Battery pack and housing suitable for battery pack assembly

Abstract

The utility model relates to battery preparation technical field discloses a kind of battery pack and shell suitable for battery pack assembly. Shell includes, lower shell, including shell bottom and by the side wall of shell bottom edge upward extension;Head cover, assembly in the head of the lower shell;Cover plate, for planar, assembly in the end surface of the side wall of the lower shell, with the head cover side by side arrangement, the head cover with the cover plate each other independent, jointly cover the top opening of the lower shell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of lithium-ion battery manufacturing, and in particular to a battery pack and a housing suitable for battery pack assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Lithium-ion battery packs have been widely used in consumer electronics, power tools, energy storage systems, and many other fields due to their high energy density and long cycle life. With the continuous expansion of application scenarios, equipment is placing higher demands on the aesthetics, ease of assembly, and internal space utilization of lithium-ion battery packs.

[0003] Currently, most lithium-ion battery packs on the market adopt a snap-fit ​​injection-molded shell structure. That is, the battery pack itself is encapsulated within a cavity formed by the upper and lower shells being joined together using clips or screws. This traditional one-piece shell structure has the following main technical drawbacks: First, the conflict between the casing wall thickness and the internal space limits the cell capacity. In the injection molding process, to ensure the structural strength and molding yield of the casing, especially for the larger upper casing, its wall thickness cannot be designed to be too thin; otherwise, problems such as incomplete injection molding, shrinkage, and insufficient strength will occur. This "thick-walled" design due to process limitations directly sacrifices the effective space inside the casing used to accommodate the cells. With the external dimensions of the battery pack fixed, the cell capacity cannot be further increased, thus hindering the improvement of product competitiveness.

[0004] Secondly, the assembly efficiency and convenience need to be optimized. Traditional top-and-bottom shell structures typically require placing the battery cell assembly into the bottom shell before aligning and snapping the entire top shell together. This process is inconvenient for larger top shells, and if internal wiring harnesses or battery cells interfere with each other, the entire top shell must be disassembled for rework, making the assembly process inflexible and inefficient.

[0005] Third, the freedom of appearance design is limited. The unibody structure also restricts the variation in the appearance design of the battery pack, making it difficult to achieve a richer and more refined visual presentation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One objective of this invention is to provide a battery pack and a housing suitable for battery pack assembly. Applying this solution can effectively improve the internal space utilization of the battery pack to increase cell capacity, and enhance the convenience and efficiency of assembly.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a housing suitable for battery pack assembly, comprising: The lower shell includes a shell bottom and sidewalls extending upward from the edge of the shell bottom; Head cover, fitted to the head of the lower shell; The cover plate is flat and is fitted to the end face of the side wall of the lower shell, and is arranged side by side with the head cover. The head cover and the cover plate are independent of each other and together cover the top opening of the lower shell.

[0008] Optionally, at least two through-hole fixing positions are provided on the top surface of the bottom of the head of the lower shell. The head cover is provided with at least two lower through-hole fixing positions that are directly opposite the upper through-hole fixing position. The matching upper through-hole fixing positions and lower through-hole fixing positions together form a channel for fixing the external electrode terminals of the battery pack, and at least one of the opposing upper through-hole fixing positions and lower through-hole fixing positions is an externally connected through hole.

[0009] Optionally, each of the upper through-hole fixing positions and lower through-hole fixing positions is an externally connected through hole.

[0010] Optionally, a first latching part is provided on the side wall of the head of the lower shell; The side wall of the head cover is provided with a second buckle that matches the first buckle; The head cover is assembled to the head of the lower shell through the cooperation of the second snap-fit ​​part and the first snap-fit ​​part.

[0011] Optionally, the first latching part is a protruding latching part provided on the end face of the side wall of the head of the lower shell; The second latching part is a latching part provided on the side wall of the head cover, with the opening located in a groove on the end face. The end face of the side wall of the head of the lower shell is directly opposite and abuts the end face of the side wall of the head cover. Each of the protruding buckle parts is inserted into the respective groove and is snapped together with the buckle part in the groove.

[0012] Optionally, a plurality of mating posts are provided on the end face of the side wall of the lower shell; The outer periphery of the cover plate is provided with a plurality of mating notches, which engage and fix with the mating posts on the side wall of the lower shell.

