Battery cell, battery, electric device, and manufacturing apparatus and method for battery cell

Abstract

Provided are a battery cell, a battery, an electric device, and a manufacturing device and method of a battery cell. The battery cell (20) comprises a shell (21), an electrode assembly (22), an end cover assembly (23), and a current collecting member (24). The electrode assembly (22) is accommodated in the shell (21), and the electrode assembly (22) comprises a tab (221). The end cover assembly (23) comprises an end cover (231), an electrode terminal (232), and an insulating piece (233). The end cover (231) is used to cover an opening of the shell (21), the electrode terminal (232) is installed on the end cover (231), and the insulating piece (233) is located on a side of the end cover (231) facing the electrode assembly (22). The current collecting member (24) is used to connect the electrode terminal (232) and the tab (221). A first recess (2331) is formed on a side of the insulating piece (233) facing the electrode assembly (22), and the first recess (2331) is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the tab (221) and / or at least a portion of the current collecting member (24). A first protrusion (2332) is formed on a side of the insulating piece (233) facing away from the electrode assembly (22), and a second recess (2311) is formed on a side of the end cover (231) facing the electrode assembly (22), and the second recess (2311) is used to accommodate the first protrusion (2332). This structure can provide more space for the electrode assembly (22), and can effectively improve the capacity of the battery cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and more specifically, to a battery cell, a battery, an electrical device, and a manufacturing apparatus and method for the battery cell. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the most commonly used batteries in vehicles are lithium-ion batteries. As a rechargeable battery, lithium-ion batteries have advantages such as small size, high energy density, high power density, many cycles, and long storage time.

[0003] The rechargeable battery includes a housing, an end cap assembly, and an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly is located inside the housing, and the end cap assembly closes to the housing to provide a sealed environment for the electrode assembly.

[0004] For typical rechargeable batteries, the capacity of a single battery cell is limited by the structure of the end cap assembly, which in turn affects the capacity of the single battery cell.

[0005] Therefore, how to improve the capacity of individual battery cells is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in battery technology. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a battery cell, a battery, an electrical device, and a manufacturing apparatus and method for the battery cell, which can effectively improve the capacity of the battery cell.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a battery cell, comprising: a housing having an opening; an electrode assembly housed within the housing, the electrode assembly including tabs; an end cap assembly including an end cap, electrode terminals, and an insulating member, the end cap for closing the opening, the electrode terminals mounted on the end cap, and the insulating member located on the side of the end cap facing the electrode assembly; and a current collector for connecting the electrode terminals and the tabs to electrically connect the tabs to the electrode terminals; wherein, a first recess is formed on the side of the insulating member facing the electrode assembly, the first recess being configured to accommodate at least a portion of the tabs and / or at least a portion of the current collector, a first protrusion is formed on the side of the insulating member facing away from the electrode assembly at a position corresponding to the first recess, and a second recess is formed on the side of the end cap facing the electrode assembly, the second recess accommodating the first protrusion.

[0008] In the above scheme, a first recess is formed on the side of the insulating member facing the electrode assembly. The first recess can accommodate at least a portion of the tab and / or at least a portion of the current collector, thus freeing up more space for the electrode assembly. A first protrusion is formed on the side of the insulating member facing away from the electrode assembly, corresponding to the first recess. On the one hand, the first protrusion strengthens the insulating member at the location of the first recess; on the other hand, the first protrusion allows the first recess to be recessed as far as possible in the direction away from the electrode assembly, increasing the depth of the first recess. Furthermore, a second recess is formed on the side of the end cap facing the electrode assembly, and the first protrusion is accommodated within the second recess, reducing the space occupied by the insulating member inside the casing and further freeing up more space for the electrode assembly, thereby effectively increasing the capacity of the battery cell.

[0009] In some embodiments, the end cap includes a first body for closing the opening; the first body has a first inner surface facing the electrode assembly, and a second recess is recessed from the first inner surface in a direction away from the electrode assembly.

