Battery cover structure and battery

Abstract

Battery cover structure, including: a cover plate (1); a pole pin (2), wherein the pole pin (2) comprises a pin body (21), wherein the pin body (21) is passed through the cover plate (1), wherein a receiving gap is formed between the pole pin (2) and the cover plate (1); a sealing element (3), wherein the sealing element (3) is mounted on the pole pin (2) and is in close contact with the pole pin (2), wherein a first projection section (31) is provided on the sealing element (3), wherein the first projection section (31) is located in the receiving gap; a first insulating part (4) wherein the first insulating part (4) is arranged to fill the receiving gap in order to insulate the pole pin (2) and the cover plate (1) from each other, wherein a first plug-in section (41) is provided on the first insulating part (4), wherein the first plug-in section (41) fits together with the first projecting section (31) in a plug-in manner; wherein at least one first projection is provided on a first mating surface of the first projection section (31) and at least one first groove is provided on a second mating surface of the first mating section (41), each of which is assigned one-to-one to the at least first projection.

Description

[0001] The present application claims priority from the Chinese patent application filed with the Chinese Patent Office on August 1, 2023, under application number 202322041924.3, the entire contents of which are incorporated into the present application by reference. TECHNICAL AREA

[0002] This application concerns the field of battery spare parts, such as a battery cover structure and a battery. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Amidst the rapid development of large-scale energy storage, smart grids, and clean energy vehicles, people are increasingly demanding higher levels of battery reliability and safety. However, short circuits can occur in batteries during production, transport, and use. A short circuit in a single battery not only affects the performance and reliability of the entire battery pack but can even cause the pack to shut down or lead to other safety issues. One cause of battery short circuits is the presence of a metal wire connecting the terminal to the casing.

[0004] During the battery cover manufacturing process, additional metal threads are created through cutting procedures. Further metal threads can break off during battery operation due to friction. These metal threads can create a connection between the terminal post and the cover body, posing a short-circuit risk. Commercially available traction battery covers typically feature a top plastic layer. This upper plastic protrusion is in contact with and compressed by the sealing ring to prevent the metal wire from connecting to the terminal post and the cover body. However, due to the elasticity of the metal wire, it can still expand and move even when compressed by the plastic and sealing rings. This leaves a residual possibility of the terminal post and the cover body short-circuiting, significantly increasing the risk of a battery short circuit. CONTENT OF THE PRESENT APPLICATION

[0005] The present application provides a battery cover structure that effectively increases the leakage current path between the terminal pin and the cover plate, increases the difficulty of lateral expansion of the metal wire, and reduces the risk of a short circuit of the battery.

[0006] A battery cover structure according to an embodiment of this application comprises: a cover plate; a terminal pin, wherein the terminal pin comprises a pin body, the pin body being passed through the cover plate, with a receiving gap being provided between the terminal pin and the cover plate; a sealing element, wherein the sealing element is mounted on the terminal pin and rests tightly against the terminal pin, the sealing element having a first projecting section, and the first projecting section being located in the receiving gap; a first insulating part, wherein the first insulating part is arranged to fill the receiving gap in order to insulate the terminal pin and the cover plate from each other, the first insulating part having a first plug-in section, the first plug-in section being plug-in capable of mating with the first projecting section;wherein at least one first projection is provided on a first mating surface of the first projection section, and a first groove is provided on a second mating surface of the first mating section, each of which fits one-to-one with the first projection.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first insulating part is attached to the pin body, with the underside of the first insulating part partially abutting the top of the cover plate and the side wall of the first insulating part partially abutting the pin body.

[0008] In one embodiment, the battery cover structure further comprises a press block, wherein an annular locking groove is provided on the circumferential surface of the pin body, and wherein the press block is placed on the pin body and is locked in the annular locking groove.

[0009] In one embodiment, an annular step is formed on the pin body, and a chamfer is arranged at the corner of the annular step.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first projection section is an annular structure, and the longitudinal section of the first projection section has a rectangular or triangular shape.

