Terminal structure, terminal assembly and battery

Abstract

The utility model discloses a terminal structure, a terminal assembly and a battery, and belongs to the technical field of batteries. The utility model discloses a terminal structure which comprises a first pole and a second pole, the first pole is used for an external interface, and the second pole is used for being connected with a battery cell. The first pole column and the second pole column are of a split type structure, the first pole column and the second pole column are mutually embedded and are in interference fit to form sealed connection, the terminal structure greatly reduces the height of the terminal, the internal space of the battery is improved, meanwhile, the weight is reduced, and the sealing performance is good. The utility model further discloses a terminal assembly, the terminal assembly comprises a substrate, an insulating plate and the terminal structure, the centers of the substrate and the insulating plate are provided with positioning holes with the same size, and the insulating plate is arranged on the substrate; and the terminal structure sequentially passes through the positioning holes in the insulating plate and the substrate to hermetically connect the substrate and the insulating plate. Meanwhile, the utility model further discloses a battery which comprises the terminal structure or the terminal assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, specifically to a terminal structure, terminal assembly, and battery. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the new energy industry, power batteries are being used more and more widely in the market, making their safety and reliability crucial factors. As an important component of the battery, the battery cell cover's sealing performance is paramount. In traditional assembly processes, sealing is typically achieved by riveting and welding pressure plates to the various parts of the cover. However, this method of pressure plate riveting and welding has many drawbacks. First, it significantly increases the required space, further compressing the internal space of the battery. Second, the battery weight also increases accordingly. Furthermore, the assembly process becomes cumbersome, reducing the weight of the cells and electrolyte that can be supported. These problems not only affect the overall performance of the battery but also limit its application in scenarios with strict space and weight requirements.

[0003] While injection-molded terminals in existing technologies simplify the structure, they still occupy a significant amount of space inside the battery. For example, Chinese Utility Model Patent Publication No. CN214753934U, filed on March 26, 2021, entitled "A Battery Terminal Assembly," discloses a battery terminal assembly including a conductive body, a fixing ring, and a resin component for connecting the conductive body and the fixing ring. Both the conductive body and the fixing ring have bonding film layers on their surfaces. The fixing ring is a hollow cylindrical ring extending horizontally outward from the bottom and contracting inward from the top. The resin component is fixed to the conductive body and the fixing ring by in-mold injection molding. The conductive body includes an aluminum body and a copper body located below the aluminum body; their direct connection occupies a large space, compressing the internal space of the battery and limiting the improvement of battery energy density.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new terminal structure design that can optimize space utilization, reduce weight, and simplify the structure while ensuring sealing. Utility Model Content

[0005] 1. Technical problem to be solved by the utility model

[0006] To address the technical problems of existing terminal structures occupying large battery space, increasing overall battery weight, and exhibiting poor sealing, this application provides a terminal structure that significantly reduces terminal height and increases internal battery space through the interlocking of a first and second terminal post, while simultaneously reducing weight and improving sealing. This application also provides a terminal assembly with a simple structure and convenient installation. Furthermore, this application provides a battery including the aforementioned terminal structure or terminal assembly.

[0007] 2. Technical Solution

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided by this utility model is as follows:

[0009] A terminal structure includes a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal is used for an external interface and the second terminal is used for connecting a battery cell; the first terminal and the second terminal are separate structures, and the first terminal and the second terminal are interlocked and formed by interference fit to form a sealed connection.

[0010] Furthermore, the first pole post is provided with a fitting groove, and the second pole post is partially embedded in the first pole post through the fitting groove;

[0011] Alternatively, the second pole post is provided with a fitting groove, through which the first pole post is partially embedded in the second pole post.

[0012] Furthermore, the first electrode post includes a first main body and an extension, the extension being connected to the first main body and extending in the direction of the battery cell; a first groove is provided inside the extension.

[0013] Furthermore, the second pole post includes a second main body and a protrusion, the protrusion being connected to the second main body and embedded in the first groove.

