Battery cell, battery, and electric device

Abstract

This application relates to a battery cell, a battery, and an electrical device. The battery cell includes: a casing having a first wall with a pressure relief hole; a pressure relief component disposed on the first wall and closing the pressure relief hole; a protective patch; and an insulating component including a separately disposed connector and a protective component. The connector has a first gap and a second gap spaced apart, and opposite ends of the protective component pass through the first gap and the second gap, respectively. In the thickness direction of the first wall, the orthographic projection of the protective component at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the pressure relief component. This application separates the connector and the protective component. Therefore, the connector ensures a stable connection between the insulating component and the first wall, and the protective component effectively protects the corresponding battery cell, preventing thermal runaway in one battery cell from triggering thermal runaway in other surrounding battery cells and thus avoiding heat diffusion problems.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery cell, a battery, and an electrical device. Background Technology

[0002] As battery technology becomes increasingly prevalent in daily life, battery safety is receiving more and more attention. Typically, battery safety issues arise from thermal runaway. During battery use, various chemical reactions occur within each individual cell, generating a large amount of gas and causing the internal pressure of the cell to rise. Therefore, to prevent battery explosions due to excessive internal pressure, pressure relief devices are usually installed at the top of the individual cells inside the battery.

[0003] However, while pressure relief devices can solve the pressure relief problem inside a battery cell, when a battery cell or a group of battery cells experience thermal runaway, the ejected high-temperature substances can easily affect other normally functioning battery cells in the vicinity, causing thermal runaway in other battery cells, resulting in heat diffusion, and thus affecting the overall safety performance of the battery. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a battery cell, battery, and electrical device to address the problem that thermal runaway of a battery cell can easily lead to thermal diffusion and affect the overall safety of the battery.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a battery cell, including a housing, a pressure relief component, and an insulating component. The housing has a first wall; the pressure relief component is disposed on the first wall; the insulating component includes a separately disposed connector and a protective component. The connector is connected to the first wall, and a first gap and a second gap are spaced apart on the connector. The opposite ends of the protective component are respectively disposed through the first gap and the second gap, and the orthographic projection of the protective component overlaps at least partially with the orthographic projection of the pressure relief component in the thickness direction of the first wall; wherein the protective component is configured to be at least partially separated from the connector when the pressure relief component is depressurized.

[0006] With the above structure, the connector and the protective component are set separately. Compared with the integrated design, the separate design makes it easier to use different materials or structures to manufacture the connector and the protective component. On the one hand, it can save costs. On the other hand, by using different materials, the stable connection between the connector and the first wall and the efficient protection of the pressure relief component by the protective component can be achieved without affecting each other.

[0007] In some embodiments, a through hole is formed in the connector, and a first slit and a second slit are located at opposite ends of the through hole. The opposite ends of the protective member pass through the first slit and the second slit, respectively, and the protective member covers the through hole. Thus, after the protective member passes through the first slit and the second slit, it can stably cover the through hole, effectively protecting the pressure relief component.

[0008] In some embodiments, the protective member is above and covers the through-hole. That is, the protective member first passes through a first gap from bottom to top, covering the through-hole, and then passes through a second gap from top to bottom, achieving a stable connection with the connector. When surrounding battery cells emit high-temperature substances, the protective member can better prevent these substances from flowing into the battery cell through the through-hole, thereby improving the protection effect.

[0009] In some embodiments, a pressure relief hole is formed in the first wall, and the protective member is connected to the first wall and covers the pressure relief hole. Therefore, the protective member can more accurately protect the corresponding pressure relief component, improving protection efficiency.

[0010] In some embodiments, the pressure relief element closes the pressure relief hole and is located on the side of the first wall away from the insulating element; the battery cell includes a protective patch that covers the pressure relief hole and is located above the pressure relief element. The protective element and the protective patch together provide dual protection for the pressure relief element, improving safety performance.

[0011] In some embodiments, the material of the connector includes one of a polycarbonate substrate, a polypropylene substrate, and a polyethylene terephthalate substrate, which can help improve the connection strength and connection stability between the connector and the first wall.

[0012] In some embodiments, the protective component is made of a high-temperature resistant heat-insulating material, which can improve the protective effect of the protective component on the pressure relief component and ensure the normal operation of the pressure relief component.

