large-capacity battery 2 during use.

[0106] like Figure 7 As shown, after the first sub-tube segments 27 of each individual battery cell 22 are connected, the unpacking tool 1 can be inserted into the first sub-tube segment 27 of the outermost individual battery cell 22 along the arrangement direction of the individual batteries. Then, the unpacking tool 1 is pushed to pierce the sealed ends on the first sub-tube segments 27 of all individual batteries 22 in sequence, thereby forming a through shared channel. Afterward, the unpacking tool 1 is held in the cavity of the shared channel. The cavity of the unpacking tool 1 is connected to the cavity of the corresponding individual battery cell 22 through each set of hollow areas 12 to form the large-capacity battery assembly of this embodiment. Its structure can be seen in [reference needed]. Figure 8 and Figure 9 .

[0107] It should be noted that:

[0108] 1. To ensure that the inner cavity of the large-capacity battery module is not affected by the external environment, the closed end of the two outermost individual cells 22 of the large-capacity battery module near the first pair of connecting pipes 31 does not need to be opened. At the same time, the opening part of the closed end corresponding to the first blind hole 32 of the other outermost individual cell 22 (this opening is formed after the initial insertion of the opening tool 1) also needs to be sealed.

[0109] 2. In order to improve the regularity of the overall structure of the large-capacity battery 2, in this embodiment, the outermost single cell 22 can be cut off to expose the first pair of connecting pipes 31 that do not need to be connected. After cutting off, it is necessary to ensure the sealing of the casing 23 of the single cell 22.

[0110] Example 3

[0111] This embodiment is also a high-capacity battery assembly. Unlike embodiment 2, the sub-channels on the individual battery 22 in this embodiment are formed by recesses 33 and protrusions 34 directly disposed on the opposite sidewalls of the cover plate. This embodiment will be specifically described using the recesses 33 and protrusions 34 disposed on the opposite sidewalls of the lower cover plate 25 as an example.

[0112] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, a recess 33 and a protrusion 34 are provided on the opposite sidewalls of the lower cover plate 25. When assembling the large-capacity battery 2, the protrusion 34 of one single cell 22 can be inserted into the recess 33 of another single cell 22 and fixedly connected. Under the action of the unpacking tool 1, a channel can be opened in the protrusion 34 and the recess 33, which communicates with the electrolyte area inside the housing 23 of the single cell 22.

[0113] In this embodiment, both the recess 33 and the protrusion 34 are located on opposite sidewalls of the lower cover plate 25, ensuring that the recess 33 and the protrusion 34 do not introduce additional dimensional increases in the height direction of the individual battery cell 22. For large-capacity batteries 2, especially in applications with stringent space requirements, this connection structure that does not increase height dimensions is particularly important. It allows the large-capacity battery 2 to remain compact and lightweight while meeting the same battery capacity requirements, facilitating device portability, installation, and layout optimization.

[0114] In this embodiment, the lower cover plate 25 is made of plastic and can be integrally molded using injection molding, forming a lower cover plate 25 with recesses 33 and protrusions 34. During injection molding, the dimensions of the mold cavity can be precisely controlled, ensuring high dimensional accuracy of the recesses 33 and protrusions 34 during molding, guaranteeing precise fit with other individual battery cells 22. Furthermore, because it is integrally molded, there is no issue of accumulated dimensional deviations due to the assembly process, ensuring the stability and consistency of the individual battery cell connections. This is beneficial for improving the overall performance and quality stability of the large-capacity battery 2, reducing problems such as poor connection and abnormal battery operation caused by dimensional mismatch. Simultaneously, in adjacent individual battery cells 22, after the protrusion 34 of one individual battery cell 22 is inserted into the recess 33 of another individual battery cell 22, the two can be fixedly connected by heat fusion. After the plastic is melted and cooled, it solidifies, fusing the two together to form a stable connection structure capable of withstanding significant mechanical stress. For example, when the large-capacity battery 2 is subjected to external forces such as vibration, impact, or compression, it effectively prevents the connection between the individual battery cells 22 from loosening or detaching. This ensures the structural integrity and electrical connection stability of the large-capacity battery 2 under complex operating conditions, thereby improving its safety and reliability and extending its service life. Furthermore, the hot-melt connection method has lower precision requirements; even with a certain degree of dimensional deviation, a good connection can be achieved through hot melting, reducing the cost of precision control during the production process.

