A battery casing and a battery

Abstract

This application relates to a battery casing and a battery, belonging to the field of battery technology. The battery casing includes a first shell, a second shell, a connector, and two covers. The connector is disposed between the first and second shells to relatively fix the first and second shells, allowing them to be joined to form a cylindrical body. Covers are installed at both opposite ends of the cylindrical body to seal it. This application enables lithium batteries with cross-sectional dimensions exceeding the maximum processing range of an extrusion press to use aluminum cylinders as the casing material. Furthermore, by processing the casing in separate parts, the tonnage requirements of the extrusion press are effectively reduced, thereby significantly lowering the manufacturing cost of the battery casing.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Lithium batteries have high requirements for energy density and thermal management, and aluminum alloys have advantages such as good thermal conductivity and low density. Therefore, the main body of lithium battery casings is usually made of aluminum extrusion.

[0003] In related technologies, the cross-sectional dimensions of profile products processed by aluminum extrusion are directly proportional to the tonnage of the aluminum extrusion press. The larger the cross-sectional dimensions of the profile, the larger the tonnage of the extrusion press required, and the higher the processing cost. Moreover, the processable profile cross-sectional dimensions are limited. For lithium batteries with external cross-sectional dimensions exceeding the processable profile cross-sectional dimensions, aluminum cylinders cannot be used as the outer casing. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to at least address some of the defects mentioned in the related technologies, this application provides a battery casing and a battery.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, a battery casing includes a first housing, a second housing, a connector, and a cover. The connector is disposed between the first housing and the second housing to relatively fix the first housing and the second housing, allowing the first housing and the second housing to be joined together to form a cylindrical body. Covers are installed at two opposite ends of the cylindrical body to seal it.

[0006] Furthermore, a first connecting portion is provided on the first housing near the second housing, and a second connecting portion is provided on the second housing near the first housing. The connector is at least partially inserted into the first connecting portion, and the connector is at least partially inserted into the second connecting portion.

[0007] Furthermore, the first housing is provided with at least two first connecting portions, which are symmetrically arranged on the first housing. The second housing is provided with at least two second connecting portions, which are symmetrically arranged on the second housing.

[0008] Furthermore, the surfaces where the first housing and the second housing abut against each other are both connecting surfaces, and both the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are provided with connecting grooves. The connecting groove extends to the connecting surface and forms an opening communicating with the outside on the connecting surface. The end of the connecting groove away from the opening is bent within the first housing or the second housing.

[0009] Furthermore, the connecting groove is configured as a straight groove and extends through the first housing or the second housing along the direction of the cylindrical body, and the cross-section of the connecting groove is U-shaped. The shape of the connector matches the shape of the connecting groove.

[0010] Furthermore, both the first housing and the second housing have a U-shaped cross-section, and the first housing and the second housing are symmetrically arranged along the connecting surface.

[0011] Furthermore, the cylindrical body is provided with multiple fixing parts, and the cover is installed at the end of the cylindrical body through the fixing parts. The fixing parts are evenly distributed at the ends of the first shell and the second shell.

[0012] Furthermore, the cover is installed at both ends of the cylinder through the fixing part, and the fixing parts at both ends of the cylinder are provided one-to-one.

[0013] Furthermore, a reinforcing rib is provided through the cylindrical body along its extension direction, and multiple reinforcing ribs are provided circumferentially along the cylindrical body. The fixing part is provided as a threaded hole, which is opened at the reinforcing rib, and the cover is connected to the cylindrical body by screws.

[0014] This application also provides a battery, including a battery cell and a battery casing as described in any of the above embodiments. The battery cell is installed inside the battery casing.

[0015] Through the above technical solution, when processing the battery casing described in this application, the originally large battery casing can be split into a smaller first casing and a second casing according to actual needs, thereby meeting the processing capacity requirements of the extrusion press in the aluminum extrusion process. After processing each casing, the first casing and the second casing can be spliced ​​together to form a complete large-size cylinder in actual use, and then the cover can be installed at the end of the cylinder to form a complete battery casing.

[0016] The battery casing of this application can be disassembled into multiple smaller casings during the manufacturing process, and then reassembled into a single structure after processing. This method allows lithium batteries with cross-sectional dimensions exceeding the maximum processing range of an extrusion press to use aluminum cylinders as the casing material. Furthermore, by processing the casing in separate parts, the tonnage requirements of the extrusion press are effectively reduced, thereby significantly lowering the manufacturing cost of the battery casing.