[0014] Furthermore, the second main body is provided with a second groove, which surrounds the outer periphery of the protrusion, and the extension is partially embedded in the second groove.

[0015] A terminal assembly includes a substrate, an insulating plate, and a terminal structure. The substrate and the insulating plate each have a positioning hole of the same size at their center. The insulating plate is disposed on the substrate. The terminal structure passes through the positioning holes on the insulating plate and the substrate in sequence to seal and connect the substrate and the insulating plate.

[0016] Furthermore, a positioning groove is provided on the insulating plate, and the first main body is installed in the positioning groove; the extension passes through the positioning hole and extends beyond the bottom surface of the substrate.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes a sealing ring, which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the portion of the extension that extends beyond the substrate, and the sealing ring is located at the connection between the substrate and the second pole post.

[0018] A battery comprising the terminal structure or the terminal assembly described herein.

[0019] 3. Beneficial effects

[0020] Compared with existing known technologies, the technical solution provided by this utility model has the following significant advantages:

[0021] (1) The present invention provides a terminal structure including a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal and the second terminal are separate structures, and the first terminal and the second terminal are interlocked to form a sealed connection through an interference fit. This terminal structure is simple, greatly reduces the terminal height, and increases the internal space of the battery; the sealed connection formed by the interference fit has better sealing performance; at the same time, it reduces the use of materials and reduces the weight of the terminal structure.

[0022] (2) The present invention provides a terminal structure in which a first terminal post is provided with a fitting groove, and a second terminal post is partially embedded in the first terminal post through the fitting groove; or a second terminal post is provided with a fitting groove, and a first terminal post is partially embedded in the second terminal post through the fitting groove. All these fitting methods can achieve the goals of reducing terminal height, increasing battery internal space, improving sealing, reducing terminal weight, and adapting to the needs of different scenarios.

[0023] (3) The terminal structure provided by this utility model has a first groove inside the extension of the first electrode post, and the protrusion of the second electrode post is embedded in the first groove to form a sealed connection. The second electrode post also has a second groove, and the extension is partially embedded in the second groove to further increase the sealing performance. The first electrode post and the second electrode post are interlocked in this way to form a sealed connection through interference fit, which reduces the terminal height, increases the internal space of the battery, provides good sealing performance, reduces weight, and has a simple structure.

[0024] (4) The present invention provides a terminal assembly, including a terminal structure, a substrate, and an insulating plate. Both the substrate and the insulating plate have positioning holes of the same size at their centers. The insulating plate is disposed on the substrate. The terminal structure passes sequentially through the positioning holes on the insulating plate and the substrate to seal and connect the substrate and the insulating plate. The structure is simple and easy to install. The positioning holes ensure precise alignment of the insulating plate, the substrate, and the first electrode post, thereby improving the accuracy and quality of assembly, and also ensuring the stability and reliability of the structure. Adding an insulating plate between the substrate and the first electrode post effectively prevents electrical short circuits between the electrode post and the substrate, helps prevent electrolyte leakage inside the battery, and prevents external moisture and impurities from entering the battery, thus increasing the sealing performance.

[0025] (5) The present invention provides a terminal assembly in which a positioning groove is provided on an insulating plate, and a first main body is installed in the positioning groove, so that the insulating plate is tightly fitted with the pole and the substrate to form a good sealing effect. The extension passes through the positioning hole and extends beyond the bottom surface of the substrate. The protrusion is embedded in the first groove, and the extension extending beyond the bottom surface of the substrate is embedded in the second groove, further increasing the sealing performance of the terminal assembly.

