Tab assembly, circuit board, battery cell, battery, electronic device, and mobile device

Abstract

The application provides a tab assembly, a circuit board, a battery protection plate, a battery cell and a battery. The tab assembly comprises a first tab and a second tab. The first tab is a positive or negative tab. The second tab is a reference electrode tab. The first tab and the second tab are separated by an insulating part to prevent short circuit of the first tab and the second tab. One end of the first tab is electrically connected to one pin of the battery protection plate, and the other end is attached to an electrode of the battery. One end of the second tab is electrically connected to another pin of the battery protection plate, and the other end is in contact with electrolyte. The scheme provided by the embodiments of the application can make the battery have at least three electrodes, facilitate the electronic device to monitor the state of the battery, and further facilitate the improvement of the use performance of the battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the fields of batteries and electronic devices, and more specifically, to tab assemblies, circuit boards, cells, batteries, electronic devices, and mobile devices. Background Technology

[0002] Through the positive and negative tabs, the battery can receive charging from an external power source and discharge to other devices. By detecting the voltage difference between the positive and negative tabs, the battery's state of charge and discharge can be roughly estimated. However, the potentials of both the positive and negative electrodes can affect the accuracy of the estimated state of charge and discharge. Therefore, the battery can include a reference electrode tab for separately detecting the potential of either the positive or negative tab. Adding new tabs to the battery may introduce new problems, such as increasing the battery's footprint, reducing its mechanical stability and lifespan, decreasing manufacturing efficiency, and incompatibility with the battery protection board structure. Therefore, how to design a reference electrode tab in the battery is a problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a tab assembly, circuit board, battery protection board, battery cell, battery, electronic device and mobile device, which can integrate the reference electrode tab with ordinary tabs (positive or negative tabs) to reduce the impact on the battery caused by setting the reference electrode.

[0004] In a first aspect, a tab assembly is provided for use in a battery, the battery including electrodes, an electrolyte, and a battery protection board, the tab assembly comprising: The first electrode tab is either a positive electrode tab or a negative electrode tab. The first end of the first electrode tab is used to be electrically connected to the battery protection board, and the second end of the first electrode tab is used to be electrically connected to the electrode sheet. The second electrode tab is a reference electrode tab. The first end of the second electrode tab is used to be electrically connected to the battery protection board, and the second end of the second electrode tab is used to contact the electrolyte. An insulating component is provided, which is stacked with the first electrode tab or the second electrode tab, and the insulating component is located between the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab.

[0005] The stacking of insulating components and tabs can refer to at least a portion of the insulating components being stacked with at least a portion of the tabs.

[0006] This application provides a tab assembly constituting multiple electrodes of a battery (including either a positive electrode or a negative electrode, and a reference electrode). An insulating component separates the first and second tabs, preventing them from being electrically connected via a short circuit. This tab assembly integrates multiple electrodes, reducing the manufacturing complexity of battery-related components. Unlike other types of conductive components (such as wires), since most batteries already have tabs, adding new tabs to a battery is relatively easy to achieve compatibility with existing batteries. Once the tabs are fixed to the cell casing, their position and shape are generally relatively stable. Compared to other types of conductive components, tabs are advantageous in balancing the battery's mechanical and performance characteristics. The reference electrode tab and the positive electrode tab, or the reference electrode tab and the negative electrode tab, can be relatively tightly combined using the insulating component. Therefore, placing the tab assembly where the tabs would normally be located helps to balance high-current scenarios and the battery's space requirements.

[0007] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first end face of the first electrode tab and the first end face of the second electrode tab are used for electrical connection with the battery protection board. The insulating component includes a first part and a second part. The insulating component and the second electrode tab are stacked together as follows: the first part of the insulating component and the second electrode tab are stacked together, wherein the first end face of the first part of the insulating component is attached to the second end face of the second electrode tab, the second part of the insulating component is attached between two adjacent sides of the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab, and the first end face of the second electrode tab and the second end face of the second electrode tab are disposed opposite to each other.

[0008] The insulating component can wrap around the two mutually perpendicular surfaces of the second tab near the first tab, which helps to reduce the probability of a short circuit between the first tab and the second tab.

[0009] The total thickness of the insulating components can be the same as the total thickness of the first tab, which helps to improve the overall flatness of the tab assembly and makes it easier to seal the tab assembly in the cell housing.

[0010] The first tab, insulating component, and second tab can be arranged in a direction parallel to the battery protection board to facilitate electrical connection between the first tab, the second tab and the battery protection board.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first electrode tab includes a first portion and a second portion, and the first portion of the insulating member is further stacked with the first portion of the first electrode tab. A first portion of the first electrode tab is attached to the second end face of the insulating component, and the first end face of the insulating component is disposed opposite to the second end face of the insulating component. The second part of the first electrode tab is attached to the second part of the insulating component.

[0012] Compared with the insulating component and the second tab, the total thickness of the first tab in the tab assembly can be relatively large, and the contact area between the first tab and the electrode can be relatively large. This is beneficial to reducing the impedance of the first tab, which in turn helps to reduce the impedance of the battery and improve the charging and discharging efficiency of the battery.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the insulating component is stacked with the first tab or the second tab, specifically as follows: the first tab, the second tab, and the insulating component are stacked, the second tab includes an extension portion, the extension portion is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first tab and extends in a direction away from the first tab, and the extension portion is used for electrical connection with the battery protection board.

[0014] The first tab, insulating component, and second tab can be stacked, which helps improve the overall flatness of the tab assembly and facilitates its sealing within the cell casing. By providing an extension to the second tab, it is easier to connect the first and second tabs to different areas of the battery protection board.

[0015] The first tab may include a battery connection area for electrical connection with the battery.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, at the end away from the battery connection area, the first tab extends relative to the insulating member, and the insulating member extends relative to the second tab, the first ends of the first tab and the first ends of the second tab being disposed on both sides of the battery protection plate.

[0017] Both the first tab and the insulating component can extend relative to the second tab. The first tab extends further than the insulating component, allowing the first tab to be flipped from one side of the battery protection board to the other, enabling the first and second tabs to be electrically connected to the two sides of the battery protection board respectively. This improves the flexibility of the electrical connection between the battery protection board and the tab assembly.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the battery connection region of the first tab extends relative to the insulating member, and one end of the insulating member near the battery connection region extends relative to the second tab.

[0019] The insulating component extends further than the second tab, which helps reduce the possibility of the first and second tabs coming into contact and short-circuiting.

[0020] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the insulating member extends in a direction perpendicular to the second tab and wraps around the second end of the second tab.

[0021] In one example, on the side away from the battery connection area, the extension length of the first tab relative to the insulating member is greater than the sum of the thickness of the second tab and three times the thickness of the insulating member. The distance by which the first tab extends relative to the second tab can be relatively long, which facilitates flipping the first tab from one side of the battery protection board to the other, so that the first tab and the second tab can be electrically connected to the two sides of the battery protection board respectively.

[0022] In another example, on the side closest to the battery connection area, the side of the insulating member is located between the side of the first tab and the side of the second tab. The insulating member can extend relative to the second tab, which is advantageous in reducing the possibility of a short circuit between the first and second tabs, especially in sudden scenarios such as impacts or temperature changes.

[0023] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the insulating member extends in a direction perpendicular to the second tab and wraps around the second end of the second tab.

[0024] The insulating component extends a distance greater than the thickness of the second electrode tab, allowing the insulating component to cover the side of the second electrode tab, which facilitates the disconnection of the first and second electrodes tabs.

[0025] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second tab includes a first through hole, the insulating component includes a second through hole, the first through hole and the second through hole are interconnected, and both the first through hole and the second through hole are disposed opposite to the battery connection area.

[0026] Both the first and second tabs include through holes positioned opposite the battery connection area, which facilitates the placement of the battery connection area on the first tab. The battery connection area can be, for example, a solder pad. When placing the solder pad, a robotic arm can support the first tab through the first and second through holes, reducing the machining difficulty of the battery connection area and improving the flatness of the first tab after machining.

[0027] In one example, the tab assembly is surrounded by tab adhesive. The tab adhesive can be heat-sealed together with the cell housing, which helps to improve the sealing performance at the connection between the tab assembly and the cell housing.

[0028] In a second aspect, a circuit board is provided for use in a battery, the battery including a battery protection board, electrodes, and electrolyte, the circuit board comprising: A first conductive layer, on which a first line is provided, wherein the first line is a positive line or a negative line; A second conductive layer is provided on the second conductive layer, and the second line is a reference electrode line; A first insulating layer is located on the side of the first conductive layer away from the second conductive layer; A second insulating layer is located between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer; A third insulating layer is located on the side of the second conductive layer away from the first conductive layer; The first insulating layer is provided with a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector. Both the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are electrically connected to the first line. The first electrical connector is used to be electrically connected to the battery protection board, and the second electrical connector is used to be electrically connected to the electrode sheet. The third insulating layer is provided with a third electrical connector and a fourth electrical connector. Both the third electrical connector and the fourth electrical connector are electrically connected to the second line. The third electrical connector is used to be electrically connected to the battery protection board, and the fourth electrical connector is used to contact the electrolyte. Wherein, the first electrical connector and the third electrical connector pass through the first insulating layer, or the first electrical connector and the third electrical connector pass through the third insulating layer. One of the second electrical connector and the fourth electrical connector passes through the first insulating layer, and the other passes through the third insulating layer.

[0029] On the one hand, the circuit components on flexible circuit boards can be relatively flexible, and the processing efficiency of flexible circuit boards can be relatively high, which is conducive to reducing the cost of devices such as batteries. On the other hand, the solution provided in this application enables flexible circuit boards to be applied in the field of batteries, breaking away from the idea of ​​using tabs as electrodes in batteries.

[0030] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the circuit board includes a first part and a second part, the first part and the second part being arranged perpendicularly to each other, and one of the first electrical connector and the third electrical connector being disposed in the first part and the other being disposed in the second part.

[0031] Multiple conductive layers and multiple insulating layers of the circuit board can be stacked, which helps improve the overall flatness of the circuit board and facilitates its sealing within the battery cell casing. By setting the first and second parts on the circuit board, it is convenient to connect the first and second electrical connectors to different areas of the battery protection board, respectively.

[0032] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second electrical connector and the fourth electrical connector are disposed in the first part.

[0033] Placing the two output terminals of the same line in the same part of the circuit board helps to simplify the routing within the circuit board.

[0034] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, a circuit board colloid is provided around the outer periphery of the circuit board.

[0035] The circuit board adhesive can be heat-sealed together with the battery cell casing, which helps to improve the sealing of the connection between the circuit board and the battery cell casing.

[0036] Thirdly, a battery protection board is provided, including a tab assembly as described in any of the implementations of the first aspect above, and a first protection board pin and a second protection board pin, wherein... The first end of the first electrode tab is electrically connected to the pin of the first protection board, and the first end of the second electrode tab is electrically connected to the pin of the second protection board.

[0037] Fourthly, a battery protection board is provided, comprising a circuit board as described in any implementation of the second aspect above, and first protection board pins and second protection board pins, wherein... The first electrical connector is electrically connected to the pins of the first protection board, and the third electrical connector is electrically connected to the pins of the second protection board.

[0038] Fifthly, a battery cell is provided, comprising an electrode, an electrolyte, a separator, and a battery cell housing, wherein the electrode, the separator, and the electrolyte are housed in the battery cell housing, and the battery cell further comprises a tab assembly as described in any of the implementations of the first aspect above.

[0039] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the battery further includes an insulating film that is attached to the tab assembly and located between the separator and the tab assembly.