[0115] from Figure 10 and Figure 11 As can be seen from the image, in this embodiment, the recesses 33 and protrusions 34 are respectively provided on the first and second sidewalls of the lower cover plate 25, which are parallel to each other. In addition, two recesses 33 may be provided on the first sidewall, and two protrusions 34 may be provided on the second sidewall.

[0116] In some other embodiments, a recess 33 and a protrusion 34 may be provided on the first sidewall, and a corresponding protrusion 34 and a recess 33 may be provided on the second sidewall.

[0117] In this embodiment, when assembling the large-capacity battery 2, the operator can easily distinguish the correspondence between the recesses 33 and the protrusions 34, and can quickly and accurately connect the individual battery cells 22. However, if there are both recesses 33 and protrusions 34 on the same side wall, the operator needs to be more careful in distinguishing which recess 33 corresponds to which protrusion 34 during assembly. If the operator is not careful, a mismatch may occur, resulting in reduced assembly efficiency.

[0118] It should be noted that the first and second sidewalls mentioned above are parallel to each other and can both be parallel to the xz plane. When they are parallel to the xz plane, both the protrusion 34 and the recess 33 extend along the y direction. Alternatively, both the first and second sidewalls mentioned above can be parallel to the yz plane. When they are parallel to the yz plane, both the protrusion 34 and the recess 33 extend along the direction of the single cell arrangement.

[0119] The following example mainly focuses on the first and second sidewalls being parallel to the yz plane.

[0120] from Figure 12 As can be seen, in this embodiment, the recess 33 is a second blind hole 35 formed on the first sidewall of the lower cover plate 25, that is, the opening end of the second blind hole 35 is located on the first sidewall of the lower cover plate 25, and the bottom end 36 of the second blind hole is located inside the cavity of the single cell 22. The protrusion 34 is a second pair of connecting pipes 38 provided on the outer wall of the second sidewall of the lower cover plate 25; the second pair of connecting pipes 38 is used to be embedded in the second blind hole 35 of another single cell 22 and fixedly connected.

[0121] In some other embodiments, the protrusion 34 can also be a solid column, which has higher strength and can withstand greater tensile and compressive forces. However, compared to this embodiment, it is more difficult to create a through-hole channel in the inner cavity of the shell 23.

[0122] from Figure 12 It can also be seen that this embodiment has multiple protrusions 39 arranged in an array on the inner surface of the lower cover plate 25. The tops of the protrusions 39 are used to support the electrode assembly, and the gaps between the protrusions 39 serve as electrolyte flow channels. The aforementioned multiple protrusions 39 can be arranged in a rectangular array or a ring array, etc.; the regularly arranged multiple protrusions 39 can provide stable and uniformly distributed support points for the electrode assembly, avoiding the situation where excessive local stress leads to deformation or damage to the electrode assembly. In addition, using the gaps between the protrusions 39 as electrolyte flow channels allows the electrolyte to be evenly distributed around the electrode assembly, ensuring that the electrodes in each part can fully contact the electrolyte.

[0123] Furthermore, during battery operation, if the temperature rises, the electrolyte stored in the electrolyte flow channels can rapidly absorb heat through heat transfer, dispersing the absorbed heat throughout the casing 23 and dissipating it through the surface of the casing 23. This effectively prevents battery overheating, reduces the risk of thermal runaway, precisely regulates temperature, and maintains battery performance.

[0124] After constructing the large-capacity battery 2, the unpacking tool 1 can be inserted into the second blind hole 35 of the outermost single cell 22 along the arrangement direction of the single cells. Then, the unpacking tool 1 is pushed to pierce the second side wall area of ​​the lower cover plate 25 enclosed by the bottom end 36 of the second blind hole of all single cells 22 and the second connecting pipe 38 in sequence, thereby forming a through shared channel. After that, the unpacking tool 1 is kept in the cavity of the shared channel. The cavity of the unpacking tool 1 is connected to the cavity of each set of hollow areas 12 and the corresponding single cell 22 to form the large-capacity battery assembly of this embodiment.

