Battery and battery module

Abstract

The utility model provides a battery and a battery module. The battery comprises a shell and an electric connecting piece, and a first through hole is formed in the bottom wall of the shell; the electric connecting piece is arranged in the shell and makes contact with the shell, a second through hole is formed in the electric connecting piece, and the second through hole is communicated with the first through hole so that the electrolyte and / or the gas can pass through the second through hole. The utility model aims to solve the technical problem that the gas circuit of the explosion-proof valve is blocked due to inaccurate secondary bending positioning of electric connection in the related technology.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In related technologies, batteries include electrical connectors, housings, and cells. The electrical connectors are located between the housings and cells. To facilitate connection, the electrical connectors usually need to be bent twice and have clearance holes provided in the corresponding gas passages of the explosion-proof valve. The second bending of the electrical connectors may cause the clearance holes to be misaligned with the gas passages of the explosion-proof valve. When the battery experiences thermal runaway, the electrical connectors may block the gas passages, making it difficult for the explosion-proof valve to open and release pressure normally. Alternatively, it may increase the difficulty of the assembly process in order to make it aligned. Utility Model Content

[0003] The present invention provides a battery and a battery module, which aims to solve the technical problem in the related art where inaccurate positioning during secondary bending of electrical connections leads to blockage of the gas path of the explosion-proof valve.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a battery, comprising:

[0005] A housing, wherein a first through hole is formed on the bottom wall of the housing;

[0006] An electrical connector is disposed within the housing and in contact with the housing. A second through hole is formed on the electrical connector, which communicates with the first through hole to allow the passage of electrolyte and / or gas.

[0007] In some embodiments, the electrical connector has a first connection portion on the side closer to the bottom wall, and the first connection portion contacts the bottom wall;

[0008] The second through hole is formed in the first connecting portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion has a groove on the side opposite to the bottom wall, the groove being used to accommodate electrolyte.

[0010] In some embodiments, the side of the electrical connector away from the bottom wall protrudes towards the side of the electrical connector closer to the bottom wall to form the first connection portion and the groove.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion is provided with a second connecting portion in the direction of the bottom wall, and the second connecting portion is engaged with the first through hole;

[0012] The second through hole is formed on the second connecting portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, in the thickness direction of the bottom wall, the height of the second connecting portion is h1, and the height of the first through hole is h2, wherein h1≤h2.

[0014] In some embodiments, a receiving groove is formed on the side of the bottom wall opposite to the electrical connector, and the first through hole is formed at the bottom of the receiving groove;

[0015] The battery also includes an explosion-proof valve, which is located in the receiving slot.

[0016] In some embodiments, the explosion-proof valve includes a first explosion-proof part and a second explosion-proof part connected together, the first explosion-proof part being connected to the housing, and the second explosion-proof part being bent toward the electrical connector.

[0017] In some embodiments, the explosion-proof valve further includes a third explosion-proof part, which is disposed between the first explosion-proof part and the second explosion-proof part. The third explosion-proof part has a groove, and the opening of the groove faces the electrical connector.

[0018] Secondly, embodiments of this utility model provide a battery module, including a battery. The battery includes:

[0019] A housing, wherein a first through hole is formed on the bottom wall of the housing;

[0020] An electrical connector is disposed within the housing and in contact with the housing. A second through hole is formed on the electrical connector, which communicates with the first through hole to allow the passage of electrolyte and / or gas.

[0021] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this utility model are as follows:

[0022] In the technical solution of this utility model, a first through hole is formed on the bottom wall of the shell; an electrical connector is disposed inside the shell and in contact with the shell, and a second through hole is formed on the electrical connector, which communicates with the first through hole. During battery assembly, the second through hole communicates with the first through hole, and electrolyte can enter the battery through the first and second through holes; after the battery is assembled, the first and second through holes can be used as vent holes to discharge the gas inside the battery and prevent thermal runaway inside the battery; at the same time, the electrical connector does not need to be bent, which will not cause misalignment between the second and first through holes, thereby solving the technical problem of blockage of the explosion-proof valve gas path caused by inaccurate positioning of the electrical connector during secondary bending in related technologies. Attached Figure Description

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

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery provided in some embodiments of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the electrical connector;

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the middle shell structure;

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the explosion-proof valve;

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A full sectional view;

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An enlarged diagram of A in the diagram.