[0010] In the above scheme, the end cap includes a first body for covering the opening of the housing, and a second recess is recessed outward from the first inner surface of the first body. This type of end cap has a simple structure and is easy to mold and manufacture.

[0011] In some embodiments, the end cap further includes a second protrusion; the first body also has a first outer surface disposed opposite to the first inner surface, the second protrusion protruding from the first outer surface and located at a position corresponding to the second recess.

[0012] In the above scheme, a second protrusion is provided on the first outer surface of the first body at a position corresponding to the second recess. The second protrusion can strengthen the position of the second recess on the first body and improve the firmness of the end cap.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second protrusion has a first end face, the second protrusion extending from the first outer surface in a direction away from the electrode assembly to the first end face, the first end face not extending beyond the electrode terminal in the direction away from the electrode assembly.

[0014] In the above scheme, the first end face of the second protrusion does not extend beyond the electrode terminal in the direction away from the electrode assembly, and the second protrusion makes reasonable use of the space between the first outer surface of the first body and the end of the electrode terminal.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second recess has a first bottom wall, the second recess being recessed from the first inner surface in a direction away from the electrode assembly to the first bottom wall, and the first bottom wall extending beyond the first outer surface in a direction away from the electrode assembly.

[0016] In the above scheme, the first bottom wall of the second recess extends beyond the first outer surface in the direction away from the electrode assembly, so that the second recess is recessed into the second protrusion, thereby increasing the recess depth of the second recess and increasing the space of the second recess for accommodating the first protrusion, so that the first protrusion can extend to a deeper position of the second recess.

[0017] In some embodiments, the insulating member includes a second body and a first protrusion; the second body has opposing second inner surfaces and second outer surfaces, the second inner surface facing the electrode assembly, the first recess is recessed from the second inner surface in a direction away from the electrode assembly, and the first protrusion protrudes from the second outer surface.

[0018] In the above scheme, the first protrusion protrudes from the second outer surface of the second body, and the first recess is recessed from the second inner surface of the second body in the direction away from the electrode assembly. This structure of insulating part is simple and easy to form and manufacture.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second outer surface abuts against the first inner surface.

[0020] In the above scheme, the second outer surface of the second body abuts against the first inner surface of the first body, so that the first protrusion can be completely accommodated in the first recess, which can make room for more electrode assembly.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first protrusion has a second end face, the first protrusion extending from the second outer surface in a direction away from the electrode assembly to the second end face; the second recess has a first bottom wall, the second recess recessing from the first inner surface in a direction away from the electrode assembly to the first bottom wall; wherein, there is a gap between the second end face and the first bottom wall.

[0022] In the above scheme, there is a gap between the second end face of the first protrusion and the first bottom wall of the second concave portion, which ensures that the second outer surface of the second body can effectively abut against the first inner surface of the first body, reducing the risk of over-positioning between the insulating component and the end cap.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first recess has a second bottom wall, the first recess being recessed from the second inner surface in a direction away from the electrode assembly to the second bottom wall, and the second bottom wall extending beyond the second outer surface in a direction away from the electrode assembly.

[0024] In the above scheme, the second bottom wall of the first recess extends beyond the second outer surface in the direction away from the electrode assembly, so that the first recess is recessed into the first protrusion, thereby increasing the recess depth of the first recess and increasing the space of the first recess for accommodating the tab and / or current collector, so that the tab and / or current collector can extend to a deeper position in the first recess, thereby making room for more space for the electrode assembly.

[0025] In some embodiments, the end cap includes a first body and a third protrusion, the first body being used to cover the opening; the first body having a first inner surface facing the electrode assembly, the third protrusion having a third end face, the third protrusion extending from the first inner surface in a direction facing the electrode assembly to the third end face; and a second recess extending from the third end face into the first inner surface in a direction away from the electrode assembly.