[0017] Other features and advantages of this application will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery casing provided in an embodiment of this application from one perspective;

[0020] Figure 2 A structural schematic diagram of the battery casing provided in an embodiment of this application from another perspective;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cylinder provided in an embodiment of this application from one perspective;

[0022] Figure 4 Provided for the embodiments of this application Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0023] Figure 5 A structural schematic diagram of the cylinder provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 6 Provided for the embodiments of this application Figure 5 A magnified view of a section at point B.

[0025] icon:

[0026] 100 - Cylinder body; 110 - First shell; 111 - First connecting part; 120 - Second shell; 121 - Second connecting part; 130 - Connecting piece; 140 - Connecting surface; 150 - Connecting groove; 160 - Fixing part; 170 - Reinforcing rib; 180 - Screw; 200 - Cover. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0028] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "inner" and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0029] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "setup" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] This embodiment provides a battery casing to solve the problem in related technologies that battery casings with external cross-sectional dimensions exceeding the processing cross-sectional dimensions of an extrusion press cannot be processed using an extrusion press, and large-size batteries cannot use aluminum cylinder casings.

[0031] Please see Figures 1 to 2 A battery casing includes a first housing 110, a second housing 120, a connector 130, and a cover 200. The connector 130 is disposed between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 to fix the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 relative to each other, so that the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 can be spliced ​​together to form a cylindrical body 100. A cover 200 is installed at each of the two opposite ends of the cylindrical body 100 to seal the cylindrical body 100.

[0032] Specifically, due to the high requirements for energy density and thermal management performance of lithium batteries, aluminum cylinders are typically used as battery casings. These aluminum cylinders are generally formed through aluminum extrusion. The cross-sectional dimensions of aluminum profiles that an extrusion press can process are limited by its maximum tonnage. Typically, an extrusion press with a maximum tonnage of 10,000 tons can process aluminum profiles with a maximum cross-sectional size of 800mm × 500mm. If the size of the battery casing exceeds this range, it cannot be integrally processed using aluminum extrusion, and therefore an aluminum cylinder cannot be used as the casing structure.

[0033] In this embodiment, the battery casing is divided into a first casing 110 and a second casing 120, wherein the cross-sectional dimensions of both the first casing 110 and the second casing 120 are smaller than the cross-sectional dimensions of the overall battery casing. Thus, when the overall cross-sectional dimensions of the battery casing exceed the processing capacity of the extrusion press, the first casing 110 and the second casing 120 can be extruded separately. After processing, the two casings are fixedly connected by a connector 130 to form a complete cylindrical structure 100. Subsequently, the cover 200 is installed at the end of the cylindrical structure 100, thus forming a complete battery casing.

[0034] This embodiment splits the originally monolithic battery casing into two parts, allowing for continued aluminum extrusion manufacturing even when the overall size exceeds the extrusion press's processing capacity. This not only enables large-sized battery casings to still utilize an aluminum cylinder structure but also allows for processing with a smaller tonnage extrusion press after splitting, thereby significantly reducing the manufacturing cost of the battery casing.

[0035] It is understood that in this embodiment, the battery casing cylinder 100 is not limited to being processed into two casings. In actual production, the casing can be processed into any number of casings, including a first casing 110, a second casing 120, a third casing, etc., to meet the actual needs of the battery casing. The split casings can all be connected using a connection method similar to that of the first casing 110 and the second casing 120, that is, adjacent casings are connected by connectors 130. Of course, other suitable connection methods can also be selected according to actual needs, as long as the connection of multiple casings can be guaranteed to be reliable. At the same time, splitting into more casings can further reduce the maximum tonnage of the required extrusion press, thereby further reducing production costs.

[0036] In one embodiment, exemplarily, such as Figures 3 to 6 As shown, a first connecting portion 111 is provided on the first housing 110 near the second housing 120, and a second connecting portion 121 is provided on the second housing 120 near the first housing 110. A connector 130 is at least partially inserted into the first connecting portion 111 and at least partially inserted into the second connecting portion 121. This plug-in connection method creates a tight fit between the connector 130 and the first and second connecting portions 111 and 121, providing higher shear and pull-out resistance compared to simple bonding or bolt connections. This effectively prevents the housings from loosening or separating due to vibration, impact, or thermal expansion during use.