[0040] Placing an insulating film between the diaphragm and the tab assembly helps reduce the puncture force of the tab assembly on the diaphragm, thus reducing the possibility of the diaphragm being punctured.

[0041] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the insulating film is a porous material.

[0042] Porous films are beneficial for increasing the wettability of insulating films in electrolyte, which in turn increases the contact between the second electrode tab and the electrolyte.

[0043] In a sixth aspect, a battery cell is provided, comprising an electrode, an electrolyte, a separator, and a battery cell housing, wherein the battery cell, the electrolyte, and the separator are housed in the battery cell housing, and the battery cell further comprises a circuit board as described in any of the implementations of the second aspect above.

[0044] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the battery further includes an insulating film that is attached to the circuit board and located between the separator and the circuit board.

[0045] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the insulating film is a porous material.

[0046] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, a circuit board adhesive is provided around the outer periphery of the circuit board, and the circuit board adhesive is sealed to the battery cell housing.

[0047] In a seventh aspect, a battery is provided, comprising a battery cell and a battery protection board as described in any of the implementations of the fifth or sixth aspect above.

[0048] Eighthly, an electronic device is provided, comprising a tab assembly as described in any implementation of the first aspect above, or a circuit board as described in any implementation of the second aspect above.

[0049] A ninth aspect provides a mobile device comprising a tab assembly as described in any implementation of the first aspect above, or a circuit board as described in any implementation of the second aspect above.

[0050] In a tenth aspect, a charging method is provided, comprising: detecting that the current charging current of the battery is a first current and the current negative electrode potential of the battery is greater than a preset potential; controlling the charging current of the battery to be a second current, wherein the second current is less than the first current.

[0051] The potential of the negative electrode can relatively directly and accurately reflect the lithium intercalation level or lithium intercalation capability of the battery. There is also a relatively direct relationship between the lithium intercalation level or lithium intercalation capability and the battery's charging current (the closer the lithium intercalation level is to the lithium intercalation capability, the smaller the charging current can be). Therefore, controlling the battery's charging current by monitoring the potential of the negative electrode helps reduce the possibility of overcharging, thereby helping to delay battery aging.

[0052] Eleventhly, a charging method is provided, comprising: determining the positive impedance of the battery based on the positive or negative potential of the battery and the charging current of the battery; and adjusting the charging state of the battery or performing a first operation when the positive impedance of the battery is greater than a first preset impedance, the first operation being used to indicate the current service life of the battery.

[0053] By detecting the positive terminal impedance of a battery, it's possible to adjust the battery's state promptly, thereby increasing the time the battery remains in normal operating condition and extending its lifespan. The relationship between positive terminal impedance and the battery's state of charge can also reflect its lifespan. The accuracy of battery lifespan inferred from positive terminal impedance and state of charge is relatively high. Performing this first step allows users to understand the battery's lifespan, thus facilitating its proper use.

[0054] In conjunction with the eleventh aspect, in some implementations of the eleventh aspect, adjusting the charging state of the battery may include one or more of the following: reducing the charging current of the battery, reducing the charging voltage of the battery, reducing the temperature of the battery, etc.

[0055] Increased positive electrode resistance can be caused by factors such as excessive charging current, excessive charging voltage, or excessive temperature. Adjusting the battery's charging current, charging voltage, and temperature can help restore the battery's positive electrode resistance more quickly, allowing the battery to return to its normal operating state.

[0056] In conjunction with the eleventh aspect, in some implementations of the eleventh aspect, the method further includes: when the positive impedance of the battery recovers to the first preset impedance, determining the battery life based on one or more of the battery's charging current, charging voltage, and temperature.

[0057] Based on one or more of the charging current, charging voltage, and temperature after the battery is restored, the ease with which the battery can be restored to its normal operating state can be determined, which in turn helps to predict the battery's lifespan.

[0058] In conjunction with the eleventh aspect, in some implementations of the eleventh aspect, the first operation specifically refers to: the first operation instructing the battery life to be exhausted.

[0059] The system promptly alerts users when the battery is depleted, allowing them to replace the battery as soon as possible and reducing the risk of electronic devices failing to start.

[0060] In a twelfth aspect, a charging method is provided, comprising: determining the negative electrode impedance of a battery based on the positive electrode potential or negative electrode potential of the battery and based on the charging current of the battery; and adjusting the charging state of the battery or performing a second operation when the negative electrode impedance of the battery is greater than a second preset impedance, the second operation being used to indicate the current service life of the battery.

[0061] In conjunction with the twelfth aspect, in some implementations of the twelfth aspect, adjusting the charging state of the battery may include: reducing the charging current of the battery, reducing the charging voltage of the battery, reducing the temperature of the battery, etc.

[0062] In conjunction with the twelfth aspect, in some implementations of the twelfth aspect, the method further includes: determining the battery life based on one or more of the battery's charging current, charging voltage, and temperature, provided that the negative electrode impedance of the battery recovers to the second preset impedance.

[0063] In conjunction with the twelfth aspect, in some implementations of the twelfth aspect, the first operation specifically refers to: the first operation indicating that the battery life is exhausted.

[0064] The charging method described in any of the tenth to twelfth aspects above can be applied to the electronic device described in any of the eighth aspects, or to the mobile device described in any of the ninth aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0065] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0066] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of a battery assembly provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0067] Figure 3A This is a schematic three-dimensional structural diagram of a tab assembly and a battery protection board provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0068] Figure 3B This is a schematic planar structural diagram of a tab assembly and a battery protection board provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0069] Figure 3C This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tab assembly and a battery protection board provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0070] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of a battery provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0071] Figure 5AThis is a schematic three-dimensional structural diagram of a tab assembly and a battery protection board provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0072] Figure 5B This is a schematic planar structural diagram of a tab assembly and a battery protection board provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0073] Figure 5C This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tab assembly and a battery protection board provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0074] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of a battery provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0075] Figure 7A This is a schematic three-dimensional structural diagram of a tab assembly and a battery protection board provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0076] Figure 7B This is a schematic planar structural diagram of a tab assembly and a battery protection board provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0077] Figure 7C This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tab assembly and a battery protection board provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0078] Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram of a battery provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0079] Figure 9 This is a schematic three-dimensional structural diagram of a tab assembly and a battery protection board provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0080] Figure 10A This is a schematic three-dimensional structural diagram of a tab assembly and a battery protection board provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0081] Figure 10B This is a schematic planar structural diagram of a tab assembly and a battery protection board provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0082] Figure 10C This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tab assembly and a battery protection board provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0083] Figure 11A This is a schematic three-dimensional structural diagram of a tab assembly and a battery protection board provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0084] Figure 11B This is a schematic planar structural diagram of a tab assembly and a battery protection board provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0085] Figure 11C This is a schematic planar structural diagram of a tab assembly and a battery protection board provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0086] Figure 11D This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tab assembly and a battery protection board provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0087] Figure 11E This is a schematic planar structural diagram of a tab assembly provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0088] Figure 11F This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tab assembly provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0089] Figure 12A This is a schematic structural diagram of a circuit board and a battery protection board provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0090] Figure 12B This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a circuit board and a battery protection board provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0091] Figure 13 This is a schematic structural diagram of a battery provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0092] Figure 14 This is a schematic flowchart of a charging method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0093] Figure 15 This is a graph showing the state of a battery charging as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0094] Figure 16 This is another battery charging state curve provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0095] Figure 17 This is a schematic flowchart of another charging method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0096] Figure 18 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating another charging method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0097] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of a method for determining positive and negative impedances provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0098] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0099] Figure 1This is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The electronic device 100 can be, for example, a terminal consumer product or a 3C electronic product (computer, communication, consumer electronic product), such as a mobile phone, power bank, laptop, tablet computer, e-reader, laptop computer, digital camera, wearable device, headphones, etc. The solution applied to the electronic device 100 in this embodiment can also be applied to other devices, such as mobile devices (e.g., vehicles). Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment uses a mobile phone as an example of an electronic device 100.

[0100] The electronic device 100 may include a housing 10, a display screen 20, and a battery 30. Specifically, the housing 10 may include a bezel 12 and a back cover 11. The bezel 12 may be located between the display screen 20 and the back cover 11. The bezel 12 may surround the outer periphery of the display screen 20 and the outer periphery of the back cover 11. The cavity formed between the display screen 20, the bezel 12, and the back cover 11 can be used to house the battery 30.

[0101] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of a battery 30 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 The battery 30 shown can be corresponding to Figure 1 The battery 30 is shown below. (The following is in conjunction with...) Figure 1 , Figure 2 The structure of a battery 30 is described.

[0102] The battery 30 may include a battery cell 310 and a battery protection board 320. The battery cell 310 may be electrically connected to the battery protection board 320.

[0103] The battery cell 310, as the main component of the battery 30, can store electrical energy. The battery cell 310 can be used to power electronic devices within the electronic device 100. The battery cell 310 can be a lithium-ion secondary battery, sodium-ion secondary battery, potassium-ion secondary battery, magnesium-ion secondary battery, zinc-ion secondary battery, aluminum-ion secondary battery, etc.

[0104] The battery protection board 320 can be used to protect the battery cell 310 so that the charging or discharging state of the battery cell 310 can be relatively normal. For example, the battery protection board 320 can provide overcharge protection, over-discharge protection, overcurrent protection, and over-temperature protection for the battery cell 310.

[0105] The battery cell 310 may include an electrode 311, a battery cell housing 312, a tab assembly 400, and a third tab 315. The electrode 311 may be housed within the battery cell housing 312. One end of the tab assembly 400 may be electrically connected to one electrode 311, and the other end of the tab assembly 400 may extend out of the battery cell housing 312. One end of the third tab 315 may be electrically connected to another electrode 311. The other end of the third tab 315 may extend out of the battery cell housing 312. The tab assembly 400 may include a first tab and a second tab. One of the first tab and the third tab 315 may serve as the positive electrode of the battery cell 310, and the other may serve as the negative electrode of the battery cell 310. The second tab may serve as the reference electrode of the battery cell 310.

[0106] The battery cell 310 may also include a first tab adhesive and a second tab adhesive 3122. The first tab adhesive can wrap the junction between the tab assembly 400 and the battery cell housing 312, and the second tab adhesive 3122 can wrap the junction between the third tab 315 and the battery cell housing 312, thereby helping to prevent electrolyte 316 from flowing out from the junction between the tab assembly 400 and the battery cell housing 312, or from the junction between the third tab 315 and the battery cell housing 312.

[0107] The battery protection board 320 may include a protection board substrate 321. The protection board substrate 321 may be a circuit board. The protection board substrate 321 may include multiple conductive layers and multiple insulating layers spaced apart. An insulating layer separates adjacent conductive layers. A conductive layer separates adjacent insulating layers. Circuits, such as charging circuits, discharging circuits, battery monitoring circuits, and battery protection circuits, may be formed on the protection board substrate 321.

[0108] The battery protection board 320 may further include a first protection board pin 322, a second protection board pin 323, and a third protection board pin 324 disposed on the protection board base 321. The first protection board pin 322 of the battery protection board 320 can be electrically connected to the first tab of the tab assembly 400. The second protection board pin 323 of the battery protection board 320 can be electrically connected to the second tab of the tab assembly 400. The third protection board pin 324 of the battery protection board 320 can be electrically connected to the third tab 315. The circuit formed on the battery cell 310, the first protection board pin 322, the third protection board pin 324, and the battery protection board 320 can form a charge-discharge loop. The circuit formed on the battery cell 310, the first protection board pin 322, the second protection board pin 323, and the battery protection board 320 can form an electrical connection loop for monitoring the battery cell 310. The pins can be formed, for example, by conductive components such as solder pads or metal parts.