[0013] In some embodiments, the material of the protective component includes one of glass fiber, mica, ceramic, and ceramic rubber.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first wall is an end cap covering the opening of the housing.

[0015] In some embodiments, a battery cell includes a cell assembly housed within a casing.

[0016] Secondly, this application provides a battery, including the battery cell described above.

[0017] Thirdly, this application provides an electrical device, including the battery as described above or the battery cell as described above.

[0018] The aforementioned battery cell, battery, and electrical equipment divide the insulating component into two parts: a connector and a protective component. The connector is used for a stable connection with the first wall, while the protective component is used to protect the pressure relief component on the first wall. In other words, the part of the insulating component that protects the pressure relief component and the part that connects to the first wall are designed separately. This allows the connector and the protective component to be made of different materials. As a result, the connector ensures a stable connection between the insulating component and the first wall, preventing the pressure relief component from being ineffectively protected due to separation of the insulating component from the first wall. In addition, the protective component can effectively protect the pressure relief component on its corresponding battery cell, preventing thermal runaway of one battery cell from causing thermal runaway of other surrounding battery cells and thus preventing thermal diffusion problems. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle according to an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of a battery according to an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of a battery cell according to an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 5 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the first wall according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the first wall according to an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a plan view of an insulating member according to an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Sectional view along the middle AA direction;

[0027] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle;

[0028] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell according to another embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an insulating component according to another embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 12 This is a bottom view of an insulating component according to another embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 13 for Figure 12 A cross-sectional view along the CC direction;

[0032] Figure 14 for Figure 13 A magnified view of a section at point D;

[0033] Figure 15 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the first wall according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 16 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the first wall according to another embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 17 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the first wall according to another embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 18 This is an exploded view of an insulating component according to an embodiment of this application;

[0037] In the diagram: 1000, vehicle; 100, battery; 200, controller; 300, motor; 10, housing; 20, battery cell; 30, gel; 11, first part; 12, second part; 21, first wall; 22, housing; 23, cell assembly; 24, pressure relief component; 25, insulating component; 26, protective patch; 211, pressure relief hole; 212, protrusion; 251, connector; 252, protective component; 2511, through hole; 2512, first gap; 2513, second gap; 2514, weak part; 21a, electrode terminal; a, first direction. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0039] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0040] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0041] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0042] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0043] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0044] Currently, judging from market trends, the application of power batteries is becoming increasingly widespread. Power batteries are not only used in energy storage systems such as hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but also extensively used in electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as in military equipment and aerospace. With the continuous expansion of power battery applications, market demand is also constantly increasing.

[0045] A power battery can be composed of multiple battery cells arranged in a row. During use, the internal temperature of the battery cells continuously rises, and various chemical reactions occur inside each battery cell, which generates a large amount of gas, resulting in an increase in the internal pressure of the battery cells.

[0046] To prevent battery explosions caused by excessive internal pressure in individual battery cells, a pressure relief device is usually installed on the top of the battery cell. When the internal pressure of the battery cell increases to a certain level, the high-temperature gas inside the battery cell bursts through the pressure relief device and is discharged.

[0047] Since a battery is composed of multiple individual cells, when one of these cells is forced open by internal pressure, its internal high-temperature material will be ejected along with the gas. This high-temperature material will then affect other normally functioning battery cells. For example, it may melt the pressure relief components of other cells, damaging their structure and rendering them inoperable. Therefore, it is necessary to install appropriate heat insulation structures for each battery cell to block the high-temperature material ejected from other cells, thus effectively protecting the normally functioning battery cells.

[0048] However, the inventors have noticed the following problems with current heat insulation structures: While ensuring the heat insulation structure can effectively block high-temperature substances, due to the limitations of the material itself, it cannot simultaneously guarantee effective blocking of high-temperature substances and a stable connection with the end cap of the battery cell. This makes it prone to separation from the end cap under external influences, thus failing to effectively protect the battery cell. Conversely, if a tight connection between the heat insulation structure and the end cap is ensured, the same material limitations result in poor heat insulation, making the battery cell susceptible to damage from high-temperature substances from surrounding battery cells, thus failing to effectively protect the battery cell.