[0026] In the above scheme, by providing a third protrusion on the first inner surface of the first body, a second recess is formed on the side of the end cap facing the electrode assembly, resulting in a simple structure.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first body further has a first outer surface disposed opposite to the first inner surface; a third recess is formed on the side of the first body away from the electrode assembly at a position corresponding to the third protrusion, the third recess being recessed from the first outer surface in a direction facing the electrode assembly, the third recess being configured to accommodate at least a portion of the electrode terminal.

[0028] In the above embodiment, a third recess is formed on the side of the first body opposite to the electrode assembly, recessed from the first outer surface in the direction facing the electrode assembly. The third recess can be used to accommodate at least a portion of the electrode terminal, thereby shortening the length of the portion of the electrode terminal protruding from the first body. Furthermore, since the third recess is located at a position on the first body corresponding to the third protrusion, the third protrusion allows the third recess to be recessed as much as possible in the direction facing the electrode assembly, further shortening the length of the portion of the electrode terminal protruding from the first body.

[0029] In some embodiments, the third recess has a third bottom wall, the third recess being recessed from the first outer surface into the third bottom wall in a direction facing the electrode assembly; the third bottom wall extending beyond the first inner surface in a direction facing the electrode assembly.

[0030] In the above scheme, the third bottom wall of the third recess extends beyond the first inner surface in the direction facing the electrode assembly, so that the third recess is recessed into the third protrusion, thereby increasing the recess depth of the third recess and increasing the space of the third recess for accommodating the electrode terminal, so that the electrode terminal can be installed in a deeper position of the third recess.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first protrusion and the second recess form a positioning engagement.

[0032] In the above scheme, the first recess and the second recess form a positioning fit, which can restrict the insulation component from moving relative to the end cover in the direction perpendicular to the thickness of the end cover. When assembling the insulation component and the end cover, inserting the first protrusion into the second recess can achieve positioning of the insulation component and the end cover, so as to achieve accurate and rapid assembly of the insulation component and the end cover.

[0033] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly abuts against the insulating member in a direction away from the electrode assembly.

[0034] In the above scheme, the electrode assembly abuts against the insulating component along the direction facing the end cap, making the electrode assembly and the insulating component more compact, which is beneficial to improving the capacity of the battery cell.

[0035] In some embodiments, the tab includes a first connecting portion, and the current collector includes a second connecting portion for connecting to the first connecting portion; the first recess is configured to receive at least a portion of the first connecting portion and / or at least a portion of the second connecting portion.

[0036] In the above scheme, the first connecting part is the part that connects the electrode tab to the current collector, and the second connecting part is the part that connects the current collector to the electrode tab. At least a part of the first connecting part of the electrode tab and / or at least a part of the second connecting part of the current collector are accommodated in the first recess, which can make room for the electrode assembly and thus effectively improve the capacity of the battery cell.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are stacked in the thickness direction of the end cap.

[0038] In the above scheme, the first connecting part and the second connecting part are stacked in the thickness direction of the end cap, which makes it easy to connect the first connecting part and the second connecting part together.

[0039] In some embodiments, both the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are accommodated in the first recess.

[0040] In the above scheme, both the first connecting part and the second connecting part are accommodated in the first recess, further freeing up more space for the electrode assembly.

[0041] In some embodiments, the current collector further includes a third connection portion for connecting to the electrode terminal, the third connection portion being spaced apart from the second connection portion in the thickness direction of the end cap.

[0042] In the above scheme, the third connecting part and the second connecting part are spaced apart in the thickness direction of the end cap, so that the second connecting part can be accommodated in the first recess.

[0043] In some embodiments, the electrode terminal is offset from the second recess in a preset direction, and the preset direction is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the end cap.

[0044] In the above scheme, the electrode terminals are offset from the second recess in the direction perpendicular to the thickness of the end cover, so that the second recess is formed in the area outside the end cover where the electrode terminals are installed. The setting of the second recess will not affect the installation of the electrode terminals.

