A battery and a battery pack

Abstract

This application belongs to the field of battery technology and discloses a battery and a battery pack. The battery includes a top cover, terminals, and a housing. The housing is a shell-like structure closed at one end and open at the other. A sealing cap is located at the open end of the housing. The outer surface of the top cover has a positioning protrusion for positioning in conjunction with the positioning holes of a connector. The terminals are mounted on the top cover and protrude from its outer surface. This configuration, by providing a positioning protrusion on the top cover and then using the positioning holes of the connector to engage with the positioning protrusion, improves the stability of the battery within the battery pack housing. The battery pack includes batteries and connectors. Multiple batteries are arranged sequentially along their thickness direction. Multiple positioning holes of the connector correspond one-to-one with the positioning protrusions of each battery to connect the multiple batteries. Compared to the glue-filled connection method, this connection method improves the connection strength between multiple batteries, ensuring battery stability and safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, specifically to a battery and a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] As the power source for new energy vehicles, battery packs have advantages such as high energy density, long service life, and good safety. A battery pack typically consists of a battery pack housing, a series of identical batteries housed within the housing, and other components. The batteries can be directly integrated into the housing, or multiple batteries can be assembled into modules using a frame before being integrated into the housing. Regardless of the method, the batteries must be stably mounted within the housing to ensure the stability and safety of the battery pack.

[0003] In related technologies, batteries are mostly fixed by filling the battery pack with glue. However, this method of fixing batteries with glue can easily cause them to loosen when subjected to vibration, thus affecting the stability and safety of the battery pack.

[0004] This section provides background information related to this application, which is not necessarily prior art. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this application is to solve or at least alleviate some or all of the aforementioned problems. Therefore, the purpose of this application is to provide a battery and battery pack that, when integrated into the battery pack housing, improves the stability of the battery and the stability between batteries, thereby improving the stability and safety of the battery pack.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] In a first aspect, this application provides a battery comprising:

[0008] The shell is a shell-like structure that is closed at one end and open at the other.

[0009] A top cover and a sealing cover are provided at the open end of the housing. The outer surface of the top cover has a positioning protrusion, which is used to cooperate with the positioning hole of the connector for positioning.

[0010] A pole post is installed on the top cover, and the pole post protrudes from the outer surface of the top cover.

[0011] As an alternative to the battery, the distance between the end of the positioning protrusion and the top cover is no greater than the distance between the end of the terminal post and the top cover.

[0012] As an alternative to the battery, in the thickness direction of the battery, the maximum dimension of the positioning protrusion is L, and the thickness of the housing is D, where L≤0.4D.

[0013] As an optional embodiment of the battery, the positioning protrusion is a cylinder with a diameter of d, where d ≤ 0.4D.

[0014] As an optional feature of the battery, the positioning protrusion is an integral structure with the top cover; or, the positioning protrusion is fixed to the top cover by welding.

[0015] As an optional embodiment of the battery, there are two terminals, namely a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The top cover is provided with positioning protrusions near the positive terminal and the negative terminal, and the positioning protrusions corresponding to the positive terminal and the negative terminal are respectively equipped with the connecting members.

[0016] As an alternative to the battery, the positioning protrusion adjacent to the positive terminal is located on the side of the positive terminal away from the negative terminal; and / or

[0017] The positioning protrusion adjacent to the negative terminal is located on the side of the negative terminal away from the positive terminal.

[0018] Secondly, this application provides a battery pack, including a connector and a battery as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of the batteries are arranged sequentially along their thickness direction, the connector having a plurality of positioning holes, the plurality of positioning holes being provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the positioning protrusions of each of the batteries, and each positioning protrusion being able to be inserted into its corresponding positioning hole.

[0019] As an optional embodiment of the battery pack, the connector is an elongated strip structure extending along the thickness direction of the battery, and a plurality of positioning holes are spaced apart along the length direction of the connector, and the positioning hole of a single connector engages with a positioning protrusion located on the same side of a plurality of batteries.

[0020] As an optional embodiment of the battery pack, the number of connectors is two, one of which engages with a positioning protrusion adjacent to the positive terminal of the plurality of batteries, and the other connector engages with a positioning protrusion adjacent to the negative terminal of the plurality of batteries.

[0021] As an optional feature of the battery pack, the connector is made of metal.

[0022] As an optional embodiment of the battery pack, the battery pack further includes a battery pack housing, with a filling adhesive used to fill the space between the battery and the battery pack housing.

[0023] In some embodiments,

[0024] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0025] The battery provided in this application includes a top cover, terminals, and a housing. The housing is a shell-like structure that is closed at one end and open at the other. The top cover is a sealing cap located at the open end of the housing. The outer surface of the top cover has a positioning protrusion, which is used to engage with the positioning holes of the connector for positioning. The terminals are mounted on the top cover and protrude from the outer surface of the top cover. This configuration, by providing a positioning protrusion on the top cover of the battery and then using the positioning holes of the connector to engage with the positioning protrusion for positioning, can improve the stability of the battery within the battery pack housing.

