Conductive structure, cover plate assembly, and battery unit

Abstract

This invention provides a conductive structure and cover plate assembly that not only simplifies the assembly process of the battery's top cover but also offers low operational difficulty. [Solution] The conductive structure comprises a first position-defining portion 11 and a second position-defining portion 12 provided on one side of the first position-defining portion and having a bendable annular rib. The free end 121a of the annular rib is partially recessed to form a first recess. In use, the conductive structure is configured to be drilled into the cover plate and connected to a tab, and at least the free end of the annular rib is bent outward to form a first flange 122. Both the first flange and the first position-defining portion abut against the cover plate and clamp the cover plate together.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of batteries, and specifically to a conductive structure, a cover plate assembly, and a single battery.

Background Art

[0002] In related technologies, when assembling the top cover of a battery (also called a cover plate assembly), a terminal pressing block and a cover plate are stacked and installed, and a pole post is drilled through them. Then, press caulking is performed on the pole post along the axial direction of the pole post to expand the pole post in the radial direction, and then rivet the pole post to the terminal pressing block and the cover. After that, it is necessary to re-weld the pole post and the terminal pressing block through a welding process. Such an assembly method of the top cover adopts a riveting technology with a complex process, which leads to a high production cost of the top cover and a low production efficiency.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Embodiments of this application provide a conductive structure, a cover plate assembly, and a single battery that can improve the technical problem of complex assembly of the top cover.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a conductive structure, comprising a first position defining part and a second position defining part provided on one side of the first position defining part. The second position defining part comprises an annular rib that can be bent and deformed. A free end of the annular rib is partially recessed to form a first recess. In a use state, the conductive structure is configured to be drilled through a cover plate and connected to a tab, and at least the free end of the annular rib is bent outward to form a first flange. Both the first flange and the first position defining part abut against the cover plate to sandwich the cover plate together.

[0005] In one embodiment, in the initial state, the thickness of the annular rib is 0.4 mm to 1.5 mm, and / or the first positioning portion includes a positioning block that protrudes from the annular rib along the radial direction of the annular rib.

[0006] In one embodiment, the second position-defining portion further comprises an intermediate layer located between the first position-defining portion and the annular rib, the intermediate layer being integrally molded with the annular rib to surround the second recess.

[0007] In one embodiment, in the initial state, a fillet with a radius of 0.2 mm or more is formed in the second recess at the connection between the intermediate layer and the annular rib.

[0008] In one embodiment, the surface of the first position-defining portion opposite to the second position-defining portion is recessed to form a third recess, and the third recess corresponds to the second recess.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first position-defining portion is a first metal structure, the second position-defining portion is a second metal structure, and the bonding interface between the first metal structure and the second metal structure has an uneven microstructure.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first position defining portion is a terminal pressing block, the second position defining portion is a pole column, and the terminal pressing block and the pole column are integrally formed.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first position defining portion is a current collector member, the second position defining portion is a pole column, and the current collector member and the pole column are integrally formed.

[0012] In one embodiment, the conductive structure is a pole column.

[0013] In a second embodiment, an embodiment of the present application provides a cover plate assembly comprising a cover plate and the conductive structure described above, wherein the cover plate has a mounting through hole extending through the cover plate along the thickness direction of the cover plate, the conductive structure is in the usage state and is drilled in the mounting through hole, the first flange and the first positioning portion each abut the cover plate, and the cover plate is sandwiched between the first positioning portion and the first flange.

[0014] In one embodiment, the cover plate has an arc-shaped transition surface that curves and extends from one side surface of the cover plate into the mounting through hole, the first flange has an outer surface close to the cover plate, and the arc-shaped transition surface conforms to the outer surface.

[0015] In one embodiment, a portion of the surface of one side of the cover plate is recessed to form a fourth recess, the fourth recess is provided surrounding the mounting through hole, its bottom wall surface is connected to the arc-shaped transition surface, and the first flange is housed within the fourth recess.

[0016] In one embodiment, the cover plate comprises a cover plate body and insulating members located on opposite sides of the cover plate body, the mounting through hole comprises a first through hole formed in the cover plate body and a second through hole formed in the insulating member, the first through hole corresponding to the second through hole, and the arc-shaped transition surface and the fourth recess formed on the surface of at least one of the insulating members opposite to the cover plate body, with at least a portion of the arc-shaped transition surface extending into the second through hole.

[0017] In one embodiment, the insulating member is further formed with a second flange that surrounds the second through-hole and extends toward the cover plate body, the arc-shaped transition surface is located on the second flange, and the second flange enters into the first through-hole and fits into the first through-hole.

[0018] In one embodiment, the cover plate assembly further comprises a sealing member, at least a portion of which enters the first through hole and is positioned between the cover plate body and the conductive structure, wherein the free end of the second flange abuts against the sealing member.

[0019] In one embodiment, the cover plate assembly further comprises an auxiliary pressing sheet located between the cover plate and the first flange, the auxiliary pressing sheet having opposite front and back surfaces, the front surface conforming to the outer surface and the back surface conforming to the arc-shaped transition surface.