[0109] The charging current, discharging current, and positive-negative voltage difference of battery 30 cannot accurately reflect the state of battery 30. This may prevent some unsafe battery application scenarios from being monitored by the voltage management components. It may also prevent electronic device 100 from providing accurate battery status information to the user.

[0110] By providing a reference electrode on the battery 30, the electronic device 100 can monitor the state of the battery 30 relatively accurately. As the third electrode of the battery 30 in addition to the positive and negative electrodes, the reference electrode can monitor either the positive or negative electrode potential. For example, the battery 30 can output a reference electrode signal to the battery protection unit via the reference electrode. Thus, the power management element can obtain the reference electrode signal through the battery protection unit and, in conjunction with other state information of the battery 30, monitor the state of the battery 30.

[0111] While incorporating a reference electrode into a battery offers significant advantages, it can also introduce new challenges. For example, it increases the battery's footprint, potentially reducing capacity or contradicting the trend towards thinner and lighter electronic devices. Furthermore, designing the structure serving as a reference electrode is relatively complex. This structure needs high mechanical stability to minimize its impact on battery life. It also requires compatibility with existing battery structures to reduce negative effects on battery performance (such as cell casing sealing and safety), manufacturing complexity, and processing efficiency.

[0112] The structure of the tab assembly 400 provided in the embodiments of this application is described below, as well as the connection relationship between the tab assembly 400 and the battery protection board 320, and the connection relationship between the tab assembly 400 and the battery cell 310.

[0113] Figures 3A-3C A schematic structural diagram of a tab assembly 400 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figures 3A-3C The electrical connection between the tab assembly 400 and the battery protection board 320 is also shown. Figure 3A The electrode assembly 400 and battery protection board 320 are shown in the X direction, which allows us to obtain... Figure 3B The view shown. According to... Figure 3A The AA cross-section shown illustrates the tab assembly 400 and the battery protection board 320, from which the following can be obtained: Figure 3C The AA view shown.

[0114] The electrode assembly 400 may include a first electrode 410 and a second electrode 420. The battery protection board 320 may include a first protection board pin 322 and a second protection board pin 323. The first protection board pin 322 may be electrically connected to the first electrode 410. The first end 412 of the first electrode 410 may be disposed on the first protection board pin 322. Figure 3C As shown, the first end face 414 of the first tab 410 can be connected to the first protection board pin 322. The second protection board pin 323 can be electrically connected to the second tab 420. The first end 421 of the second tab 420 can be disposed on the second protection board pin 323. Figure 3C As shown, the first end face 423 of the second tab 420 can be connected to the pin 323 of the second protection board. The end face of a component can refer to the surface of the component that is parallel to the battery protection board 320 or the electrode. The side face of a component can refer to the surface of the component that is perpendicular to the battery protection board 320 or the electrode, or it can refer to the surface located between the two end faces of the component.

[0115] The first tab 410 can be either a positive or negative tab, serving as the positive or negative terminal of the battery; correspondingly, the first protection board pin 322 can be either a positive or negative pin. The second tab 420 can be a reference electrode tab, serving as the reference electrode of the battery; correspondingly, the second protection board pin 323 can be a reference electrode pin.

[0116] exist Figures 3A-3C In the example shown, both the first electrode tab 410 and the second electrode tab 420 can be elongated. The first electrode tab 410 and the second electrode tab 420 can be arranged parallel to each other. The first electrode tab 410 and the second electrode tab 420 can be arranged at intervals.

[0117] The tab assembly 400 may further include an insulating member 430 located between the first tab 410 and the second tab 420. The insulating member 430 may be attached between the first tab 410 and the second tab 420 and fill the space between the first tab 410 and the second tab 420. The insulating member 430 may be used to prevent short circuits between the first tab 410 and the second tab 420.

[0118] The insulating component 430 may include a first portion 433 and a second portion 434. The first portion 433 and the second portion 434 of the insulating component 430 may be arranged perpendicular to each other. The first portion 433 of the insulating component 430 may be stacked with the first tab 410. The first end face 435 of the first portion 433 may be attached to the second end face 424 of the second tab 420. The second end face 424 of the second tab 420 may be disposed opposite to the first end face 423 of the second tab 420. The second portion 434 of the insulating component 430 may be attached between the first tab 410 and the second tab 420, and between two adjacent sides of the first tab 410 and the second tab 420.

[0119] To reduce the possibility of a short circuit between the first tab 410 and the second tab 420, the insulating component 430 can extend out of the gap between the first tab 410 and the second tab 420. Figures 3A-3C In the example shown, the first tab 410, the insulating component 430, and the second tab 420 can be arranged in a direction parallel to the battery protection plate 320. The extending directions of the first tab 410, the insulating component 430, and the second tab 420 can be arranged perpendicular to the extending direction of the battery protection plate 320.

[0120] The materials of the first electrode 410 and the second electrode 420 can be the same or different. The materials of the first electrode 410 and the second electrode 420 can be one or more of the following: Li, Al, Ni, Cu, Sn, Au, and alloys composed of the aforementioned metals (such as active materials with stable discharge performance, such as Li4Ti5O). 12 The material of the second tab 420 can react relatively more readily with the materials in the electrolyte. In one example, the first tab 410 can be a negative tab. The material of the first tab 410 can be relatively stable and relatively difficult to be decomposed by the materials in the electrolyte. The material of the first tab 410 can be graphite, Si, etc. In another example, the first tab 410 can be a positive tab. The material of the first tab 410 can react with the electrolyte. The material of the first tab 410 can be lithium cobalt oxide, etc.

[0121] The material of the insulating component 430 may include, for example, polypropylene (PP), polyimide (PI), ceramics, etc. Optionally, the material of the insulating component 430 may also include epoxy resin, acrylic resin, etc., to improve the sealing performance of the insulating component 430.

[0122] In such Figure 3A , 3C In the example shown, the thickness of the second tab 420 can be less than the thickness of the insulating component 430 (the thickness of a component can refer to its dimension in the direction perpendicular to the battery protection plate 320), and the thickness of the insulating component 430 can be approximately the same as the thickness of the first tab 410. The first end face 414 of the first tab 410 can be flush with the first end face 423 of the second tab 420. The insulating component 430 can cover the side of the first tab 410 near the second tab 420, and the insulating component 430 can also wrap around the second end face 424 of the second tab 420 (the first end face 423 and the second end face 424 of the second tab 420 can be located on opposite sides of the second tab 420), and the side of the second tab 420 near the first tab 410.

[0123] In another example, the thickness of the second tab 420 may be greater than the thickness of the first tab 410. The first end face 414 of the first tab 410 may be flush with the first end face 423 of the second tab 420. The insulating component 430 may cover the second end face 415 of the first tab 410 (the first end face 414 and the second end face 415 of the first tab 410 may be located on opposite sides of the first tab 410), and the side of the first tab 410 near the second tab 420, and may also cover the side of the second tab 420 near the first tab 410.

[0124] like Figures 3A-3C As shown, the first tab 410 may include a battery connection area 411. The battery connection area 411 may be located at the second end 413 of the first tab 410, that is, at the end of the first tab 410 furthest from the battery protection board 320. The battery connection area 411 may be located on the second end face 415 of the first tab 410 (the first end face 414 and the second end face 415 of the first tab 410 may be located on both sides of the first tab 410, respectively). The battery connection area 411 can be used to connect to an electrode plate.

[0125] Optionally, the tab assembly 400 may also include tab adhesive 440. Tab adhesive 440 may surround the outer periphery of the first tab 410, the second tab 420, and the insulating member 430. For example... Figure 3A , 3C As shown, the tab adhesive 440 can make sealing contact with the side of the first tab 410 away from the second tab 420, and with the first end face 414 and the second end face 415 of the first tab 410. The tab adhesive 440 can also make sealing contact with the side of the second tab 420 away from the first tab 410, and with the first end face 423 of the second tab 420. The tab adhesive 440 can also make sealing contact with the two end faces of the insulating component 430, which are flush with the first end face 414 and the second end face 415 of the first tab 410, respectively, and the tab adhesive 440 can also make sealing contact with the side of the insulating component 430 away from the first tab 410.

[0126] Combination Figures 3A-3C , Figure 4 The tab adhesive 440 can be used to connect and seal the cell housing 312 of the cell 310, so that the cell housing 312 can be relatively well sealed around the tab assembly 400.

[0127] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of a battery cell 310 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 The shown cell 310 can be corresponding to Figure 1 , Figure 2 The battery cell 310 is shown. (Example) Figure 4As shown, the battery cell 310 may include a first electrode 3111, a second electrode 3112, and a separator 3113 (e.g., ...). Figure 4 (as shown in the geometric shape filled with blank patterns), cell casing 312, electrolyte 316 (as shown in the figure) Figure 4 The battery cell is shown in the diagram, which contains a geometric shape with a dot matrix pattern, and includes a tab assembly 400 and a third tab 315. A first electrode 3111, a second electrode 3112, a separator 3113, and an electrolyte 316 can be housed within a battery cell casing 312. One of the first electrode 3111 and the second electrode 3112 can be a positive electrode, and the other can be a negative electrode.

[0128] The positive and negative electrode plates can intercalate and deintercalate metal ions (such as lithium ions) to achieve energy storage and release. The positive and negative electrode plates are the main energy storage components of the cell 310, reflecting its energy density, cycle performance, and safety performance. The electrolyte 316 serves as a transport carrier for metal ions between the positive and negative electrode plates. A separator 3113 can be filled between the spaced-apart positive and negative electrode plates. The separator 3113 is permeable to metal ions but is itself non-conductive, thus separating the positive and negative electrode plates to prevent short circuits.

[0129] The positive electrode may include a positive current collector and a positive coating layer, wherein the positive coating layer may be a positive electrode material coated on the positive current collector. The negative electrode may include a negative current collector and a negative coating layer, wherein the negative coating layer may be a negative electrode material coated on the negative current collector.

[0130] The tab assembly 400 can be located between the first electrode 3111 and the diaphragm 3113. For example, by welding or other methods... Figures 3A-3C The battery connection area 411 of the first tab 410 shown can be connected to the first electrode 3111, thereby allowing the first tab 410 to be electrically connected to the first electrode 3111. When the first tab 410 is a positive tab, the first electrode 3111 can also be a positive electrode. When the first tab 410 is a negative tab, the first electrode 3111 can also be a negative electrode. The end face of the insulating member 430 away from the second electrode 3112 (or the end face of the insulating member 430 flush with the second end face 415 of the first tab 410) can be attached to the first electrode 3111. The second tab 420 of the tab assembly 400 can be located on the side of the insulating member 430 away from the first electrode 3111.

[0131] The third tab 315 can be disposed on the second electrode 3112 of the cell 310, and located between the second electrode 3112 and the separator 3113. The second electrode 3112 can be electrically connected to the third tab 315. The third tab 315 can be disposed on the current collector of the second electrode 3112. The second electrode 3112 can be located on one side of the coating layer of the second electrode 3112, or within the area enclosed by the coating layer of the second electrode 3112.

[0132] Optionally, the battery may also include an insulating film 3115. The insulating film 3115 may be applied to the side of the tab (such as the tab assembly 400 or the third tab 315) near the separator 3113 and located between the tab and the separator 3113. The insulating film 3115 can help reduce the friction between the tab and the separator.

[0133] like Figure 4 As shown, the insulating film 3115 can be applied to the side of the first tab 410 away from the second tab 3112, the first end face 414 of the first tab 410, the side of the second tab 420 away from the first tab 3111, the first end face 423 of the second tab 420, and the end face of the insulating component 430 away from the first tab 3111.

