Housing and electrochemical and electronic devices containing it

Abstract

The utility model provides a shell and contains its electrochemical device and electronic equipment, the shell includes: shell body, the shell body includes bottom and side, the side with bottom fixed connection, side surrounds in the edge of bottom and forms the recess; Shell cover, the shell cover covers the opening of recess, shell cover includes the body, recessed structure and clamping structure, recessed structure sets up in the edge of body, recessed structure recesses to the direction of recess inside, recessed structure has elasticity in first direction, first direction is the direction of side direction, is provided with inclined plane on recessed structure, inclined plane sets up in the one side of recessed structure direction side, inclined plane gradually away from the body along second direction, second direction is the direction of recess direction, inclined plane and the inside of side abut. For the shell of the utility model, can more convenient welding shell body and shell cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of new energy technology, and in particular to a housing and an electrochemical device and electronic device containing the housing. Background Technology

[0002] In lithium battery design, the battery cell needs to be protected by a casing. The casing requires welding during manufacturing. The high temperatures during welding create internal stress in the casing. When the casing is thin, this stress can cause deformation. Therefore, most existing steel-cased battery casings use flanged structures. However, flanged structures reduce the assembly efficiency of the battery in the battery compartment, affecting the overall energy efficiency (ED). Structures without flanges tend to deform after welding, affecting the battery's appearance and safety performance. Furthermore, the lack of flanges makes positioning the casing and cover more difficult. With the increasing application of electronic products, the energy density requirements for batteries are also increasing. Many battery manufacturers are starting to use metal casings (such as steel casings). This allows for narrower dimensional tolerances for the battery cells, thinner casings, and saves battery packaging space. However, metal casings (such as steel casings) generally have higher structural rigidity than pouch aluminum-plastic film casings. This can lead to excessive compression of the battery cell by the casing in the later stages of battery life, resulting in performance degradation and even safety risks. Therefore, a more convenient method for welding the casing and cover is needed. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a shell that allows for more convenient welding of the shell body and the shell cover.

[0004] This invention also proposes an electrochemical device.

[0005] This utility model also proposes an electronic device.

[0006] A housing according to a first aspect of the present invention is used to accommodate a battery cell. The housing includes: a body, the body including a bottom surface and a side surface, the side surface being fixedly connected to the bottom surface, the side surface surrounding the edge of the bottom surface and forming a groove; and a cover, the cover covering the opening of the groove, the cover including a body, a concave structure, and a snap-fit ​​structure. The concave structure is disposed on the edge of the body, the concave structure being recessed inward toward the groove, the concave structure including an inclined portion and a connecting portion. A first end of the connecting portion is connected to the body, the first end of the connecting portion being the end of the connecting portion away from the bottom surface, and a second end of the connecting portion... The first end of the inclined portion is connected to the first end of the inclined portion, and the second end of the connecting portion is the end of the connecting portion near the bottom surface. The first end of the inclined portion is the end of the inclined portion near the bottom surface. An inclined surface is provided on the inclined portion, and the inclined surface is provided on the side of the inclined portion facing the side surface. The inclined surface gradually moves away from the body along a first direction, and the first direction is the opening direction of the groove. The end of the inclined surface away from the bottom surface abuts against the inner side of the side surface. The snap-fit ​​structure is provided on the end of the concave structure away from the body. The snap-fit ​​structure is provided with a sealing groove, and the end of the side surface away from the bottom surface is accommodated in the sealing groove.

[0007] The housing according to the first aspect of this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: by providing an elastic concave structure, the concave structure can abut against the inner side of the side, wherein the provided inclined surface can guide the housing cover to be better positioned on the housing body, making it easier to assemble the housing cover onto the housing body. The inclined surface can also be squeezed by the side, causing the concave structure to be compressed and abut against the side, thereby making it easier to weld the housing cover onto the housing body.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the rigidity of the connecting portion is greater than the rigidity of the inclined portion.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the inclined portion and the inner surfaces facing each other on the side form an angle θ, satisfying 10°≤θ≤75°.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the extending direction of the connecting part forms an angle β with the inner side surface of the side surface, satisfying 10°≤β≤75°.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the cross-sectional projection of the concave structure is V-shaped or U-shaped, the normal of the cross-section is a second direction, and the second direction is the extension direction of the edge of the body.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the bottom of the sealing groove and the side of the body facing the bottom surface are in the same plane.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the cover further includes a fitting surface, which is disposed between the inclined surface and the snap-fit ​​structure, and the fitting surface is attached to the inner sidewall of the side surface.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, in the second direction, the distance between the end of the concave structure near the bottom surface and the side of the body facing the bottom surface does not exceed 3mm.