[0020] In a third embodiment, the embodiment of the present application provides a battery unit, which is a single battery unit. Cases with containment chambers, An electrode assembly equipped with a tag is provided in the aforementioned containment chamber, The cover plate assembly described above comprises a cover plate assembly connected to the case to seal the opening of the housing chamber, and the conductive structure to the tab. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application are as follows:

[0022] In the embodiments of the present application, when the conductive structure is in use, by applying pressure to the annular rib, at least the free end of the annular rib is bent outward to form a first flange, and then the cover plate is clamped together with the first position defining portion using the first flange, thus realizing the assembly of the conductive structure and the cover plate. Such a method is not only simple in process but also low in operation difficulty. In addition, a first recess is formed at the free end of the annular rib, and the first recess is formed as a notch on the free end of the annular rib in a region where the strength of the annular rib is weak. In this way, when pressure is applied to the annular rib, the first recess can make the free end of the annular rib more likely to expand outward, thus guiding at least a part of the annular rib to bend outward to form a first flange, reducing the difficulty of forming the first flange, further reducing the difficulty of assembling the conductive structure and the cover plate, and improving the assembly efficiency.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] To more clearly explain the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings necessary for the description of the embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings on the premise of not exerting creative efforts.

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a three-dimensional structure schematic diagram of the conductive structure in the initial state provided by the embodiment of the present application. [Figure 2] It is a front structure schematic diagram of the conductive structure in the initial state provided by the embodiment of the present application. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional structure schematic diagram of the conductive structure in the initial state provided by the embodiment of the present application. [Figure 4] It is a three-dimensional structure schematic diagram of the conductive structure in the use state provided by the embodiment of the present application. [Figure 5] It is a planar structure schematic diagram of the conductive structure in the use state provided by the embodiment of the present application. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the cover plate assembly provided in the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is an exploded view 1 of the cover plate assembly provided in the embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9] This is an exploded view 2 of the cover plate assembly provided in the embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10] This is a schematic plan view of the cover plate assembly provided in the embodiment of the present application. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view in the direction of BB. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the insulating member in the cover plate assembly provided by the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view in the CC direction. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a single battery provided in the embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] The technical concepts described herein will be clearly and completely explained below with reference to the drawings of the embodiments of this application, and it is clear that the embodiments described are only a selection of embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained based on the embodiments of this application without creative work by a person skilled in the art are included within the scope of protection of this application.

[0026] Furthermore, the specific embodiments described herein should be understood to be for illustrative and interpretable purposes only, and not to limit, the present application. In this application, unless otherwise specified, directional terms such as “up” and “down” generally refer to the up and down in the actual use or operating state of the device, specifically the drawing direction in the drawings, and “inside” and “outside” refer to the contour of the device.

[0027] The terms “first” and “second” are merely descriptive and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or the number of technical features being referred to. Thus, features designated as “first” and “second” may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the aforementioned features. In this description, “multiple” means two or more unless otherwise explicitly and specifically limited.

[0028] In this description, unless otherwise explicitly defined and limited, the terms “attachment,” “connection,” and “connection” should be understood broadly, for example, as fixed connections, removable connections, or integrated connections; as mechanical connections, electrical connections, or intercommunications; as direct connections, indirect connections via an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two elements or interaction relationships between two elements. A person skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application depending on the specific context.

[0029] Furthermore, the terms “includes,” “equipment,” and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article, or apparatus consisting of a set of elements may include not only these elements but also other elements not explicitly stated, or elements specific to the process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, the elements limited by “includes” do not preclude other identical elements from being present in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0030] In the description of the embodiments of this Application, terms such as “as an example” or “for example” are used to indicate illustration, explanation, or description. Any embodiment or design described as “illustrative” or “for example” in the embodiments of this Application shall not be construed as being preferable or having more advantages than another embodiment or design. The use of terms such as “as an example” or “for example” is intended to clearly express relative concepts.

[0031] To facilitate understanding of the technical proposal of this application, the spline curves and arrows used in the reference numerals in the drawings are explained here. Members indicated by spline curves without arrows are physical members, that is, members with a physical structure. Members indicated by spline curves with arrows are virtual members, that is, members without a physical structure.

[0032] Regarding the technical challenge of the complexity of assembling the top cover in related technologies, the embodiment of this application provides a conductive structure, a cover plate assembly equipped with this conductive structure, and a battery unit comprising this cover plate assembly.

[0033] In the first embodiment, referring to Figure 1, the embodiment of the present application provides a conductive structure 1 which is used to connect the internal circuit of a single battery unit with the external circuit of the single battery unit (abbreviated as the external circuit), thereby enabling power supply from the external circuit to the single battery unit (i.e., charging of the single battery unit) or power supply from the single battery unit to the external circuit (i.e., discharging of the single battery unit). In particular, the conductive structure 1 may be used to be assembled to the cover plate of the single battery unit.

[0034] Specifically, referring to Figures 1 to 11, the conductive structure 1 comprises a first position-defining portion 11 and a second position-defining portion 12. The second position-defining portion 12 is provided on one side of the first position-defining portion 11. The second position-defining portion 12 includes a bendable annular rib 121. The free end 121a of the annular rib 121 is partially recessed to form a first recess 1211. In use, the conductive structure 1 is configured to be drilled into the cover plate 2 and connected to the tag 301, with at least the free end 121a of the annular rib 121 bent outward to form a first flange 122, and both the first flange 122 and the first position-defining portion 11 abut against the cover plate 2 and clamp the cover plate 2 together.