[0013] Optionally, the mating post is provided on the end face of the side walls adjacent to the head and the side wall opposite to the head of the lower shell; On the cover plate, except for the edge adjacent to the head cover, the other edges are provided with the mating notch.

[0014] Optionally, it also includes, Side-mounted, attached to the outer surface of the lower shell and cover plate.

[0015] Optionally, the side stickers include a first side sticker and a second side sticker, which are respectively attached to both sides of the housing; The upper edges of the first and second side stickers are respectively attached to the top surface of the cover plate, the middle parts are respectively attached to the outer surface of the side wall of the lower shell, and the lower edges are respectively attached to the bottom surface of the shell bottom of the lower shell.

[0016] Optionally, the wall thickness of the cover plate and the top cover of the head cover is less than the wall thickness of the side wall of the lower shell.

[0017] Optionally, an adhesive layer is also bonded between the bottom surface of the cover plate and the end face of the side wall of the lower shell.

[0018] Secondly, embodiments of this utility model provide a battery pack, including, The housings described above for battery pack assembly The battery pack body is housed within the lower shell of the housing, and its electrode terminals are fixed to the head formed by the head cover and the lower shell. As can be seen from the above, by adopting the technical solution of this embodiment, since the top cover and cover plate are no longer the main load-bearing components, their wall thickness can be made thinner than the side walls of the traditional one-piece upper and lower shells, freeing up valuable space for the internal battery pack body 4 and effectively increasing battery capacity. Furthermore, the thin-walled top cover and cover plate also reduce the difficulty of injection molding and improve production yield. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are provided to further illustrate the present invention and form part of this application, do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly and disassembly structure of a battery pack provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 , 3 This is a schematic diagram of the lower shell provided in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 4 , 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the head cover provided in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the cover plate provided in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery pack body provided in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the copper tube welding structure of the battery pack body provided in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack body assembled into the lower shell according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the head cover assembly structure provided in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the cover plate assembly structure provided in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the adhesive side panel provided in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure label: 1: Lower shell; 11: Lower through hole fixing position; 12: Protruding snap-fit ​​part; 13: Mating post; 2: Head cover; 21: Upper through hole fixing position; 22: Groove; 24: Buckle part; 3: Cover plate; 31: Fitting notch; 4: Battery pack body; 41: Large copper tube; 42: Small copper tube; 5: First side sticker; 6: Second side sticker. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the present invention are used to explain the present invention, but are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0022] Examples of embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings in a detailed description below, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout.

[0023] The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that terms such as "length," "width," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention 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, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0024] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0025] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0026] This embodiment provides an innovative battery pack and its casing structure. This structure decomposes the traditional one-piece upper casing into two independent parts: a top cover 2 and a cover plate 3. Through this "separate decoupling" design, the main load-bearing functions are integrated into the lower casing 1, allowing the top cover 2 and cover plate 3 to be significantly thinner, overcoming the limitations of injection molding. This maximizes the internal space to increase cell capacity while maintaining the same external dimensions, and simultaneously optimizes the assembly process.

[0027] See Figures 1-12 As shown.

[0028] The shell of this invention consists of three core components: a lower shell 1, a head cover 2, and a cover plate 3.

[0029] The lower shell 1 is the main load-bearing structure, including a shell bottom and side walls extending upward from the edge of the shell bottom, forming a "tray" structure that accommodates the battery pack body 4.

[0030] The head cover 2 is fitted onto the head of the lower shell 1 to seal the opening in that area.

[0031] The cover plate 3 is a flat component, fitted onto the top surface of the side wall of the lower shell 1, and arranged side by side with the head cover 2. The head cover 2 and the cover plate 3 are independent of each other, and together they cover and seal the top opening of the lower shell 1.

[0032] The battery pack consists of the aforementioned casing and the battery pack body 4 (containing battery cells) housed inside it.

[0033] The assembly principle is as follows: the assembled battery pack body 4 (commonly known as the battery cell) is placed into the lower shell 1; the top cover 2 is assembled to the head of the lower shell 1; the cover plate 3 is assembled to the top of the side wall of the lower shell 1, and assembled side by side with the top cover 2 (commonly known as adjacent), thus completing the top sealing of the shell and encapsulating the battery pack body inside the shell.