[0134] like Figure 4 As shown in the enlarged view, the insulating film 3115 can be, for example, a porous film. The porous film helps to increase the wettability of the second tab 420 in the electrolyte 316.

[0135] exist Figures 3A-3C , Figure 4 In the example shown, the reference electrode can be served by the second tab 420 of the tab assembly 400. Unlike other types of conductive components (such as wires), since most cells 310 have tabs, adding new tabs to cells 310 is relatively easy to make compatible with existing cells 310. Once the tabs are fixed to the cell housing 312, their position, shape, etc., are generally relatively stable. Compared with other types of conductive components, tabs are beneficial for balancing the mechanical and performance characteristics of the cell 310. The reference electrode tab and the positive electrode tab, or the reference electrode tab and the negative electrode tab, can be relatively tightly combined together by the insulating component 430. Therefore, placing the tab assembly 400 in the location where the tabs would normally be placed is beneficial for balancing the high current scenarios of the battery 30 and the space occupied by the battery 30.

[0136] Figures 5A-5C A schematic structural diagram of a tab assembly 400 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figures 5A-5C The electrical connection between the tab assembly 400 and the battery protection board 320 is also shown. Figure 5AThe electrode assembly 400 and battery protection board 320 are shown in the X direction, which allows us to obtain... Figure 5B The view shown. According to... Figure 5A The cross-section of the battery shown in the diagram, observing the tab assembly 400 and the battery protection board 320, reveals... Figure 5C The BB view shown.

[0137] and Figures 3A-3C The electrode assembly 400 shown is similar. Figures 5A-5C The illustrated tab assembly 400 may include a first tab 410, a second tab 420, and an insulating component 430 located between the first tab 410 and the second tab 420. The second tab 420 may be elongated. The first end face 414 of the first tab 410 may be electrically connected to the first protection board pin 322 of the battery protection board 320. The first end face 423 of the second tab 420 may be electrically connected to the second protection board pin 323 of the battery protection board 320. Figure 5C View BB shows the tab assembly 400 and battery protection board 320 in Figure 5A The diagram shows a schematic structural representation of the BB section.

[0138] Figures 5A-5C The electrode assembly 400 shown and Figures 3A-3C The electrode assembly 400 shown is different. Figures 5A-5C The first electrode tab 410 shown can be stepped rather than elongated.

[0139] like Figure 5A , Figure 5C The thickness of the first tab 410 can be greater than the thickness of the insulating component 430, and the thickness of the insulating component 430 can be greater than the thickness of the second tab 420. The first end face 414 of the first tab 410 can be flush with the first end face 423 of the second tab 420. The first tab 410 can have a stepped structure, which can be formed by a stepped end face and a stepped side face. The stepped end face of the first tab 410 can be arranged parallel to the first end face 414 of the first tab 410 and located between the first end face 414 and the second end face 415 of the first tab 410. The stepped side face of the first tab 410 can be connected between the stepped end face and the first end face 414 of the first tab 410.

[0140] One side of the insulating component 430 can cover the side of the second tab 420 near the first tab 410, as well as the second end face 424 of the second tab 420. The other side of the insulating component 430 can contact the stepped side and the stepped end face of the first tab 410. That is, the stepped structure of the first tab 410 can cover part of the surface of the insulating component 430.

[0141] The stepped structure of the first electrode tab 410 divides it into a first part 4101 and a second part 4102. The first part 4101 and the second part 4102 of the first electrode tab 410 can be arranged perpendicularly to each other. The first part 4101 of the first electrode tab 410 can be stacked on top of the first part 433 of the insulating member 430. The first part 4101 can be attached to the second end face 436 of the insulating member 430. The second end face 436 of the insulating member 430 can be positioned opposite to the first end face 435 of the insulating member 430. The second part 4102 of the first electrode tab 410 can be attached to the second part 434 of the insulating member 430. The second part 4102 of the first electrode tab 410 can be attached to the side of the insulating member 430 away from the second electrode tab 420.

[0142] Optionally, the tab assembly 400 may also include tab adhesive 440. Tab adhesive 440 may surround the outer periphery of the first tab 410, the second tab 420, and the insulating member 430. For example... Figure 5A , Figure 5C As shown, the tab adhesive 440 can make sealing contact with two sides of the first tab 410, one of which is away from the second tab 420 and the other is flush with the side of the second tab 420, and the two sides are arranged parallel to each other; the tab adhesive 440 can also make sealing contact with the first end face 414 and the second end face 415 of the first tab 410. The tab adhesive 440 can also make sealing contact with the side of the second tab 420 away from the first tab 410, and the first end face 423 of the second tab 420. The tab adhesive 440 can also make sealing contact with the end face of the insulating component 430 that is flush with the first end face 414 of the first tab 410, and the tab adhesive 440 can also make sealing contact with the side of the insulating component 430 away from the first tab 410. Figures 5A-5C , Figure 6 The tab adhesive 440 can be used to connect and seal the cell housing 312 of the cell 310, so that the cell housing 312 can be relatively well sealed around the tab assembly 400.

[0143] exist Figures 5A-5C In the example shown, the first electrode tab 410 has a stepped structure, which could mean that either the positive or negative electrode tab has a stepped structure. In other examples, the reference electrode tab may also have a stepped structure.

[0144] For example, the thickness of the first tab 410 can be less than the thickness of the insulating member 430, and the thickness of the insulating member 430 can be less than the thickness of the second tab 420. The first end face 414 of the first tab 410 can be flush with the first end face 423 of the second tab 420. The second tab 420 can have a stepped structure, which can be formed by a stepped end face and a stepped side face. The stepped end face of the second tab 420 can be arranged parallel to the first end face 423 of the second tab 420 and located between the first end face 423 and the second end face 424 of the second tab 420. The stepped side face of the second tab 420 can be connected between the stepped end face and the first end face 423 of the second tab 420. One side of the insulating member 430 can wrap around the side of the first tab 410 near the second tab 420 and the second end face 415 of the first tab 410. The other side of the insulating member 430 can contact the stepped side face and the stepped end face of the second tab 420. In other words, the stepped structure of the second tab 420 can cover part of the surface of the insulating component 430.

[0145] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of a battery cell 310 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 The structure of the battery cell 310 shown is slightly different. Figure 6 The battery cell 310 shown includes Figures 5A-5C The electrode assembly 400 is shown. Figure 6 The specific structure of the battery cell 310 shown can be referred to Figure 4 The example shown.

[0146] Figures 5A-5C , Figure 6 The illustrated embodiments and Figures 3A-3C , Figure 4 Compared to the illustrated embodiment, the second end face 415 of the first tab 410 can have a larger area. Therefore, the area of ​​the battery connection region 411 of the first tab 410 for connection with the electrode can be larger. This helps to reduce battery impedance and improve battery charging and discharging efficiency.

[0147] Figures 7A-7C A schematic structural diagram of a tab assembly 400 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figures 7A-7C The electrical connection between the tab assembly 400 and the battery protection board 320 is also shown. Figures 7A-7C The structure of the battery protection board 320 shown can be referenced. Figures 3A-3C or Figures 5A-5C The structure of the battery protection board 320 is shown. According to... Figure 7A The electrode assembly 400 and battery protection board 320 are shown in the X direction, which allows us to obtain... Figure 7B The view shown. According to... Figure 7AThe CC cross-section shown shows the tab assembly 400 and the battery protection board 320, from which we can obtain... Figure 7C The CC view shown.

[0148] and Figures 3A-3C , Figures 5A-5C The electrode assembly 400 shown is similar. Figures 7A-7C The illustrated tab assembly 400 may include a first tab 410, a second tab 420, and an insulating component 430 attached between the first tab 410 and the second tab 420. Figures 3A-3C , Figures 5A-5C The electrode assembly 400 shown is different. Figures 7A-7C The first tab 410, the second tab 420, and the insulating component 430 shown can be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the battery protection board 320. Figures 7A-7C In the illustrated tab assembly 400, the first tab 410, the second tab 420, and the insulating component 430 can all be layered. The main body of the first tab 410, the main body of the insulating component 430, and the main body of the second tab 420 can be stacked sequentially. The first tab 410 can, for example, be elongated. The second tab 420 can, for example, be L-shaped. That is, at the first end 421 of the second tab 420, the second tab 420 can include an extension 425, which can be arranged perpendicularly to the extension direction relative to the first tab 410 and extends away from the main body of the first tab 410. The extension direction of the first tab 410 refers to the extension direction of the main body of the first tab 410, corresponding to the direction from the battery protection board 320 to the cell 310, or the direction from the cell 310 to the battery protection board 320. The main body of the first tab 410 can be arranged perpendicularly to the battery protection board 320.

[0149] The first end 412 of the first tab 410 can be disposed on the first protection board pin 322 of the battery protection board 320. The first tab 410 may include a first end face 414. The first end face 414 of the first tab 410 can be connected to the first protection board pin 322 of the battery protection board 320. The first tab 410 may have a battery connection area 411 on its second end 413. The battery connection area 411 can be connected to the first electrode 3111 of the cell 310, so that the first tab 410 can be electrically connected to the first electrode 3111. The battery connection area 411 can be located on the first end face 414 of the first tab 410. That is, the two ends of the same end face of the first tab 410 can be connected to the electrode and the battery protection board 320 respectively, so that the first tab 410 can be electrically connected between the cell and the battery protection board 320.

[0150] The first tab 410 may also include a second end face 415. The second end face 415 of the first tab 410 may contact the insulating component 430.

[0151] The second electrode tab 420 may include a first end face 423 and a second end face 424. The first end face 423 and the second end face 424 of the second electrode tab 420 may be located on the same side of the second electrode tab 420.

[0152] The first end face 423 of the second tab 420 is approximately flush with the first end face 414 of the first tab 410. The first end face 423 of the second tab 420 can be connected to the second protection board pin 323 of the battery protection board 320. The first end face 423 of the second tab 420 is located at the extension 425 of the second tab 420. (Example...) Figures 7A-7C As shown, the first end 421 of the second tab 420 can be disposed on the second protection board pin 323 of the battery protection board 320. The first end 421 of the second tab 420 can be located at the same end of the tab assembly 400 as the first end 412 of the first tab 410.

[0153] The second end face 424 of the second tab 420 may contact the insulating member 430. The second end face 424 of the second tab 420 may be located outside the extension 425 of the second tab 420.

[0154] exist Figures 7A-7C In the example shown, the side of the first tab 410 near the battery protection plate 320 can be flush with the side of the second tab 420 near the battery protection plate 320. The side of the insulating member 430 away from the battery protection plate 320 can be located between the side of the first tab 410 away from the battery protection plate 320 and the side of the second tab 420 away from the battery protection plate 320. The insulating member 430 can slightly extend out of the gap between the first tab 410 and the second tab 420, which helps to reduce the probability of a short circuit between the first tab 410 and the second tab 420.

[0155] Optionally, the tab assembly 400 may also include tab adhesive 440. Tab adhesive 440 may surround the outer periphery of the first tab 410, the second tab 420, and the insulating member 430. For example... Figures 7A-7C As shown, the tab adhesive 440 can make sealing contact with both sides of the first tab 410, and also with the first end face 414 of the first tab 410. The tab adhesive 440 can also make sealing contact with both sides of the second tab 420, and with the end face of the second tab 420 away from the first tab 410. The tab adhesive 440 can also make sealing contact with both sides of the insulating component 430. Figures 7A-7C , Figure 8The tab adhesive 440 can be used to connect and seal the cell housing 312 of the cell 310, so that the cell housing 312 can be relatively well sealed around the tab assembly 400.