[0035] The conductive structure 1 is a conductor, and preferably, the conductive structure 1 is a metal part, that is, the material of the conductive structure 1 is metal. The metal has not only conductivity but also ductility, thus making it easy to bend and deform the annular rib 121, and reducing the difficulty of manufacturing the conductive structure 1. Here, the metal may be a single metal or a metal alloy. Since the conductive structure 1 includes a first position defining portion 11 and a second position defining portion 12, if the conductive structure 1 is a metal part, the first position defining portion 11 and the second position defining portion 12 may be made of the same metal or of different metals.

[0036] The annular rib 121 has opposing ends, with one end of the annular rib 121 formed as a free end 121a away from the first position-defining portion 11, while the other end of the annular rib 121 is connected to the first position-defining portion 11. The other end of the annular rib 121 may be directly connected to the first position-defining portion 11 or indirectly connected. The other end of the annular rib 121 connected to the first position-defining portion 11 is formed as a fixed end 121b.

[0037] Since the annular rib 121 is bendable, the conductive structure 1 has an initial state and a usage state, and the conductive structure 1 can transition at least from the initial state to the usage state.

[0038] More specifically, the initial state refers to the conductive structure 1 before the annular rib 121 is deformed. In the initial state, the annular rib 121 extends away from the first position-defining portion 11. The side wall of the annular rib 121 may be perpendicular to the first position-defining portion 11, or it may be approximately perpendicular to the first position-defining portion 11. Preferably, the angle between the side wall of the annular rib 121 and the first position-defining portion 11 is 80° to 100°. As an example, the angle between the side wall of the annular rib 121 and the first position-defining portion 11 is 80°, 82°, 84°, 85°, 86°, 87°, 88°, 89°, 90°, 91°, 92°, 93°, 94°, 95°, 97°, 99°, or 100°. For example, in the initial state, the annular rib 121 has a straight cylindrical shape, and the free end 121a extends along the axial direction of the conductive structure 1.

[0039] The "used state" refers to the conductive structure 1 after the annular rib 121 has been deformed. In the used state, at least the free end 121a of the annular rib 121 is bent and deformed, bending outward to form the first flange 122. Here, bending outward means that at least a part of the annular rib 121 shifts outward and spreads. For example, in the used state, the annular rib 121 has a horn shape, where the fixed end 121b is the smaller end and the free end 121a is the larger end, with the free end 121a extending along the radial direction of the conductive structure 1.

[0040] It can be understood that, after the conductive structure 1 transitions from its initial state to the usage state, the radial dimension of at least the free end 121a of the annular rib 121 increases, but the axial dimension of the annular rib 121 as a whole decreases.

[0041] In the operating state, the conductive structure 1 is configured to be drilled into the cover plate 2. For example, when drilling the conductive structure 1 into the cover plate 2, the conductive structure 1 is first maintained in its initial state, and the conductive structure 1 is drilled into the cover plate 2 through the mounting through hole 2a of the cover plate 2 so that at least the free end 121a of the annular rib 121 is exposed outside the mounting through hole 2a. Next, pressure is applied to the annular rib 121 so that at least the free end 121a of the annular rib 121 spreads outward to form the first flange 122, and the conductive structure 1 is transitioned to the operating state.

[0042] When the conductive structure 1 is in use, both the first flange 122 and the first position regulating portion 11 are in contact with the cover plate 2; that is, the first flange 122 is in contact with the cover plate 2, and the first position regulating portion 11 is also in contact with the cover plate 2, but the first flange 122 and the first position regulating portion 11 apply biasing forces to the cover plate 2 from opposite directions. It is in this manner that the first flange 122, together with the first position regulating portion 11, can clamp the cover plate 2.

[0043] The cover plate 2 has two sides, which are opposite each other along the thickness direction of the cover plate 2, and these sides are designated as the first and second surfaces. For the convenience of the following explanation, the first surface is the surface facing the electrode assembly 30, and the second surface is the surface facing away from the electrode assembly 30.

[0044] For example, in the operating state, the conductive structure 1 is drilled into the cover plate 2 through the mounting through hole 2a of the cover plate 2, the first position regulating portion 11 abuts against the first surface, and the first flange 122 abuts against the second surface.

[0045] As an example, the mounting through-hole 2a of the cover plate 2 is a stepped hole connecting the first surface and the second surface, and the stepped hole includes a first hole portion that communicates with the first surface and a second hole portion that communicates with the second surface. The diameter of the first hole portion is larger than the diameter of the second hole portion, and the inner surfaces of the first hole portion and the second hole portion are connected by the first stepped surface. In the operating state, the conductive structure 1 is drilled into the cover plate 2 through the mounting through-hole 2a of the cover plate 2, the first position regulating portion 11 abuts against the first stepped surface, and the end face of the first position regulating portion 11 is flush with the first surface, and the first flange 122 abuts against the second surface.