[0034] As can be seen from the above, by adopting the technical solution of this embodiment, since the top cover 2 and the cover plate 3 are no longer the main load-bearing components, their wall thickness can be made thinner than the side walls of the traditional one-piece upper and lower shells, freeing up valuable space for the internal battery pack body 4 and effectively increasing battery capacity. In addition, the thin-walled top cover 2 and cover plate 3 also reduce the difficulty of injection molding and improve the production yield.

[0035] As an illustration of this embodiment, the wall thickness of the cover plate 3 and the top cover portion of the top cover 2 can be designed to be much smaller than the wall thickness of the side wall of the lower shell 1. The side wall of the lower shell 1, as the main load-bearing component, needs to maintain sufficient thickness to ensure the overall structural strength. The main functions of the top cover 2 and cover plate 3 are coverage and encapsulation; in a split design, the stress on them is greatly reduced, thus allowing for a safe use of thinner wall thicknesses. This "differentiated wall thickness design" directly converts the saved material thickness into effective internal volume of the battery pack, thereby achieving a significant increase in cell capacity within the same external dimensions.

[0036] As an illustration of this embodiment, at least two through-hole fixing positions 11 are provided on the top surface of the bottom of the head of the lower shell 1, two of which are respectively fixed to the positive and negative terminals of the head of the battery pack body 4, and the others are used as fixing positions for other voltage terminals also provided on the head of the battery pack body 4.

[0037] On the head cover 2, there are multiple upper through hole fixing positions 21 with the same number as the lower through hole fixing positions 11. The position of each upper through hole fixing position 21 corresponds to the position of each lower through hole fixing position 11. The upper and lower through hole fixing positions 11 together form a channel for fixing the external electrode terminals of the battery pack. The external electrode terminals may include, but are not limited to, two large copper tubes 41 and a small copper tube 42, which serve as the positive and negative terminals of the power supply. Taking two battery cells connected in series to form a battery pack body 4 as an example, the connection point is taken as the voltage sampling point, and the small copper tube 42 is connected to the voltage sampling point.

[0038] During assembly, the positive and negative tabs of the battery pack body 4 are welded to two large copper tubes 41 respectively, and a small copper tube 42 is welded to the voltage sampling point inside the battery body. The lower part of each copper tube is inserted into and fixed in the lower through hole fixing position 11 of the lower shell 1. The battery body is placed on the top of the bottom of the lower shell 1 and is confined to the space enclosed by the side wall of the lower shell 1. The head cover 2 is assembled to the head of the lower shell 1, so that the upper part of each copper tube is inserted into the upper through hole fixing position 21 of the head cover 2. At least two ends of the two large copper tubes 41 and at least one small copper tube 42 are fixed in the upper through hole fixing position 21 and the lower through hole fixing position 11 respectively, or the entire copper tube is fixed in the channel formed by the upper through hole fixing position 21 and the lower through hole fixing position 11 to ensure bidirectional stability of the electrode terminals. Furthermore, at least one of the two opposing upper through-hole fixing positions 21 and lower through-hole fixing positions 11 is an externally connected through-hole, allowing at least one end of the copper tube located therein to be connected to the outside for power supply equipment. For example, both the upper through-hole fixing position 21 and the lower through-hole fixing position 11 can be externally connected through-holes, allowing the user to make electrical connections at the two opposite ends of the head. The solution of this embodiment provides a stable and reliable electrical connection and lead-out path. Moreover, the electrical connection structure is tightly integrated with the mechanical structure, resulting in a compact structure that helps save space within the housing.

[0039] As an illustration of this embodiment, a first latching part (such as a protruding latching part 12 protruding from the end face of the side wall) is provided on the side wall of the head of the lower shell 1. A second latching part (such as a groove 22 with a latch) is provided on the side wall of the head cover 2 in a position and number that matches it.

[0040] When installing the cover 2, simply align the groove 22 on the side wall of the cover 2 with the protrusion on the side wall of the lower shell 1, and press down until the protruding latch 12 engages with the latch in the groove 22, producing a "click" sound, thus completing the quick fixation of the cover 2. At this point, the end faces of the cover 2 and the side walls of the lower shell 1 are directly opposite each other, together forming a complete battery pack head side wall.

[0041] As can be seen, this structure allows for tool-free assembly of the head cover 2, enabling rapid assembly and disassembly, greatly improving assembly efficiency and facilitating later maintenance. The connection is reliable and has anti-loosening capabilities.