[0049] Based on the above considerations, in order to effectively protect the battery cells, the inventors, after in-depth research, designed a battery cell that separates the connector and the protective component. This allows the connector and the protective component to be made of different materials or structures, achieving a stable connection between the connector and the end cap. At the same time, the protective component effectively protects the corresponding battery cell, preventing it from being affected or damaged by high-temperature substances from other battery cells, ensuring the normal operation of the corresponding battery cell, thereby improving the overall safety of the battery.

[0050] The battery cells disclosed in this application can be used, but are not limited to, in electrical devices such as vehicles, ships, or aircraft. The electrical devices using batteries as a power source provided in this application can be, but are not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, electric toys, power tools, electric vehicles, electric cars, ships, spacecraft, etc. Electric toys can include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. Spacecraft can include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc.

[0051] For ease of explanation, the following embodiments will be described using a vehicle 1000 as an example of an electrical device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0052] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle 1000 provided in some embodiments of this application. The vehicle 1000 can be a gasoline-powered vehicle, a natural gas-powered vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. New energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles, etc. A battery 100 is disposed inside the vehicle 1000, and the battery 100 can be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 can be used to power the vehicle 1000; for example, the battery 100 can serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000. The vehicle 1000 may also include a controller 200 and a motor 300. The controller 200 is used to control the battery 100 to supply power to the motor 300, for example, to meet the power needs of the vehicle 1000 during startup, navigation, and driving.

[0053] In some embodiments of this application, the battery 100 can not only serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000, but also as the driving power source for the vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1000.

[0054] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2This is an exploded view of a battery 100 provided in some embodiments of this application. The battery 100 includes a housing 10 and a battery cell 20, with the battery cell 20 housed within the housing 10. The housing 10 provides a space for the battery cell 20 and can have various structures. In some embodiments, the housing 10 may include a first portion 11 and a second portion 12, which overlap each other, jointly defining a space for accommodating the battery cell 20. The second portion 12 may be a hollow structure with one open end, and the first portion 11 may be a plate-like structure, covering the open side of the second portion 12 so that the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 jointly define the space; alternatively, the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 may both be hollow structures with one open side, with the open side of the first portion 11 covering the open side of the second portion 12. Of course, the housing 10 formed by the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 can have various shapes, such as a cylinder, a cuboid, etc.

[0055] In battery 100, there can be multiple battery cells 20, which can be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner. A mixed connection means that multiple battery cells 20 are connected in both series and parallel configurations. Multiple battery cells 20 can be directly connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner, and then the entire assembly of the multiple battery cells 20 is housed within the housing 10. Alternatively, battery 100 can also be composed of multiple battery cells 20 first connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a battery module, and then multiple battery modules are connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a whole, which is also housed within the housing 10. Battery 100 may also include other structures; for example, it may include a busbar component for electrical connection between the multiple battery cells 20.

[0056] Each battery cell 20 can be a secondary battery or a primary battery; it can also be a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-ion battery, or a magnesium-ion battery, but is not limited to these. The battery cell 20 can be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of a battery cell 20 provided in some embodiments of this application. The battery cell 20 refers to the smallest unit that makes up a battery. Figure 3 The battery cell 20 includes an end cap, a housing 22, a cell assembly 23, and other functional components.

[0058] An end cap is a component that covers the opening of the housing 22 to isolate the internal environment of the battery cell 20 from the external environment. The shape of the end cap can be adapted to the shape of the housing 22 to fit it. Optionally, the end cap can be made of a material with a certain hardness and strength (such as aluminum alloy), so that the end cap is less prone to deformation under pressure and impact, giving the battery cell 20 higher structural strength and improved safety performance. Functional components such as electrode terminals can be provided on the end cap. The electrode terminals can be used for electrical connection with the cell assembly 23 to output or input electrical energy to the battery cell 20. In some embodiments, the end cap can also be provided with a pressure relief mechanism for releasing internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 reaches a threshold. The material of the end cap can also be various, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and this application embodiment does not impose any special limitations on this. In some embodiments, an insulating element may be provided on the inner side of the end cap. The insulating element can be used to isolate the electrical connection components within the housing 22 from the end cap to reduce the risk of short circuits. Exemplarily, the insulating element may be made of plastic, rubber, etc.

