Cover assembly, battery, and battery pack

Abstract

To provide a cover assembly, a battery, and a battery pack.SOLUTION: A cover assembly includes a cover plate 1, an electrode plate 2, a first insulator 3, and a second insulator 4. The electrode plate 2 is disposed on the cover plate 1, and the electrode plate 2 includes a first electrode part 21 and a second electrode part 22 that are electrically connected to each other. The first insulator 3 is disposed between the electrode plate 2 and the cover plate 1. The second insulator 4 is disposed on the side of the electrode plate 2 that is apart from the cover plate 1. In a region of the first insulator 3 that corresponds to the first electrode part 21, a first penetration hole 31 is provided. In a region of the second insulator 4 that corresponds to the second electrode part 22, a second penetration hole 41 is provided. Orthographic projections of the first penetration hole 31 and the second penetration hole 41 do not overlap on the cover plate 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cover assembly, a battery, and a battery pack. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, lithium-ion batteries typically conduct current from inside the battery housing to outside the battery housing via electrode poles. Most battery cell top covers employ a conventional electrode pole structure in which the battery cell's external electrode poles enter the battery cell housing perpendicular to the top cover. This ensures that when the battery is electrically connected to the external environment, the solder joints between the electrode poles and the battery cell tabs and the solder joints between the electrode poles and the external electrical connectors are flush with the electrode poles. In this configuration, welding one end of the electrode pole can affect the other end, potentially affecting the electrode pole's electrical conductivity. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present invention provides a cover assembly, a battery, and a battery pack for solving a problem caused by a defect in the prior art in which the solder joints between the terminal posts of the battery in the housing and the battery cell tabs are flush with the solder joints between the terminal posts and the external electrical connector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The present invention solves the above technical problems by the following technical solutions.

[0005] The present invention provides the following cover assembly. A cover plate; An electrode plate; a first insulator and a second insulator; an electrode plate disposed on the cover plate includes a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion electrically connected to each other; a first insulator disposed between the electrode plate and the cover plate; a second insulator disposed on a side of the electrode plate away from the cover plate; A first through hole is provided in a region of the first insulator corresponding to the first electrode portion, and a second through hole is provided in a region of the second insulator corresponding to the second electrode portion, and the orthogonal projections of the first through hole and the second through hole on the cover plate do not overlap with each other.

[0006] In this solution, the cover assembly employs the aforementioned structure, with the electrode plate positioned on the cover plate and insulators positioned on both sides of the electrode plate to ensure that the electrode plate and the cover plate are insulated from each other. By offsetting the through-holes corresponding to the electrode connection portions on the two insulators, when the two electrodes of the electrode plate are connected to the battery cell tab and the external electrical connector, respectively, the solder joint between the external electrical connector and the electrode plate and the solder joint between the battery cell tab and the electrode plate are not aligned in the same height direction. This avoids the situation that occurs with the conventional electrode post structure, namely, when one end of the electrode post is welded, the other end is affected. This effectively reduces the adverse effects on the conductive performance of the electrode plate. Furthermore, the structure of this solution facilitates contact between the welded portion during welding, ensuring stability during welding and reducing the incidence of poor welding.

[0007] Preferably, the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are arranged in the horizontal direction.

[0008] In this solution, the electrode plate structure described above is used to replace electrode plates of different lengths, allowing the electrode portion of the electrode plate to be extended to the position of the battery cell tab and welded to the battery cell tab. This avoids the drawback of using an adapter to electrically connect the battery poles and battery cell tabs when they are not aligned in the same height direction. This not only improves productivity, competitiveness, and safety, but also avoids the increase in internal resistance of the structure when connecting the poles and battery cell tabs via an adapter. Furthermore, the power performance of the battery cell is improved, and the overall height of the battery pack can be reduced when forming the battery pack, thereby improving the energy density of the battery pack.

[0009] Preferably, a third through hole is provided in a region of the cover plate corresponding to the first electrode portion, and a first annular protrusion is provided on the outer peripheral edge of the first through hole of the first insulator, extending toward the cover plate, and the outer peripheral surface of the first annular protrusion mates with the inner peripheral surface of the third through hole.

[0010] In this solution, by setting an annular protrusion on the first insulator and aligning it with the third through hole of the cover plate, the first insulator can maintain its relative position from the cover plate, thereby avoiding positional deviation when assembling the first insulator with the electrode plate and the cover plate, and further avoiding affecting the insulation protection of the electrode plate.

[0011] Preferably, at least one of the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion protrudes from the surface of the electrode plate and into the corresponding through-hole.