[0026] The battery pack provided in this application, by using the aforementioned battery and connector, can improve the connection strength between batteries, thereby improving the stability of the batteries within the battery pack housing and enhancing the stability and safety of the battery pack. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of this application and these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the battery provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the battery structure provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a front view schematic diagram of the battery provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of the battery.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a top view of the battery provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure label:

[0034] 1. Battery; 11. Top cover; 111. Positioning protrusion; 12. Terminal post; 12a. Positive terminal post; 12b. Negative terminal post; 13. Housing;

[0035] 2. Connecting parts; 21. Positioning holes. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Before explaining any implementation of this application in detail, it should be understood that this application is not limited to its application to the structural details and component arrangements set forth in the following description or shown in the above drawings.

[0037] In this application, the terms "comprising," "including," "having," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0038] In this application, the term "and / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this application generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "and / or" relationship.

[0039] In this application, the terms "connection," "combination," "coupling," and "installation" can refer to direct connection, combination, coupling, or installation, or indirect connection, combination, coupling, or installation. For example, a direct connection refers to two parts or components being connected together without the need for an intermediary, while an indirect connection refers to two parts or components each being connected to at least one intermediary, with the connection achieved through the intermediary. Furthermore, "connection" and "coupling" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, but can also include electrical connections or couplings.

[0040] In this application, those skilled in the art will understand that relative terms (e.g., “about,” “approximately,” “basically,” etc.) used in conjunction with quantities or conditions are to include the values ​​and have the meaning indicated by the context. For example, such relative terms include at least the degree of error associated with the measurement of a particular value, tolerances associated with the particular value due to manufacturing, assembly, use, etc. Such terms should also be considered as disclosing a range defined by the absolute values ​​of the two endpoints. Relative terms may refer to a certain percentage (e.g., 1%, 5%, 10% or more) of the indicated value. Numerical values ​​not using relative terms should also be disclosed as specific values ​​with tolerances. Furthermore, “basically” when expressing relative angular relationships (e.g., substantially parallel, substantially perpendicular) may refer to a certain degree (e.g., 1 degree, 5 degrees, 10 degrees or more) added to or subtracted from the indicated angle.

[0041] In this application, those skilled in the art will understand that the function performed by a component can be performed by one component, multiple components, one part, or multiple parts. Similarly, the function performed by a part can also be performed by one part, one component, or a combination of multiple parts.

[0042] In this application, the directional terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" are used to describe the orientation and positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, in the context, it should be understood that when an element is mentioned as being connected "upper" or "lower" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower," or indirectly connected through an intermediate element. It should also be understood that directional terms such as upper side, lower side, left side, right side, front side, and rear side not only represent positive orientation but can also be understood as lateral orientation. For example, "below" can include directly below, lower left, lower right, lower front, and lower rear.

[0043] This application provides a battery pack, including a battery pack housing and a battery, with the battery installed in the battery pack housing. It should be noted that the battery pack also includes other components, such as a BMS system. Since the inventive point of this application mainly lies in the improvement of the battery and its installation method, other components besides the battery and its installation method will not be described further.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the battery pack provided in this application includes a battery pack housing (not shown in the figure), a battery 1, and a connector 2. The battery 1 is positioned and installed inside the battery pack housing by cooperating with the connector 2. In addition, a potting compound is filled between the battery 1 and the battery pack housing to further improve the stability of the battery 1.

[0045] In this application, the battery 1 is mainly realized through its cooperation with the connector 2. Therefore, the following focuses on the structure of the battery 1 and its cooperation with the connector 2.

[0046] See also Figures 1 to 5 As shown, battery 1 includes a top cover 11, terminals 12, and a housing 13. The housing 13 is a shell-like structure with one end closed and the other open. The top cover 11 is a sealing cover located at the open end of the housing 13. The outer surface of the top cover 11 has a positioning protrusion 111, which is used to engage with the positioning hole 21 of the connector 2 for positioning. The terminals 12 are mounted on the top cover 11 and protrude from the outer surface of the top cover 11. With this configuration, by providing the positioning protrusion 111 on the top cover 11 of battery 1, and then using the positioning hole 21 of connector 2 to engage with the positioning protrusion 111 for positioning, the stability of battery 1 within the battery pack housing can be improved, thereby enhancing the safety of battery 1 and the battery pack.