[0059] The housing 22 is a component used to cooperate with the end cap to form the internal environment of the battery cell 20. This internal environment can accommodate the cell assembly 23, electrolyte, and other components. The housing 22 and the end cap can be independent components. An opening can be provided on the housing 22, and the end cap closes the opening to form the internal environment of the battery cell 20. Alternatively, the end cap and housing 22 can be integrated. Specifically, the end cap and housing 22 can form a common connecting surface before other components are inserted into the housing. When it is necessary to encapsulate the interior of the housing 22, the end cap closes the housing 22. The housing 22 can have various shapes and sizes, such as cuboid, cylindrical, hexagonal prism, etc. Specifically, the shape of the housing 22 can be determined according to the specific shape and size of the cell assembly 23. The material of the housing 22 can be various, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc. This application embodiment does not impose any special limitations on this.

[0060] The cell assembly 23 is the component in the battery cell 20 where the electrochemical reaction occurs. The casing 22 may contain one or more cell assemblies 23. The cell assembly 23 is mainly formed by winding or stacking positive and negative electrode plates, and typically a separator is provided between the positive and negative electrode plates. The portions of the positive and negative electrode plates containing active material constitute the main body of the cell assembly, while the portions of the positive and negative electrode plates without active material each constitute a tab. The positive and negative tabs may be located together at one end of the main body or separately at both ends of the main body. During the charging and discharging process of the battery, the positive and negative active materials react with the electrolyte, and the tabs connect to the electrode terminals to form a current loop.

[0061] See Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 One embodiment of this application provides a battery cell 20, including a housing 22, a pressure relief member 24, and an insulating member 25. The housing 22 has a first wall 21. The pressure relief member 24 is disposed on the first wall 21. The insulating member 25 includes a separately disposed connector 251 and a protective member 252. The connector 251 is connected to the first wall 21, and the protective member 252 is disposed on either the connector 251 or the first wall 21. In the thickness direction of the first wall 21, the orthographic projection of the protective member 252 at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the pressure relief member 24. Furthermore, the protective member 252 is configured to be at least partially separable from the connector 251 or the first wall 21 when the pressure relief member 24 is depressurized.

[0062] It should be noted that, as a specific embodiment, the first wall 21 can be configured as an end cap covering the opening of the housing 22. For ease of explanation, the first wall 21 will be described below as an example of an end cap.

[0063] The connector 251 is constructed as a sheet-like structure with an outer contour identical to that of the first wall 21, and the protective member 252 is constructed as a sheet-like structure disposed on the connector 251 or the first wall 21. Furthermore, the thickness direction of the first wall 21 refers to the distance between the surface of the first wall 21 facing the interior of the housing 22 and the surface facing away from the housing 22 when the first wall 21 is sealed to the housing 22 of the battery cell 20.

[0064] The connector 251 is applied to the first wall 21, thereby connecting to the first wall 21. Specifically, the connector 251 can be bonded to the first wall 21 by adhesive. Adhesive 30 is applied to the side of the connector 251 facing the first wall 21, and the connector 251 is bonded to the first wall 21 by adhesive 30.

[0065] Understandably, the connector 251 can also be connected to the first wall 21 in other ways, such as by fixing the connector 251 to the first wall 21 by snap-fit, so as to achieve a stable connection between the two, which will not be elaborated here.

[0066] Furthermore, the pressure relief component 24 can be an explosion-proof valve installed on the first wall 21, or it can be other pressure relief structures, as long as they can achieve pressure relief inside the battery cell 20, which will not be elaborated here.

[0067] The orthographic projection of the protective member 252 in the thickness direction of the first wall 21 at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the pressure relief member 24. Specifically, the protective member 252 can be positioned directly opposite the pressure relief member 24, meaning the orthographic projection of the protective member 252 in the thickness direction of the first wall 21 exactly overlaps with the orthographic projection of the pressure relief member 24. Alternatively, the protective member 252 can also cover the pressure relief member 24, meaning the orthographic projection of the protective member 252 in the thickness direction of the first wall 21 covers the orthographic projection of the pressure relief member 24.

[0068] Therefore, when the internal pressure of the battery cell 20 rises to a certain level, it can be relieved through the pressure relief component 24. At this time, under the impact of the gas inside the battery cell 20, the protective component 252 and the pressure relief component 24 are separated from the connecting component 251 or the first wall 21 respectively, so that the gas inside the battery cell 20 can be discharged smoothly.