[0037] After the connector 130 is inserted into the connecting part of the two shells, it forms a reinforced structure at the joint, which helps to improve the overall rigidity and load-bearing capacity of the entire cylinder 100. For the large-sized battery shell in this embodiment, this structure is more conducive to maintaining the shape stability of the battery shell and preventing deformation.

[0038] If the casing is further divided into multiple casings, such as a third casing, a fourth casing, etc., a similar plug-in connection structure can be used between each adjacent casing, facilitating standardized interfaces and modular expansion. This improves product versatility and makes it suitable for battery casings of different sizes and specifications.

[0039] In one embodiment, exemplarily, such as Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the first shell 110 is provided with at least two first connecting parts 111, which are symmetrically arranged on the first shell 110. The second shell 120 is provided with at least two second connecting parts 121, which are symmetrically arranged on the second shell 120. The symmetrically arranged connecting parts can evenly distribute the stress borne by the connecting parts 130, avoiding deformation or breakage due to excessive local stress. The symmetrical distribution of multiple connection points along the shell can also form a more stable connection frame, thereby effectively improving the bending moment resistance and torsional stiffness of the entire cylinder 100 structure. When subjected to external impact, vibration or thermal expansion, the symmetrical structure helps to maintain the stability and integrity of the overall structure.

[0040] In one embodiment, exemplarily, such as Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the surfaces of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 that abut against each other are both connecting surfaces 140, and both the first connecting portion 111 and the second connecting portion 121 are provided with connecting grooves 150. The connecting grooves 150 extend to the connecting surfaces 140, and an opening communicating with the outside is formed on the connecting surfaces 140. The end of the connecting groove 150 away from the opening is bent within the first housing 110 or the second housing 120. When the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are joined, the opening on the connecting surface 140 of the first housing 110 is aligned with the opening on the connecting surface 140 of the second housing 120, allowing the connector 130 to pass through the opening and simultaneously penetrate into the connecting grooves 150 of both housings. This achieves integrated fixation across the housings. Compared to fixing each housing separately, the connection method in this embodiment results in stronger overall tensile and shear resistance.

[0041] The connector 130 is inserted into the curved connecting groove 150, which can form a certain elastic engagement or mechanical locking effect at the end of the groove. At the same time, the connector 130 spans the two shells, which also acts like a "clamp" or "bridge", further enhancing the integrity of the spliced ​​part. The curved end of the groove is set inside the shell, which is equivalent to forming a reinforcing structure inside the shell. After the connector 130 is inserted into the connecting groove 150, it can further improve the bending and shear resistance of the spliced ​​part.

[0042] After the openings are aligned, the connector 130 can pass through. This structure naturally possesses a self-aligning function, making it easier for the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 to maintain alignment during the splicing process. This reduces stress concentration or poor sealing problems caused by misalignment. The multiple symmetrically arranged connecting slots 150, used in conjunction with the connector 130, can also evenly distribute the connecting force, preventing excessive pressure on any one point from causing damage, and comprehensively improving the service life of the battery casing in this embodiment.

[0043] In one embodiment, exemplarily, such as Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the connecting groove 150 is a straight groove that extends through the first housing 110 or the second housing 120 along the direction of the cylinder 100, and the cross-section of the connecting groove 150 is U-shaped. The shape of the connector 130 matches the shape of the connecting groove 150. The U-shaped straight groove structure is simple and has a clear opening, allowing the connector 130 to be easily inserted from the end, suitable for manual operation or automated assembly. Compared with curved grooves or other complex structures, it reduces the alignment accuracy requirements and improves the assembly speed.

[0044] Furthermore, the U-shaped groove provides support on three sides—the sides and the bottom—for the connector 130, resulting in strong shear resistance. In the event of external forces such as vibration or impact, the U-shaped structure effectively prevents the connector 130 from sliding laterally or detaching.

[0045] Furthermore, the connector 130 can be pulled out directly along the straight groove without rotation or complicated unlocking actions, facilitating later maintenance, replacement, or recycling. It is particularly suitable for battery systems that require frequent module maintenance or replacement.