[0046] As an example, the mounting through-hole 2a of the cover plate 2 is a diameter-changing hole that connects the first surface and the second surface. The diameter-changing hole includes an upper hole, a middle hole, and a lower hole that are distributed in order, with the upper hole connecting to the first surface and the lower hole connecting to the second surface. The upper hole has the same diameter as the lower hole but is larger than the middle hole. The inner surfaces of the upper hole and the middle hole are connected by a second stepped surface, and the inner surfaces of the middle hole and the lower hole are connected by a third stepped surface. In use, the conductive structure 1 is drilled into the cover plate 2 through the mounting through-hole 2a of the cover plate 2, the first position-defining portion 11 is used on the second stepped surface, and the first flange 122 is used on the third stepped surface.

[0047] Furthermore, in use, the conductive structure 1 is configured to be connected to the tab 301, and either the first position defining portion 11 or the second position defining portion 12 may be connected to the tab 301. For example, the first flange 122 is connected to the tab 301.

[0048] Furthermore, in the initial state, a first recess 1211 is formed at the free end 121a of the annular rib 121. Specifically, the first recess 1211 is formed by recessing a portion of the free end 121a in a direction that approaches the first position-defining portion 11. In this way, the first recess 1211 is also located at the free end 121a, and the notch of the first recess 1211 is oriented away from the first position-defining portion 11, so that the first recess 1211 communicates the inside and outside of the annular rib 121. The number of first recesses 1211 at the free end 121a may be one or more. If there are multiple first recesses 1211, they are spaced apart from each other, and as an example, all first recesses 1211 are spaced equally apart.

[0049] Therefore, in the conductive structure 1 provided by the embodiment of the present application, when pressure is applied to the annular rib 121 during use, at least the free end 121a of the annular rib 121 is bent outward to form a first flange 122, and then the cover plate 2 is sandwiched together with the first positioning portion 11 using the first flange 122, thereby realizing the assembly of the conductive structure 1 and the cover plate 2. Such a method is not only simple in process but also reduces the difficulty of operation. In addition, in the initial state, a first recess 1211 is formed at the free end 121a of the annular rib 121, and the first recess 1211 is formed as a notch in the free end 121a of the annular rib 121 so as to be a region of weak strength of the annular rib 121. In this way, when pressure is applied to the annular rib 121, the first recess 1211 can make it easier for the free end 121a of the annular rib 121 to spread outward, thereby guiding at least a portion of the annular rib 121 to bend outward and form the first flange 122, reducing the difficulty of forming the first flange 122 and further improving the assembly efficiency of the conductive structure 1 and the cover plate 2.

[0050] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 4, the first position-defining portion 11 is a terminal pressing block, and the second position-defining portion 12 is a pole column, with the terminal pressing block and the pole column being integrally formed. That is, the conductive structure 1 is a terminal pressing block-pole column integrated structure, and this configuration not only reduces the number of parts but also reduces the manufacturing process, thus improving the assembly efficiency of the conductive structure 1 and the cover plate 2. As an example, in the operating state of the conductive structure 1, the first position-defining portion 11 abuts against the second surface, the first flange 122 abuts against the first surface, the first position-defining portion 11 clamps the cover plate 2 together with the first flange 122, and the first flange 122 is connected to the tab 301.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first position-defining portion 11 is a current collector, and the second position-defining portion 12 is a pole, with the current collector and the pole integrally formed. That is, the conductive structure 1 is a current collector-pole integrated structure, and this configuration also reduces the number of parts and the manufacturing process, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the conductive structure 1 and the cover plate 2. As an example, in the operating state of the conductive structure 1, the first position-defining portion 11 abuts against the first surface, the first flange 122 abuts against the terminal pressing block located on the second surface, the first position-defining portion 11, together with the first flange 122, clamps the terminal pressing block and the cover plate 2, and the first position-defining portion 11 is directly connected to the tag 301.

[0052] In some embodiments, the conductive structure 1 is a pole post. In one example, when the conductive structure 1 is in use, the first flange 122 abuts against the first surface and is connected to the tab 301, the first position defining portion 11 abuts against the terminal pressing block located on the second surface, and the first flange 122, together with the first position defining portion 11, clamps the terminal pressing block and the cover plate 2. In another example, when the conductive structure 1 is in use, the first flange 122 abuts against the terminal pressing block located on the second surface, the first position defining portion 11 abuts against the first surface, the first flange 122, together with the first position defining portion 11, clamps the terminal pressing block and the cover plate 2, and the first position defining portion 11 is connected to the tag 301.

[0053] In some embodiments, in the initial state, the first position-defining portion 11 includes a position-defining block 11a that protrudes radially from the annular rib 121. That is, in the initial state, the radial dimension of the position-defining block 11a is larger than the radial dimension of the annular rib 121. In this way, in the initial state, the annular rib 121 is made more likely to penetrate the mounting through-hole 2a of the cover plate 2, while the position-defining block 11a is made more likely to be stopped by the edge of the mounting through-hole 2a, thereby achieving contact with the cover plate 2. At the same time, the position-defining block 11a can also close the mounting through-hole 2a to some extent. Of course, the position-defining block 11a can improve the strength of the conductive structure 1 to some extent and further improve the reliability of the connection between the conductive structure 1 and the cover plate 2. On the other hand, if the conductive structure 1 is a metal part, it is easy to increase the amount of metal in the conductive structure 1 by providing the position-defining block 11a and further improve the current-carrying ability of the conductive structure 1. For example, in the operating state, the cross-section obtained by cutting the conductive structure 1 along the axial direction exhibits a "π" shape.