[0011] In one embodiment, the number of first projection sections is several.

[0012] In one embodiment, the pole pin comprises a base plate, the pin body is arranged projecting on the base plate, a pole pin opening is formed in the cover plate, the pin body is guided through the pole pin opening, and the sealing element is arranged between the base plate and the cover plate.

[0013] In one embodiment, the battery cover structure further comprises a second insulating part, wherein the second insulating part is arranged between the base plate and the cover plate, wherein the side wall of the second insulating part partially abuts the sealing element, and wherein the side wall of the second insulating part partially abuts a side wall of the base plate.

[0014] In one embodiment, a second projecting section is provided on the sealing element, and a second plug-in section is provided on the second insulating part, which plugs together with the second projecting section.

[0015] Exemplary embodiments of this application provide a battery comprising a battery cell, a housing and the above-mentioned battery lid structure, wherein the battery cell is arranged in the housing and wherein the battery lid structure closes the housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Fig. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cover structure provided by this application. Fig. 2 is an enlarged representation of the in Fig. Part 1, labelled A. Fig. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of another battery cover structure provided by this application. Fig. 4 is an enlarged representation of the in Fig. 3 parts marked with B. Reference symbol list:

[0016] 1. Cover plate; 11. Pole pin opening; 2. Pole pin; 21. Pin body; 211. Annular locking groove; 212. Chamfer; 22. Base plate; 3: Sealing element; 31: First projection section; 32: Second projection section; 4. First insulating part; 41. First plug-in section; 5. Second insulating part; 51. Second plug-in section; 6. Press block. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present application is explained below with reference to the attached figures and embodiments. It should be understood that the embodiments described here serve only to illustrate this application and are not to be construed as limiting it. For clarity, the attached drawing shows only those parts relevant to the application and not the entire structure.

[0018] The present application provides a battery cover structure, wherein the battery cover structure, when used in a battery, not only provides sealing of the battery housing but also plays a crucial role in the safe operation and protection of the battery.

[0019] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, this battery cover structure comprises a cover plate 1, a terminal pin 2, a sealing element 3, and a first insulating part 4. The cover plate 1 is designed to close the opening of the battery housing and simultaneously support and secure the terminal pin 2. The terminal pin 2 includes a pin body 21. A receiving gap is located between the terminal pin 2 and the cover plate 1. In some embodiments, the receiving gap is an annular gap.The sealing element 3 is attached and positioned tightly against the pole pin 2, wherein a first projecting section 31 is provided on the sealing element 3, which is located in the receiving gap, and a first insulating part 4 is arranged in the receiving gap and fills it in order to insulate the pole pin 2 and the cover plate 1 from each other, wherein a first plug-in section 41 is provided on the first insulating part 4, which fits together with the first projecting section 31, so that the sealing element 3 and the first insulating part 4 can be plugged together to enable a tight connection.

[0020] During the battery cover manufacturing process, metal threads or shavings are generated during the cutting process. Metal threads can also break off due to friction during the assembly of the sealing element 3 and the first insulating part 4. Due to the elasticity of the metal wire and the friction between the sealing element 3 and the first insulating part 4 during battery use, the metal wire can move, leading to a short circuit between the terminal pin 2 and the cover plate 1. The arrangement of the first plug section 41 and the first projecting section 31 replaces the planar contact connection between the sealing element and the insulating part in conventional battery covers. This increases the leakage current path between the terminal pin 2 and the cover plate 1.This makes it more difficult for metal threads or other metal shavings, which could easily lead to the passage between terminal pin 2 and cover plate 1, to migrate through the gap between sealing element 3 and first insulating part 4, thereby reducing the risk of a battery short circuit.