[0030] Explanation of icon numbers

[0031] 100. Battery; 10. Housing; 11. Bottom wall; 111. First through hole; 112. Receiving groove; 20. Electrical connector; 201. Second through hole; 21. First connecting part; 22. Groove; 23. Second connecting part; 30. Explosion-proof valve; 31. First explosion-proof part; 32. Second explosion-proof part; 33. Third explosion-proof part; 34. Score; 40. Cover plate assembly; 50. Battery cell. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model. In addition, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for illustration and explanation of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. In the present utility model, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" generally refer to the upper and lower positions of the device in actual use or operation, specifically the drawing directions in the accompanying drawings; while "inner" and "outer" refer to the outline of the device.

[0033] In related technologies, batteries include electrical connectors, housings, and cells. The electrical connectors are located between the housings and cells. To facilitate connection, the electrical connectors usually need to be bent twice and have clearance holes provided in the corresponding gas passages of the explosion-proof valve. The second bending of the electrical connectors may cause the clearance holes to be misaligned with the gas passages of the explosion-proof valve. When the battery experiences thermal runaway, the electrical connectors may block the gas passages, making it difficult for the explosion-proof valve to open and release pressure normally. Alternatively, it may increase the difficulty of the assembly process in order to make it aligned.

[0034] In view of this, the present invention proposes a battery 100. Figures 1 to 6 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the battery 100 provided by the present invention. The battery 100 will be described in detail below with reference to the main drawings.

[0035] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 This utility model provides a battery 100. The battery 100 includes a housing 10 and an electrical connector 20. A first through hole 111 is formed on the bottom wall 11 of the housing 10. The electrical connector 20 is disposed inside the housing 10 and in contact with the housing 10. A second through hole 201 is formed on the electrical connector 20, and the second through hole 201 communicates with the first through hole 111 to allow electrolyte and / or gas to pass through.

[0036] In the technical solution of this utility model, a first through hole 111 is formed on the bottom wall 11 of the housing 10; an electrical connector 20 is disposed inside the housing 10 and in contact with the housing 10, and a second through hole 201 is formed on the electrical connector 20, which communicates with the first through hole 111. During the assembly of the battery 100, the second through hole 201 communicates with the first through hole 111, and the electrolyte can enter the battery 100 through the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 201; after the battery 100 is assembled, the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 201 can be used as vent holes to discharge the gas inside the battery 100 and prevent thermal runaway inside the battery 100; at the same time, the electrical connector 20 does not need to be bent, so that the second through hole 201 and the first through hole 111 will not be misaligned, thereby solving the technical problem in the related art of the blockage of the gas path of the explosion-proof valve 30 caused by the inaccurate positioning of the electrical connector during secondary bending.

[0037] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The electrical connector 20 has a first side and a second side that are arranged opposite to each other. The first side is connected to the bottom wall 11 of the housing 10, and the second side is connected to the battery cell 50. In this way, the housing 10 serves as the output electrode, and the electrical connector 20 is used to electrically connect the housing 10 and the battery cell 50.

[0038] In some embodiments, the electrical connector 20 has a disc-shaped structure and can be made of steel, such as SPCC, stainless steel (SUS410, SUS306, SUS316, SUS430, SUS444, etc.). When aluminum is used, a plating layer can be applied to both surfaces of the electrical connector 20 to improve its corrosion resistance and prevent corrosion from the electrolyte during injection. The plating thickness is 0.3 μm to 8 μm, and the thickness of the plating layer on both sides can be the same or different. The plating application method can refer to conventional methods in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0039] The connection method between the electrical connector 20 and the battery cell 50 is not limited, as long as it enables the transfer of electrical energy. For example, the electrical connector 20 can be directly connected to the battery cell 50, the electrical connector 20 can be welded to the battery cell 50, or the electrical connector 20 can be riveted to the battery cell 50. Specifically, in this embodiment, the electrical connector 20 and the battery cell 50 are connected by welding. Laser penetration welding is used to connect the electrical connector 20 and the battery cell 50, resulting in a more stable connection. The specific welding method and welding steps of laser penetration welding can refer to conventional settings in the art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0040] Please continue reading. Figure 1The electrical connector 20 includes a first part and a second part for connection. The first part is arranged around the second part. The first part is connected to the battery cell 50, and the second part is connected to the housing 10. A through hole is formed in the battery cell 50. The through hole corresponds to the first through hole 111 and is used to contain electrolyte.