[0045] In some embodiments, the end cap assembly includes two electrode terminals spaced apart along the preset direction; the second recess is located between the two electrode terminals in the preset direction.

[0046] In the above scheme, the second recess is located between the two electrode terminals in a preset direction, that is, the second recess is set in the area of ​​the end cover between the two electrode terminals, which makes reasonable use of the space between the two electrode terminals of the end cover.

[0047] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a battery, including a housing and a battery cell provided in any of the embodiments of the first aspect described above;

[0048] The individual battery cells are housed within the casing.

[0049] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide an electrical device including the battery provided in any of the embodiments of the second aspect above.

[0050] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a method for manufacturing a battery cell, comprising: providing a housing having an opening; providing an electrode assembly including tabs; providing an end cap assembly including an end cap, electrode terminals, and an insulating member, the electrode terminals being mounted on the end cap; providing a current collector; accommodating the electrode assembly within the housing; connecting the current collector to the electrode terminals and the tabs to electrically connect the tabs to the electrode terminals; and closing the end cap to the opening; wherein the insulating member is located on the side of the end cap facing the electrode assembly, the side of the insulating member facing the electrode assembly has a first recess, the first recess being configured to accommodate at least a portion of the tabs and / or at least a portion of the current collector, the side of the insulating member facing away from the electrode assembly has a first protrusion corresponding to the first recess, and the side of the end cap facing the electrode assembly has a second recess, the second recess accommodating the first protrusion.

[0051] Fifthly, embodiments of this application also provide a manufacturing apparatus for a single battery cell, comprising: a first providing device for providing a housing having an opening; a second providing device for providing an electrode assembly including tabs; a third providing device for providing an end cap assembly including an end cap, electrode terminals, and an insulating member, the electrode terminals being mounted on the end cap; a fourth providing device for providing a current collector; and an assembly device for accommodating the electrode assembly within the housing, the assembly device also being used to connect the current collector to the electrode terminals and tabs, so that the... The tab is electrically connected to the electrode terminal, and the assembly device is further configured to close the end cap onto the opening; wherein, the insulating member is located on the side of the end cap facing the electrode assembly, the side of the insulating member facing the electrode assembly has a first recess, the first recess being configured to accommodate at least a portion of the tab and / or at least a portion of the current collector, the side of the insulating member facing away from the electrode assembly has a first protrusion corresponding to the first recess, and the side of the end cap facing the electrode assembly has a second recess, the second recess being used to accommodate the first protrusion. Attached Figure Description

[0052] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without creative effort.

[0053] Figure 1 This application provides structural schematic diagrams of vehicles for some embodiments;

[0054] Figure 2 Exploded views of batteries provided for some embodiments of this application;

[0055] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of the battery module.

[0056] Figure 4 Exploded views of a single battery cell provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0057] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrode assembly provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0058] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the battery cell shown;

[0059] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified view of a single battery cell shown;

[0060] Figure 8 for Figure 7 The diagram shows the positional relationship between the insulating component, the current collector, and the electrode.

[0061] Figure 9 A diagram showing the positional relationship between the insulating element, the current collector, and the electrode tab provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0062] Figure 10 A diagram showing the positional relationship between the insulating element, the current collector, and the electrode tab provided in other embodiments of this application;

[0063] Figure 11 for Figure 7 The diagram shows the structure of the current collection component;

[0064] Figure 12 for Figure 7 The diagram shows the structure of the end cap assembly.

[0065] Figure 13 for Figure 12 A partial enlarged view of point A of the end cap assembly shown;

[0066] Figure 14 for Figure 12 A magnified view of part B of the end cap assembly shown;

[0067] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the insulating element and the end cap provided in other embodiments of this application;

[0068] Figure 16 A partial enlarged view of a battery cell provided for some embodiments of this application;

[0069] Figure 17 for Figure 16 A magnified view of a single battery cell shown;

[0070] Figure 18 A flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a single battery cell according to some embodiments of this application;

[0071] Figure 19 This is a schematic block diagram of a battery cell manufacturing apparatus provided for some embodiments of this application.