[0047] For the battery pack, multiple batteries 1 are arranged sequentially along their thickness direction. The outer surface of the top cover 11 of each battery 1 has a positioning protrusion 111. The connector 2 is a long strip structure with multiple positioning holes 21 spaced apart along the length direction of the connector 2. The multiple positioning holes 21 correspond one-to-one with the positioning protrusions 111 of each battery 1, and the positioning protrusions 111 of each battery 1 can be inserted into their corresponding positioning holes 21. Thus, multiple batteries 1 are connected by the positioning protrusions 111 on the battery 1 and the positioning holes 21 of the connector 2. Compared with the glue-filling connection method between batteries 1, this connection method can improve the connection strength between multiple batteries 1, ensure the stability of the batteries 1, and thus help improve the stability of the batteries in the battery pack box.

[0048] In one embodiment, a single battery 1 is disposed within the battery pack housing of the battery pack, or multiple batteries 1 are disposed within the battery pack housing, with the multiple batteries 1 directly integrated into the battery pack housing, i.e., a module-less solution. In another embodiment, multiple batteries 1 are disposed within the battery pack housing; the multiple batteries 1 are first assembled into a module, and then the module is integrated into the battery pack housing, i.e., a module-based solution.

[0049] Specifically, for the module-less solution, when there are a total of 20 batteries 1 in the battery pack, each battery 1 has a positioning protrusion 111, and a connector 2 has 20 positioning holes 21. The 20 batteries 1 are connected through a connector 2. Alternatively, each battery 1 has positioning protrusions 111 at both ends along its length, and a connector 2 has 20 positioning holes 21. Each of the 20 batteries 1 has a connector 2 at each end along its length, meaning the 20 batteries 1 are connected by two connectors 2. It can be understood that the 20 batteries 1 can also each have three or more positioning protrusions 111, and a connector 2 has 20 positioning holes 21. The 20 batteries 1 are connected by three or more connectors 2.

[0050] In the modular design, when there are a total of 20 batteries 1 in the battery pack, each battery 1 has a positioning protrusion 111, and a connector 2 has four positioning holes 21. Four batteries 1 form a module through a connector 2, and 20 batteries 1 can form 5 modules. Finally, the 5 modules are installed sequentially in the battery pack housing. Alternatively, each battery 1 can have two or more positioning protrusions 111, as described in the non-module design above, which will not be repeated here.

[0051] like Figures 3 to 4 Combination Figure 1As shown, the distance h1 between the end of the positioning protrusion 111 and the top cover 11 is not greater than the distance h2 between the end of the pole post 12 and the top cover 11, so as to ensure consistent fitting height and make the battery consistent in height space when installed in the battery pack box, which facilitates the assembly of the cover plate of the battery pack box.

[0052] like Figure 5 Combination Figure 1 As shown, in the thickness direction of battery 1, the maximum dimension of positioning protrusion 111 is L, and the thickness of housing 13 is D, where L ≤ 0.4D, ensuring that the terminal post 12 does not interfere with each other spatially. For example, when positioning protrusion 111 is square, and two sides of positioning protrusion 111 are parallel to two sides of the width direction of top cover 11, the maximum dimension of positioning protrusion 111 in the thickness direction of battery 1 is the side length of positioning protrusion 111. When positioning protrusion 111 is square, and the side of positioning protrusion 111 forms a 45° angle with two sides of the width direction of top cover 11, the maximum dimension of positioning protrusion 111 in the thickness direction of battery 1 is the diagonal length of positioning protrusion 111.

[0053] In one embodiment, the positioning protrusion 111 is a cylinder with a diameter of d, where d ≤ 0.4D. Designing the positioning protrusion 111 as a cylinder allows the positioning hole 21 to be a circular hole. This design facilitates the machining of both the cylinder and the circular hole, and also makes assembly easier, reducing the likelihood of assembly failures due to machining errors.

[0054] In one embodiment, the positioning protrusion 111 and the top cover 11 are an integral structure, that is, the positioning protrusion 111 is directly formed on the top cover 11 by stamping or extrusion when the top cover 11 is formed. In another embodiment, the top cover 11 and the positioning protrusion 111 can be processed separately, and then the positioning protrusion 111 can be welded to the top cover 11 by welding.

[0055] In one embodiment, the connector 2 is a metal component. On the one hand, metal components have high structural strength, which can improve the connection strength between the batteries 1. On the other hand, metal components have good thermal conductivity, which facilitates heat dissipation of the batteries 1 and can improve the heat dissipation effect of the batteries. In addition, the connector 2 and the positioning protrusion 111 can also be fixed by welding, which can further improve the connection strength between the batteries 1.

[0056] In this embodiment, the battery 1 is a prismatic battery, and the top cover 11 of each battery 1 has two terminals 12, which are the positive terminal 12a and the negative terminal 12b, respectively. In other embodiments, the battery 1 can also be a battery 1 of other shapes, which is not limited here.