[0156] Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram of a battery cell 310 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 The battery cell shown is similar to the 310 shown. Figure 8 The battery cell 310 shown may include a first electrode 3111, a second electrode 3112, a separator 3113, and an electrolyte 316. One of the first electrode 3111 and the second electrode 3112 may be a positive electrode, and the other may be a negative electrode.

[0157] Figure 8 The battery cell 310 shown may also include Figures 7A-7C The electrode assembly 400 and the third electrode 315 are shown. When the first electrode 410 in the electrode assembly 400 is a positive electrode, the third electrode 315 can be a negative electrode. When the first electrode 410 in the electrode assembly 400 is a negative electrode, the third electrode 315 can be a positive electrode.

[0158] The tab assembly 400 can be disposed between the first electrode 3111 and the separator 3113 of the cell 310. Figures 7A-7C The battery connection area 411 of the first tab 410 shown can be connected to the first electrode 3111, so that the first tab 410 can be electrically connected to the first electrode 3111. The second tab 420 can be located on the side of the first tab 410 near the separator 3113.

[0159] Cell 310 may also include an insulating sheet 3115. The insulating sheet 3115 may be located between the tab assembly 400 and the separator 3113. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the insulating film 3115 can be applied to both sides of the first tab 410, both sides of the insulating member 430, both sides of the second tab 420, and the end face of the second tab 420 away from the first tab 3111. In one possible example, the insulating film 3115 may be, for example, a porous film.

[0160] The third tab 315 can be disposed on the second electrode 3112 of the cell 310, and located between the second electrode 3112 and the separator 3113. The arrangement of the third tab 315 in the cell 310 can be referred to... Figure 4 The third tab 315 is shown in the arrangement of the battery cell 310.

[0161] Figure 9 A schematic structural diagram of another possible electrode assembly 400 is shown. (Refer to...) Figures 7A-7C , Figure 9 The structure of the electrode assembly 400 shown can be applied to Figure 8 The battery cell shown is 310.

[0162] exist Figures 7A-7C In the illustrated tab assembly 400, both the second tab 420 and the insulating component 430 can be located between the electrical connection region 411 and the battery protection board 320. That is, the second tab 420 and the insulating component 430 can be located on the same side of the electrical connection region 411. The distance between the second end 422 of the second tab 420 and the electrical connection region 411 can be greater than the distance between the end of the insulating component 430 closest to the electrical connection region 411 and the electrical connection region 411. The electrical connection region 411 of the first tab 410 can extend relative to the insulating component 430, and the end of the insulating component 430 closest to the electrical connection region 411 can extend relative to the second end 422 of the second tab 420. Figure 9 In the electrode assembly 400 shown, the first electrode 410 and the second electrode 420 can be layered. The insulating member 430 may have a protrusion 431 near the second end 422 of the second electrode 420. The second end 422 of the second electrode 420 may be disposed away from the second protection board pin 323 of the battery protection board 320 and near the electrode sheet of the cell 310. The protrusion 431 may protrude in a direction perpendicular to the second electrode 420 and toward the second electrode 420. By providing the protrusion 431 on the insulating member 430, the insulating member 430 can cover the second end 422 of the second electrode 420.

[0163] Figures 10A-10C This is a schematic structural diagram of a tab assembly 400 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figures 10A-10C The electrical connection between the tab assembly 400 and the battery protection board 320 is also shown. Figures 10A-10C The structure of the battery protection board 320 shown can be referenced. Figures 3A-3C or Figures 5A-5C The structure of the battery protection board 320 is shown. According to... Figure 10A The X-direction observation of the tab assembly 400 shows that... Figure 10B The view shown. According to... Figure 10B By observing the tab assembly 400 in the DD section shown, the DD view shown in Figure 10 can be obtained.

[0164] and Figures 7A-7C The electrode assembly 400 shown is similar. Figures 10A-10C The electrode assembly 400 shown can be set in Figures 7A-7C The battery protection board 320 shown in Figure 10. The electrode assembly 400 shown in Figure 10 and... Figures 7A-7C The electrode assembly 400 shown is slightly different. For example... Figure 10A , 10BAs shown, the side of the second tab 420 away from the battery protection plate 320 and the side of the insulating component 430 away from the battery protection plate 320 can be flush with the side of the first tab 410 away from the battery protection plate 320.

[0165] like Figure 10C As shown, the second tab 420 may include a first through hole 426. The insulating component 430 may include a second through hole 432. The first through hole 426 and the second through hole 432 may communicate with each other. The positions of the first through hole 426 on the second tab 420 and the second through hole 432 on the insulating component 430 may be opposite to the battery connection area 411 of the first tab 410. The first through hole 426 and the second through hole 432 can be used to extend into a welding fixture, so that the welding fixture can clamp both sides of the electrical connection area 411, which is beneficial to improving the processing convenience of the electrical connection area 411.

[0166] Figure 11A-11F This is a schematic structural diagram of a tab assembly 400 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 11A-11D The electrical connection between the tab assembly 400 and the battery protection board 320 is also shown. Figure 11A The electrode assembly 400 and battery protection board 320 are shown in the X direction, which allows us to obtain... Figure 11B The view shown. According to... Figure 11A Observing the tab assembly 400 and the battery protection board 320 from the opposite direction of the X direction shown, we can obtain Figure 11C The view shown. According to... Figure 11A The EE cross-section shown illustrates the tab assembly 400 and the battery protection board 320, revealing that... Figure 11D The EE view shown. Figure 11E It shows Figure 11A The diagram shows a schematic structural representation of the tab assembly 400. According to... Figure 11E The FF cross-section of the electrode assembly 400, as shown, allows us to obtain... Figure 11F The FF view shown.

[0167] and Figures 7A-7C The electrode assembly 400 shown is similar. Figure 11A-11F The illustrated tab assembly 400 may include a first tab 410, a second tab 420, and an insulating member 430 attached between the first tab 410 and the second tab 420. The first tab 410, the second tab 420, and the insulating member 430 may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the first tab 410. The second tab 420 may include an extension 425, which may be arranged perpendicular to the extension direction of the first tab 410 and extend away from the first tab 410. Figure 11A-11FThe arrangement of the tab assembly 400 in the battery cell 310 can be referred to Figure 8 The example shown.

[0168] Combination Figure 8 , Figure 11A-11F The side of the first tab 410 that is away from the electrode may not be flush with the side of the second tab 420 that is away from the electrode. The part of the first tab 410 that is away from the electrode (e.g., the first end 412 of the first tab 410) may be bent or flipped so that the first electrode 3111 moves from one side of the battery protection board 320 to the other side of the battery protection board 320.

[0169] The first electrode 410 may include a first region 417, a second region 418, and a third region 419. The second region 418 of the first electrode 410 may be connected between the first region 417 and the third region 419 of the first electrode 410. For example... Figure 11A As shown, both the first region 417 and the third region 419 of the first tab 410 can be arranged parallel to the battery protection board 320. The first region 417 of the first tab 410 can be located close to the first protection plate end face 3211 of the battery protection board 320. The third region 419 of the first tab 410 can be located close to the second protection plate end face 3212 of the battery protection board 320. The first protection plate end face 3211 and the second protection plate end face 3212 can be two parallel end faces of the battery protection board 320.

[0170] Optionally, the electrode assembly 400 may also include a... Figures 7A-7C Similar tab adhesive 440 is shown in the example. Tab adhesive 440 may be wrapped around the outer periphery of the first tab 410, the second tab 420 and the insulating member 430.

[0171] like Figure 11A-11F As shown, the battery protection board 320 may include a first protection board pin 322 and a second protection board pin 323. The first protection board pin 322 may be located on the first protection board end face 3211, and the second protection board pin 323 may be located on the second protection board end face 3212. The first protection board pin 322 and the second protection board pin 323 may be located on the side of the battery protection board 320 near the tab assembly 400, so as to facilitate the connection between the tab assembly 400 and the battery protection board 320. In a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the tab assembly 400, the first protection board pin 322 and the second protection board pin 323 are staggered from each other. This helps to reduce the probability of a short circuit between the first tab 410 and the second tab 420.

[0172] The first end 412 of the first tab 410 may extend relative to the insulating member 430. The end of the insulating member 430 away from the electrical connection region 411 may extend relative to the first end 421 of the second tab 420.

[0173] The first region 417 of the first tab 410 can be connected to the first protection board pin 322 of the battery protection board 320, so that the first tab 410 can be electrically connected to the battery protection board 320.

[0174] The second tab 420 can be located between the third region 419 of the first tab 410 and the battery protection board 320. The extension 425 of the second tab 420 can be connected to the second protection board pin 323 of the battery protection board 320, so that the second tab 420 can be electrically connected to the battery protection board 320.

[0175] The second region 418 of the first tab 410 can be relatively close to the side of the battery protection board 320 away from the electrode. Furthermore, the side of the second tab 420 away from the electrode can be flush with the side of the battery protection board 320 away from the electrode. Therefore, the second region 418 of the first tab 410 may come into contact with the second tab 420. To reduce the possibility of a short circuit between the first tab 410 and the second tab 420, the side of the insulating member 430 away from the electrode can extend beyond the gap between the first tab 410 and the second tab 420. Figure 11C As shown, the insulating component 430 can cover the side of the second tab 420 away from the electrode.

[0176] exist Figure 11A-11F In the example shown, the end of the insulating member 430 furthest from the electrode can be located between the second tab 420 and the battery protection plate 320. That is, the second tab 420 may not contact the second protection plate end face 3212 of the battery protection plate 320. In another example, the end of the insulating member 430 furthest from the electrode may also extend relative to the battery protection plate 320. For example, the insulating member 430 may cover the side of the battery protection plate 320 furthest from the electrode. That is, the insulating member 430 may be located between the first tab 410 and the side of the battery protection plate 320 furthest from the electrode.

[0177] The following is through Figure 11A-11F The example shown illustrates the distance by which the first tab 410 and the insulating member 430 extend relative to the second tab 420. For example... Figure 11B , 11DAs shown in Figure 11F, the distance between the side of the insulating component 430 furthest from the electrode and the side of the second electrode tab 420 furthest from the electrode can be distance d1, and the distance between the side of the first electrode tab 410 furthest from the electrode and the side of the second electrode tab 420 furthest from the electrode can be distance d2. d2 > d1. The distance between the side of the insulating component 430 furthest from the electrode and the side of the first electrode tab 410 furthest from the electrode can be d2 - d1. (Combined) Figure 11A-11F As shown in the example, d1>t1; d2>3 t2 + t1 + h, where t1 can be the thickness of the second tab 420; t2 can be the thickness of the insulating component 430; and h can be the total thickness of the battery protection board 320, which can be, for example, the sum of the thicknesses of the first protection board pin 322, the second protection board pin 323, and the protection board substrate. In one example, t1 + h ≥ d1 > t1; d2 ≈ 3 t2+t1+h+s, where s can be the width of pin 322 on the first protection board.

[0178] exist Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 In the example shown, cell 310 may include one reference electrode. In other examples, cell 310 may include two reference electrodes. For example, cell 310 may include two tab assemblies 400. The first tab 410 of one tab assembly 400 may be a positive tab, and the first tab 410 of the other tab assembly 400 may be a negative tab.

[0179] Figure 12A-12B This is a schematic structural diagram of a circuit board 500 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 12A-12B A possible connection method between the circuit board 500 and the battery protection board 320 is also shown. According to... Figure 12A The GG cross-section of the electrode assembly 400 shown can be observed to obtain... Figure 12B The GG view is shown. The circuit board 500 can act as multiple electrodes of the battery, such as a positive electrode and a reference electrode, or a negative electrode and a reference electrode.