[0026] (6) The terminal assembly provided by this utility model further includes a sealing ring, which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the portion of the extension that extends beyond the substrate, and is located at the connection between the second terminal and the substrate. The sealing ring can effectively prevent electrolyte leakage inside the battery, and at the same time prevent external moisture, dust and impurities from entering the battery, thereby protecting the purity and stability of the battery's internal environment; it can effectively isolate the electrical connection between the terminal and the substrate, preventing short circuits; the sealing ring can play a buffering and shock-absorbing role during assembly, reducing mechanical impact between the terminal and the substrate, which helps to improve the mechanical stability and reliability of the battery assembly.

[0027] (7) The present invention provides a battery including a terminal structure or terminal assembly, which increases the internal space of the battery and increases the space for filling active materials; the overall weight of the battery is reduced and the energy density is increased; the sealing performance is better, thereby improving the mechanical stability, reliability and service life of the battery. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the terminal assembly of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the first pole post in the terminal structure of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the second pole post in the terminal structure of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the terminal assembly of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the terminal assembly of this utility model.

[0033] Explanation of the labels in the diagram:

[0034] 1. First pole post; 11. First main body; 12. Extension; 13. First groove;

[0035] 2. Insulating board; 21. Positioning groove; 22. Positioning hole;

[0036] 3. Substrate;

[0037] 4. Second pole post; 41. Second main body; 42. Outer edge; 43. Second groove; 44. Protrusion;

[0038] 5. Sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0040] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", 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 are not intended to 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.

[0041] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0042] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., 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, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0043] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0044] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0045] Example

[0046] One terminal structure of this embodiment, such as Figure 1-5 As shown, the device includes a first terminal 1 and a second terminal 4. The first terminal 1 is used for an external interface, and the second terminal 4 is used to connect to the battery cell. The first terminal 1 and the second terminal 4 are separate structures, and they are interlocked to form a sealed connection. In this embodiment, external force is required for interlocking. The first terminal 1 is provided with an interlocking groove, and the second terminal 4 is partially embedded in the first terminal 1 through the interlocking groove. The first terminal 1 includes a first main body 11 and an extension 12. The extension 12 is connected to the first main body 11 and extends in the direction of the battery cell. The extension 12 is located near the center of the first main body 11. The extension 12 has a first groove 13 inside. In this embodiment, the cross-sections of the first main body 11 and the extension 12 are both circular, and the cross-sectional diameter of the first main body 11 is larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the extension 12. The area enclosed by the extension 12 and the first main body 11 together form the first groove 13, which is the interlocking groove of the first terminal 1. The second pole post 4 includes a second main body portion 41, a protrusion portion 44, and an outer edge portion 42. The protrusion portion 44 is connected to the second main body portion 41 and is located at the center of the second main body portion 41. The protrusion portion 44 is embedded in the first groove 13. The outer edge portion 42 is located on the edge of the second main body portion 41. The second main body portion 41 is provided with a second groove 43, which surrounds the outer periphery of the protrusion portion 44. Specifically, the second main body portion 41, the outer edge portion 42, and the protrusion portion 44 together form the second groove 43, and the extension portion 12 is partially embedded in the second groove 43.

[0047] The terminal structure of this embodiment is simple. The first terminal 1 and the second terminal 4 are separate structures that are interlocked with each other, which greatly reduces the height of the terminals and increases the internal space of the battery. The interference fit forms a sealed connection with better sealing performance. Furthermore, because the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 4 are interlocked with each other, some materials are saved and the weight is reduced.

[0048] In another embodiment, the second pole post 4 is provided with a fitting groove, and the first pole post 1 is partially embedded in the second pole post 4 through the fitting groove, which can also form a sealed connection through interference fit.