[0015] The electrochemical device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the housing described in any one of the above embodiments.

[0016] An electronic device according to a third aspect of the present invention includes the electrochemical device described in the above embodiments.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of a shell according to the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the concave structure of a shell with a fitting surface according to the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the concave structure of the shell of the present invention, which has a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the concave structure of the shell with a sealing groove according to the present invention.

[0022] Icon labels:

[0023] 1. Shell body; 11. Bottom surface; 12. Side surface; 13. Groove; 2. Shell cover; 21. Body; 22. Concave structure; 23. Inclined part; 24. Connecting part; 25. Inclined surface; 26. Fitting surface; 27. Snap-fit ​​structure; 28. Sealing groove. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0025] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up and down, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and 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 utility model.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, "multiple" refers to two or more. The use of "first" and "second" is for distinguishing technical features only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of technical features or their sequential relationship.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0028] The steel casing in a battery serves several key functions: First, as the outer layer, its primary role is to protect the battery's internal structure from external damage. It withstands physical impacts, compression, and a certain degree of chemical corrosion, ensuring the battery functions properly even in complex environments. Second, the steel casing provides excellent sealing, effectively preventing electrolyte leakage and thus avoiding harm to the environment and human health. Furthermore, its design prioritizes explosion-proof capabilities, maintaining stability even when internal pressure rises abnormally, preventing battery explosions. Third, the use of a steel casing helps improve overall battery performance. For example, steel's excellent thermal conductivity aids in better heat dissipation, preventing overheating from negatively impacting battery performance. Additionally, the steel casing's structural strength is sufficient to withstand the expansion forces generated by the cells during charging and discharging, ensuring the integrity of the battery structure. Fourth, the steel casing facilitates disassembly and sorting during battery recycling, promoting material recycling and reducing environmental impact. This aligns with current environmental regulations and reflects the sustainability of battery design. In conclusion, the steel casing in a battery plays multiple roles, including protecting the internal structure, acting as an electrode, providing sealing and explosion-proof capabilities, improving battery performance, and supporting environmental protection and recycling. These functions work together to ensure the safe, stable, and efficient operation of the battery.

[0029] To ensure the airtightness of the steel casing, it is formed by welding. This involves placing the battery cell inside the steel casing and then sealing it with welded metal. To increase the battery's energy density, the casing walls are made relatively thin. This increases the difficulty of welding and assembling the casing. Current designs typically use wider flanges to facilitate easier assembly and welding between the casing cover and body. However, wider flanges significantly reduce the battery's energy density.

[0030] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4The housing in the first embodiment of this utility model is used to accommodate the battery cell. The housing includes a body 1 and a cover 2. The body 1 includes a bottom surface 11 and a side surface 12. The side surface 12 is fixedly connected to the bottom surface 11 and surrounds the edge of the bottom surface 11 to form a groove 13. The battery cell is placed into the groove 13 of the body 1 through the opening of the groove 13, and then the cover 2 is placed over the opening of the groove 13. The cover 2 includes a body 21, a concave structure 22, and a snap-fit ​​structure 27. The concave structure 22 is located at the edge of the body 21 and is recessed towards the inside of the groove 13. The concave structure 22 is elastic in a first direction, which is the direction in which the side 12 faces. An inclined surface 25 is provided on the concave structure 22, located on the side of the concave structure 22 facing the side 12. The inclined surface 25 gradually moves away from the body 21 along a second direction, which is the direction in which the groove 13 faces. The inclined surface 25 abuts against the inner side of the side 12. The snap-fit ​​structure 27 is located at the end of the concave structure 22 away from the body 21 and abuts against the opening surface of the groove 13. The concave structure 22 is elastic in the first direction, allowing it to expand and contract in that direction. The expandable concave structure 22 allows the cover 2 to be pressed into the inside of the side 12, forming an interference fit between the side 12 and the cover 2. In addition, the inclined surface 25 makes it easier for the cover 2 to enter the opening of the groove 13. When the cover 2 is placed, the open end of the side 12 abuts against the inclined surface 25. Pressing the cover 2 downwards causes the side 12 to compress the inclined surface 25, thus deforming the concave structure 22 and allowing the cover 2 to enter the groove 13. To prevent the cover 2 from entering the groove 13 too deeply, a snap-fit ​​structure 27 is provided. After the inclined surface 25 is compressed and retracted into the groove 13, the snap-fit ​​structure 27 abuts against the open surface of the groove 13, preventing the cover 2 from continuing into the groove 13. This allows the cover 2 to be more easily and accurately assembled onto the body 1. It also prevents the cover 2 from pressing inwards against the battery cell, improving battery safety. When welding the cover 2 and the body 1, the snap-fit ​​structure 27 can be welded, and the inclined surface 25 can also be welded to the side 12, making the welding process more convenient. The stress generated after welding is absorbed by the elastic concave structure 22, thereby preventing the shell body 1 and the shell cover 2 body 21 from deforming due to internal stress. This further prevents the shell from squeezing the battery cell and improves the battery's safety performance. The welding method can be any one of the following: shielded metal arc welding, submerged arc welding, argon arc welding, gas welding, laser welding, MIG welding, friction welding, ultrasonic welding, soft soldering, and hard soldering.