[0041] The connection method between the electrical connector 20 and the housing 10 is not limited, as long as it enables the transfer of electrical energy. For example, the electrical connector 20 can be directly connected to the housing 10, the electrical connector 20 can be welded to the housing 10, or the electrical connector 20 can be riveted to the housing 10. Specifically, in this embodiment, the electrical connector 20 and the housing 10 are connected by welding. Laser penetration welding is used to connect the electrical connector 20 and the housing 10, resulting in a more stable connection. The specific welding method and welding steps of laser penetration welding can refer to conventional settings in the art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0042] Please see Figure 3 The housing 10 includes a bottom wall 11 and a side wall, the side wall surrounding the bottom wall 11, and a receiving cavity formed between the side wall and the bottom wall 11 for accommodating the battery cell 50. An electrical connector 20 is disposed inside the housing 10 and contacts the bottom wall 11 of the housing 10, thereby making the housing 10 serve as the output terminal of the battery 100.

[0043] Specifically, to facilitate the connection between the electrical connector 20 and the bottom wall 11 of the housing 10, the battery 100 further includes a first connecting portion 21. The first connecting portion 21 is located on the side of the electrical connector 20 near the bottom wall 11 and contacts the bottom wall 11. This arrangement reduces the size of the electrical connector 20, saves space, and improves the space utilization of the housing 10. Simultaneously, the first connecting portion 21 facilitates welding of the electrical connector 20 to the housing 10; during welding, only the first connecting portion 21 needs to be welded to the bottom wall 11 of the housing 10, reducing welding difficulty. Specifically, to facilitate electrolyte filling and venting of the battery 100, a second through hole 201 is formed in the first connecting portion 21.

[0044] It should be noted that after the battery 100 is assembled, electrolyte needs to be injected into the battery 100. In this application, the second through hole 201 is connected to the first through hole 111, and the electrolyte can enter the battery 100 through the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 201. When the electrolyte is injected into the battery 100, gases such as air will enter the battery 100 along with the electrolyte. When the electrolyte injection speed is too fast, the gas itself is lighter and its flow speed is slower than that of the electrolyte, which can easily cause blockage and lead to leakage when the electrolyte is injected. In order to avoid this problem, the first connecting part 21 is provided with a groove 22 on the side away from the bottom wall 11. The groove 22 is used to accommodate the electrolyte. When injecting electrolyte into the battery 100, if the injection speed is too fast and gas in the electrolyte blocks the first or second through hole, some of the uninjected electrolyte can be contained in the groove 22. After all the gas is successfully discharged, the electrolyte in the groove 22 can continue to flow into the battery 100 and soak the cell 50, thereby preventing liquid leakage.

[0045] It should be noted that the formation of the groove 22 is not limited, as long as it can serve to contain the electrolyte. For example, in some embodiments, a snap-fit ​​hole is formed on the electrical connector 20, and a groove 22 is formed on one side of the first connecting part 21. The first connecting part 21 is snapped into the snap-fit ​​hole. When snapping, the side of the first connecting part 21 with the groove 22 faces the battery cell 50.