[0021] To increase the difficulty of lateral spreading of metal wire and metal shavings, as described in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, at least one first projection (not labelled in the figure) is provided on the first mating surface of the first projection section 31, and a first groove (not labelled in the figure) is provided on the second mating surface of the first mating section 41, which interacts with the first projection. In some embodiments, both the number of first projections and the number of first grooves are multiple, and they interact in pairs. The arrangement of the first projection and the first groove can increase the complexity of the gap between the sealing element 3 and the first insulating part 4. While it provides additional resistance to the movement of the metal thread, the first groove can partially accommodate the metal thread, thus blocking the metal thread in the first groove and preventing movement, which reduces the possibility of a short circuit between the pole pin 2 and the cover plate 1.

[0022] In some embodiments, the sealing element 3 is generally a rubber ring; in some other embodiments, it may also be a plastic part of a different shape. In some embodiments, the first insulating part 4 is generally a plastic ring made of insulating material.

[0023] The first projecting section 31 is an annular structure that projects onto the sealing element 3. In some embodiments, the longitudinal section of the first projecting section 31, as shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 4 shows a rectangular shape. In some other embodiments, the longitudinal section of the first projection section 31 can also have a triangular or other regular or irregular shape. Optionally, the number of first projection sections 31 is set to several. Several first projection sections 31 can more effectively block the movement of the metal wire and thus prevent a connection between the pole pin 2 and the cover plate 1 caused by the expansion of the metal wire.

[0024] In some embodiments, as in Fig. Figure 2 shows the first projection arranged on the first projection section 31 as hemispherical. In some other embodiments, the first projection arranged on the first projection section 31 is triangularly toothed or quadrilaterally toothed, which can be adjusted depending on machining or production requirements.

[0025] To completely insulate the pin body 21 and the cover plate 1, as further described in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the first insulating part 4 is attached to the pin body 21 of the pole pin 2, such that the underside of the first insulating part 4 partially rests against the top surface of the cover plate 1 and the side wall of the first insulating part 4 partially rests against the pin body 21. This arrangement allows the top surface of the cover plate 1 and part of the side surfaces of the pin body 21 to be covered by the first insulating part 4, so that there is no excess space for metal wires or metal shavings and no gaps are left that would allow the penetration of metal wires or metal shavings. This effectively prevents a short circuit between the pole pin 2 and the cover plate 1.

[0026] The battery cover structure provided by this application comprises a cover plate, a terminal stud, a sealing element, and a first insulating part. The terminal stud comprises a stud body that extends through the cover plate, with a receiving gap between the terminal stud and the cover plate. The sealing element is fitted onto the terminal stud and positioned tightly against it, with the first projecting section of the sealing element located in the receiving gap. The first insulating part is configured to fill the receiving gap and insulate the terminal stud from the cover plate. The first insulating part includes a first plug-in section, wherein at least one first projection is formed on the first plug-in surface of the first projecting section, and at least one first groove is formed on the second plug-in surface of the first plug-in section, each corresponding one-to-one with the first projection.By aligning the first plug section with the first projection section and arranging the first protrusion on the plug surface and the first groove, the creepage path between the pole pin and the cover plate can be effectively increased. This makes lateral or vertical movement of the metal wire more difficult and hinders its lateral propagation.

[0027] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As further shown in Figure 2, to achieve the fastening of the terminal pin 2 to the cover plate 1, the battery cover structure further comprises a press block 6, wherein an annular locking groove 211 is arranged on the circumferential surface of the terminal body 21, and wherein the press block 6 is placed onto the terminal body 21 and is locked in the annular locking groove 211, thereby securely connecting the terminal pin 2 and the cover plate 1. In some embodiments, the press block 6 is an aluminum block, and this aluminum block is riveted to the terminal pin 2.

[0028] Metal wire can be generated in the battery cover structure either by cutting the cover plate 1 during production or through use or assembly processes. During assembly of the battery cover structure, the sealing element 3 and the first insulating part 4 are guided through the terminal body 21, whereby the edges of the sealing element 3 or the first insulating part 4 rub against the end face edges of the terminal body 21 in the terminal pin 2. Sharp edges can easily wear down and generate metal wire. Therefore, as described in Fig. Figure 1 shows an annular step (not marked in the figure) formed on the pin body 21, the corners of which are provided with a chamfer 212. The arrangement of the chamfer 212 not only facilitates the insertion of the sealing element 3 and the first insulating part 4 onto the pin body 21, but also prevents the edges of the end face of the annular step on the pin body 21 from being too sharp, thereby reducing the likelihood of wire formation during the assembly process.