[0125] It should be noted that:

[0126] 1. To ensure that the inner cavity of the large-capacity battery 2 is not affected by the external environment, the second side wall area of ​​the lower cover plate 25 enclosed by the second connecting pipe 38 of one of the two outermost single cells 22 of the large-capacity battery 2 does not need to be opened. At the same time, the opening of the second blind hole 35 of the other outermost single cell 22 (which is formed after the initial insertion of the opening tool 1) also needs to be sealed.

[0127] 2. In order to improve the regularity of the overall structure of the large-capacity battery 2, in this embodiment, the outermost single cell 22 can be cut off to expose the second pair of connecting pipes 38 that do not need to be connected. After cutting off, it is necessary to ensure the sealing of the casing 23 of the single cell 22.

[0128] Example 4

[0129] This embodiment presents another type of high-capacity battery assembly, the structure of which is as follows: Figure 13 and Figure 14 Unlike Embodiments 2 and 3, this embodiment adds a pressure-bearing housing 21 on the basis of Embodiments 2 or 3, and places the large-capacity battery assembly in Embodiments 2 or 3 inside the pressure-bearing housing 21.

[0130] The strength of the pressure-bearing shell 21 needs to meet the strength requirements of the shell 23 during the thermal runaway stage; that is, the pressure-bearing shell 21 needs to have good strength to ensure that during the thermal runaway stage, the pressure-bearing shell 21 can form a solid thermal barrier, and even in the extreme case where the shell 23 of the single cell 22 melts, it can effectively isolate high-temperature flames and harmful gases, prevent the spread of thermal runaway, and improve the safety of the large-capacity battery 2 after thermal runaway.

[0131] Compared to other materials, the metal pressure-bearing casing 21 is more reliable in emergency situations such as thermal runaway. It can withstand greater impact and destructive forces, reducing the likelihood of accidents and protecting the safety of personnel and surrounding equipment. In this embodiment, the pressure-bearing casing 21 does not directly contact the electrolyte, so an iron, steel, or stainless steel casing can be used. Iron casings offer advantages in strength and cost, making them a viable option in scenarios where cost is a primary concern and strength requirements are not particularly stringent. Steel casings offer relatively high strength, providing more reliable protection for the battery and are suitable for applications with high safety and structural strength requirements. Stainless steel casings not only possess good strength properties but also excellent corrosion resistance, making them ideal for battery applications facing humid or corrosive environments. This effectively extends battery life and ensures stable operation in complex environments.

Claims

1. A de-bagging tool characterized by: The tubular body comprises a sharp part at at least one axial end thereof; A plurality of sets of hollowed-out regions are arranged on the tubular body wall and are spaced apart along the length direction of the tubular body; The tubular body is made of a material that is resistant to high temperature and does not react with electrolyte, and has a melting point not lower than a set temperature.

2. The opening tool of claim 1, wherein: The set temperature is a battery thermal runaway temperature.

3. The opening tool of claim 1, wherein: Each set of hollowed-out regions comprises a plurality of through-hole units arranged in the axial direction of the tubular body wall, and each through-hole unit comprises a plurality of through holes uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction of the tubular body wall.

4. An opening tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that: The sharp part has a conical structure or a triangular pyramid structure.

5. An opening tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that: The tubular body is made of aluminum.

6. The opening tool of claim 5, wherein: The inner wall of the tubular body is provided with a reinforcing rib.

7. A high capacity battery assembly characterized by: The large-capacity battery and the unpacking tool of any one of claims 1 to 6 are included. The large-capacity battery comprises a plurality of single batteries arranged in the same direction, and each single battery is provided with a sub-channel on the shell thereof; the sub-channel is made of plastic, and the sub-channels of the single batteries are spliced with each other to form a shared channel; The unpacking tool is arranged in the shared channel, and the inner cavity of each single battery is connected with the inner cavity of the unpacking tool through a set of hollowed-out regions.

8. The large capacity battery assembly of claim 7, wherein: Each single battery shell is a plastic shell, and the strength of the plastic shell is P, wherein P1≤P≤P2; P1 is the strength requirement of the shell in the formation stage and the normal charging and discharging stage of the battery; and P2 is the strength requirement of the shell in the thermal runaway stage.

9. The large capacity battery assembly of claim 8, wherein: The large-capacity battery further comprises a pressure-bearing shell, and each single battery is arranged in the pressure-bearing shell. The strength of the pressure-bearing shell meets the strength requirement of the shell in the thermal runaway stage, and the pressure-bearing shell is provided with a pressure relief part.

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