[0012] In this solution, the first electrode portion or the second electrode portion protrudes outward from the surface of the electrode plate, which makes it easy to weld the first electrode portion or the second electrode portion to the tab or the external electrical connector, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0013] Preferably, a groove is provided on the cover plate, and the electrode plate is placed in the groove.

[0014] In this solution, the height of the cover assembly can be reduced by arranging the electrode plates in the grooves of the cover plate, thereby reducing the height of the battery and increasing the energy density of the battery.

[0015] Preferably, the cover plate is a cover substrate, and a plastic plate is provided on the side of the cover plate away from the electrode plate, and a through hole corresponding to the third through hole is provided on the plastic plate.

[0016] Preferably, the cover assembly further includes a seal ring, the seal ring including a main body and a flange provided on an outer peripheral side of one end of the main body, the two end faces of the flange being pressed against the electrode plate and the cover plate, respectively, and the outer peripheral surface of the main body being attached to the inner wall surface of the third through hole.

[0017] In this solution, the sealing ring is configured to seal between the cover plate and the electrode plate, thereby preventing external dust or liquid from entering the battery cell housing and affecting the safety performance of the battery cell.

[0018] Preferably, the cover assembly further includes a fixed plate that covers the electrode plate on a side thereof away from the cover plate, and a fourth through hole is provided on the fixed plate in an area corresponding to the second electrode portion.

[0019] In this solution, by setting the fixing plate, the electrode plate is press-fitted in the center, so the joining surfaces of the two electrode parts of the electrode plate do not need to withstand strong forces perpendicular to the joining surfaces, thereby improving the reliability of the electrode plate and reducing the overall thickness requirement for welding on the electrode plate.

[0020] Preferably, the fixing plate has a receiving groove, and the outer periphery of the receiving groove is provided with an extending edge that is parallel to the cover plate, and the extending edge is welded and fixed to the cover plate.

[0021] In this solution, the above structure makes it easy to weld and fix the fixing plate to the cover plate.

[0022] Preferably, a second annular protrusion extending toward the fixed plate is provided on the outer periphery of the second through hole of the second insulator, and the outer periphery of the second annular protrusion mates with the inner periphery of the fourth through hole.

[0023] In this solution, a second annular protrusion is provided on the second insulator, and the second annular protrusion is aligned with the fourth through-hole on the fixing plate, thereby restricting the position of the fixing plate and preventing the fixing plate from moving during welding and affecting the welding.

[0024] Preferably, at least one of the first insulator and the second insulator is a plastic plate.

[0025] In this solution, the first and second insulators are made of plastic plates, which makes them easy to process and cost-effective.

[0026] Preferably, the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are fixed together by welding or riveting.

[0027] Preferably, the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are made of two conductive metals of different materials.

[0028] Preferably, the material of the first electrode portion is copper, and the material of the second electrode portion is aluminum.

[0029] Preferably, the electrode plate, the first electrode portion, and the second electrode portion are integrally formed from the same metal.

[0030] The present invention further provides a battery including the cover assembly described above.

[0031] The battery further includes a housing and a battery cell disposed in the housing, the battery cell having a tab, the cover assembly being covered on the housing, and the first electrode portion being electrically connected to the tab.

[0032] The present invention further provides a battery pack including a plurality of the above-mentioned batteries, the plurality of batteries being connected in series or in parallel via the second electrode portions.

[0033] Based on general knowledge in this field, the preferred embodiments of the present invention can be obtained by freely combining the above-mentioned preferred conditions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] The preferred advantageous effects of the present invention are as follows: The cover assembly of the present invention places the electrode plate on the cover plate and places insulators on both sides of the electrode plate, ensuring that the electrode plate and the cover plate are insulated from each other. By offsetting the through-holes corresponding to the electrode connection portions on the two insulators, when the two electrodes of the electrode plate are connected to the battery cell tab and the external electrical connector, respectively, the solder joint between the external electrical connector and the electrode plate and the solder joint between the battery cell tab and the electrode plate are not at the same height. This avoids the situation that occurs when using a conventional electrode post structure, i.e., when one end of the electrode post is welded, the other welded end of the electrode post is affected. This effectively reduces the adverse effects on the conductive performance of the electrode plate. Furthermore, the structure of this solution facilitates contact with the welded portion during welding, ensuring stability during welding and reducing the incidence of poor welding. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exploded structure of a cover assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cover assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the cover assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an exploded structure of a cover assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 6 is a schematic structural diagram of an electrode plate according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] The present invention will be further described below using examples, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the following examples.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , this embodiment provides a cover assembly including a cover plate 1, an electrode plate 2, a first insulator 3, and a second insulator 4. The electrode plate 2 is disposed on the cover plate 1, and includes a first electrode portion 21 and a second electrode portion 22 electrically connected to each other. The first insulator 3 is disposed between the electrode plate 2 and the cover plate 1, and the second insulator 4 is disposed on the side of the electrode plate 2 away from the cover plate 1. A first through hole 31 is provided in a region of the first insulator 3 corresponding to the first electrode portion 21. A second through hole 41 is provided in a region of the second insulator 4 corresponding to the second electrode portion 22. The orthogonal projections of the first through hole 31 and the second through hole 41 do not overlap on the cover plate 1.