[0057] For the case where battery 1 is a prismatic battery, positioning protrusions 111 are provided on the top cover 11 near the positive terminal 12a and the negative terminal 12b. There are two connectors 2, one of which engages with the positioning protrusion 111 near the positive terminal 12a, and the other engages with the positioning protrusion 111 near the negative terminal 12b. This arrangement allows multiple batteries 1 to be connected and positioned using the two connectors 2, further enhancing the connection strength between batteries 1.

[0058] Furthermore, the positioning protrusion 111 adjacent to the positive terminal 12a is located on the side of the positive terminal 12a away from the negative terminal 12b; the positioning protrusion 111 adjacent to the negative terminal 12b is located on the side of the negative terminal 12b away from the positive terminal 12a. This arrangement can reduce the impact of the positioning protrusion 111 on the electrical connection between batteries 1 and reduce the interference between the connector 2 and the electrical connection structure between batteries 1.

[0059] In the battery pack provided by this application, when the aforementioned battery 1 is used, in order to improve the stability of the battery within the battery pack housing, a potting compound can be filled between the battery and the battery pack housing. Through the cooperation of the potting compound and the connector 2, the stability of the battery 1 within the battery pack housing can be further improved, thereby enhancing the stability and safety of the battery pack.

[0060] Furthermore, when the battery pack is integrated using this battery 1, the battery 1 and the connector 2 are positioned and engaged through the positioning protrusion 111 and the positioning hole 21, which reduces the pre-positioning time and improves the assembly efficiency of the battery pack. The connector 2 is made of metal, which can also improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the battery 1, facilitate the temperature control of the battery pack, and improve the safety of the battery pack.

[0061] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments do not limit this application in any way, and all technical solutions obtained by equivalent substitution or equivalent transformation fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A battery, characterized by, include: The shell (13) is a shell-like structure that is closed at one end and open at the other end; The top cover (11) and the sealing cover are located at the open end of the housing (13). The outer surface of the top cover (11) has a positioning protrusion (111), which is used to cooperate with the positioning hole (21) of the connector (2) for positioning. A pole post (12) is installed on the top cover (11), and the pole post (12) protrudes from the outer surface of the top cover (11).

2. The battery of claim 1, wherein, The distance between the end of the positioning protrusion (111) and the top cover (11) is not greater than the distance between the end of the pole post (12) and the top cover (11).

3. The battery of claim 1, wherein, In the thickness direction of the battery, the maximum dimension of the positioning protrusion (111) is L, and the thickness of the housing is D, wherein L≤0.4D.

4. The battery of claim 3, wherein, The positioning protrusion (111) is a cylinder, and the diameter of the positioning protrusion (111) is d, where d≤0.4D.

5. The battery of claim 1, wherein, The positioning protrusion (111) and the top cover (11) are an integral structure; or, the positioning protrusion (111) is fixed to the top cover (11) by welding.

6. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The number of poles (12) is two, namely a positive pole (12a) and a negative pole (12b). The top cover (11) is provided with positioning protrusions (111) adjacent to the positive pole (12a) and the negative pole (12b). The positioning protrusions (111) corresponding to the positive pole (12a) and the positioning protrusions (111) corresponding to the negative pole (12b) are respectively provided with the connectors (2).

7. The battery of claim 6, wherein, The positioning protrusion (111) adjacent to the positive terminal post (12a) is located on the side of the positive terminal post (12a) away from the negative terminal post (12b); and / or The positioning protrusion (111) adjacent to the negative terminal post (12b) is located on the side of the negative terminal post (12b) away from the positive terminal post (12a).

8. A battery pack, characterized by, The device includes a connector (2) and a battery as described in any one of claims 1-7. A plurality of batteries are arranged sequentially along their thickness direction. The connector (2) has a plurality of positioning holes (21). The plurality of positioning holes (21) are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the positioning protrusions (111) of each battery, and each positioning protrusion (111) can be inserted into its corresponding positioning hole (21).

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, characterized in that, The connector (2) is a long strip structure extending along the thickness direction of the battery. Multiple positioning holes (21) are spaced apart along the length direction of the connector (2), and the positioning hole (21) of a single connector (2) cooperates with the positioning protrusion (111) on the same side of the multiple batteries.

10. The battery pack of claim 9, wherein, The number of connectors (2) is two, one of which is positioned and engaged with the positioning protrusion (111) of the adjacent positive terminal (12a) of the plurality of batteries, and the other connector (2) is positioned and engaged with the positioning protrusion (111) of the adjacent negative terminal (12b) of the plurality of batteries.

11. The battery pack of any one of claims 8-10, wherein, The connector (2) is a metal part.

12. The battery pack of claim 11, wherein, The battery pack also includes a battery pack housing, and the space between the battery and the battery pack housing is filled with potting adhesive.

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