[0072] Icons: 10-Box; 11-Accommodation space; 12-First part; 13-Second part; 20-Battery cell; 21-Housing shell; 22-Electrode assembly; 221-Taper; 2211-First connection part; 222-Positive electrode; 223-Negative electrode; 224-Separator; 23-End cap assembly; 231-End cap; 2311-Second recess; 2311a-First bottom wall; 2312-Electrode lead-out hole; 2313-First body; 2313a-First inner surface; 2313b-First outer surface; 2314-Second protrusion; 2314a-First end face; 2315-Third protrusion; 2315a-Third end face; 2316-Third recess; 2316a-Third bottom wall; 2317-Fourth recess; 232-Electrode terminal; 2321-Terminal body; 2322-Connector 233-Insulator; 2331-First recess; 2331a-Second bottom wall; 2332-First protrusion; 2332a-Second end face; 2333-Second body; 2333a-Second inner surface; 2333b-Second outer surface; 234-Pressure relief mechanism; 24-Current collector; 241-Second connecting part; 242-Third connecting part; 243-Fourth connecting part; 244-Protrusion; 25-Sealed space; 30-Battery module; 31-Current collector; 100-Battery; 200-Controller; 300-Motor; 1000-Vehicle; 1100-First supply device; 1200-Second supply device; 1300-Third supply device; 1400-Fourth supply device; 1500-Assembly device; 2000-Manufacturing equipment; Z-Thickness direction; X-Preset direction. Detailed Implementation

[0073] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0074] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0075] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0076] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0077] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0078] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals denote the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components are omitted in different embodiments. It should be understood that the thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of various components in the embodiments of this application shown in the accompanying drawings, as well as the overall thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the integrated device, are merely illustrative and should not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0079] In this application, "multiple" means two or more (including two).

[0080] In this application, the battery cell may include lithium-ion secondary batteries, lithium-ion primary batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, sodium-lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, or magnesium-ion batteries, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited to these. The battery cell may be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited to these. Battery cells are generally divided into three types according to their packaging method: cylindrical battery cells, square battery cells, and pouch battery cells, and the embodiments of this application are not limited to these.

[0081] The battery mentioned in the embodiments of this application refers to a single physical module comprising one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery mentioned in this application may include a battery module or a battery pack. A battery generally includes a housing for encapsulating one or more battery cells. The housing prevents liquids or other foreign matter from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells.

[0082] A battery cell includes an electrode assembly and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly consists of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. The battery cell primarily functions by the movement of metal ions between the positive and negative electrodes. The positive electrode includes a positive current collector and a positive active material layer. The positive active material layer is coated on the surface of the positive current collector, and the uncoated positive current collector protrudes beyond the coated one, serving as the positive electrode tab. Taking a lithium-ion battery as an example, the positive current collector can be made of aluminum, and the positive active material can be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganese oxide, etc. The negative electrode includes a negative current collector and a negative active material layer. The negative active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative current collector, and the uncoated negative current collector protrudes beyond the coated one, serving as the negative electrode tab. The negative current collector can be made of copper, and the negative active material can be carbon or silicon, etc. To ensure that a large current can pass through without melting, multiple positive electrode tabs are stacked together, and multiple negative electrode tabs are stacked together. The separator can be made of PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene), etc. Furthermore, the electrode assembly can be a wound structure or a stacked structure; the embodiments of this application are not limited to these.

[0083] A battery cell may also include a casing and an end cap assembly. The end cap assembly closes to the casing to provide a sealed space for the electrode assembly and electrolyte. The tabs of the electrode assembly are electrically connected to the electrode terminals of the end cap assembly via current collectors. For a typical battery cell, the capacity of the battery cell may be affected by the end cap assembly.