[0180] The circuit board 500 may be, for example, a flexible circuit board. The circuit board 500 may be, for example, L-shaped. The circuit board 500 may include a first portion 501 and a second portion 502. The first portion 501 of the circuit board 500 may be vertically disposed relative to the battery protection board 320. The second portion 502 of the circuit board 500 may be parallel to the battery protection board 320.

[0181] The circuit board 500 may include multiple conductive layers and multiple insulating layers. A conductive layer is located between adjacent insulating layers. An insulating layer is also located between adjacent conductive layers. The multiple conductive layers may, for example, include a first conductive layer 510 and a second conductive layer 520. The multiple insulating layers may, for example, include a first insulating layer 531, a second insulating layer 532, and a third insulating layer 533. The first insulating layer 531 may be located on the side of the first conductive layer 510 away from the second conductive layer 520. The second insulating layer 532 is located between the first conductive layer 510 and the second conductive layer 520. The third insulating layer 533 may be located on the side of the second conductive layer 520 away from the first conductive layer 510.

[0182] The conductive layer can be made of conductive materials such as metals. Examples of conductive layer materials include gold, silver, copper, aluminum, tin, and gold alloys, silver alloys, copper alloys, aluminum alloys, and tin alloys. The insulating layer materials can include polypropylene (PP), polyimide (PI), ceramics, etc. Optionally, the insulating layer materials can also include epoxy resin, acrylic resin, etc., to improve the sealing performance of the insulating layer.

[0183] The circuit board 500 has a first line and a second line. The first line can be a positive line or a negative line. The second line can be a reference electrode line. The first line can be formed, for example, a portion of the first conductive layer 510. The second line can, for example, pass through the first conductive layer 510 and the second insulating layer 532 (e.g., through a via), and is formed by at least a portion of the second conductive layer 520.

[0184] The circuit board 500 may also include a first electrical connector 511, a second electrical connector 512, a third electrical connector, and a fourth electrical connector.

[0185] Both the first electrical connector 511 and the second electrical connector 512 can be electrically connected to the first line on the circuit board 500. Both the first electrical connector 511 and the second electrical connector 512 can be located in the first portion 501 of the circuit board 500. The first electrical connector 511 can be located at the end of the circuit board 500 closest to the battery protection board 320. The second electrical connector 512 can be located at the end of the circuit board 500 furthest from the battery protection board 320.

[0186] Both the first electrical connector 511 and the second electrical connector 512 can be embedded in the through holes on the first insulating layer 531. For example, the first insulating layer 531 may include a first insulating through hole 534, and the first electrical connector 511 can be embedded in the first insulating through hole 534; the first insulating layer 531 may also include a second insulating through hole 535, and the second electrical connector 512 can be embedded in the second insulating through hole 535.

[0187] Both the third electrical connector 521 and the fourth electrical connector 522 can be electrically connected to the second line on the circuit board 500. The third electrical connector 521 can be located in the second part 502 of the circuit board 500. The third electrical connector 521 can be located at the end of the circuit board 500 closer to the battery protection board 320. The fourth electrical connector 522 can be located in the first part 501 of the circuit board 500. The fourth electrical connector 522 can be located at the end of the circuit board 500 furthest from the battery protection board 320.

[0188] The third electrical connector 521 can be embedded in a through-hole in the first insulating layer 531. For example, the first insulating layer 531 may include a third insulating through-hole 536, and the third electrical connector 521 can be embedded in the third insulating through-hole 536. The fourth electrical connector 522 can be embedded in a through-hole in the third insulating layer 533. For example, the third insulating layer 533 may include a fourth insulating through-hole 537, and the fourth electrical connector 522 can be embedded in the fourth insulating through-hole 537.

[0189] exist Figure 12A-12B In the example shown, the second electrical connector 512 and the fourth electrical connector 522 can be offset from each other or positioned opposite each other. The second electrical connector 512 and the fourth electrical connector 522 can be disconnected by an insulating layer within the circuit board 500. For example, the projection area of ​​the second electrical connector 512 on the second insulating layer 532 is the first projection area, and the projection area of ​​the fourth electrical connector 522 on the second insulating layer 532 is the second projection area; the first and second projection areas can be offset from each other. When soldering the second electrical connector 512 onto the electrode, the soldering energy may penetrate the insulating layer. If the second electrical connector 512 and the fourth electrical connector 522 are aligned, the possibility of a short circuit between the first and second lines may increase.

[0190] The materials of the second electrical connector 512 and the fourth electrical connector 522 may be the same or different. The materials of the second electrical connector 512 and the fourth electrical connector 522 may be one or more of the following: Li, Al, Ni, Cu, Sn, Au, and alloys composed of the aforementioned metals (such as active materials with stable discharge performance, such as Li4Ti5O). 12 In one example, the material of the second electrical connector 512 can be relatively stable and relatively difficult to be decomposed by materials in the electrolyte. The material of the fourth electrical connector 522 can react relatively more readily with materials in the electrolyte.

[0191] Optional, such as Figure 12A-12B As shown, a circuit board adhesive 540 can be disposed around the outer periphery of the circuit board 500. Combined with... Figure 13The circuit board adhesive 540 is used to seal the circuit board 500 onto the cell housing 312 of the battery cell 310, so that the cell housing 312 can have relatively good sealing properties around the circuit board 500. In one example, the material of the circuit board adhesive 540 may be the same as or different from the insulating layer material of the circuit board 500. Figure 12A-12B The circuit board colloid 540 can be in sealed contact with the first insulating layer 531 and the third insulating layer 533 to prevent electrolyte leakage from the battery cell 310. Optionally, the material of the circuit board colloid 540 can be modified PI, and the materials of the first insulating layer 531 and the third insulating layer 533 can be PI.

[0192] Figure 13 This is a schematic structural diagram of a battery cell 310 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 The battery cell shown is similar to the 310 shown. Figure 13 The battery cell 310 shown may include a first electrode 3111, a second electrode 3112, a separator 3113, and an electrolyte 316. One of the first electrode 3111 and the second electrode 3112 can be a positive electrode, and the other can be a negative electrode. The battery cell 310 may also include... Figure 12A-12B The circuit board shown is 500.

[0193] Combination Figure 12A-12B , Figure 13 The first electrical connector 511 of the circuit board 500 can be electrically connected to the first protection board pin 322 of the battery protection board 320. The second electrical connector 512 of the circuit board 500 can be disposed on the first electrode 3111 of the battery cell 310 and electrically connected to the first electrode 3111. The third electrical connector 521 of the circuit board 500 can be electrically connected to the second protection board pin 323 of the battery protection board 320. The fourth electrical connector 522 of the circuit board 500 can be located on the side of the circuit board 500 near the separator 3113. In one example, an insulating adhesive 3115 can be attached to the fourth electrical connector 522.

[0194] When the first protection board pin 322 is a positive pin, the first electrical connector 511 can be a positive pin, the first electrode 3111 can be a positive electrode, and the second electrode 3112 can be a negative electrode. When the first protection board pin 322 is a negative pin, the first electrical connector 511 can be a negative pin, the first electrode 3111 can be a negative electrode, and the second electrode 3112 can be a positive electrode.

[0195] exist Figure 13In the example shown, cell 310 may include one reference electrode. In other examples, cell 310 may include two reference electrodes. For example, cell 310 may include two circuit boards 500. One circuit board 500 may serve as the positive electrode and first reference electrode of cell 310, and the other circuit board 500 may serve as the negative electrode and second reference electrode of cell 310.

[0196] Unlike the electrode assembly described above, Figure 12A-12B , Figure 13 Using a circuit board format allows for the implementation of multiple electrodes in the battery. On one hand, the circuit components on a flexible circuit board are relatively flexible, and the processing efficiency of flexible circuit boards is relatively high, which helps to reduce the cost of batteries and other devices. On the other hand, Figure 12A-12B , Figure 13 The proposed solution enables the application of flexible circuit boards in the battery field, breaking away from the traditional approach of using tabs as battery electrodes.

[0197] Based on the above examples, the electronic device 100 can, for example, control the charging and discharging state of the battery cell 310 through a battery protection unit and a power management unit (PMU). In one example, the battery protection unit and the power management unit can be disposed on the battery protection board 320. In another example, at least one of the battery protection unit and the power management unit can be disposed outside the battery protection board, for example, on the mid-frame, circuit board assembly, etc. The battery protection unit and the power management unit can be two separate devices or modules within the electronic device 100, or they can be physically integrated on the same device or module.

[0198] The battery protection unit can receive positive and negative signals from cell 310. These signals can power the electronic components of the electronic device. Cell 310 can also receive positive and negative signals from the battery protection unit, which can charge the cell.

[0199] The battery protection unit can, for example, send a discharge signal to the power management element, so that the current output from cell 310 can be input to other electronic components of the electronic device through the power management element. The battery protection unit can, for example, receive a charging signal from the power management element, so that the current output from the external power supply can be input to cell 310 through the power management element.

[0200] The positive and negative signals exchanged between cell 310 and the battery protection unit can also reflect the charging current, discharging current, and positive-negative voltage difference of cell 310. The power management element can monitor the charging current, discharging current, and positive-negative voltage difference of cell 310 in real time through the battery monitoring circuit on the battery protection unit. Based on the real-time monitored battery status information, the power management element can also roughly estimate other battery status information, such as the current charging speed, remaining charging time, the percentage of cell 310's current charge relative to the battery capacity, battery temperature, and current DC resistance.

[0201] The power management element can also adjust the charging or discharging state of the battery cell 310 through one or more of the charging circuit, discharging circuit, battery monitoring circuit, and battery protection circuit of the battery protection unit.

[0202] For example, during the charging process, as the charge of the battery cell 310 gradually increases, the power management element can output a battery protection signal to the battery protection board. Thus, the power management element can adjust the current conducted in the charging circuit through the battery protection circuit of the battery protection unit, so that the charging state of the battery cell 310 can be changed from constant current charging mode to constant voltage charging mode.

[0203] For example, if the battery monitoring circuit detects that the current flowing through the discharge circuit is too large or the voltage difference between the positive and negative terminals of the cell 310 (hereinafter referred to as the positive and negative voltage difference) is large, the power management element can output a battery protection signal to the battery protection board. In this way, the power management element can reduce the current flowing through the discharge circuit through the battery protection circuit of the battery protection unit, so as to ensure that the cell 310 can work safely and stably.

[0204] Figure 14 This is a schematic flowchart of a charging method 1400 provided in an embodiment of this application. The charging method 1400 can be applied to [various applications]. Figures 3A-3C , Figures 5A-5C , Figures 7A-7C , Figure 9 , Figures 10A-10C , Figure 11A-11F The electrode assembly 400 shown, or having Figure 12A-12B The electronic device shown is the circuit board 500.

[0205] 1401, It is detected that the current charging current of the battery is the first current, and the current negative electrode potential of the battery is greater than the preset potential.

[0206] 1402, control the charging current of the battery to a second current, the second current being less than the first current.

[0207] The following is combined with Figures 15 to 16 , Explanation Figure 14 The principle of the charging method shown.