[0042] As an illustration of this embodiment, at least two mating posts 13 are respectively provided on the end faces of the side walls adjacent to the head and the tail of the lower shell 1. Correspondingly, multiple mating notches 31 are provided on the outer periphery of the cover plate 3 (except for the edge adjacent to the head cover 2). The cover plate 3 (for example, but not limited to applying adhesive to its bottom) is placed on the end face of the side wall of the lower shell 1, so that the corresponding mating posts 13 on the end face of the side wall of the lower shell 1 are accurately aligned and engaged in the mating notches 31 on the outer periphery of the cover plate 3. This achieves the horizontal positioning of the cover plate 3 (while the adhesive at the bottom provides the vertical bonding force, if applicable). It can be seen that this embodiment ensures accurate positioning of the cover plate 3 and quick assembly through the mating structure of the mating posts 13 and the mating notches 31.

[0043] As an illustration of this embodiment, it also includes side adhesives, such as, but not limited to, a first side adhesive 5 and a second side adhesive 6.

[0044] After the housing is assembled, the first side sticker 5 and the second side sticker 6 are respectively attached to the outer surfaces of both sides of the housing. The upper edge of each side sticker covers a portion of the top surface of the cover plate 3, the middle part covers the side wall of the lower housing 1, and the lower edge wraps around the bottom surface of the lower housing 1. Users can also, but are not limited to, print brand logos and battery pack parameters on the surfaces of each side sticker, improving the product's aesthetics. The side sticker structure effectively conceals the assembly seams between the cover plate 3, the top cover 2, and the lower housing 1, making the product appearance more complete. Furthermore, the side sticker further presses down on the edges of the cover plate 3, reinforcing the reliability of its fixation to the lower housing 1.

[0045] The following diagram illustrates the assembly process of a battery pack, using two individual battery cells connected in series to form the main body: Step 1: Battery cell preparation and internal component installation.

[0046] 1. See Figure 7 As shown, two battery cells (battery units) are connected in series and glued in place to form the battery pack body 4; 2. See Figure 8 As shown, the positive and negative terminals of the battery pack body 4 are welded to the large copper tube 41 and the small copper tube 42, respectively, to form external electrode terminals. Necessary protective components (such as protection boards, if available) are installed and connected to the designated positions on the battery cells. Step 2: Insert the lower shell 1.

[0047] 3. See Figure 9 As shown, the assembled battery pack body 4 is inserted into the lower casing 1 through the top opening. At this time, the battery pack body 4 is located at the bottom of the lower casing 1, and its side walls provide circumferential protection for the battery cells.

[0048] 4. Insert the lower part of each copper tube into and fix it in the pre-set lower through hole fixing position 11 on the top surface of the head shell bottom of the lower shell 1.

[0049] Step 4: Install the head cover 2.

[0050] 5. See Figure 10 As shown, take the head cover 2 and align the upper through hole fixing position 21 on it with the upper part of the installed copper tube.

[0051] 6. Align the second latch (groove 22) on the side wall of the head cover 2 with the first latch (protrusion) on the side wall of the head of the lower shell 1, and press vertically until the latch is fully engaged, producing a "click" sound. At this point, the head cover 2 is securely mounted to the head of the lower shell 1, and the upper part of the copper tube is also constrained by the through hole fixing position of the head cover 2, completing the overall fixing of the electrode terminals and the head encapsulation.

[0052] Step 5: Install cover plate 3.

[0053] 7. An adhesive (such as hot melt adhesive or double-sided tape) may be applied evenly to the bottom surface of the cover plate 3, but is not limited to this.

[0054] 8. See Figure 11 As shown, place the cover plate 3 on the top plane of the side wall of the lower shell 1, so that it is parallel to the head cover 2. At the same time, ensure that all the mating notches 31 on the outer periphery of the cover plate 3 are accurately aligned and engaged with the mating post 13 at the top of the side wall of the lower shell 1.

[0055] 10. Press the cover plate 3 slightly to make it horizontally limit the position by passing through the groove and mating post 13. At the same time, the adhesive at the bottom is bonded to the surface of the battery pack body 4 to achieve vertical fixation and sealing.

[0056] Step 6: Apply the side sticker.