[0046] In one embodiment, exemplarily, such as Figures 3 to 6 As shown, both the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 have a U-shaped cross-section, and are symmetrically arranged along the connecting surface 140. This symmetrical structure results in a more uniform stress distribution at the joint, avoiding localized stress concentration and thus improving the overall structural strength and resistance to deformation. The symmetrical design also provides a natural positioning reference, facilitating precise docking and automated assembly. In automated production lines, it also makes positioning and clamping easier via visual recognition or robotic arms, reducing the production difficulty of this embodiment.

[0047] Furthermore, the regular and orderly internal space of the rectangular cross-section is conducive to the neat arrangement of battery modules and the design optimization of the thermal management system. Compared with circular or other irregular structures, rectangles are easier to match and install with the vehicle chassis and battery tray. The rectangular structure itself also has high bending and torsional stiffness, making it particularly suitable for high-capacity battery systems with high strength requirements. When subjected to external pressure or impact, the rectangular shell can better distribute the load and protect the internal cells from damage.

[0048] In one embodiment, exemplarily, such as Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the cylindrical body 100 is provided with multiple fixing parts 160, and the cover 200 is installed at the end of the cylindrical body 100 through the fixing parts 160. The fixing parts 160 are evenly distributed at the ends of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. After the cover 200 is fastened to the end of the cylindrical body 100 through the fixing parts 160, it not only allows the housing to cooperate with the cover 200 to form a complete battery casing, but also applies an axial compressive force to the entire splicing structure. This makes the connecting surface 140 between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 fit more tightly, improving the overall rigidity and deformation resistance of the splicing part.

[0049] Based on the existing connector 130 inserted into the connecting groove 150, additional constraints are applied through the cover 200, so that the shell splicing structure not only relies on the connector 130 to transmit shear force, but also on the cover 200 to bear part of the tensile stress or bending moment. This constitutes a multi-reinforced connection system, which greatly enhances the load-bearing capacity of the structure.

[0050] In this embodiment, the connector 130 is a pin-type structure that inserts into the connecting groove 150. During daily use, its end may loosen due to vibration, impact, or thermal expansion, causing relative movement with respect to the connecting groove 150. After the cover 200 is installed, it can cover and restrict the movement of the free end of the connector 130, effectively preventing the connector 130 from coming out of the connecting groove 150.

[0051] In one embodiment, exemplarily, such as Figures 2 to 5 As shown, both ends of the cylindrical body 100 are fitted with covers 200 via fixing parts 160, and the fixing parts 160 at both ends of the cylindrical body 100 are correspondingly arranged. The presence of covers 200 at both ends of the cylindrical body 100, along with the corresponding fixing parts 160, ensures complete symmetry of the entire outer casing structure in the axial direction. This allows the battery casing of this embodiment to evenly distribute external loads, avoid localized stress concentration, and improve structural stability and durability.

[0052] After installing covers 200mm at both ends, sealing rings or gaskets can be installed on both end faces as needed, forming a double sealing barrier to effectively prevent moisture, dust, and other contaminants from entering the interior. This meets the IP67 or higher protection rating required by the battery system.

[0053] If one end cap 200 is damaged or the seal needs to be replaced, the operation can be carried out simply by removing the fixing part 160 on that side, without affecting the structure on the other side. In this embodiment, the detachable design at both ends also improves the maintainability and recyclability of the system.

[0054] In one embodiment, exemplarily, such as Figures 3 to 6 As shown, reinforcing ribs 170 are provided throughout the cylindrical body 100 along its extension direction, with multiple reinforcing ribs 170 arranged circumferentially around the cylindrical body 100. The fixing part 160 is configured with threaded holes, which are located at the reinforcing ribs 170. The cover 200 is connected to the cylindrical body 100 by screws 180. The reinforcing ribs 170 are evenly distributed circumferentially around the cylindrical body 100 and extend through the entire shell along their extension direction, effectively forming a "skeletal support" on the outside of the cylindrical body 100. This effectively improves the bending and torsional stiffness of the cylindrical body 100, preventing deformation due to external forces or thermal stress.

[0055] The threaded hole is directly formed on the reinforcing rib 170, making the connection area of ​​the screw 180 a high-strength area in the structure. When subjected to the clamping force of the cover 200 or external impact, the connection point is not prone to deformation or tearing, thus improving the reliability of the connection.

