Top cover assembly and battery

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the field of battery technology and discloses a top cover assembly and a battery. The top cover assembly includes a cover plate, a connector, and an explosion-proof valve. The cover plate is made of stainless steel and has an insert groove with a first explosion-proof through hole at the bottom of the groove. The connector is made of aluminum and is embedded in the insert groove. The connector has a second explosion-proof through hole aligned with and connected to the first explosion-proof through hole. The explosion-proof valve is made of aluminum and has a sealing cap on the second explosion-proof through hole, which is welded to the connector. This design gives the cover plate high resistance to deformation and good stability during use, thus better protecting the internal structure of the battery. The aluminum-made explosion-proof valve requires less annealing during manufacturing, resulting in lower processing costs and a more stable burst pressure value compared to a stainless steel-made explosion-proof valve, thus improving its reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a top cover assembly and a battery. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, with the popularization of new energy vehicles and the rapid development of power batteries, stainless steel casings are increasingly being used in battery cells to improve their safety performance. Stainless steel casings offer better protection against external damage and provide stronger physical protection. However, during the production of stainless steel battery cells, the high strength of stainless steel explosion-proof valves results in high burst pressure values ​​and low residual thickness of the scoring marks. This makes the explosion-proof valves prone to cracking during the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the production costs are high, the annealing conditions are stringent, and the weight is relatively heavy.

[0003] Based on the above situation, it is necessary to design a top cover assembly and battery to address the shortcomings of existing technologies. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a top cover assembly that has higher stability of burst pressure value compared to existing related technologies, while also reducing production costs.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] Top cover assembly, including:

[0007] The cover plate is made of stainless steel and has an insert groove. The bottom of the insert groove has a first explosion-proof through hole.

[0008] The connector is made of aluminum and is embedded in the insert groove. The connector is provided with a second explosion-proof through hole, which is aligned with and connected to the first explosion-proof through hole.

[0009] An explosion-proof valve, made of aluminum, has a sealing cap on the second explosion-proof through hole and is welded to the connector.

[0010] Preferably, the bottom of the insert groove is further provided with a fixing groove, which is annular and surrounds the first explosion-proof through hole. The bottom of the connector is provided with an annular boss. When the connector is embedded in the insert groove, the annular boss is inserted into the fixing groove.

[0011] Preferably, along the radial direction of the insert groove, at least one groove wall of the fixing groove is recessed inward to form a limiting portion, and when the annular boss is inserted into the fixing groove, a portion of the annular boss is filled within the limiting portion.

[0012] Preferably, at least two limiting portions are provided along the axial direction of the insert groove.

[0013] Preferably, the top cover assembly further includes a sealing ring sandwiched between the connector and the insert groove.

[0014] Preferably, the wall or bottom of the fixing groove is provided with a sealing groove, and the sealing ring is embedded in the sealing groove.

[0015] Preferably, the annular boss is inserted into the fixing groove by an interference fit.

[0016] Preferably, the interference fit between the annular boss and the fixing groove is 0.05-1mm.

[0017] Preferably, the second explosion-proof through hole is a stepped hole, including a large-diameter portion and a small-diameter portion. Along the direction from the first explosion-proof through hole to the second explosion-proof through hole, the small-diameter portion and the large-diameter portion are arranged in sequence. The explosion-proof valve overlaps on the step formed by the large-diameter portion and the small-diameter portion, and the outer edge of the explosion-proof valve is attached to the inner sidewall of the large-diameter portion.

[0018] Another objective of this invention is to provide a battery that, by providing the aforementioned top cover assembly, can better protect the internal structure of the battery, improve the stability of the battery's burst pressure value, reduce production costs, and increase reliability in use.

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

[0020] The battery includes a housing, an electrode assembly, and the aforementioned top cover assembly. The housing has a receiving cavity, the electrode assembly is located within the receiving cavity, and the top cover assembly is sealed over an end opening of the housing and electrically connected to the electrode assembly.

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

[0022] This invention provides a top cover assembly. The cover plate, made of stainless steel, has high resistance to deformation and good stability during use, thus better protecting the internal structure of the battery. Due to the good ductility of aluminum, the explosion-proof valve made of aluminum requires less annealing during manufacturing, resulting in lower processing costs compared to explosion-proof valves made of stainless steel. It also offers advantages such as higher residual thickness of the score and lower burst pressure. Furthermore, the aluminum explosion-proof valve is fixedly connected to the cover plate via an aluminum connector embedded in an insert groove, ensuring the safe and stable operation of the aluminum explosion-proof valve. Through these features, the top cover assembly provided in this embodiment significantly improves the stability of the burst pressure value of batteries using stainless steel cover plates, while also reducing production costs, increasing the reliability of the explosion-proof valve, and making it lighter.