[0039] The electrode plate 2 is placed on the cover plate 1, and insulators are provided on both sides of the electrode plate 2, ensuring that the electrode plate 2 and the cover plate 1 are insulated from each other. By offsetting the through-holes corresponding to the electrode connection portions on the two insulators, when the two electrodes of the electrode plate 2 are connected to the battery cell tab and the external electrical connector, respectively, the solder joint between the external electrical connector and the electrode plate 2 and the solder joint between the battery cell tab and the electrode plate 2 are not at the same height. This avoids the situation that occurs when using a conventional electrode post structure, namely, when one end of the electrode post is welded, the other welded end of the electrode post is affected. This effectively reduces the adverse effects on the electrical conductivity of the electrode plate 2. Furthermore, this structure facilitates contact during welding, ensuring stability during welding and reducing the incidence of poor welding. When a conventional pole structure is adopted, when one end of a pole is welded and then the other end is to be welded, the welded end needs to lean against an object corresponding to the welded end in order to weld the other end, which results in the welded end leaning against the solder joint, resulting in unstable welding and affecting the soldering yield.

[0040] The first electrode portion 21 and the second electrode portion 22 are arranged horizontally. By using the above-described structure of the electrode plate 2 and modifying electrode plates 2 of different lengths, the electrode portion of the electrode plate 2 can be extended to the position of the battery cell tab and welded to the battery cell tab. This avoids the drawback of using an adapter to electrically connect the battery pole and the battery cell tab when they are not at the same height. This not only improves productivity, yield, and safety performance, but also avoids the increase in internal resistance of the structure when connecting the pole and the battery cell tab via an adapter. Furthermore, the power performance of the battery cell is improved. Meanwhile, the horizontally arranged first electrode portion 21 and second electrode portion 22 can reduce the thickness of the electrodes, unlike conventional electrode portions stacked vertically, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the battery cell.

[0041] Specifically, in this embodiment, the first electrode portion 21 and the second electrode portion 22 are both thin plate structures and are made of two different conductive metals. The thickness surfaces of the two thin plates are joined and fixed by welding or rivets to form the electrode plates of the flat plate structure 2. For example, in a specific scenario, the electrode plate 2 is the negative electrode of a battery, and the material of the first electrode portion 21 is copper, and the material of the second electrode portion 22 is aluminum. The first electrode portion 21 is made of copper to facilitate welding with a copper battery cell tab, and the second electrode portion 22 is made of aluminum to facilitate welding with an aluminum bus bar. Of course, in some embodiments, the materials of the first electrode portion 21 and the second electrode portion 22 can be selected depending on the materials of the parts to be welded.

[0042] In some embodiments, the electrode plate 2, the first electrode portion 21, and the second electrode portion 22 are integrally formed of the same metal. For example, in a specific scenario, the electrode plate 2 is a positive electrode of a battery, and the first electrode portion 21 and the second electrode portion 22 are each a partial region of the electrode plate 2.

[0043] The first electrode portion 21 and the second electrode portion 22 do not protrude from the surface of the electrode plate 2, and a portion of the electrode plate 2 is used as the first electrode portion 21 and the second electrode portion 22, thereby simplifying the electrode plate structure of the battery and saving costs. Furthermore, when an external electrical connector needs to be connected to the second electrode portion 22, the external electrical connector can be inserted through the second through-hole 41. When a battery cell tab needs to be connected to the first electrode portion 21, the battery cell tab can be inserted through the first through-hole 31. This can save the overall battery space in terms of thickness.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1, a third through-hole 12 is provided in an area corresponding to the first electrode portion 21 on the cover plate 1, which makes it convenient to weld the battery cell tab and the first electrode portion 21 when placing the cover assembly on the battery cell housing.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first insulator 3 has a first annular protrusion on the outer periphery of the first through hole 31, extending toward the cover plate 1. The outer periphery of the first annular protrusion mates with the inner periphery of the third through hole 12. By providing the annular protrusion on the first insulator 3 and matching it with the third through hole 12 on the cover plate 1, the first insulator 3 can maintain a relative position with the cover plate 1, thereby avoiding positional deviation when assembling the first insulator 3 with the electrode plate 2 and the cover plate 1 and further avoiding affecting the insulation protection of the electrode plate 2. Preferably, the first annular protrusion should not protrude from the third through hole 12, thereby avoiding interference between the first annular protrusion and the battery cell tab when placing the cover assembly on the battery cell housing.