[0046] In some other embodiments, in order to ensure connection strength, the first connecting part 21 is integrally formed with the electrical connector 20. Specifically, the electrical connector 20 is placed on a stamping machine, and the first connecting part 21 is stamped on the electrical connector 20 by stamping. After replacing the stamping head, a groove 22 is stamped on the first connecting part 21. The specific operation method and precautions of stamping can be referred to conventional methods in the art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0047] To ensure connection strength, in some embodiments, a second connecting portion 23 is provided near the bottom wall 11 of the first connecting portion 21. The second connecting portion 23 is engaged with the first through hole 111. The first through hole 111 and the second connecting portion 23 can serve as positioning references for assembling the battery 100. When installing the battery 100, the second connecting portion 23 is directly engaged in the first through hole 111. Using the first through hole 111 and the second connecting portion 23 as positioning references for assembling the battery 100 can improve assembly efficiency and avoid misalignment. Furthermore, to ensure smooth injection of electrolyte, a second through hole 201 is formed on the second connecting portion 23. This arrangement can prevent the second through hole 201 from becoming blocked. Since the second connecting portion 23 is engaged in the first through hole, the second through hole 201 is located inside the first through hole 111, and the second through hole 201 is guaranteed to communicate with the first through hole 111. When the battery 100 is shaken during transportation due to external forces, causing misalignment of some internal structures, if the second through hole 201 is located inside the first through hole 111, even if the battery 100 shakes and the second connector is misaligned, the second through hole 201 can always communicate with the first through hole 111. This ensures that the gas inside the battery 100 can be discharged from the second through hole 201 and the first through hole 111, preventing the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 201 from becoming blocked, which would prevent the gas inside the battery 100 from being discharged and cause thermal runaway.

[0048] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the thickness direction of the bottom wall 11, the height of the second connecting part 23 is h1, and the depth of the first through hole 111 is h2, where h1 ≤ h2. It should be noted that the height of the second connecting part 23 needs to be less than or equal to the height of the first through hole 111. This is because an explosion-proof valve 30 needs to be installed on the battery 100. The explosion-proof valve 30 needs to be located at the vent hole position. When the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 201 serve as vent holes, the explosion-proof valve 30 needs to correspond to them. When the internal pressure of the battery 100 is too high, when the gas is discharged from the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 201, it can hold the explosion-proof valve 30 open, thereby preventing the battery 100 from thermal runaway. Therefore, when the height of the second connecting part 23 is higher than the depth of the first through hole 111, the second connecting part 23 will extend beyond the first through hole 111 and contact the explosion-proof valve 30, which will increase the structural strength of the explosion-proof valve 30. When the battery 100 experiences thermal runaway, the explosion-proof valve 30 will require greater pressure to open, which will exacerbate the thermal runaway of the battery 100.

[0049] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 4In some embodiments, a receiving groove 112 is formed on the side of the bottom wall 11 opposite to the electrical connector 20, and a first through hole 111 is formed at the bottom of the receiving groove 112. The battery 100 also includes an explosion-proof valve 30, which is disposed in the receiving groove 112. The explosion-proof valve 30 corresponds to the first through hole 111. When the pressure inside the battery 100 is too high, when gas is discharged from the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 201, it can push open the explosion-proof valve 30, so that the gas inside the battery 100 can be discharged smoothly, avoiding thermal runaway of the battery 100.

[0050] It should be noted that the specific type of explosion-proof valve 30 is not limited; it can be selected according to the actual situation.

[0051] In some embodiments, the explosion-proof valve 30 includes an explosion-proof plate with a notch 34. When the internal pressure of the battery 100 is too high, gas will be discharged from the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 201, pressing against the explosion-proof plate. The explosion-proof plate will break at the notch 34, thereby discharging the battery 100 and preventing thermal runaway of the battery 100.

[0052] In some embodiments, please refer to, for example Figure 4 The explosion-proof valve 30 includes a first explosion-proof part 31 and a second explosion-proof part 32 connected together. The first explosion-proof part 31 is connected to the housing 10, and the second explosion-proof part 32 is bent towards the electrical connector 20. The curved design of the second explosion-proof part 32 gives it an arc surface. When an anomaly occurs inside the battery 100, such as thermal runaway or a sudden increase in gas pressure, this arc surface structure can more sensitively sense the pressure, allowing the explosion-proof valve 30 to open and preventing thermal runaway. Simultaneously, the arc surface reduces the possibility of external objects colliding with the explosion-proof valve 30. When the protective plate of the explosion-proof valve 30 is subjected to significant external compression deformation, the protective plate has greater deformation space. This reduces the likelihood of the protective plate contacting the explosion-proof valve 30 when it fails, thus ensuring the normal functioning of the explosion-proof valve 30.

[0053] It should be noted that the curvature of the arc surface of the second explosion-proof part 32 is not limited, as long as the second explosion-proof part 32 does not touch other structures of the extrusion blade. Specifically, it can be set according to the valve opening pressure value, which can be set according to the actual process requirements. It will not be elaborated here.