[0023] This utility model also provides a battery that, due to having the top cover assembly described above, can better protect the internal structure of the battery, such as the electrode assembly, thereby improving the stability of the battery's burst pressure value, reducing production costs, and increasing reliability in use. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the top cover assembly provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the top cover assembly provided in this embodiment of the present invention when it is not assembled;

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembled top cover assembly provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a section at point B.

[0029] In the picture:

[0030] 1. Cover plate; 11. Insert groove; 111. First explosion-proof through hole; 112. Fixing groove; 1121. Limiting part; 1122. Sealing groove; 2. Connector; 21. Second explosion-proof through hole; 211. Large diameter part; 212. Small diameter part; 213. Step; 22. Annular boss; 3. Explosion-proof valve; 4. Sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0032] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0034] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," and "left," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0035] The following is for reference. Figures 1-5 The specific structure of the top cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model is described.

[0036] Figure 1A top cover assembly is disclosed, comprising a cover plate 1, a connector 2, and an explosion-proof valve 3. The cover plate 1 is made of stainless steel and has an insert groove 11 formed thereon, with a first explosion-proof through hole 111 at the bottom of the groove 11. The connector 2 is made of aluminum and is embedded in the insert groove 11. A second explosion-proof through hole 21 is formed on the connector 2, which is aligned with and communicates with the first explosion-proof through hole 111. The explosion-proof valve 3 is made of aluminum and is sealed over the second explosion-proof through hole 21 and welded to the connector 2.

[0037] It should be noted that stainless steel has better structural strength, giving the cover plate 1 made of stainless steel higher resistance to deformation and better stability during use, thus better protecting the internal structure of the battery. Aluminum has better ductility, allowing the explosion-proof valve 3 made of aluminum to have lower annealing requirements during manufacturing. Compared to the explosion-proof valve 3 made of stainless steel, it has lower processing costs and advantages such as higher residual thickness of the notch and lower burst pressure. Furthermore, the aluminum explosion-proof valve 3 is fixedly connected to the cover plate 1 by an aluminum connector 2 embedded in the insert groove 11, ensuring the safe and stable operation of the aluminum explosion-proof valve 3. Through the above configuration, the top cover assembly provided in this embodiment can significantly improve the stability of the burst pressure value of the battery using the stainless steel cover plate 1, while also reducing production costs and increasing the reliability of the explosion-proof valve 3.

[0038] In some specific embodiments, the explosion-proof valve 3 and the connector 2 are fixedly connected by inert gas shielded welding, friction welding, laser welding, or other methods.

[0039] In some specific embodiments, reference is made to Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, the second explosion-proof through hole 21 is a stepped hole, including a large-diameter portion 211 and a small-diameter portion 212. Along the direction from the first explosion-proof through hole 111 to the second explosion-proof through hole 21, the small-diameter portion 212 and the large-diameter portion 211 are sequentially arranged. The explosion-proof valve 3 overlaps on the step 213 formed by the large-diameter portion 211 and the small-diameter portion 212, and the outer edge of the explosion-proof valve 3 is fitted to the inner wall of the large-diameter portion 211, allowing the explosion-proof valve 3 to fit snugly against the second explosion-proof through hole 21. The step 213 facilitates the operator's secure installation of the explosion-proof valve 3 on the connector 2, thereby facilitating the assembly of the top cover assembly, improving assembly efficiency, and enhancing the sealing performance of the top cover assembly.

[0040] Optionally, in some embodiments, a fixing groove 112 is further provided at the bottom of the insert groove 11. The fixing groove 112 is annular and surrounds the first explosion-proof through hole 111, and an annular boss 22 protrudes from the bottom of the connector 2. Through the provision of the fixing groove 112 and the annular boss 22, when the connector 2 is embedded in the insert groove 11, the annular boss 22 can be aligned and inserted into the fixing groove 112, further increasing the contact area between the connector 2 and the insert groove 11, thereby improving the connection stability and reliability between the connector 2 and the insert groove 11.