[0046] As shown in Figure 1, a groove 11 is provided on the cover plate 1, and an electrode plate 2 is disposed in the groove 11. By disposing the electrode plate 2 in the groove 11 of the cover plate 1, the height of the cover assembly can be reduced, thereby reducing the height of the battery and increasing the energy density of the battery.

[0047] In this embodiment, the cover plate 1 has two grooves 11, one located at each end of the cover plate 1. The electrode plates 2 are respectively provided in the two grooves 11 and electrically connect with the positive and negative tabs of the battery cells. Of course, in some embodiments, the cover plate 1 may not have the grooves 11.

[0048] In this embodiment, the cover plate 1 is a cover substrate. A plastic plate 7 is provided on the side of the cover plate 1 facing away from the electrode plate 2, and a through hole corresponding to the third through hole 12 is formed on the plastic plate 7. Because the cover plate 1 is a cover substrate, it is not only strong but also easy to process. By providing the plastic plate 7 on the side of the cover plate 1 facing away from the electrode plate 2, accidental contact between the battery cell tab and the cover plate 1 can be prevented, thereby preventing current leakage from the housing. In this embodiment, the cover substrate is made of aluminum, but this is not a limitation. In other embodiments, the cover substrate may be made of other materials.

[0049] In some embodiments, the cover plate 1 may be made of other materials, and if the cover plate 1 is made of an insulating material, the plastic plate 7 may not be provided.

[0050] 1 and 2, the cover assembly further includes a seal ring 6, which includes a main body 61 and a flange 62 disposed on the outer periphery of one end of the main body 61. Both end surfaces of the flange 62 are pressed against the electrode plate 2 and the cover plate 1, respectively, and the outer periphery of the main body 61 is attached to the inner wall surface of the third through hole 12. The seal ring 6 is provided to seal the gap between the cover plate 1 and the electrode plate 2, thereby preventing external dust or liquid from entering the battery cell housing and affecting the safety performance of the battery cell.

[0051] The cover assembly further includes a fixing plate 5 that covers the side of the cover plate 1 away from the electrode plate 2, and a fourth through hole 51 is formed in the fixing plate 5 in an area corresponding to the second electrode portion 22. By setting the fixing plate 5 and pressing the electrode plate 2 in at the center, the joining surfaces of the two electrode portions of the electrode plate 2 do not need to withstand a strong force perpendicular to the joining surfaces, thereby improving the reliability of the electrode plate 2 and reducing the overall thickness requirement for welding on the electrode plate 2.

[0052] In this embodiment, the fixing plate 5 has a receiving groove, and an extending edge 52 parallel to the cover plate 1 is provided on the outer periphery of the receiving groove, and the extending edge 52 is welded and fixed to the cover plate 1. The above structure is convenient for welding and fixing the fixing plate 5 to the cover plate 1.

[0053] In this embodiment, a second annular protrusion 42 extending toward the fixing plate 5 is provided on the outer periphery of the second through hole 41 of the second insulator 4, and the outer periphery of the second annular protrusion 42 mates with the inner periphery of the fourth through hole 51. By providing the second annular protrusion 42 on the second insulator 4 and aligning the second annular protrusion 42 with the fourth through hole 51 on the fixing plate 5, the position of the fixing plate 5 is restricted, preventing the fixing plate 5 from moving during welding and affecting the welding. Whether the second annular protrusion 42 protrudes from the fourth through hole 51 can be selected according to actual conditions and is not limited here.

[0054] In some embodiments, the second insulator 4 may not have an annular protrusion.

[0055] In this embodiment, the first insulator 3 and the second insulator 4 are plastic plates, and being made of plastic plates makes them easy to process and cost-effective. In other embodiments, the first insulator 3 and the second insulator 4 may be made of other insulating materials.

[0056] This embodiment further provides a battery including the cover assembly described above. The battery further includes a housing and a battery cell disposed in the housing, the battery cell having a battery cell tab, the cover assembly being covered on the housing, and the first electrode portion 21 being electrically connected to the battery cell tab.

[0057] This embodiment further provides a battery pack including a plurality of the above-described batteries, and the plurality of batteries are connected in series or in parallel via the second electrode units 22. Specifically, the plurality of batteries are assembled to form a battery pack, and the plurality of batteries are connected in series or in parallel by using a bus bar to connect the second electrode units 22 on the positive and negative electrodes of different batteries, respectively.