[0069] By using the above structure, the connector 251 and the protective component 252 are separately configured. Compared to a one-piece configuration, this separate configuration allows for the use of different materials or structures to manufacture the connector 251 and the protective component 252. This saves costs. Furthermore, by using different materials, a stable connection between the connector 251 and the first wall 21, and efficient protection of the pressure relief component 24 by the protective component 252, can be achieved without mutual interference. Specifically, when high-temperature substances inside a battery cell 20 break through the pressure relief component 24 and are discharged, the pressure relief components 24 of other surrounding battery cells 20 are protected by the protective component 252 and are not affected by the high-temperature substances. This effectively protects the surrounding battery cells 20 and improves the overall safety performance of the battery 100 structure.

[0070] Please refer to the following: Figure 7 , Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 , Figure 7 This is a plan view of an insulating element according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 8 for Figure 7 Sectional view along the AA direction. Figure 9 for Figure 8 A partial enlarged view at point B. In some embodiments, a through hole 2511 is formed on the connector 251, and the through hole 2511 is at least partially opposite to the pressure relief member 24 in the thickness direction of the first wall 21. A protective member 252 is disposed on the connector 251 and covers the through hole 2511.

[0071] A through hole 2511 is formed on the connector 251, and the through hole 2511 is at least partially aligned with the pressure relief member 24 in the thickness direction of the first wall 21. When the internal pressure of the battery cell 20 is too high and the internal gas breaks through the pressure relief member 24, the through hole 2511 allows the pressure relief member 24 to separate from the first wall 21 more smoothly, thereby ensuring that the battery cell 20 is depressurized smoothly and avoiding the battery cell 20 from exploding.

[0072] The protective component 252 covers the through hole 2511. On the one hand, when the battery cell 20 corresponding to the protective component 252 is working normally, the protective component 252 can protect the battery cell 20 and the pressure relief component 24 on it, preventing them from being contaminated by high-temperature substances from the surrounding battery cells 20. On the other hand, when the internal pressure of the battery cell 20 corresponding to the protective component 252 is too high and breaks through the pressure relief component 24, the protective component 252 separates smoothly from the connector 251, exposing the through hole 2511, so that the high-pressure gas inside the battery cell 20 can be smoothly discharged through the through hole 2511.

[0073] In some embodiments of this application, the protective member 252 is disposed on the side of the connector 251 away from the first wall 21, and the surface of the protective member 252 facing the connector 251 is provided with an adhesive 30. The protective member 252 is disposed on the connector 251 through the adhesive 30 and covers the through hole 2511.

[0074] Specifically, the orthographic projection of the protective element 252 in the thickness direction of the first wall 21 covers the through hole 2511, that is, the area of ​​the protective element 252 is larger than the area of ​​the through hole 2511. Adhesive 30 is provided at the position where the protective element 252 overlaps with the connector 251, and the protective element 252 is adhered to the connector 251 by the adhesive 30, thus covering the through hole 2511.

[0075] When the internal pressure of the battery cell 20 corresponding to the protective component 252 is too high, the high-temperature material inside the battery cell 20 breaks through the pressure relief component 24 and the protective component 252 and is discharged from the through hole 2511, thus achieving smooth pressure relief inside the battery cell 20. Therefore, the protective component 252 and the connector 251 are connected by the adhesive 30, which allows for quick and safe separation of the protective component 252 and the connector 251, enabling smooth pressure relief of the battery cell 20.

[0076] Please refer to the following: Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell according to some embodiments of this application. In some embodiments, a first gap 2512 and a second gap 2513 are formed on the connector 251, and the first gap 2512 and the second gap 2513 are spaced apart along a first direction a. The opposite ends of the protective member 252 are respectively inserted through the first gap 2512 and the second gap 2513.

[0077] The first direction 'a' can be either the length direction of the connector 251 or the width direction of the connector 251. The specific direction can be set according to the insertion direction of the protective component 252.

[0078] Specifically, in addition to being connected by providing an adhesive, the protective component 252 and the connecting component 251 can also be stably connected by the protective component 252 passing through the first gap 2512 and the second gap 2513.