[0041] In some specific embodiments, at least one wall of the fixing groove 112 is recessed inward along the radial direction of the insert groove 11 to form a limiting part 1121. By providing the limiting part 1121, when the annular boss 22 is aligned and inserted into the fixing groove 112, a portion of the annular boss 22 can deform and flow into the limiting part 1121, utilizing the plasticity of aluminum and the rigidity of stainless steel. The limiting part 1121 then completes the mechanical locking between the fixing groove 112 and the annular boss 22, thereby achieving a tight connection between the connector 2 and the cover plate 1. Utilizing the higher hardness of stainless steel compared to aluminum, the cover plate 1 can stably lock the connector 2 in place.

[0042] In some embodiments, reference Figure 3 As shown, two limiting parts 1121 are provided along the axial direction of the insert groove 11, which can further improve the connection stability between the cover plate 1 and the connector 2, while ensuring the structural strength of the cover plate 1.

[0043] In some other parallel embodiments, the number of limiting parts 1121 can be appropriately increased according to the depth of the fixing groove 112. This utility model does not limit the number of limiting parts 1121, as long as it can ensure that the connector 2 can be stably placed in the insert groove 11.

[0044] Preferably, limiting portions 1121 are provided on both opposite walls of the fixing groove 112, thereby limiting two limiting portions 1121 to be formed at the same height in the fixing groove 112, ensuring that the two sides of the annular boss 22 deform evenly, thereby ensuring that the annular boss 22 is subjected to uniform force, and the connection between the connector 2 and the cover plate 1 is less likely to loosen and has higher stability.

[0045] In some embodiments, if a portion of the annular boss 22 fails to fill the limiting portion 1121, resulting in an assembly gap between the annular boss 22 and the fixing groove 112 within the limiting portion 1121, gas inside the battery may leak out from the top cover assembly through this assembly gap, significantly reducing safety. Therefore, the top cover assembly may further include a sealing ring 4, which is sandwiched between the connector 2 and the insert groove 11. This helps improve the connection sealing between the connector 2 and the cover plate 1. The sealing ring 4 prevents gas inside the battery from leaking out through the assembly gap between the connector 2 and the cover plate 1, further improving the safety and reliability of the top cover assembly. The sealing ring 4 is an O-ring and can be made of materials with good elasticity and wear resistance, such as rubber or silicone; this invention is not limited to this.

[0046] For specific assembly, refer to... Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, at least one sealing groove 1122 is formed in the groove wall or bottom of the fixing groove 112. A sealing ring 4 is embedded in the sealing groove 1122. After the annular boss 22 is inserted into the fixing groove 112, the annular boss 22 and the fixing groove 112 work together to squeeze and compress the sealing ring 4 to ensure that the sealing ring 4 can be tightly fitted and connected between the fixing groove 112 and the annular boss 22. Exemplarily, in this embodiment, the sealing groove 1122 is formed in the bottom of the fixing groove 112.

[0047] It should be noted that the height of the annular boss 22 is greater than the depth of the fixing groove 112, which facilitates the flow of aluminum material when the annular boss 22 is pressed and embedded into the fixing groove 112 later. At the same time, it ensures that the stepped transition surface between the annular boss 22 and the connector 2 can fit and connect to the outer edge of the opening of the fixing groove 112, and can also compress the sealing ring 4 to ensure that the sealing ring 4 can perform well in sealing.

[0048] Optionally, in some embodiments, the annular boss 22 is inserted into the fixing groove 112 by an interference fit, so as to further improve the tightness of the connection between the annular boss 22 and the fixing groove 112, greatly reduce the assembly gap between the two, and thus significantly reduce the possibility of gas in the battery overflowing from between the two.

[0049] For example, in some embodiments, the interference between the annular boss 22 and the fixing groove 112 is 0.05-1mm, such as 0.1mm, 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 0.9mm or 1.0mm, so as to ensure that the annular boss 22 is stably embedded in the fixing groove 112, and effectively reduce the assembly gap between the annular boss 22 and the fixing groove 112, preventing the gas inside the battery from leaking out.

[0050] Example:

[0051] The following is for reference. Figures 1 to 5 This invention describes a top cover assembly according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] The top cover assembly of this embodiment includes a cover plate 1, a connector 2, and an explosion-proof valve 3.