[0054] In some embodiments, please continue reading Figure 4The explosion-proof valve 30 also includes a third explosion-proof part 33, which is located between the first explosion-proof part 31 and the second explosion-proof part 32. The third explosion-proof part 33 has a notch 34, the opening of which faces the electrical connector 20. When an abnormality occurs inside the battery 100, such as thermal runaway or a rapid increase in pressure due to gas generation, the second explosion-proof part 32 can more sensitively sense the pressure, and the shear force at the notch 34 quickly reaches the critical value, thereby achieving smooth valve opening and preventing excessive internal pressure in the battery 100 from causing thermal runaway.

[0055] Please see Figure 1 The battery 100 also includes a cover assembly 40, which covers the housing 10 and is connected to the cell 50. An insulating element is provided between the cover assembly 40 and the housing 10. In this application, the electrolyte injection holes (i.e., the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 201) of the battery 100 are located at the bottom of the battery 100 and are separated from the insulating element, which can prevent the electrolyte from splashing onto the insulating element and causing corrosion during electrolyte injection.

[0056] This utility model also proposes a battery module, which includes the battery 100 described above. The specific structure of the battery 100 is as described in the above embodiments. Since this battery module adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it possesses at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0057] This utility model also proposes a battery pack, which includes the aforementioned battery module. The specific structure of the battery module is described in the above embodiments. Since this battery pack adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it possesses at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0058] Furthermore, this utility model also proposes an electrical device, which includes the aforementioned battery pack. The specific structure of the battery pack is described in the above embodiments. Since this electrical device adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it possesses at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, and will not be elaborated upon further here.

[0059] It is understood that the electrical equipment mentioned includes, but is not limited to, electric toys, power tools, electric vehicles, automobiles, ships, spacecraft, etc. Electric toys can include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. Spacecraft can include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc. Automobiles can be gasoline-powered vehicles, natural gas-powered vehicles, and new energy vehicles.

[0060] The embodiments of this utility model have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this utility model. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this utility model. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this utility model. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

Claims

1. A battery (100), characterized in that, include: The housing (10) has a first through hole (111) formed on its bottom wall (11); An electrical connector (20) is disposed inside the housing (10) and in contact with the housing (10). A second through hole (201) is formed on the electrical connector (20), which communicates with the first through hole (111) to allow the electrolyte and / or gas to pass through.

2. The battery (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical connector (20) has a first connecting part (21) on the side near the bottom wall (11), and the first connecting part (21) contacts the bottom wall (11); The second through hole (201) is formed in the first connecting portion (21).

3. The battery (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first connecting part (21) has a groove (22) on the side opposite to the bottom wall (11), and the groove (22) is used to contain the electrolyte.

4. The battery (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The electrical connector (20) protrudes from the side away from the bottom wall (11) toward the side of the electrical connector (20) closer to the bottom wall (11) to form the first connection portion (21) and the groove (22).

5. The battery (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first connecting part (21) is provided with a second connecting part (23) in the direction close to the bottom wall (11), and the second connecting part (23) is engaged with the first through hole (111); The second through hole (201) is formed on the second connecting portion (23).

6. The battery (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the thickness direction of the bottom wall (11), the height of the second connecting part (23) is h1, and the height of the first through hole (111) is h2, wherein h1≤h2.

7. The battery (100) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The bottom wall (11) has a receiving groove (112) formed on the side opposite to the electrical connector (20), and the first through hole (111) is formed at the bottom of the receiving groove (112); The battery (100) also includes an explosion-proof valve (30), which is disposed in the receiving groove (112).

8. The battery (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The explosion-proof valve (30) includes a first explosion-proof part (31) and a second explosion-proof part (32) connected together. The first explosion-proof part (31) is connected to the housing (10), and the second explosion-proof part (32) is bent toward the electrical connector (20).

9. The battery (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The explosion-proof valve (30) further includes a third explosion-proof part (33), which is located between the first explosion-proof part (31) and the second explosion-proof part (32). The third explosion-proof part (33) has a groove (34) with the opening of the groove (34) facing the electrical connector (20).

10. A battery module, characterized in that, Includes the battery (100) as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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