[0079] When the material of the protective component 252 has a certain degree of flexibility, the protective component 252 can pass through the first gap 2512 and the second gap 2513 in sequence from the inside out or from the outside in, so that the protective component 252 is fixedly connected to the connector 251 and the protective component 252 covers the through hole 2511.

[0080] like Figure 10 As shown, one end of the protective member 252 first extends upward through the first gap 2512, and then extends downward through the second gap 2513. That is, both ends of the protective member 252 are located below the through hole 2511, and the middle part of the protective member 252 is located above the through hole 2511, covering it from above. When high-temperature substances generated by thermal runaway of the battery cell 20 are ejected, both ends of the protective member 252 can detach from the first gap 2512 and the second gap 2513, thereby separating the protective member 252 from the connector 251 to facilitate pressure relief of the battery cell 20.

[0081] Please refer to Figures 11-14 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the insulating element in another embodiment of this application. Figure 12 This is a plan view of the insulating element in some embodiments of this application. Figure 13 for Figure 12 Sectional view along the CC direction. Figure 14 for Figure 13 A magnified view of a section at point D.

[0082] One end of the protective member 252 first passes through the first gap 2512 from top to bottom, and then passes through the second gap 2513 from bottom to top. That is, both ends of the protective member 252 are located above the through hole 2511, and the middle part of the protective member 252 is located below the through hole 2511 and covers the through hole 2511 from below.

[0083] Understandably, the protective component 252 can also be fixedly connected to the connector 251 in other ways and cover the through hole 2511, such as riveting, snap-fitting, etc., which will not be elaborated here.

[0084] In some embodiments of this application, the first gap 2512 and the second gap 2513 are located at opposite ends of the through hole 2511 along the first direction a. The opposite ends of the protective member 252 pass through the first gap 2512 and the second gap 2513, respectively, and the protective member 252 covers the through hole 2511. Thus, after the protective member 252 passes through the first gap 2512 and the second gap 2513, it can stably cover the through hole 2511, effectively protecting the pressure relief member 24.

[0085] In some embodiments of this application, when the opposite ends of the protective member 252 are respectively inserted through the first gap 2512 and the second gap 2513, the protective member 252 is above and covers the through hole 2511. That is, the protective member 252 first inserts through the first gap 2512 from bottom to top and covers the through hole 2511, and then inserts through the second gap 2513 from top to bottom, thus achieving a stable connection with the connector 251. Compared with the scheme where the protective member 252 is located below the through hole 2511, when the surrounding battery cell 20 ejects high-temperature substances, the protective member 252 can better prevent the high-temperature substances from flowing into the battery cell 20 through the through hole, thereby improving the protection effect.

[0086] Please refer to the following: Figure 5 and Figure 15 , Figure 15 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the first wall in some embodiments of this application. In some embodiments, a pressure relief hole 211 is formed on the first wall 21, and a protective member 252 is connected to the first wall 21 and covers the pressure relief hole 211.

[0087] When the connector 251 is installed on the first wall 21, the protective member 252 can also be installed on the first wall 21. Specifically, the pressure relief member 24 is installed in the pressure relief hole 211, and the protective member 252 is connected to the first wall 21 and covers the pressure relief hole 211.

[0088] Therefore, when the internal pressure of the battery cell 20 corresponding to the protection component 252 is too high, the internal air pressure can break through the pressure relief component 24 and the protection component 252 and be discharged from the pressure relief hole 211. In addition, when the battery cell 20 corresponding to the protection component 252 is working normally, the protection component 252 can also block high-temperature substances from other battery cells 20, preventing high-temperature substances from contaminating the pressure relief component 24 and entering the battery cell 20 through the pressure relief hole 211.

[0089] In some embodiments of this application, the first wall 21 is provided with a protrusion 212, which surrounds the pressure relief hole 211. The protective member 252 is adhered to the protrusion 212 and covers the pressure relief hole 211. The protrusion 212 can prevent high-temperature substances or other external substances on the first wall 21 from entering the pressure relief hole 211 through the connection gap between the protective member 252 and the first wall 21, thereby further protecting the pressure relief member 24.