[0054] In some embodiments, the first position-defining portion 11 and the second position-defining portion 12 have the same configuration and are installed back-to-back, meaning that the first position-defining portion 11 also has a bendable annular rib 121. For ease of distinction, the annular rib 121 provided by the second position-defining portion 12 is referred to as the first annular rib, and the annular rib 121 provided by the first position-defining portion 11 is referred to as the second annular rib. As an example, the conductive structure 1 is a pole column, and in the operating state of the conductive structure 1, the first annular rib is bent outward to form a first flange that abuts against the terminal pressing block located on the second surface, the second annular rib is bent outward to form a second first flange that abuts against the first surface, the first flange together with the second first flange sandwiches the terminal pressing block and the cover plate 2, and the second first flange is connected to the tag 301.

[0055] In some embodiments, in the initial state, the orthographic projection of the annular rib 121 is annular along the axial direction of the annular rib 121. In this way, the annular rib 121 has no ends, making it easier to bend and deform, and reducing the difficulty of forming the first flange 122. Of course, in other embodiments, the orthographic projection of the annular rib 121 may be square, trapezoidal, triangular, hemispherical, or irregular in shape.

[0056] In some embodiments, the initial thickness of the annular rib 121 is 0.4 mm to 1.5 mm. If the conductive structure 1 is described as a metal part, in the initial state, the greater the thickness of the annular rib 121, the more difficult it is for the annular rib 121 to bend, while the smaller the thickness of the annular rib 121, the lower the mechanical strength of the annular rib 121. However, after the annular rib 121 is bent outward to form the first flange 122, the thickness of the first flange 122 is usually smaller than the thickness of the annular rib 121. As a result, the mechanical strength of the first flange 122 also decreases, making it more susceptible to deformation during use and leading to a decrease in the reliability of the connection between the conductive structure 1 and the cover plate. By setting the initial thickness of the annular rib 121 to 0.4 mm to 1.5 mm, it becomes easy to bend the annular rib 121 outward within this thickness range to form the first flange 122, and the resulting first flange 122 has good strength and is resistant to deformation. As an example, the thickness of the annular rib 121 is 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, or 1.5 mm.

[0057] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 3 and 6, the second position-defining portion 12 further comprises an intermediate layer 123, which is located between the first position-defining portion 11 and the annular rib 121, and is integrally molded with the annular rib 121, with the intermediate layer 123 and the annular rib 121 surrounding it to form a second recess 124. That is, the fixed end 121b of the annular rib 121 is directly connected to the intermediate layer 123, and the intermediate layer 123 closes the opening in the annular rib 121 corresponding to the fixed end 121b, thereby defining and forming the second recess 124 together with the annular rib 121. With respect to the second recess 124, the annular rib 121 is formed as a side wall, while the intermediate layer 123 is formed as a bottom wall.

[0058] By providing the intermediate layer 123, the second position-defining portion 12 is connected to the first position-defining portion 11 via the intermediate layer 123, increasing the contact area between the second position-defining portion 12 and the first position-defining portion 11, improving the connection strength between them, and ensuring the structural stability of the conductive structure 1. At the same time, by designing the intermediate layer 123 and the annular rib 121 to be integrally molded, the reliability of the connection between the intermediate layer 123 and the annular rib 121 can be improved, reducing the risk of the annular rib 121 cracking or falling off during the process of bending outward. By forming the second recess 124, the difficulty of forming the first flange 122 can be reduced.

[0059] Furthermore, in the case of the same configuration in which the first position regulating portion 11 and the second position regulating portion 12 are installed back-to-back, the presence of the intermediate layer 123 can close the mounting through hole 2a of the cover plate 2.

[0060] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 3, in the initial state, a fillet 1241 is formed in the second recess 124 at the connection between the intermediate layer 123 and the annular rib 121, with a radius of 0.2 mm or more. The formation of the fillet 1241 increases the connection strength between the intermediate layer 123 and the annular rib 121, thereby reducing the risk of the annular rib 121 cracking or falling off during the process of bending outward. As an example, the radius of the fillet 1241 is 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, or 1 mm.

[0061] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the surface of the first position-defining portion 11 opposite to the second position-defining portion 12 is recessed to form a third recess 111 corresponding to the second recess 124. By providing the third recess 111, the weight of the conductive structure 1 can be reduced, and the cost of the conductive structure 1 can also be reduced. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the third recess 111 obtained by cutting the conductive structure 1 along the axial direction may be a square, trapezoid, triangle, hemisphere, etc., and is not limited thereto.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first position-defining portion 11 is a first metal structure, and the second position-defining portion 12 is a second metal structure. Here, the first metal and the second metal are different metals, so the materials of the first position-defining portion 11 and the second position-defining portion 12 in the conductive structure 1 are different, thus forming the conductive structure 1 as a composite conductive structure, which not only reduces the manufacturing cost of the conductive structure 1 but also reduces the difficulty of connecting the conductive structure 1 to the tab 301 and the external circuit structure. For example, if the second position-defining portion 12 is used to weld the tab 301 via a connecting sheet (not shown), the difficulty of connecting the first position-defining portion 11 to the external circuit can be reduced by making the material of the second position-defining portion 12 the same as the material of the connecting sheet. Thus, the first position-defining portion 11 can be designed according to the material of the external circuit structure. Here, the conductive structure 1 may be a structure for connecting to a positive electrode tab, or a structure for connecting to a negative electrode tab. For example, the first metal includes either copper or aluminum, while the second metal includes the other of copper or aluminum.