[0053] A groove 11 is formed at the center of the cover plate 1. The cover plate 1 is made of stainless steel, and a first explosion-proof through hole 111 is formed at the bottom of the groove 11. An annular fixing groove 112 is formed on the outer edge of the first explosion-proof through hole 111. Two pairs of limiting parts 1121 are formed on the opposite side walls of the fixing groove 112. The two pairs of limiting parts 1121 are spaced apart along the axial direction of the groove 11. A sealing groove 1122 is also formed at the bottom of the fixing groove 112, and a sealing ring 4 is embedded in the sealing groove 1122. The connector 2 is made of aluminum. The annular boss 22 of the connector 2 is embedded in the groove 11. A second explosion-proof through hole 21 is formed at the center of the connector 2. The second explosion-proof through hole 21 is a stepped hole. The smaller diameter part 212 is closer to the inside of the battery than the larger diameter part 211, and the second explosion-proof through hole 21 is aligned with and connected to the first explosion-proof through hole 111. The explosion-proof valve 3 is made of aluminum and is fitted against the step 213 formed by the large diameter portion 211 and the small diameter portion 212.

[0054] During assembly, pressure is applied to the connector 2 in a direction parallel to the axis of the insert groove 11 using a pressurizing machine. This forces the annular boss 22 into the fixing groove 112, and some aluminum material flows into the limiting part 1121, so that the fixing groove 112 encloses the annular boss 22 and forms a mechanical lock. At the same time, the sealing ring 4 is compressed and sealed. Then, the connector 2 is welded to the explosion-proof valve 3, completing the assembly of the aluminum explosion-proof valve 3 on the stainless steel cover plate 1.

[0055] This utility model also provides a battery, including a casing, an electrode assembly, and a top cover assembly as described above. The casing has a receiving cavity for accommodating the electrode assembly. The top cover assembly seals over the end opening of the casing and is electrically connected to the electrode assembly. In some embodiments, the casing is made of stainless steel, thereby facilitating assembly and welding with the cover plate 1, which is also made of stainless steel, in the top cover assembly.

[0056] The battery according to the present invention, having the top cover assembly described above, can better protect the internal structure of the battery, such as the electrode assembly, thereby improving the stability of the battery's burst pressure value, reducing production costs, and increasing reliability in use.

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

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

Claims

1. A roof assembly, characterized in that include: The cover plate (1) is made of stainless steel and has an insert groove (11) provided on it. The bottom of the insert groove (11) has a first explosion-proof through hole (111). The connector (2) is made of aluminum and is embedded in the insert groove (11). The connector (2) is provided with a second explosion-proof through hole (21), which is aligned with and connected to the first explosion-proof through hole (111). The explosion-proof valve (3) is made of aluminum. The explosion-proof valve (3) is sealed on the second explosion-proof through hole (21) and welded to the connector (2).

2. The roof assembly of claim 1, wherein, The bottom of the insert groove (11) is also provided with a fixing groove (112). The fixing groove (112) is annular and surrounds the first explosion-proof through hole (111). The bottom of the connector (2) is provided with an annular boss (22). When the connector (2) is embedded in the insert groove (11), the annular boss (22) is inserted into the fixing groove (112).

3. The roof assembly of claim 2, wherein, Along the radial direction of the insert groove (11), at least one groove wall of the fixing groove (112) is recessed inward to form a limiting part (1121). When the annular boss (22) is inserted into the fixing groove (112), part of the annular boss (22) is filled in the limiting part (1121).

4. The roof assembly of claim 3, wherein, At least two limiting portions (1121) are provided along the axial direction of the insert groove (11).

5. The roof assembly of claim 2, wherein, The top cover assembly also includes a sealing ring (4), which is sandwiched between the connector (2) and the insert groove (11).

6. The roof assembly of claim 5, wherein, The wall or bottom of the fixing groove (112) is provided with a sealing groove (1122), and the sealing ring (4) is embedded in the sealing groove (1122).

7. The roof assembly of claim 2, wherein, The annular boss (22) is inserted into the fixing groove (112) by an interference fit.

8. The roof assembly of claim 7, wherein, The interference fit between the annular boss (22) and the fixing groove (112) is 0.05-1mm.

9. The roof assembly of claim 1, wherein, The second explosion-proof through hole (21) is a stepped hole and includes a large-diameter part (211) and a small-diameter part (212). Along the direction from the first explosion-proof through hole (111) to the second explosion-proof through hole (21), the small-diameter part (212) and the large-diameter part (211) are arranged in sequence. The explosion-proof valve (3) overlaps on the step (213) formed by the large-diameter part (211) and the small-diameter part (212), and the outer edge of the explosion-proof valve (3) is attached to the inner wall of the large-diameter part (211).

10. A battery characterized by The device includes a housing, an electrode assembly, and a top cover assembly according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the housing has a receiving cavity, the electrode assembly is located within the receiving cavity, and the top cover assembly is sealed over an end opening of the housing and electrically connected to the electrode assembly.

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