[0090] Please refer to the following: Figure 16 and Figure 17 , Figure 16 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the first wall in some embodiments of this application. Figure 17 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the first wall in some embodiments of this application. In some embodiments, a pressure relief hole 211 is formed on the first wall 21, and a pressure relief member 24 closes the pressure relief hole 211 and is located on the side of the first wall 21 away from the insulating member 25. The battery cell 20 includes a protective patch 26, which covers the pressure relief hole 211 and is located above the pressure relief member 24, and a protective member 252 is attached to the protective patch 26.

[0091] Specifically, the protective patch 26 can be a transparent PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) patch or a PP (Polypropylene) patch, etc. In some embodiments, when the protective patch 26 is provided on top of the pressure relief component 24, the protective component 252 can be attached to the protective patch 26, thereby providing dual protection for both the pressure relief component 24 and the battery cell 20 together with the protective patch 26.

[0092] Please refer to Figure 18 , Figure 18 This is an exploded view of the insulating component according to some embodiments of this application. In some embodiments, the protective component 252 is attached to the surface of the connector 251 facing the first wall 21. Specifically, since the high-temperature material inside the battery cell 20, under internal pressure, rushes out of the pressure relief hole 211 and is sufficient to melt the connector 251, the protective component 252 can be directly attached to the surface of the connector 251 facing the first wall 21. When the high-temperature material rushes out from inside the battery cell 20, it melts the connector 251, thereby separating the protective component 252 from the connector 251, allowing the high-temperature material to be smoothly discharged from the battery cell 20.

[0093] In some embodiments of this application, the protective element 252 is bonded to the first wall 21 by an adhesive 30. Using the adhesive 30 simplifies the connection structure between the protective element 252 and the first wall 21, and allows the protective element 252 to separate quickly and safely from the first wall 21 under the internal pressure of the battery cell 20, ensuring smooth pressure relief of the battery cell 20.

[0094] Furthermore, a weak portion 2514 is provided on the connector 251, and the weak portion 2514 surrounds at least a portion of the edge of the protective member, which is then surrounded by the protective member 252. Specifically, the weak portion 2514 can be configured as a discontinuous aperture formed on the connector 251 around at least a portion of the edge of the protective member 252. High-pressure gas inside the battery cell 20 can cause the connector 251 to disconnect along the weak portion 2514, thereby allowing the high-pressure gas to be discharged smoothly. Thus, the weak portion 2514 can ensure that the high-temperature substances generated by thermal runaway of the battery cell 20 can more easily break through the connector 251, thereby achieving pressure relief smoothly.

[0095] Furthermore, the weak portion 2514 can also be a recessed area on the connector 251, that is, at least a portion of the edge of the connector 251 surrounding the protective member 252 is recessed inward to form the weak portion 2514. Since the thickness of the weak portion 2514 is less than the thickness at other locations, the weak portion 2514 is more easily punctured by the high-pressure gas inside the battery cell 20, allowing the high-pressure gas to escape smoothly. Of course, the weak portion 2514 can also be configured with other structures, such as a slit structure, so that the connector 251 breaks off at that location under the action of high-pressure gas, allowing the high-pressure gas to escape smoothly; this will not be elaborated upon here.

[0096] In some embodiments, the material of the connector 251 includes one of a polycarbonate substrate, a polypropylene substrate, and a polyethylene terephthalate substrate.

[0097] Polycarbonate substrate, polypropylene substrate, and polyethylene terephthalate substrate enable the connector 251 to be more smoothly and stably connected to the first wall 21. When the protective component 252 is disposed on the connector 251 and fixed to the first wall 21 by the connector 251, the connector 251 is tightly connected to the first wall 21, which can prevent the connector 251 from separating from the first wall 21 under the action of external force, so that the protective component 252 can effectively protect the pressure relief component 24 and the battery cell 20.

[0098] Understandably, in some other embodiments, the connector 251 may also be made of materials other than those mentioned above, as long as it is ensured that the connector 251 is stably connected to the first wall 21, which will not be elaborated here.

[0099] Since the connecting member 251 and the protective member 252 have different functions—the connecting member 251 is used to achieve a stable connection with the first wall 21, while the protective member 252 is used to protect the pressure relief member 24 and the battery cell 20—the materials of the protective member 252 and the connecting member 251 are different.

[0100] In some embodiments, the protective element 252 is made of a high-temperature resistant heat-insulating material.