[0063] In some embodiments, the bonding interface between the first metal structure and the second metal structure has a rough microstructure. Here, this means that the surfaces of the first metal structure and the second metal structure meet in a microscopically complementary manner. Preferably, the conductive structure 1 is a cold-formed product. For example, the first metal is aluminum, the second metal is a copper layer, and the conductive structure 1 is obtained by cold-forming a copper-aluminum composite plate. Because metals are ductile, during the cold-forming process, the pressure causes the first metal in the first metal structure and the second metal in the second metal structure to deform and penetrate each other, so that the bonding interface between the first metal structure and the second metal structure is formed as a microscopically rough wavefront. In this way, the bonding area between the first metal structure and the second metal structure can be further increased, and the bonding strength can be improved. Preferably, a transition layer (not shown) containing at least a compound containing the first metal and the second metal is further formed between the first metal structure and the second metal structure.

[0064] In a second embodiment, referring to Figure 7, the embodiment of the present application further provides a cover plate assembly 10 which is used to fit with a battery case to form a closed housing chamber for housing the electrode assembly of the battery.

[0065] Specifically, referring to Figures 7 to 13, the cover plate assembly 10 comprises a cover plate 2 and the conductive structure 1 described above. The cover plate 2 has a mounting through hole 2a that penetrates the cover plate 2 along the thickness direction of the cover plate 2. The conductive structure 1 is in use and is drilled into the mounting through hole 2a, with the first flange 122 and the first position regulating portion 11 in contact with the cover plate 2, and the cover plate 2 is sandwiched between the first flange 122 and the first position regulating portion 11.

[0066] More specifically, the cover plate 2 has a first surface and a second surface that are opposite to each other along the thickness direction of the cover plate 2. Referring to Figure 14, when the cover plate assembly 10 is attached to the case 20 of the battery unit 100, the first surface is the surface closer to the case 20 and faces the electrode assembly 30 inside the case 20, and the second surface is the surface opposite to the case 20 and faces away from the electrode assembly 30 inside the case 20.

[0067] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 9 and 13, the cover plate 2 has an arc-shaped transition surface 2b that curves and extends from one side surface of the cover plate 2 into the mounting through hole 2a, the first flange 122 has an outer surface 122a close to the cover plate 2, and the arc-shaped transition surface 2b conforms to the outer surface 122a of the first flange 122. By providing the arc-shaped transition surface 2b on the cover plate 2, the arc-shaped transition surface 2b can guide the annular rib 121 to bend outward to form the first flange 122, which is advantageous for completing the outward bending operation and also reduces the risk of the first flange 122 crushing the cover plate 2 during the formation process.

[0068] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 10 to 13, the cover plate 2 has a fourth recess 2c formed by recessing a portion of the surface on one side of the cover plate 2. The fourth recess 2c surrounds the mounting through hole 2a, and it can be seen that the fourth recess 2c communicates with the mounting through hole 2a. The arc-shaped transition surface 2b is connected to the bottom wall surface of the fourth recess 2c, and the first flange 122 is housed within the fourth recess 2c. In this way, when bending the annular rib 121 outward to form the first flange 122, the arc-shaped transition surface 2b can guide the annular rib 121 to deform into the first flange 122 and house within the fourth recess 2c, thereby reducing the protrusion height of the first flange 122 from the surface of the cover plate 2, making the overall structure of the cover plate assembly 10 more compact, and further improving the utilization rate of the internal cell space. Preferably, the free end of the first flange 122 abuts against the side wall of the fourth recess 2c.

[0069] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 8 and 9, the cover plate 2 comprises a cover plate body 21 and insulating members 22 located on opposite sides of the cover plate body 21. There are two insulating members 22, and it can be seen that the cover plate body 21 is located between the two insulating members 22. The cover plate 2 is provided with mounting through holes 2a that penetrate the cover plate body 21 and the insulating members 22. Specifically, the mounting through holes 2a comprises a first through hole 210 and a second through hole 220. The first through hole 210 is provided in the cover plate body 21, and the second through hole 220 is provided in the insulating member 22, with the first through hole 210 corresponding to the second through hole 220. An arc-shaped transition surface 2b and a fourth recess 2c are formed on the surface of at least one insulating member 22 opposite to the cover plate body 21, and at least a portion of the arc-shaped transition surface 2b extends into the second through hole 220. Since the arc-shaped transition surface 2b is connected to the bottom wall surface of the fourth recess 2c, it can be understood that the arc-shaped transition surface 2b and the fourth recess 2c are formed on the same insulating member 22.