[0057] 11, see Figure 12 As shown, the side adhesive strips are respectively attached to the outer surfaces of both sides of the battery pack. The upper edge of the side adhesive strips should cover part of the top surface of the cover plate 3, the middle part should cover the side wall of the lower shell 1, and the lower edge should extend to the bottom surface of the lower shell 1. This not only improves the appearance of the product, but also conceals the assembly seam between the cover plate 3 and the lower shell 1, and provides additional auxiliary fixation.

[0058] At this point, the battery pack assembly is complete. The entire process was clearly defined, and the components were precisely positioned. In particular, the snap-fit ​​connection of the top cover 2 and the groove of the cover plate 3 eliminated the need for screws or other fasteners, significantly improving assembly efficiency.

[0059] As can be seen from the above, the assembly process of the battery pack is carried out sequentially without repetitive or overlapping operations, making it suitable for assembly line production. The top cover 2 and the lower shell 1 are "pressed together" and the cover plate 3 and the lower shell 1 are "placed together" with "one press", which greatly simplifies the operation and reduces the skill requirements for workers. The traditional time-consuming steps such as screw tightening are eliminated, and the assembly speed is fast. Each assembly step is combined with precise buckles, grooves and adhesives to ensure the structural stability of the product.

[0060] The above embodiments do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this technical solution. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the above embodiments should be included within the scope of protection of this technical solution.

Claims

1. A housing suitable for battery pack assembly, characterized in that, include, The lower shell includes a shell bottom and sidewalls extending upward from the edge of the shell bottom; Head cover, fitted to the head of the lower shell; The cover plate is flat and is fitted to the end face of the side wall of the lower shell, and is arranged side by side with the head cover. The head cover and the cover plate are independent of each other and together cover the top opening of the lower shell.

2. The housing for battery pack assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top surface of the bottom of the lower shell, located at the head of the lower shell, is provided with at least two upper through-hole fixing positions. The head cover is provided with at least two lower through-hole fixing positions that are directly opposite the upper through-hole fixing position. The matching upper through-hole fixing positions and lower through-hole fixing positions together form a channel for fixing the external electrode terminals of the battery pack, and at least one of the opposing upper through-hole fixing positions and lower through-hole fixing positions is an externally connected through hole.

3. The housing for battery pack assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the aforementioned upper through-hole fixing positions and lower through-hole fixing positions is an externally connected through-hole.

4. The housing suitable for battery pack assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first latching part is provided on the side wall of the head of the lower shell; The side wall of the head cover is provided with a second buckle that matches the first buckle; The head cover is assembled to the head of the lower shell through the cooperation of the second snap-fit ​​part and the first snap-fit ​​part.

5. The housing suitable for battery pack assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first latching part is a protruding latching part provided on the end face of the side wall of the head of the lower shell; The second latching part is a latching part provided on the side wall of the head cover, with the opening located in a groove on the end face. The end face of the side wall of the head of the lower shell is directly opposite and abuts the end face of the side wall of the head cover. Each of the protruding buckle parts is inserted into the respective groove and is snapped together with the buckle part in the groove.

6. The housing for battery pack assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, A plurality of mating posts are also provided on the end face of the side wall of the lower shell; The outer periphery of the cover plate is provided with a plurality of mating notches, which engage and fix with the mating posts on the side wall of the lower shell.

7. The housing suitable for battery pack assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mating posts are provided on the end faces of the two side walls adjacent to the head and the side wall opposite to the head of the lower shell. On the cover plate, except for the edge adjacent to the head cover, the other edges are provided with the mating notch.

8. The housing for battery pack assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes, Side-mounted, attached to the outer surface of the lower shell and cover plate.

9. The housing for battery pack assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The side adhesive includes a first side adhesive and a second side adhesive, which are respectively attached to both sides of the housing; The upper edges of the first and second side stickers are respectively attached to the top surface of the cover plate, the middle parts are respectively attached to the outer surface of the side wall of the lower shell, and the lower edges are respectively attached to the bottom surface of the shell bottom of the lower shell.

10. The housing suitable for battery pack assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The wall thickness of the cover plate and the top cover of the head cover is less than the wall thickness of the side wall of the lower shell.

11. The housing suitable for battery pack assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, An adhesive layer is also bonded between the bottom surface of the cover plate and the end face of the side wall of the lower shell.

12. A battery pack, characterized in that, include, The housing suitable for battery pack assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, The battery pack body is housed within the lower shell of the housing, and its electrode terminals are fixed to the head formed by the head cover and the lower shell.

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