[0101] It should be noted that the aforementioned high-temperature resistant insulation material refers to a material capable of withstanding temperatures above 800℃. Therefore, the protective component 252 can prevent high-temperature substances from damaging the battery cell structure, ensuring the normal operation of the battery cell.

[0102] In some embodiments, the protective element 252 is made of one of glass fiber, mica, or ceramic rubber. For example, the protective element 252 may be a mica sheet made of mica and cover the through hole 2511 or the pressure relief hole 211. Understandably, the protective element 252 may also be made of other high-temperature resistant and fire-retardant materials, which will not be elaborated here.

[0103] In some embodiments, the battery cell 20 further includes a cell assembly 23 housed within the housing 22.

[0104] Based on the same concept as the battery cell 20 described above, this application also provides a battery, including the battery cell 20 as described above.

[0105] Based on the same concept as the battery cell 20 described above, this application also provides an electrical device, including an electrical main body and the battery cell 20 as described above.

[0106] When the aforementioned battery cell 20 is used in the main body of electricity consumption, if the internal pressure of a certain battery cell 20 is too high, the high-pressure gas inside it, along with the high-temperature material, will break through the pressure relief component 24 on the first wall 21 and the protective component 252 covering the pressure relief component 24, and be discharged from the pressure relief hole 211 or from the through hole 2511 on the connector 251.

[0107] At this time, the protective cover 252 covering the pressure relief parts 24 of the surrounding battery cells 20 can block high-temperature substances and prevent the battery cells 20 from being contaminated by high-temperature substances, thereby ensuring that the corresponding battery cells 20 can work normally, improving the overall safety performance of the battery 100, and improving the overall safety performance of the electrical equipment.

[0108] In practical use, the connector 251 is attached to the first wall 21 of the corresponding battery cell 20 to ensure a stable connection. Furthermore, a protective element 252 is disposed on the connector 251 and covers the through hole 2511, or the protective element 252 is sealed in the pressure relief hole 211 of the first wall 21.

[0109] When the internal pressure of a certain battery cell 20 is too high, the high-pressure gas inside, along with the high-temperature material, breaks through the pressure relief component 24 on the first wall 21 and the protective component 252 covering the pressure relief component 24, and is discharged from the pressure relief hole 211 or from the through hole 2511 on the connector 251.

[0110] At this time, the protective cover 252 covering the pressure relief parts 24 of the surrounding battery cells 20 can block high-temperature substances and prevent the corresponding battery cells 20 from being contaminated by high-temperature substances, thereby ensuring that the corresponding battery cells 20 can work normally and improving the overall safety performance of the battery 100.

[0111] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0112] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery cell, characterized in that, include: The shell has a first wall; A pressure relief component is provided on the first wall; and An insulating component includes a separate connecting component and a protective component. The connecting component is connected to the first wall and has a first gap and a second gap spaced apart. The opposite ends of the protective component are respectively inserted through the first gap and the second gap. In the thickness direction of the first wall, the orthographic projection of the protective component and the orthographic projection of the pressure relief component at least partially overlap. The protective element is configured to be at least partially detachable from the connecting element when the pressure relief element is depressurized.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector has a through hole, the first gap and the second gap are located at opposite ends of the through hole, the opposite ends of the protective member pass through the first gap and the second gap, and the protective member covers the through hole.

3. The battery cell according to claim 2, characterized in that, The protective element is above the through hole and covers the through hole.

4. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, A pressure relief hole is provided on the first wall, and the protective component is connected to the first wall and covers the pressure relief hole.

5. The battery cell according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pressure relief component closes the pressure relief hole and is located on the side of the first wall away from the insulating component; The battery cell includes a protective patch that covers the pressure relief hole and is located above the pressure relief component.

6. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material of the connector includes one of polycarbonate substrate, polypropylene substrate, and polyethylene terephthalate substrate.

7. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective component is made of high-temperature resistant heat-insulating material.

8. The battery cell according to claim 7, characterized in that, The protective component is made of one of the following materials: glass fiber, mica, ceramic, or ceramic rubber.

9. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first wall is an end cap that covers the opening of the housing.

10. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery cell includes a cell assembly housed within the casing.

11. A battery, characterized in that, Includes the battery cell as described in any one of claims 1-10.

12. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, Includes the battery as described in claim 11 or the battery cell as described in any one of claims 1-10.

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