[0208] Positive or negative electrode potential can reflect battery status information that cannot be reflected by the voltage difference between positive and negative electrodes, thereby improving the accuracy of electronic device 100 in monitoring battery status. Figure 15 The changes in the voltage difference between the positive and negative electrodes during the charging process are shown (reference). Figure 15 The horizontal axis and the vertical axis on the left), and the change in positive electrode potential (refer to...). Figure 15 The changes in the horizontal axis and the vertical axis on the left) and the negative electrode potential (refer to...) Figure 15 (The horizontal axis and the vertical axis located on the right). For example... Figure 15 As shown, neither the positive nor negative electrode potential is constant during charging. In the later stages of charging, although the voltage difference between the positive and negative electrodes tends to stabilize, both the positive and negative electrode potentials show an increasing trend. Excessively high positive or negative electrode potentials are detrimental to safe charging. Therefore, monitoring either the positive or negative electrode potential in addition to monitoring the voltage difference between the positive and negative electrodes is beneficial for improving the accuracy of battery status monitoring by the electronic device 100.

[0209] Figure 16 The solid line in the figure shows the relationship between the charging current and the charge of a freshly manufactured battery. Figure 16 The dashed line in the diagram illustrates the relationship between the charging current and the charge level of an aging battery.

[0210] The charging current of a battery can be related to its current charge level. When the battery's charge is relatively low (e.g., at the beginning of charging), the charging speed is relatively fast, and the charging current can be relatively high. When the battery's charge is relatively high (e.g., nearing completion of charging), the charging speed is relatively slow, and the charging current can be relatively low.

[0211] To ensure a faster battery charge, a relatively large charging current can be used. However, the charging speed cannot be arbitrarily increased. To ensure battery safety, the charging speed cannot be arbitrary, depending on the battery's capacity. Figure 15 It is known that the voltage difference between the positive and negative terminals of a battery can indirectly reflect the battery's charging speed and charging capacity. One method is to indirectly determine the battery's current charge level by controlling the voltage difference between the positive and negative terminals, and then... Figure 16 The solid line shown controls the battery's charging speed. For example, the battery capacity can be roughly estimated by looking up the open circuit voltage (OCV) in a table. However, as the battery ages, the OCV lookup method becomes increasingly inaccurate. The relationship between the battery's charging speed and charging current may change over time.

[0212] When a battery is just delivered from the factory, the capacity of the battery can be relatively large. As the number of charge-discharge cycles of the battery increases, the battery may age. Compared with a newly delivered battery, the capacity of an aged battery can be slightly decreased. For example, assume the capacity of the battery is A. When a newly delivered battery is fully charged, the state of charge of the newly delivered battery can be A×a%. When an aged battery is fully charged, the state of charge of the aged battery can be A×b%, where b < a. When the state of charge of the newly delivered battery is charged to A×b%, the charging current of the newly delivered battery can be relatively high; while when the state of charge of the aged battery is charged to A×b%, the charging current of the aged battery should be reduced to a relatively low value, for example, matching the current when the battery is fully charged. In other words, the current that an aged battery can withstand is slightly reduced. According to Figure 16 the solid line in to control the charging current of the battery, the aged battery may be subjected to a relatively large current, which tends to accelerate the aging speed of the battery.

[0213] There can be a relationship between the potential of the negative electrode sheet and the state of charge (or lithium intercalation amount) of the battery. That is, the potential of the negative electrode sheet can relatively directly reflect the lithium intercalation capacity of the battery. Combined with Figure 16 , there can also be a relatively direct relationship between the state of charge of the battery and the charging speed (or charging current) of the battery (the closer the lithium intercalation amount is to the lithium intercalation capacity, the smaller the charging current can be). Therefore, controlling the charging current of the battery by monitoring the potential of the negative electrode sheet helps reduce the possibility of over-fast charging, and further helps delay the aging of the battery.

[0214] In addition, the main factor affecting battery aging is the consumption of the positive electrode material of the battery. On one hand, the consumption of the positive electrode material and the negative electrode material will increase the impedance of the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet. On the other hand, the reduction of active materials of the positive electrode material and the negative electrode material can directly cause a decrease in the available capacity of the battery. When the current is too large, lithium ions in the electrolyte can precipitate on the negative electrode sheet of the battery, for example, solid lithium can precipitate on the negative electrode sheet of the battery. When the precipitated metallic lithium has poor electrical contact with the negative electrode, it can increase the difficulty for the negative electrode sheet to participate in the redox reaction, and increase the total impedance of the battery; when a large amount of metallic lithium precipitates and forms a dendrite morphology, it may also pierce the insulating separator in the battery, increasing the possibility of short circuit between the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet.

[0215] Combined with Figure 15 , it can be known that if only based on the voltage difference between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, the potential of the negative electrode sheet cannot be accurately determined. Combined with the foregoing description, if only the voltage difference between the positive electrode and the negative electrode is monitored, the battery may be charged too fast, so the possibility that the positive electrode material of the battery precipitates on the negative electrode sheet of the battery is relatively high. If the charging current of the battery is blindly reduced, the charging speed of the battery may be reduced, which increases the charging time of the battery.

[0216] One effective way to reduce the deposition of positive electrode material on the negative electrode is to monitor the potential of the negative electrode to be lower than a preset potential (the preset potential can be, for example, one of the following: 0.3V, 0.2V, 0.1V, 0V, -0.01V, -0.1V, etc.). By monitoring the potential of the negative electrode, it is beneficial to reduce the deposition of positive electrode material on the negative electrode.

[0217] Setting a reference electrode helps determine the positive or negative electrode potential of the battery. Combined with the voltage difference between the positive and negative electrodes, the battery's state can be more accurately reflected, such as the state of an aged battery. This can be beneficial for electronic devices to detect battery state of health (SoH), predict battery life, determine appropriate charging voltage, charging current, charging speed, charging time, state of charge (SOC) (or lithium intercalation level), and determine the battery's direct current resistance (DCR).

[0218] Figure 17 A schematic flowchart of another charging method 1800 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. This charging method 1800 can be applied to devices with A-3C, Figures 5A-5C , Figures 7A-7C , Figure 9 , Figures 10A-10C , Figure 11A-11F The electrode assembly 400 shown, or having Figure 12A-12B The electronic device shown is the circuit board 500.

[0219] 1801. Determine the positive impedance of the battery based on the positive or negative potential of the battery and the charging current of the battery.

[0220] 1802, when the positive impedance of the battery is greater than a first preset impedance, adjust the charging state of the battery or perform a first operation, the first operation being used to indicate the current lifespan of the battery.

[0221] The first preset impedance indicates the maximum limit of the positive electrode impedance when the battery is in normal operating condition. If the positive electrode impedance exceeds the first preset impedance, it means that the battery may be in an abnormal operating condition. The first preset impedance can be obtained, for example, through experiments or simulations. The first preset impedance can also be set in the battery protection board or electronic equipment before leaving the factory.

[0222] In one possible scenario, the battery may currently be in an overcharged state. By adjusting the battery's state of charge, it may be possible to restore the battery's positive impedance to a level less than a first preset impedance.

[0223] Adjusting the charging state of the battery may include: reducing the charging current of the battery, reducing the charging voltage of the battery, reducing the temperature of the battery, etc.

[0224] Taking reducing the battery charging current as an example, in one instance, the electronic device can reduce the battery charging current by a step value. The electronic device can then determine if the battery's positive impedance is less than a first preset impedance. If so, the electronic device can stop reducing the battery charging current. If not, the electronic device can reduce the battery charging current by another step value until the positive impedance is less than the first preset impedance.

[0225] In the above example, the electronic device can reduce the battery charging current in a step-by-step manner to reduce the positive electrode impedance. In another example, the electronic device can reduce the battery charging voltage or temperature in a similar step-by-step manner to reduce the positive electrode impedance. In yet another example, the electronic device can reduce at least two of the battery charging current, charging voltage, and temperature in a step-by-step manner to reduce the positive electrode impedance.

[0226] In another possible scenario, the battery may currently be in a severely aged state. In this case, adjusting the battery's state of charge may not restore the battery's positive impedance. The electronic device can indicate that the battery is nearing the end of its life by performing a first operation. This first operation may have the function of prompting the user to replace the battery. For example, indicating the current lifespan of the battery through the first operation could include indicating that the battery is damaged or aged.

[0227] In another possible scenario, as the battery ages, adjusting its state of charge becomes increasingly difficult when the positive electrode impedance exceeds a first preset impedance. For example, in a relatively new battery, the positive electrode impedance can be restored to a reasonable range by reducing the charging current by a relatively small amount. In a relatively old battery, however, it may require reducing the charging current by a relatively large amount, or even combining this with other methods, to restore the positive electrode impedance to a reasonable range. The electronic device can infer the current degree of battery aging, i.e., the current battery lifespan, based on the specific methods required to restore the positive electrode impedance. For example, when the battery's positive electrode impedance returns to the first preset impedance, the electronic device can determine the battery's lifespan based on one or more of the battery's charging current, charging voltage, and temperature. The electronic device can then indicate the battery's current lifespan to the user through a first operation.

[0228] Optionally, the first action can be a voice prompt or a prompt displayed on the user interface.

[0229] Figure 18 A schematic flowchart of another charging method 1900 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. This charging method 1900 can be applied to devices with A-3C, Figures 5A-5C , Figures 7A-7C , Figure 9 , Figures 10A-10C , Figure 11A-11F The electrode assembly 400 shown, or having Figure 12A-12B The electronic device shown is the circuit board 500.

[0230] 1901. Determine the negative impedance of the battery based on the positive or negative potential of the battery and the charging current of the battery.

[0231] 1902, when the negative impedance of the battery is greater than the second preset impedance, adjust the charging state of the battery or perform a second operation, the second operation being used to indicate the current lifespan of the battery.

[0232] The second preset impedance indicates the maximum limit of the negative electrode impedance when the battery is in normal operating condition. If the negative electrode impedance exceeds the second preset impedance, it means that the battery may be in an abnormal operating condition. The second preset impedance can be obtained, for example, through experiments or simulations. The second preset impedance can also be set in the battery protection board or electronic equipment before leaving the factory.

[0233] In one possible scenario, the battery may currently be in an overcharged state. By adjusting the battery's state of charge, the negative electrode impedance of the battery may be restored to a level less than a second preset impedance. Adjusting the battery's state of charge includes: reducing the battery's charging current, reducing the battery's charging voltage, and reducing the battery's temperature. Similar to the adjustment of the battery's state of charge described in 18, the electronic device may, for example, reduce one or more of the battery's charging current, charging voltage, and temperature in a step-like manner to achieve the purpose of reducing the negative electrode impedance.

[0234] In another possible scenario, the battery may currently be in a severely aged state. In this case, adjusting the battery's state of charge may not restore the battery's negative impedance. The electronic device can indicate that the battery is nearing the end of its life by performing a second operation. For example, the second operation indicating the current lifespan of the battery may include indicating that the battery is damaged or aged. The second operation may have the function of prompting the user to replace the battery.

[0235] In another possible scenario, as the battery ages, the difficulty of adjusting its state of charge can gradually increase when the negative electrode impedance exceeds a second preset impedance. The electronic device can infer the current degree of battery aging, i.e., the current battery lifespan, based on the specific means required to restore the negative electrode impedance. For example, when the battery's negative electrode impedance returns to the second preset impedance, the electronic device can determine the battery's lifespan based on one or more of the battery's charging current, charging voltage, and temperature. The electronic device can then indicate the battery's current lifespan to the user through a second operation.

[0236] Optional, combined Figure 17 , Figure 18 As shown in the example, the electronic device can determine the first lifespan of the battery based on one or more of the charging current, charging voltage, and temperature when the positive electrode impedance recovers to a first preset impedance; the electronic device can determine the second lifespan of the battery based on one or more of the charging current, charging voltage, and temperature when the negative electrode impedance recovers to a second preset impedance; the electronic device can determine the current lifespan of the battery based on the first lifespan and the second lifespan. For example, the electronic device can determine the current lifespan of the battery by averaging the first lifespan and the second lifespan. Alternatively, the electronic device can determine the current lifespan of the battery by averaging the lifespan coefficient of the positive electrode multiplied by the first lifespan, and the lifespan coefficient of the negative electrode multiplied by the second lifespan. Furthermore, the electronic device can determine the current lifespan of the battery by summing the lifespan coefficient of the positive electrode multiplied by the first lifespan, and the lifespan coefficient of the negative electrode multiplied by the second lifespan.