[0084] The inventors discovered that in a battery cell, after the end cap assembly is closed onto the housing, the tabs and current collectors are located inside the housing. The tabs and current collectors occupy part of the space inside the housing, which reduces the space available for the electrode assembly inside the housing, thereby reducing the capacity of the battery cell.

[0085] In view of this, the present application provides a technical solution by forming a first recess on the side of the insulating member facing the electrode assembly, forming a first protrusion on the side of the insulating member away from the electrode assembly at a position corresponding to the first recess, and forming a second recess on the side of the end cap facing the electrode assembly. The first protrusion is accommodated in the second recess, and at least a portion of the tab and / or at least a portion of the current collector is accommodated in the first recess, so as to make room for the electrode assembly and thereby increase the capacity of the battery cell.

[0086] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application are applicable to batteries and electrical devices that use batteries.

[0087] Electrical equipment can include vehicles, mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, ships, spacecraft, electric toys, and power tools, etc. Vehicles can be gasoline-powered cars, natural gas-powered cars, or new energy vehicles; new energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles, etc. Spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc. Electric toys include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. Power tools include metal cutting power tools, grinding power tools, assembly power tools, and railway power tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, impact drills, concrete vibrators, and electric planers, etc. This application does not impose any special limitations on the above-mentioned electrical equipment.

[0088] For ease of explanation, the following embodiments use a vehicle as an example of electrical equipment.

[0089] 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. A battery 100 is disposed inside the vehicle 1000, and the battery 100 may 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.

[0090] 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, for the power needs of the vehicle 1000 during startup, navigation and driving.

[0091] 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.

[0092] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 The exploded view of a battery 100 provided in some embodiments of this application shows that the battery 100 includes a housing 10 and a battery cell 20, with the battery cell 20 housed within the housing 10.

[0093] The housing 10 is used to provide a space 11 for housing the battery cell 20, and the housing 10 can adopt various structures.

[0094] In some embodiments, the housing 10 may include a first portion 12 and a second portion 13, which overlap each other, and together define a receiving space 11 for accommodating the battery cell 20. The second portion 13 may be a hollow structure with one open end, and the first portion 12 may be a plate-like structure, with the first portion 12 covering the open side of the second portion 13 so that the first portion 12 and the second portion 13 together define the receiving space 11. Alternatively, both the first portion 12 and the second portion 13 may be hollow structures with one open side, with the open side of the first portion 12 covering the open side of the second portion 13. Of course, the housing 10 formed by the first portion 12 and the second portion 13 can be of various shapes, such as a cylinder, a cuboid, etc.

[0095] In battery 100, there can be one or more battery cells 20. If there are multiple battery cells 20, they 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. Multiple battery cells 20 can be directly connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner, and then the whole assembly of multiple battery cells 20 is housed in the housing 10. Alternatively, multiple battery cells 20 can first be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a battery module 30, and then multiple battery modules 30 can be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a whole assembly, which is then housed in the housing 10.

[0096] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of the battery module 30. The battery 100 includes multiple battery modules 30, and each battery module 30 includes multiple individual battery cells 20. These individual battery cells 20 are first connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed configuration to form the battery module 30. The multiple battery modules 30 are then connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed configuration to form a whole, which is housed in the housing 10 (see [reference]). Figure 2 )Inside.

[0097] Multiple battery cells 20 in the battery module 30 can be electrically connected through a busbar 31 to achieve parallel, series, or mixed connection of multiple battery cells 20 in the battery module 30.