[0029] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the pole pin 2 also includes a base plate 22, wherein the pin body 21 is arranged projecting onto the base plate 22 and the base plate 22 is firmly connected to an end face of the pin body 21. The base plate 22 not only ensures insulation between the pin body 21 and the cover plate 1, but also serves as a support for the pin body 21. A pole pin opening 11 is formed in the cover plate 1, wherein the pin body 21 is guided through the pole pin opening 11, and the sealing element 3 is arranged between the base plate 22 and the cover plate 1. Part of the side wall of the pole body 21 and part of the top of the base plate 22 rest against the sealing element 3 and form a barrier between the base plate 22 and the cover plate 1. This effectively prevents direct contact between the base plate 22 and the cover plate 1 and thus avoids a possible short circuit between the pole pin 2 and the cover plate 1.

[0030] Due to the limited size of the sealing element 3, it is possible that the top of the base plate 22 is not completely covered and the contact between the base plate 22 and the cover plate 1 cannot be fully insulated. Therefore, the battery cover structure also includes a second insulated part 5, which is positioned between the base plate 22 and the cover plate 1. Parts of the side wall of the second insulated part 5 abut the sealing element 3, and other parts of the side wall of the second insulated part 5 abut the side wall of the base plate 22. In conjunction with the sealing element 3, the cavity between the base plate 22 and the cover plate 1 can be completely filled.

[0031] To increase the creepage current path between the base plate 22 and the cover plate 1, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a second projecting section 32 is arranged on the sealing element 3. A second plug-in section 51 is provided on the second insulating part 5, which fits together with the second projecting section 32. The arrangement of the second plug-in section 51 and the second projecting section 32 replaces the previous connection method, in which the sealing element and insulating part were in contact with each other flush in battery covers, increases the complexity of the gap between the base plate 22 and the cover plate 1, makes longitudinal movement or stretching of metal wires more difficult, and reduces the possibility of a short circuit between the terminal pin 2 and the cover plate 1. In some embodiments, the second insulating part 5 is generally a plastic ring made of insulating material.

[0032] The second projecting section 32 is an annular structure that protrudes from the sealing element 3. In some embodiments, as in Fig. 2 and Fig.As shown in Figure 4, the longitudinal section of the second projection section 32 has a rectangular shape. In some other embodiments, the longitudinal section of the second projection section 32 can also have a triangular or other irregular shape. Optionally, the number of second projection sections 32 is set to multiple. Several second projection sections 31 can more effectively block the movement of the metal wire and thus prevent a connection between the base plate 2 and the cover plate 1 caused by the spreading of the metal wire.

[0033] It should be noted that, to increase the difficulty of longitudinal elongation of the metal wire on the second projection 32, various shapes of secondary projections (not shown in the figure) can be applied, depending on processing conditions or production requirements. In some embodiments, the secondary projections can be hemispherical; in other embodiments, they can be triangularly toothed or rectangularly toothed.

[0034] This application also provides a battery comprising a battery cell, a housing, and the aforementioned battery cover structure, wherein the battery cell is arranged within the housing and the battery cover structure is firmly attached to the housing opening. The use of the aforementioned battery cover structure in this battery can increase the difficulty of horizontal or vertical propagation of the metal wire, effectively reduce short circuits between the terminal pin 2 and the cover plate 1, decrease the risk of battery short circuits and explosions, and extend the battery's service life.

[0035] In the description of this application, unless expressly specified and defined otherwise, the terms "connected", "attached", and "fastened" are to be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or a one-piece design; they may refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they may refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection via an intermediate medium; and they may refer to the internal continuity of two elements or to the interaction between two elements. The meaning of the above terms in this application may be understood by a person skilled in the art depending on the context.