[0237] Optionally, the second action can be a voice prompt or a prompt displayed on the user interface.

[0238] The following is combined with Figure 19 This explains the principle behind determining the positive or negative impedance of a battery. It should be understood that... Figure 19 This is just one example. Figure 19 The data relationships shown do not constitute a limitation on the charging state of the battery provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0239] Assume the battery is at rest, and the positive terminal potential is P. 0,+ The negative electrode potential of the battery is P. 0,－ The reference electrode potential of the battery is P. 0,# The voltage difference between the positive and negative terminals of the battery is U0 = P. 0,+ -P 0,－ .

[0240] When a battery is charged, the positive electrode potential, negative electrode potential, and voltage difference between the positive and negative electrodes all change, while the reference electrode potential remains essentially constant. Assume that the positive electrode potential of the battery is P during charging. 1,+ The negative electrode potential of the battery is P. 1,－ The reference electrode potential of the battery is P.0,# The voltage difference between the positive and negative terminals of the battery is U1=P 1,+ -P 1,－ .

[0241] From the derivation of the above formula, we can obtain that U1 = U0 + I(R) + +R － ), where I can be the charging current of the battery, R + It can be the positive impedance of the battery, R. － This can be considered the negative electrode impedance of the battery. In other words, when the positive or negative electrode potential of the battery is unknown, only the total impedance of the battery can be deduced. If the total impedance of the battery changes, it is impossible to determine whether the change is due to a change in the positive or negative electrode impedance.

[0242] Continuing the derivation of the above formula, we can obtain P. 1,+ =(P 0,+ -P 0,# )+ IR + ;P 1,－ =(P 0,－ -P 0,# )+ IR － It can be seen that if the battery can detect the positive or negative electrode potential, then the battery can monitor the positive and negative electrode impedances.

[0243] If the positive electrode resistance of a battery increases, it may indicate excessive wear and tear on the positive electrode, which is detrimental to the battery's lifespan. Possible causes of increased positive electrode resistance include relatively strong oxidizability or a relatively fast oxidation rate of the positive electrode. To mitigate battery aging, one possible approach is to reduce the reaction rate of the positive electrode, such as by adjusting the voltage difference between the positive and negative electrodes or lowering the battery temperature.

[0244] If the negative electrode resistance of a battery increases, it may mean that a relatively large amount of positive electrode material is deposited on the negative electrode, which is detrimental to the battery's lifespan. To mitigate battery aging, one possible approach is to reduce the battery's charging speed, such as by decreasing the charging current.

[0245] Combination Figures 14 to 19 As the example shown illustrates, the potential of the battery's reference electrode can help optimize the battery's charging mode and extend its lifespan.

[0246] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A tab assembly (400) for use in a battery, the battery comprising electrodes, electrolyte, and a battery protection board, characterized in that, The electrode assembly (400) includes: The first tab (410) is either a positive or negative tab. The first end (412) of the first tab (410) is used to be electrically connected to the battery protection board, and the second end (413) of the first tab (410) is used to be electrically connected to the electrode plate. The second electrode (420) is a reference electrode. The first end (421) of the second electrode (420) is used to be electrically connected to the battery protection board, and the second end (422) of the second electrode (420) is used to contact the electrolyte. An insulating component (430) is stacked with the first tab (410) or the second tab (420), and the insulating component (430) is located between the first tab (410) and the second tab (420); The first end face (414) of the first tab (410) and the first end face (423) of the second tab (420) are used for electrical connection with the battery protection board. The insulating component (430) includes a first part (433) and a second part (434). The insulating component (430) and the second tab (420) are stacked together, specifically: the first part (433) of the insulating component (430) and the second tab (420) are stacked together. The first end face (435) of the first part (433) of the insulating component (430) is attached to the second end face (424) of the second electrode (420), and the second part (434) of the insulating component (430) is attached between the two adjacent sides of the first electrode (410) and the second electrode (420). The first end face (423) of the second electrode (420) and the second end face (424) of the second electrode (420) are arranged opposite to each other.

2. The tab assembly (400) of claim 1, wherein, The first electrode tab (410) includes a first part (4101) and a second part (4102), and the first part (433) of the insulating component (430) is also stacked with the first part (4101) of the first electrode tab (410). The first portion (4101) of the first tab (410) is attached to the second end face (436) of the insulating component (430), and the first end face (435) of the insulating component (430) is disposed opposite to the second end face (436) of the insulating component (430). The second part (4102) of the first tab (410) is attached to the second part (434) of the insulating component (430).

3. The electrode assembly (400) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The electrode assembly (400) also includes: A tab adhesive (440) surrounds the outer periphery of the first tab (410), the second tab (420) and the insulating component (430) and is in sealed contact with the first tab (410), the second tab (420) and the insulating component (430).

4. A tab assembly (400) for use in a battery, the battery comprising electrodes, electrolyte, and a battery protection board, characterized in that, The electrode assembly (400) includes: The first tab (410) is either a positive or negative tab. The first end (412) of the first tab (410) is used to be electrically connected to the battery protection board, and the second end (413) of the first tab (410) is used to be electrically connected to the electrode plate. The second electrode (420) is a reference electrode. The first end (421) of the second electrode (420) is used to be electrically connected to the battery protection board, and the second end (422) of the second electrode (420) is used to contact the electrolyte. An insulating component (430) is stacked with the first tab (410) or the second tab (420), and the insulating component (430) is located between the first tab (410) and the second tab (420); Specifically, the insulating component (430) is stacked with the first tab (410) or the second tab (420) as follows: the first tab (410), the second tab (420), and the insulating component (430) are stacked. The second tab (420) includes an extension (425). The extension (425) is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first tab (410) and extends in a direction away from the first tab (410). The extension (425) is used to electrically connect with the battery protection board.

5. The electrode assembly (400) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first tab (410) includes a battery connection region (411) for electrical connection with the electrode.

6. The electrode assembly (400) according to claim 5, characterized in that, At one end away from the battery connection area (411), the first tab (410) extends relative to the insulating member (430), and the insulating member (430) extends relative to the second tab (420). The first end (412) of the first tab (410) and the first end (421) of the second tab (420) are used to be disposed on both sides of the battery protection plate.

7. The electrode assembly (400) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The battery connection area (411) of the first tab (410) extends relative to the insulating member (430), and one end of the insulating member (430) near the battery connection area (411) extends relative to the second tab (420).

8. The electrode assembly (400) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The insulating component (430) extends in a direction perpendicular to the second tab (420) and wraps around the second end (422) of the second tab (420).

9. The electrode assembly (400) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that, The second tab (420) includes a first through hole (426), and the insulating component (430) includes a second through hole (432). The first through hole (426) and the second through hole (432) are interconnected, and both the first through hole (426) and the second through hole (432) are disposed opposite to the battery connection area (411).

10. The electrode assembly (400) according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that, The electrode assembly (400) also includes: A tab adhesive (440) surrounds the outer periphery of the first tab (410), the second tab (420) and the insulating component (430) and is in sealed contact with the first tab (410), the second tab (420) and the insulating component (430).

11. A circuit board (500) applied to a battery, the battery comprising a battery protection board, electrodes, and electrolyte, characterized in that, The circuit board (500) includes: A first conductive layer (510) is provided on the first conductive layer (510), and the first line is a positive line or a negative line. A second conductive layer (520) is provided on the second conductive layer (520), and the second line is a reference electrode line; The first insulating layer (531) is located on the side of the first conductive layer (510) away from the second conductive layer (520); A second insulating layer (532) is located between the first conductive layer (510) and the second conductive layer (520); A third insulating layer (533) is located on the side of the second conductive layer (520) away from the first conductive layer (510); The first insulating layer (531) is provided with a first electrical connector (511) and a second electrical connector (512). The first electrical connector (511) and the second electrical connector (512) are both electrically connected to the first line. The first electrical connector (511) is used to be electrically connected to the battery protection board, and the second electrical connector (512) is used to be electrically connected to the electrode sheet. The third insulating layer (533) is provided with a third electrical connector (521) and a fourth electrical connector (522). The third electrical connector (521) and the fourth electrical connector (522) are both electrically connected to the second line. The third electrical connector (521) is used to be electrically connected to the battery protection board, and the fourth electrical connector (522) is used to contact the electrolyte. Wherein, the first electrical connector (511) and the third electrical connector (521) pass through the first insulating layer (531), or the first electrical connector (511) and the third electrical connector (521) pass through the third insulating layer (533). One of the second electrical connector (512) and the fourth electrical connector (522) passes through the first insulating layer (531), and the other passes through the third insulating layer (533).

12. The circuit board (500) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The circuit board (500) includes a first part (501) and a second part (502), which are arranged perpendicularly to each other. One of the first electrical connector (511) and the third electrical connector (521) is disposed in the first part (501) and the other is disposed in the second part (502).

13. The circuit board (500) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second electrical connector (512) and the fourth electrical connector (522) are disposed in the first part (501).

14. The circuit board (500) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, The circuit board (500) is surrounded by a circuit board colloid (540).

15. A battery protection board (320), characterized in that, Includes the tab assembly (400) as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, and a first protection plate pin (322) and a second protection plate pin (323), wherein, The first end (412) of the first tab (410) is electrically connected to the first protection board pin (322), and the first end (421) of the second tab (420) is electrically connected to the second protection board pin (323).

16. A battery protection board (320), characterized in that, Includes a circuit board (500) as described in any one of claims 11 to 14, and a first protection board pin (322) and a second protection board pin (323), wherein, The first electrical connector (511) is electrically connected to the first protection board pin (322), and the third electrical connector (521) is electrically connected to the second protection board pin (323).

17. A battery cell (310) comprising an electrode, an electrolyte (316), a separator (3113), and a battery cell housing (312), wherein the electrode, the electrolyte (316), and the separator (3113) are housed within the battery cell housing (312), characterized in that, The battery cell (310) further includes a tab assembly (400) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10.

18. The battery cell (310) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The battery cell (310) also includes an insulating film (3115), which is attached to the tab assembly (400) and located between the diaphragm (3113) and the tab assembly (400).

19. The electric cell (310) of claim 18, characterized by The insulating film (3115) is a porous material.

20. A battery cell (310) comprising an electrode, an electrolyte (316), a separator (3113), and a battery cell housing (312), wherein the electrode, the electrolyte (316), and the separator (3113) are housed within the battery cell housing (312), characterized in that, The battery cell (310) further includes a circuit board (500) as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14.

21. The battery cell (310) according to claim 20, characterized in that, The battery cell (310) also includes an insulating film (3115), which is attached to the circuit board (500) and located between the diaphragm (3113) and the circuit board (500).

22. The battery cell (310) according to claim 21, characterized in that, The insulating film (3115) is a porous material.

23. The battery cell (310) according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that, The circuit board (500) is surrounded by a circuit board adhesive (540), which is sealed to the battery cell housing (312).

24. A battery (30), characterized in that, Includes the battery cell (310) and battery protection board (320) as described in any one of claims 17 to 23.

25. An electronic device, comprising: It includes the tab assembly (400) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, or the circuit board (500) as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14.

26. A mobile device, characterized in that, It includes the tab assembly (400) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, or the circuit board (500) as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14.

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