[0070] To facilitate distinction, the insulating members 22 arranged on opposite sides of the cover plate body 21 are referred to as the first insulating member 221 and the second insulating member 222. For example, the cover plate body 21 is an aluminum conductor cable sheet, and both the first insulating member 221 and the second insulating member 222 are resin members. The arc-shaped transition surface 2b and the fourth recess 2c may be formed on at least one of the first insulating member 221 and the second insulating member 222. For example, the second insulating member 222 has an arc-shaped transition surface 2b and a fourth recess 2c. For example, the first insulating member 221 has an arc-shaped transition surface 2b and a fourth recess 2c. For example, both the first insulating member 221 and the second insulating member 222 have an arc-shaped transition surface 2b and a fourth recess 2c. The arc-shaped transition surface 2b and the fourth recess 2c may be provided specifically according to the structure of the conductive structure 1 and the method of attaching the conductive structure 1 to the cover plate 2.

[0071] In some embodiments, the fourth recess 2c may be formed by locally thinning the insulating member 22.

[0072] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 13, the fourth recess 2c is formed by recessing the portion of the insulating member 22 surrounding the second through-hole 220 on one side, specifically on the side where the cover plate body 21 is located. Compared to a method in which the insulating member 22 is thinned to form the fourth recess 2c, this method ensures uniform strength throughout the insulating member 22 and makes it less likely for localized thinning of the insulating member 22 to form weaker regions.

[0073] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 10 to 13, the insulating member 22 is further formed with a second flange 223 that surrounds the second through-hole 220 and extends toward the cover plate body 21. The arc-shaped transition surface 2b is located on the second flange 223. The second flange 223 enters into and fits within the first through-hole 210. In this way, the second flange 223 can be positioned using the first through-hole 210, thereby improving the reliability of the connection between the insulating member 22 and the cover plate body 21. In this case, it can be seen that the first through-hole 210 overlaps with the second through-hole 220 at least partially.

[0074] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 8 and 9, the cover plate assembly 10 further includes a sealing member 3 located inside the mounting through-hole 2a and positioned between the cover plate 2 and the conductive structure 1 to seal the gap between the conductive structure 1 and the mounting through-hole 2a and prevent electrolyte leakage therefrom. As an example, the sealing member 3 is a sealing ring, and the material of the sealing ring is silica gel or rubber.

[0075] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 10 to 13, the sealing member 3 is positioned so that at least a portion of it enters the first through hole 210 and is located between the cover plate body 21 and the conductive structure 1. The free end of the second flange 223 abuts against the sealing member 3. Typically, the sealing member 3 has a low modulus of elasticity, and in this way, when the annular rib 121 is bent outward to form the first flange 122, the sealing member 3 can perform a certain cushioning function. Combined with the arc-shaped transition surface 2b of the second flange 223, the two come into contact with each other, reducing the risk of stress concentration on the annular rib 121 and further reducing the risk of the annular rib 121 breaking.

[0076] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 8 and 9, the cover plate assembly 10 further comprises an auxiliary pressing sheet 4 located between the cover plate 2 and the first flange 122, the auxiliary pressing sheet 4 having opposite front and back surfaces 41 and 42, the front surface 41 conforming to the outer surface and the back surface 42 conforming to the arcuate transition surface 2b. The auxiliary pressing sheet 4 facilitates the outward bending of the annular rib 121 to form the first flange 122, which is advantageous for completing the outward bending operation and reduces the risk of the first flange 122 crushing the cover plate 2 during the formation process. The material of the auxiliary pressing sheet 4 may be metal or nonmetal. Typically, the auxiliary pressing sheet 4 has good toughness.

[0077] As an example, the assembly procedure for cover plate assembly 10 is as follows: The steps include: fitting the sealing member 3 onto the conductive structure 1 in its initial state, The steps include passing the conductive structure 1 through the first insulating member 221, the cover plate body 21, and the second insulating member 222 in that order, The method includes the step of applying pressure to the conductive structure 1 so that at least the free end 121a of the annular rib 121 is bent outward to form the first flange 122.

[0078] In some embodiments, the cover plate assembly 10 further includes an explosion-proof valve (not shown) provided on the cover plate 2.

[0079] In some embodiments, the cover plate 10 is further provided with an injection hole (not shown) and a sealing structure (not shown) for sealing the injection hole.

[0080] In a third embodiment, referring to Figure 14, the embodiment of the present application further provides a battery unit 100, also called a cell, which refers to a basic unit that realizes the interconversion of chemical energy and electrical energy.

[0081] Specifically, referring to Figure 14, the battery unit 100 comprises a case 20, an electrode assembly 30, and the cover plate assembly 10 described above. The case 20 has a housing chamber 201, the electrode assembly 30 is located inside the housing chamber 201, and the cover plate assembly 10 is connected to the case 20 and seals the opening of the housing chamber 201. The electrode assembly 30 includes a tab 301 connected to the conductive structure 1.

[0082] Specifically, the electrode assembly 30 further comprises an electrode sheet connected to a tab 301 and having a positive electrode sheet and a negative electrode sheet, and a separator located between the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet. It can also be understood that the tab 301 comprises a positive electrode tab connected to the positive electrode sheet and a negative electrode tab connected to the negative electrode sheet.

[0083] Furthermore, electrolyte is also stored inside the containment chamber 201, and the electrode assembly 30 is immersed in the electrolyte.