[0031] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the concave structure 22 includes an inclined portion 23 and a connecting portion 24. The first end of the connecting portion 24 is connected to the body 21, and the first end of the connecting portion 24 is the end of the connecting portion 24 away from the bottom surface 11. The second end of the connecting portion 24 is connected to the first end of the inclined portion 23, and the second end of the connecting portion 24 is the end of the connecting portion 24 close to the bottom surface 11. The first end of the inclined portion 23 is the end of the inclined surface 25 close to the bottom surface 11, and the inclined surface 25 is disposed on the inclined portion 23. That is, the concave structure 22 is set as an inwardly recessed V-shape, so that the distance between the body 21 and the ground is maintained even with the inclined surface 25 and the snap-fit ​​structure 27, thereby ensuring that the cavity jointly restricted by the cover 2 and the body 1 has sufficient volume, thereby preventing the battery cell from being squeezed by the body 21 of the cover 2. Both the inclined portion 23 and the connecting portion 24 can be configured as leaf springs, thereby ensuring that the concave structure 22 has sufficient elasticity. This not only ensures that there is sufficient compressive force between the inclined surface 25 and the side surface 12 when the cover 2 is placed on the body 1, but also allows the concave structure 22 to absorb more internal stress.

[0032] Furthermore, the cross-sectional projection of the concave structure 22 is V-shaped or U-shaped, and the normal direction of the cross-section is the second direction, which is the extension direction of the edge of the body 21. That is, the inclined part 23 and the connecting part 24 together form the V-shaped or U-shaped concave structure 22.

[0033] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the rigidity of the connecting portion 24 is greater than that of the inclined portion 23. This makes the inclined portion 23 more prone to deformation, while reducing the deformation of the connecting portion 24, thus allowing the concave structure 22 to absorb more internal stress.

[0034] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the concave structure 22 has a compressed state and a released state. In the compressed state, there is a compressive force between the inclined surface 25 and the side surface 12, and in the released state, there is no compressive force between the inclined surface 25 and the side surface 12. When the concave structure 22 is in the released state, the angle between the inclined part 23 and the side surface 12 is not greater than 45° and not less than 30°. When the concave structure 22 is in the compressed state, the angle between the inclined part 23 and the side surface 12 is not less than 5°. When the cover 2 is not assembled onto the body 1, the concave structure 22 is in the released state. At this time, the concave structure 22 is not subjected to external pressure. If the angle between the inclined surface 25 and the side surface 12 is too large, the compressive force between the side surface 12 and the inclined surface 25 will be too large, which will easily cause the side surface 12 to be deformed by compression. If the angle between the inclined surface 25 and the side surface 12 is too small, it will increase the difficulty of assembling the cover 2, and the cover 2 needs to be assembled more precisely. When the cover 2 enters the body 1, the concave structure 22 is compressed by the side 12. If the angle between the inclined part 23 and the side 12 is too small, it will make it more difficult to assemble the cover 2, and may even make it impossible for the side 12 to abut against the side 12.

[0035] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the inclined portion 23 and the inner surfaces of the side surface 12 facing each other form an angle θ, satisfying 10°≤θ≤75°. That is, the inclined surface 25 and the inner surface of the side surface 12 form an angle θ. This avoids jamming between the inclined surface and the side surface.

[0036] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the extending direction of the connecting part 24 forms an angle β with the inner surface of the side surface 12, satisfying 10°≤β≤75°. This makes the stress structure of the concave structure 22 more reasonable and effectively avoids damage to the structure of the concave structure 22.