[0036] In this application, unless expressly stated or defined otherwise, the terms "above" or "below" a first feature mean that the first and second features may be in direct contact or not in direct contact, but interact via other features between them. Furthermore, the terms "on," "above," and "above" include a first feature being vertically above or diagonally above a second feature, or simply indicating that the vertical height of the first feature is greater than that of the second feature. Similarly, the terms "below," "below," and "underneath" include a first feature being vertically below or diagonally below a second feature, or simply indicating that the vertical height of the first feature is lower than that of the second feature.

[0037] In the description of this embodiment, it should be noted that the terms "top," "bottom," "left," "right," and other directional or positional relationships are based on the directions or positions shown in the accompanying illustrations. They serve only to simplify the description and operation and do not indicate or imply that the described devices or components must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or be operated in a particular way. Therefore, they are not to be understood as limiting this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for better differentiation of the description and have no special meaning.

Claims

[1] Battery cover structure, comprising: a cover plate (1); a pole pin (2), wherein the pole pin (2) comprises a pin body (21), wherein the pin body (21) is passed through the cover plate (1), wherein a receiving gap is formed between the pole pin (2) and the cover plate (1); a sealing element (3), wherein the sealing element (3) is mounted on the pole pin (2) and is in close contact with the pole pin (2), wherein a first projection section (31) is provided on the sealing element (3), wherein the first projection section (31) is located in the receiving gap; a first insulating part (4) wherein the first insulating part (4) is arranged to fill the receiving gap in order to insulate the pole pin (2) and the cover plate (1) from each other, wherein a first plug-in section (41) is provided on the first insulating part (4), wherein the first plug-in section (41) fits together with the first projecting section (31) in a plug-in manner; wherein at least one first projection is provided on a first mating surface of the first projection section (31) and at least one first groove is provided on a second mating surface of the first mating section (41), each of which is assigned one-to-one to the at least first projection. [2] Battery cover structure according to claim 1, wherein the first insulating part (4) is attached to the pin body (21), wherein the underside of the first insulating part (4) partially abuts the top of the cover plate (1) and the side wall of the first insulating part (4) partially abuts the pin body (21). [3] Battery cover structure according to claim 1, further comprising a press block (6) wherein an annular locking groove (211) is provided on the circumferential surface of the pin body (21), wherein the press block (6) is placed on the pin body (21) and is locked in the annular locking groove (211). [4] Battery cover structure according to claim 1, wherein an annular step is formed on the pin body (21), wherein a chamfer (212) is arranged at one corner of the annular step. [5] Battery cover structure according to claim 1, wherein the first projection section (31) is an annular structure and the longitudinal section of the first projection section (31) has a rectangular or triangular shape. [6] Battery cover structure according to claim 1, wherein several first projection sections (31) are present. [7] Battery cover structure according to claim 1, wherein the terminal pin (2) further comprises a base plate (22), wherein the pin body (21) is arranged projecting on the base plate (22), wherein a terminal pin opening (11) is formed in the cover plate (1), wherein the pin body (21) is passed through inside the terminal pin opening (11), and wherein the sealing element (3) is arranged between the base plate (22) and the cover plate (1). [8] Battery cover structure according to claim 7, further comprising a second insulating part (5), wherein the second insulating part (5) is arranged between the base plate (22) and the cover plate (1), wherein the side wall of the second insulating part (5) partially abuts the sealing element (3), wherein the side wall of the second insulating part (5) partially abuts the side wall of the base plate (22). [9] Battery cover structure according to claim 8, wherein a second projection section (32) is provided on the sealing element (3), wherein a second plug-in section (51) is provided on the second insulating part (5) which plugs together with the second projection section (32). [10] Battery comprising a battery cell, a housing and a battery lid structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the battery cell is arranged in the housing and the battery lid structure closes the housing.

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