[0084] Although the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above, and the principles and embodiments of the present application have been explained by applying specific individual examples, the above description of embodiments is merely intended to aid in understanding the method and core idea of ​​the present application. At the same time, those skilled in the art may have modifications in specific embodiments and scope of application based on the idea of ​​the present application, and therefore, the contents of this specification should not be understood as limitations on the present application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1. Conductive structure, 11 First position defining part, 11a Position defining block, 111 Third recess, 12 second position defining section; 121 annular rib, 121a free end, 121b fixed end, 1211 first recess, 122 First flange, 122a Outer surface, 123 Middle class, 124 Second recess, 1241 Fillet, 10 Cover plate assembly, 2 cover plate, 2a mounting through hole, 2b arc-shaped transition surface, 2c fourth recess, 21 Cover plate body, 210 First through hole, 22 insulating member, 220 second through hole, 221 first insulating member, 222 second insulating member, 223 second flange, 3 sealing member, 4 Auxiliary pressure sheet, 41 Front, 42 Back, 100 batteries (single unit), 20 cases, 201 containment chambers, 30 electrode assemblies, 301 tags.

Claims

1. A conductive structure, It comprises a first position-defining portion and a second position-defining portion provided on one side of the first position-defining portion and having a bendable annular rib, The free end of the annular rib is partially recessed to form a first recess. In use, the conductive structure is configured to be drilled into the cover plate and connected to a tab, and at least the free end of the annular rib is bent outward to form a first flange, and both the first flange and the first position-defining portion abut against the cover plate and clamp the cover plate together. Conductive structure.

2. In the initial state, the thickness of the annular rib is 0.4 mm to 1.5 mm, and / or the first position defining portion includes a position defining block that protrudes from the annular rib along the radial direction of the annular rib. The conductive structure according to claim 1.

3. The second position-defining portion further comprises an intermediate layer located between the first position-defining portion and the annular rib, the intermediate layer being integrally molded with the annular rib to surround the second recess. The conductive structure according to claim 1.

4. In the initial state, a fillet with a radius of 0.2 mm or more is formed in the second recess at the connection between the intermediate layer and the annular rib. The conductive structure according to claim 3.

5. The surface of the first position-defining portion opposite to the second position-defining portion is recessed to form a third recess, and the third recess corresponds to the second recess. The conductive structure according to claim 3.

6. The first position-defining portion is a first metal structure, the second position-defining portion is a second metal structure, and the bonding interface between the first metal structure and the second metal structure has an uneven microstructure. A conductive structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The first position defining portion is a terminal pressing block, the second position defining portion is a pole column, and the terminal pressing block and the pole column are integrally formed, or the first position defining portion is a current collecting member, the second position defining portion is a pole column, and the current collecting member and the pole column are integrally formed, or the conductive structure is a pole column. A conductive structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The device comprises a cover plate and a conductive structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cover plate has a mounting through-hole that penetrates the cover plate along the thickness direction of the cover plate, the conductive structure is in the usage state and is drilled in the mounting through-hole, the first flange and the first position-defining portion each abut the cover plate, and the cover plate is sandwiched between the first position-defining portion and the first flange. Cover plate assembly.

9. The cover plate has an arc-shaped transition surface formed thereon that curves and extends from one side surface of the cover plate into the mounting through hole, the first flange has an outer surface close to the cover plate, and the arc-shaped transition surface conforms to the outer surface. The cover plate assembly according to claim 8.

10. One side of the cover plate surface is partially recessed to form a fourth recess, the fourth recess is provided surrounding the mounting through hole, its bottom wall surface is connected to the arc-shaped transition surface, and the first flange is housed within the fourth recess. The cover plate assembly according to claim 9.

11. The cover plate comprises a cover plate body and insulating members located on opposite sides of the cover plate body, the mounting through hole comprises a first through hole formed in the cover plate body and a second through hole formed in the insulating member, the first through hole corresponding to the second through hole, and the surface of at least one of the insulating members opposite to the cover plate body having the arc-shaped transition surface and the fourth recess formed thereon, with at least a portion of the arc-shaped transition surface extending into the second through hole. The cover plate assembly according to claim 10.

12. The insulating member further has a second flange formed thereon that surrounds the second through-hole and extends toward the cover plate body, the arc-shaped transition surface is located on the second flange, and the second flange enters into the first through-hole and fits into the first through-hole. The cover plate assembly according to claim 11.

13. The cover plate assembly further comprises a sealing member, at least a portion of which enters the first through hole and is positioned between the cover plate body and the conductive structure, and the free end of the second flange abuts against the sealing member. The cover plate assembly according to claim 12.

14. The cover plate assembly further comprises an auxiliary pressing sheet located between the cover plate and the first flange, the auxiliary pressing sheet having opposite front and back surfaces, the front surface conforming to the outer surface and the back surface conforming to the arc-shaped transition surface. The cover plate assembly according to claim 9.

15. Cases with containment chambers, An electrode assembly equipped with a tag is provided in the aforementioned containment chamber, A cover plate assembly according to claim 8, wherein the cover plate assembly is connected to the case and seals the opening of the housing chamber, and the conductive structure is connected to the tab, Battery only.

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