[0098] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4The exploded view of a battery cell 20 provided in some embodiments of this application shows that the battery cell 20 includes a housing 21, an electrode assembly 22, an end cap assembly 23, and a current collector 24. The housing 21 has an opening, and the electrode assembly 22 is housed within the housing 21. The electrode assembly 22 includes tabs 221. The end cap assembly 23 includes an end cap 231, electrode terminals 232, and an insulating member 233. The end cap 231 is used to close the opening, the electrode terminals 232 are mounted on the end cap 231, and the insulating member 233 is located on the side of the end cap 231 facing the electrode assembly 22. The current collector 24 connects the electrode terminals 232 and the tabs 221 to electrically connect the tabs 221 and the electrode terminals 232.

[0099] The housing 21 can have various shapes, such as a cylinder or a cuboid. The shape of the housing 21 can be determined based on the specific shape of the electrode assembly 22. For example, if the electrode assembly 22 is a cylindrical structure, the housing 21 can be a cylindrical structure; if the electrode assembly 22 is a cuboid structure, the housing 21 can be a cuboid structure. Figure 4 In this example, both the housing 21 and the electrode assembly 22 are rectangular parallelepiped structures.

[0100] The shell 21 can be made of various materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, etc. This application embodiment does not impose any special restrictions on this.

[0101] The electrode assembly 22 housed within the housing 21 can be one or more. Figure 4 In the case, there are two electrode assemblies 22 housed within the housing 21.

[0102] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 The diagram below shows the structure of an electrode assembly 22 provided in some embodiments of this application. The electrode assembly 22 further includes a positive electrode 222, a negative electrode 223, and a separator 224. The electrode assembly 22 can be a wound structure formed by winding the positive electrode 222, the separator 224, and the negative electrode 223, or it can be a stacked structure formed by arranging the positive electrode 222, the separator 224, and the negative electrode 223 in layers. Figure 5 An example is shown where the electrode assembly 22 has a wound structure.

[0103] The positive electrode 222 may include a positive current collector and a positive active material layer, the positive active material layer being coated on the surface of the positive current collector. The negative electrode 223 may include a negative current collector and a negative active material layer, the negative active material layer being coated on the surface of the negative current collector. A separator 224 is located between the positive electrode 222 and the negative electrode 223 to isolate them, thereby reducing the risk of short circuits between the positive electrode 222 and the negative electrode 223.

[0104] The material of the separator 224 can be PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene), etc.

[0105] The tabs 221 in the electrode assembly 22 are divided into positive tabs and negative tabs. The positive tab can be the part of the positive current collector that is not coated with the positive active material layer; the negative tab can be the part of the negative current collector that is not coated with the negative active material layer.

[0106] In the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 for Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the battery cell 20 shown indicates that the end cap 231 of the end cap assembly 23 is used to cover the opening of the housing 21 to form a sealed space 25 for accommodating the battery cell 20. The sealed space 25 can also be used to accommodate an electrolyte, such as an electrolyte solution. The electrode terminal 232 of the end cap assembly 23 is an output component for outputting electrical energy from the battery cell 20. There can be one or two electrode terminals 232 in the end cap assembly 23.

[0107] The housing 21 can have one or two openings. If the housing 21 has one opening, then there can be one end cap assembly 23; if the housing 21 has two openings, then there can be two end cap assemblies 23, with the end caps 231 of the two end cap assemblies 23 respectively covering the two openings.

[0108] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the housing 21 has one opening and the end cap assembly 23 also has one opening. Two electrode terminals 232 can be provided in the end cap assembly 23. One electrode terminal 232 in the end cap assembly 23 is electrically connected to one tab 221 (positive tab) of the electrode assembly 22 through a current collector 24. The other electrode terminal 232 in the end cap assembly 23 is electrically connected to the other tab 221 (negative tab) of the electrode assembly 22 through another current collector 24.

[0109] In other embodiments, the housing 21 has two openings located on opposite sides of the housing 21, and there are two end cap assemblies 23, which respectively cover the two openings of the housing 21. In this case, there may be one electrode terminal 232 in the end cap assembly 23. The electrode terminal 232 in one end cap assembly 23 is electrically connected to one tab 221 (positive tab) of the electrode assembly 22 through a current collector 24; the electrode terminal 232 of the other end cap assembly 23 is electrically connected to the other tab 221 (negative tab) of the electrode assembly 22 through another current collector 24.