[0049] Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The demonstration shows a terminal assembly, including a substrate 3, an insulating plate 2, and a terminal structure. Both the substrate 3 and the insulating plate 2 have identical positioning holes 22 at their centers. The insulating plate 2 is disposed on the substrate 3 and connected to its upper surface. The terminal structure passes sequentially through the positioning holes 22 on the insulating plate 2 and the substrate 3, sealingly connecting the substrate 3 and the insulating plate 2. The terminal structure includes a first terminal post 1 and a second terminal post 4. The first terminal post 1 includes a first main body portion 11 and an extension portion 12. The extension portion 12 is connected to the first main body portion 11 and extends in the direction of the battery cell. The extension portion 12 is located near the center of the first main body portion 11. A first groove 13 is provided inside the extension portion 12. The second terminal post 4 includes a second main body portion 41, a protrusion 44, and an outer edge portion 42. The protrusion 44 is connected to the second main body portion 41 and is located at the center of the second main body portion 41. The outer edge portion 42 is located above the edge of the second main body portion 41. The second main body portion 41 has a second groove 43 surrounding the outer periphery of the protrusion 44. A positioning groove 21 is provided on the insulating plate 2, and the first main body 11 is installed in the positioning groove 21. In this embodiment, the positioning groove 21 is arranged around the positioning hole 22 on the insulating plate 2, and the cross-section of the positioning groove 21 is "L" shaped. The first main body 11 is partially installed in the positioning groove 21, and after installation, the top of the first main body 11 is higher than the top of the insulating plate 2. The first main body 11 is installed in the positioning groove 21, so that the insulating plate 2, the first pole post 1, and the substrate 3 fit tightly and form a good sealing effect. The extension 12 passes through the positioning hole 22 and extends beyond the bottom surface of the substrate 3. The protrusion 44 is embedded in the first groove 13; at the same time, the extension 12 extending beyond the bottom surface of the substrate 3 is embedded in the second groove 43, further increasing the sealing performance of the terminal assembly.

[0050] A terminal assembly further includes a sealing ring 5. A positioning hole 22 is formed at the center of the sealing ring 5. The positioning hole 22 on the sealing ring 5 is fitted around the outer periphery of the portion of the extension 12 that extends beyond the substrate 3. The sealing ring is located at the connection between the substrate 3 and the second pole post 4. The upper surface of the sealing ring 5 is connected to the lower surface of the substrate, and the lower surface of the sealing ring 5 is connected to the top of the outer edge portion 42. In this embodiment, the positioning holes 22 on the substrate 3, the insulating plate 2, and the sealing ring 5 are circular and have the same diameter. The extension 12 passes sequentially through the positioning holes 22 on the insulating plate 2, the substrate 3, and the sealing ring 5. The extension 12 is embedded in the second groove 43, and the protrusion 44 of the second pole post 4 is embedded in the first groove 13 of the first pole post 1, forming a sealed connection through an interference fit.

[0051] In this embodiment, the terminal assembly achieves overall connection and sealing of the cover plate through an interference fit between the first terminal post 1 and the second terminal post 4. The positioning hole 22 ensures precise alignment of the insulating plate 2, the substrate 3, the sealing ring 5, and the first terminal post 1, thereby improving assembly accuracy and quality, and also ensuring structural stability and reliability. The insulating plate 2 and the sealing ring 5 effectively prevent electrical short circuits between the first terminal post 1, the second terminal post 4, and the substrate 3; they also prevent electrolyte leakage inside the battery, while preventing external moisture, dust, and impurities from entering the battery, thus increasing sealing performance. The terminal assembly has a simple overall structure, low manufacturing cost, and significantly reduces terminal height, increases internal battery space, and reduces the overall weight of the terminal assembly.

[0052] In one embodiment, the materials used are exemplarily as follows:

[0053] The substrate 3 is made of a metal with good ductility, such as aluminum, copper, or gold. The positive electrode of the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 4 is made of aluminum-containing metal, such as aluminum alloy or nickel-plated aluminum, and the negative electrode is made of copper-containing metal, such as copper alloy or nickel-plated copper. For the same volume, aluminum-containing metal is lighter than copper-containing metal. While meeting the conductivity requirements, the selection of materials for the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 4 significantly reduces the weight of the terminal structure, achieving lightweighting. The sealing ring 5 is made of rubber or other materials, such as silicone rubber or nitrile rubber. These rubber materials can provide good sealing performance and prevent liquid or gas leakage. The insulating board 2 is made of insulating materials such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), which can withstand high temperature and electrolyte corrosion, or is made of weakly conductive materials.