[0056] It should be noted that the circumferential reinforcing rib 170 can be formed in one step using an aluminum extrusion process, without the need for subsequent welding or additional structures. Compared to welded structures, this method offers higher manufacturing efficiency, better consistency, and lower cost, making it suitable for mass production. Without sacrificing strength, a reasonable rib layout can achieve structural lightweighting; it also reduces the required 100mm wall thickness of the casing, further reducing weight and material costs, resulting in a lighter overall battery casing.

[0057] This embodiment also provides a battery, including a battery cell and a battery casing as described in any of the above embodiments. The battery cell is installed inside the battery casing.

[0058] The battery in this embodiment includes the battery casing of any of the above embodiments, and thus possesses all the beneficial effects of the battery casing described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0059] In one embodiment, exemplarily, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, a heat dissipation section is provided on the cylinder 100.

[0060] In this embodiment, a heat dissipation unit is disposed on the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 near the connection point, and the heat dissipation unit includes a corrugated plate. The surface of the corrugated plate is uneven, which significantly increases its effective heat dissipation area compared to a planar structure. This helps to conduct the heat generated during battery operation to the external environment more quickly, reducing cell temperature rise and preventing local overheating.

[0061] The corrugated structure itself increases strength, significantly improving the rigidity and load-bearing capacity of the sheet material without increasing its thickness. While meeting heat dissipation requirements, the corrugated sheet can reduce material usage and overall weight through proper wall thickness and corrugation spacing design. Combined with the reinforcing ribs 170° along the circumference of the battery casing, the strength of the battery casing is effectively guaranteed without increasing the sheet thickness, resulting in a lighter battery casing that is easier to use.

[0062] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0063] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A battery casing, characterized in that, include: The system comprises a first housing (110), a second housing (120), a connector (130), and two covers (200). The connector (130) is disposed between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) to fix the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) relative to each other, so that the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) can be spliced ​​together to form a cylindrical body (100). The cover (200) is installed at both opposite ends of the cylinder (100) to seal the cylinder (100).

2. The battery casing according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first connecting part (111) is provided on the first housing (110) near the second housing (120), and a second connecting part (121) is provided on the second housing (120) near the first housing (110). The connector (130) is at least partially inserted into the first connecting part (111), and the connector (130) is at least partially inserted into the second connecting part (121).

3. The battery casing according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least two first connecting portions (111) are provided on the first housing (110), and the two first connecting portions (111) are symmetrically arranged on the first housing (110); The second housing (120) is provided with at least two second connecting parts (121), and the two second connecting parts (121) are symmetrically arranged on the second housing (120).

4. The battery casing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The surfaces of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) that abut against each other are both connecting surfaces (140), and both the first connecting part (111) and the second connecting part (121) are provided with connecting grooves (150). The connecting groove (150) extends to the connecting surface (140) and has an opening communicating with the outside on the connecting surface (140). The end of the connecting groove (150) away from the opening is bent within the first housing (110) or the second housing (120).

5. The battery casing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting groove (150) is configured as a straight groove and extends through the first housing (110) or the second housing (120) along the direction of the cylindrical body (100). The cross-section of the connecting groove (150) is U-shaped. The shape of the connector (130) matches the shape of the connecting groove (150).

6. The battery casing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cross-sections of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) are both in the shape of a gate, and the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) are symmetrically arranged along the connecting surface (140).

7. The battery casing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cylindrical body (100) is provided with a plurality of fixing parts (160), and the cover (200) is installed at the end of the cylindrical body (100) through the fixing parts (160); The fixing parts (160) are evenly distributed at the ends of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120).

8. The battery casing according to claim 7, characterized in that, Both ends of the cylinder (100) are fitted with the cover (200) via the fixing part (160), and the fixing parts (160) at both ends of the cylinder (100) are provided one-to-one.

9. The battery casing according to claim 8, characterized in that, A reinforcing rib (170) is provided through the cylindrical body (100) along the extension direction of the cylindrical body (100), and multiple reinforcing ribs (170) are provided along the circumference of the cylindrical body (100); The fixing part (160) is provided with a threaded hole, which is opened at the reinforcing rib (170). The cover (200) is connected to the cylinder (100) by screws (180).

10. A battery, characterized in that, It includes a battery cell and a battery casing as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; the battery cell is installed inside the battery casing.

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