[0037] According to some embodiments of this utility model, when the concave structure 22 is in the released state, the projection of the end of the side 12 away from the bottom surface 11 in the second direction is on the inclined surface 25. This avoids the side 12 not being able to directly abut against the inclined surface 25 when assembling the cover 2, which would increase the assembly difficulty of the cover 2.

[0038] According to some embodiments of this utility model, when the concave structure 22 is in a compressed state, the included angle between the connecting part 24 and the side surface 12 is not less than 30°. Laser welding is a common welding method in battery production, and laser welding under a certain ring shape requires a certain welding angle. By limiting the included angle between the connecting part 24 and the side surface 12, it is ensured that the laser has a sufficient welding angle when using laser welding.

[0039] Laser welding exhibits significant advantages in battery manufacturing, particularly in lithium-ion battery production. It enables micron-level weld seam control, resulting in more uniform and reliable weld connections. The high-energy-density laser beam rapidly heats and melts the welding area, forming a smooth, impurity-free, uniform, and dense weld seam, eliminating the need for additional grinding and thus improving battery quality and safety. Laser welding's high energy density and rapid heating minimize the heat-affected zone, reducing thermal damage to surrounding materials. This is crucial for maintaining battery material performance and extending battery life. Furthermore, laser welding offers high-speed welding and automated operation capabilities, significantly improving production efficiency and quality stability. Combined with robotic arms, laser welding easily automates production, reducing labor and time costs. Simultaneously, laser welding eliminates the need for additional welding materials, lowering material costs and reducing pollution. In summary, laser welding offers advantages in battery manufacturing, including high precision, a small heat-affected zone, high efficiency and automation, strong adaptability, and digital intelligent monitoring. These advantages make laser welding an indispensable and crucial process in battery manufacturing.

[0040] According to some embodiments of this utility model, refer to Figure 3 The snap-fit ​​structure 27 is in the same plane as the main body 21. This prevents the main body 21 from entering the interior of the groove 13 and causing compression of the battery cell.

[0041] According to some embodiments of this utility model, refer to Figure 4 The snap-fit ​​structure 27 has a sealing groove 28 on the side facing the side 12, and the end of the side 12 away from the bottom surface 11 is accommodated in the sealing groove 28. This can improve the sealing performance of the shell and reduce the assembly difficulty of the shell and the shell body 1.

[0042] According to some embodiments of this utility model, refer to Figure 2 The cover 2 also includes a mating surface 26, which is disposed between the inclined surface 25 and the snap-fit ​​structure 27, and the mating surface 26 is mated to the inner side wall of the side surface 12. By making the mating surface 26, the contact area between the concave structure 22 and the side surface 12 is larger, which reduces the difficulty of welding and protects the side surface 12 from damage.

[0043] According to some embodiments of this utility model, in the second direction, the distance between the end of the concave structure 22 near the bottom surface 11 and the side of the body 21 facing the bottom surface 11 does not exceed 3mm. This further limits the size of the concave structure 22, preventing the excessively large protruding size of the concave structure from causing compression to the telecommunications equipment.

[0044] An injection hole needs to be provided on the side of the casing, and the electrolyte is injected after the casing and cover are welded together. The process of injecting electrolyte into the steel casing of the battery typically includes the following steps: First, ensure the cleanliness and sealing of the battery casing to prevent impurities from entering and leakage during the injection process. Next, use specialized injection equipment, which is usually equipped with a precise metering and control system to ensure the accuracy and safety of the injection. Insert the injection needle of the injection equipment into the injection hole of the battery casing, ensuring a tight fit between the needle and the injection hole to prevent leakage during the injection process. Start the injection equipment and slowly inject the predetermined amount of electrolyte into the battery casing. During the injection process, closely monitor the injection speed and volume to ensure compliance with process requirements. After the injection is completed, promptly remove the injection needle and seal the injection hole to prevent air and moisture from entering the battery. Therefore, an injection hole needs to be provided on the casing.