[0058] Example 2

[0059] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the structure of the cover assembly of this embodiment is substantially the same as the structure of the cover assembly of embodiment 1, with the difference being that in this embodiment, the first electrode portion 21 and the second electrode portion 22 on the electrode plate 2 each protrude outward from the surface of the electrode plate 2. The first electrode portion 21 is inserted into the first through-hole 31, and the second electrode portion 22 is inserted into the second through-hole 41. Because the first electrode portion 21 and the second electrode portion 22 protrude outward from the surface of the electrode plate 2 and are inserted into the corresponding through-holes, welding to tabs or external electrical connectors is facilitated, and production efficiency can be improved.

[0060] In some embodiments, only the first electrode portion 21 or the second electrode portion 22 protrudes outward from the surface of the electrode plate 2, which will not be described again here.

[0061] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely examples, and the protection scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principle and essence of the present invention, and all of these changes and modifications will fall within the protection scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0062] The cover assembly of the present invention can ensure stability during welding and reduce the incidence of poor welding. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1 cover plate 11 Groove 12 Third through hole 2 Electrode plate 21 1st electrode section 22 Second electrode part 3 First insulator 31 First through hole 4 Second insulator 41 Second through hole 42 Second annular protrusion 5 Fixed plate 51 4th Through Hole 52 Extended edge 6 Seal ring 61 Main part 62 flange 7 plastic plates

Claims

1. A cover plate; An electrode plate; a first insulator and a second insulator; Including, the electrode plate disposed on the cover plate includes a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion electrically connected to each other; the first insulator is disposed between the electrode plate and the cover plate; the second insulator is disposed on a side of the electrode plate away from the cover plate; a first through-hole is provided in a region of the first insulator corresponding to the first electrode portion; a second through-hole is provided in a region of the second insulator corresponding to the second electrode portion; A cover assembly in which orthogonal projections of the first through hole and the second through hole on the cover plate do not overlap each other.

2. The cover assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are laterally disposed.

3. a third through hole is provided in a region of the cover plate corresponding to the first electrode portion; a first annular protrusion extending toward the cover plate is provided on an outer circumferential edge of the first through hole of the first insulator; The cover assembly according to claim 1 , wherein an outer peripheral surface of the first annular projection mates with an inner peripheral surface of the third through hole.

4. the cover plate is a cover substrate; a plastic plate is provided on the side of the cover plate away from the electrode plate; The cover assembly according to claim 3 , wherein the plastic plate has a through hole corresponding to the third through hole.

5. the cover assembly further includes a seal ring; the seal ring includes a main body and a flange provided on an outer circumferential side of one end of the main body, two end surfaces of the flange are pressed against the electrode plate and the cover plate, respectively; The cover assembly according to claim 3 , wherein an outer peripheral surface of the main body is attached to an inner wall surface of the third through hole.

6. The cover assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion protrudes from a surface of the electrode plate and into a corresponding through-hole.

7. A groove is provided on the cover plate; The cover assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the electrode plate is disposed in the groove.

8. the cover assembly further includes a fixing plate; the fixing plate covers the electrode plate on the side away from the cover plate; The cover assembly according to claim 1 , wherein a fourth through hole is provided in an area of ​​the fixing plate corresponding to the second electrode portion.

9. The fixing plate has a receiving groove, An extending edge portion is provided on the outer periphery of the receiving groove and is parallel to the cover plate, The cover assembly of claim 8 , wherein the extended edge is welded and secured to the cover plate.

10. a second annular protrusion extending toward the fixing plate is provided on an outer circumferential edge of the second through hole of the second insulator; The cover assembly according to claim 8 , wherein an outer circumferential surface of the second annular projection mates with an inner circumferential surface of the fourth through hole.

11. The cover assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first insulator and the second insulator is a plastic plate.

12. The cover assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are fixed by welding or riveting.

13. 13. The cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are made of two conductive metals of different materials.

14. the material of the first electrode portion is copper, The cover assembly according to claim 13, wherein the material of the second electrode portion is aluminum.

15. The cover assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the electrode plate, the first electrode portion, and the second electrode portion are integrally formed from the same metal.

16. A battery comprising: The battery includes the cover assembly of claim 1 ; the battery further includes a housing and a battery cell disposed within the housing; the battery cell has a tab; the cover assembly is fitted over the housing; The battery has the first electrode portion electrically connected to the tab.

17. A battery pack comprising a plurality of the batteries according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of batteries are connected in series or in parallel via the second electrode portion.

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