[0054] In another embodiment, the terminal assembly is installed as follows:

[0055] Place the insulating plate 2 on the substrate 3, aligning the positioning holes 22 of the insulating plate 2 and the substrate 3.

[0056] Insert the first pole post 1 into the positioning hole 22 of the insulating plate 2 and the base 3 from above the insulating plate 2;

[0057] Place the sealing ring 5 onto the protrusion 44 of the second pole post 4;

[0058] The protrusion 44 of the second pole post 4 is inserted into the first groove 13 of the first pole post 1. At this time, the extension 12 of the first pole post 1 is inserted into the second groove 43 of the second pole post 4, and a sealed connection is formed by the interference fit of the metal itself.

[0059] The terminal assembly installation method of this utility model is simple and easy to operate.

[0060] Using terminal assemblies in battery assembly significantly reduces the height of the terminals, resulting in increased internal space within the battery, which in turn increases the space for filling active materials. At the same time, the battery's sealing performance is improved, thereby enhancing its mechanical stability, reliability, and lifespan. Furthermore, the reduced weight of the terminal assemblies leads to a reduction in the overall weight of the battery and an increase in its energy density.

[0061] The present invention and its embodiments have been described above illustratively. This description is not restrictive, and the figures shown are only one embodiment of the present invention; the actual structure is not limited thereto. Therefore, if those skilled in the art are inspired by this description and design similar structures and embodiments without departing from the inventive spirit of the present invention, such designs should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A terminal structure, characterized in that, It includes a first pole (1) and a second pole (4). The first pole (1) is used for an external interface, and the second pole (4) is used for connecting the battery cell. The first pole (1) and the second pole (4) are separate structures. The first pole (1) and the second pole (4) are interlocked and formed by interference fit to form a sealed connection.

2. The terminal structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pole post (1) is provided with a fitting groove, and the second pole post (4) is partially embedded in the first pole post (1) through the fitting groove; Alternatively, the second pole post (4) is provided with a fitting groove, and the first pole post (1) is partially embedded in the second pole post (4) through the fitting groove.

3. A terminal structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pole post (1) includes a first main body (11) and an extension (12). The extension (12) is connected to the first main body (11) and extends in the direction of the battery cell. A first groove (13) is provided inside the extension (12).

4. A terminal structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second pole post (4) includes a second main body (41) and a protrusion (44), the protrusion (44) being connected to the second main body (41) and the protrusion (44) being embedded in the first groove (13).

5. A terminal structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second main body (41) is provided with a second groove (43), which surrounds the outer periphery of the protrusion (44), and the extension (12) is partially embedded in the second groove (43).

6. A terminal assembly, characterized in that, The device includes a substrate (3), an insulating plate (2), and a terminal structure as described in any one of claims 1-5. The substrate (3) and the insulating plate (2) each have a positioning hole (22) of the same size at their center. The insulating plate (2) is disposed on the substrate (3). The terminal structure passes through the positioning holes (22) on the insulating plate (2) and the substrate (3) in sequence to seal and connect the substrate (3) and the insulating plate (2).

7. A terminal assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The insulating plate (2) is provided with a positioning groove (21), and the first main body (11) is installed in the positioning groove (21); the extension (12) passes through the positioning hole (22) and extends beyond the bottom surface of the substrate (3).

8. A terminal assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a sealing ring (5), which is fitted around the outer periphery of the portion of the extension (12) that extends beyond the substrate (3), and the sealing ring (5) is located at the connection between the substrate (3) and the second pole post (4).

9. A battery, characterized in that, It includes the terminal structure as described in any one of claims 1-5, or the terminal assembly as described in any one of claims 6-8.

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