[0045] Terminal holes are also required on the side of the battery casing, allowing the terminals on the battery cell to pass through them. The terminals on the battery cell are an important component of the battery structure; also called terminals, they are components that connect to one pole of an adjacent individual cell in the battery pack. On the battery cell, one end of the terminal is directly connected to the busbar, and the other end is connected to an external conductor, serving to conduct current. During charging and discharging, the terminals ensure the normal flow of current, which is crucial for the normal operation of the battery. The terminals on the battery cell are usually divided into positive and negative terminals, connecting to the positive and negative tabs of the cell, respectively. Terminals may be located at the ends of the battery casing along its length, partly inside the casing and connected to the tabs, and partly outside the casing and connected to external devices such as the busbar. The connection methods between the terminals and the tabs may include welding, connection via a current collector, etc. The material and design of the terminals are crucial to the performance and safety of the battery. Typically, terminals are made of highly conductive metal materials to ensure smooth current conduction. Meanwhile, the design of the terminals also needs to consider compatibility and sealing with components such as the battery cell and casing to prevent electrolyte leakage and the entry of external impurities into the battery. In summary, the terminals on the battery cell are critical components in the battery structure, serving to conduct current and incorporating various safety features to protect the battery and the user. During the design and manufacturing process, strict control over the materials, structure, and manufacturing processes of the terminals is necessary to ensure battery performance and reliability.

[0046] This invention provides an electrochemical device comprising the aforementioned housing.

[0047] The electrochemical device of this invention includes any device in which an electrochemical reaction occurs, and non-limiting examples include all primary batteries, secondary batteries, fuel cells, solar cells, or capacitors. In some embodiments, the electrochemical device of this application is a sodium-ion battery. In particular, the electrochemical device of this application is a lithium-ion battery, and non-limiting examples include lithium-ion polymer batteries, lithium metal batteries, lithium-ion solid-state batteries, and lithium-ion semi-solid-state batteries.

[0048] This invention also provides an electronic device, including the electrochemical device described in this application.

[0049] The application of the electrochemical device of this invention is not particularly limited, and it can be used in any electronic device known in the prior art. In some embodiments, the electrochemical device includes, but is not limited to, mobile phones, smartphones, laptops, tablets, wearable devices, smartwatches, smart bracelets, smart glasses, power banks, televisions, game consoles, game controllers, digital cameras, smart speakers, headphones, keyboards, mice, monitors, drones, audio equipment, home appliances, toys, power tools, automobiles, motorcycles, electric bicycles, bicycles, robots, robot dogs, industrial robots, and android robots.

[0050] The embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A housing for accommodating a battery cell, characterized in that, The housing includes: The shell includes a bottom surface and a side surface, the side surface being fixedly connected to the bottom surface, and the side surface surrounding the edge of the bottom surface and forming a groove; A cover covering the opening of the groove, the cover comprising a body, a concave structure, and a snap-fit ​​structure, the concave structure being disposed at the edge of the body, the concave structure being recessed inward toward the groove, the concave structure comprising an inclined portion and a connecting portion, the first end of the connecting portion being connected to the body, the first end of the connecting portion being the end of the connecting portion away from the bottom surface, the second end of the connecting portion being connected to the first end of the inclined portion, the second end of the connecting portion being the end of the connecting portion near the bottom surface, the first end of the inclined portion being the end of the inclined portion near the bottom surface, the inclined portion being provided with an inclined surface, the inclined surface being disposed on the side of the inclined portion facing the side surface, the inclined surface gradually moving away from the body along a first direction, the first direction being the opening direction of the groove, the end of the inclined surface away from the bottom surface abutting against the inner side of the side surface, the snap-fit ​​structure being disposed at the end of the concave structure away from the body, the snap-fit ​​structure being provided with a sealing groove, the end of the side surface away from the bottom surface being accommodated in the sealing groove.

2. The housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rigidity of the connecting part is greater than that of the inclined part.

3. The housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inclined portion forms an angle θ with the inner surfaces facing each other on the side, satisfying 10°≤θ≤75°.

4. The housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extending direction of the connecting part forms an angle β with the inner surface of the side side, satisfying 10°≤β≤75°.

5. The housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sectional projection of the concave structure is V-shaped or U-shaped, and the normal of the cross-section is the second direction, which is the extension direction of the edge of the body.

6. The housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the sealing groove is in the same plane as the side of the body facing the bottom surface.

7. The housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover also includes a fitting surface, which is disposed between the inclined surface and the snap-fit ​​structure, and the fitting surface is attached to the inner sidewall of the side surface.

8. The housing according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the second direction, the distance between the end of the concave structure near the bottom surface and the side of the body facing the bottom surface does not exceed 3 mm.

9. An electrochemical device, characterized in that, The housing includes any one of claims 1-8.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, Includes the electrochemical device as described in claim 9.

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