[0110] In some embodiments, the battery cell 20 may further include a pressure relief mechanism 234, which is mounted on the end cap 231 and is used to release the internal pressure of the battery cell 20 when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 reaches a threshold.

[0111] Of course, if there is only one end cap assembly 23 in the battery cell 20, the pressure relief mechanism 234 can be installed on the end cap 231 of the end cap assembly 23; if there are two end cap assemblies 23 in the battery cell 20, the pressure relief mechanism 234 can be installed on the end cap 231 of each end cap assembly 23, or the pressure relief mechanism 234 can be installed on the end cap 231 of only one end cap assembly 23.

[0112] For example, the pressure relief mechanism 234 may be an explosion-proof valve, an explosion-proof disc, a gas valve, a pressure relief valve, or a safety valve, etc.

[0113] In this embodiment of the application, to increase the capacity of the battery cell 20, please refer to... Figure 7 , Figure 7 for Figure 6 The enlarged view of the battery cell 20 shown shows that the insulating member 233 has a first recess 2331 on the side facing the electrode assembly 22. The first recess 2331 is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the tab 221 and / or at least a portion of the current collector 24. The insulating member 233 has a first protrusion 2332 on the side facing away from the electrode assembly 22, corresponding to the first recess 2331. The end cap 231 has a second recess 2311 on the side facing the electrode assembly 22. The second recess 2311 is used to accommodate the first protrusion 2332.

[0114] In the above structure, the first recess 2331 can accommodate at least a portion of the tab 221 and / or at least a portion of the current collector 24, freeing up more space for the electrode assembly 22. A first protrusion 2332 is formed on the side of the insulating member 233 facing away from the electrode assembly 22, corresponding to the first recess 2331. On one hand, the first protrusion 2332 strengthens the insulating member 233 at the location of the first recess 2331; on the other hand, the first protrusion 2332 allows the first recess 2331 to be recessed as far as possible in the direction away from the electrode assembly 22, thereby increasing the depth of the first recess 2331. Furthermore, a second recess 2311 is formed on the side of the end cap 231 facing the electrode assembly 22, and the first protrusion 2332 is accommodated within the second recess 2311, reducing the space occupied by the insulating member 233 inside the housing 21, further freeing up more space for the electrode assembly 22, thereby effectively increasing the capacity of the battery cell 20.

[0115] It should be noted that the first recess 2331 is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the tab 221 and / or at least a portion of the current collector 24. That is, at least a portion of the tab 221 may be accommodated in the first recess 2331, at least a portion of the current collector 24 may be accommodated in the first recess 2331, or at least a portion of the tab 221 and at least a portion of the current collector 24 may both be accommodated in the second recess 2311.

[0116] For example, the first recess 2331, the first convex portion 2332, and the second recess 2311 can all be cylinders, cuboids, etc.

[0117] In some embodiments, the first protrusion 2332 may form a positioning engagement with the second recess 2311, which can limit the insulation member 233 from moving relative to the end cover 231 in the thickness direction Z perpendicular to the end cover 231.

[0118] When assembling the insulating component 233 and the end cap 231, inserting the first protrusion 2332 into the second recess 2311 can achieve the positioning of the insulating component 233 and the end cap 231, so as to achieve accurate and rapid assembly of the insulating component 233 and the end cap 231.

[0119] Of course, the positioning fit between the first protrusion 2332 and the first recess 2331 can be achieved by the outer surface of the first protrusion 2332 and the inner surface of the second recess 2311. Taking the first protrusion 2332 and the second recess 2311 as cylindrical as an example, the outer diameter of the first protrusion 2332 matches the inner diameter of the second recess 2311, and the outer peripheral surface of the first protrusion 2332 matches the inner peripheral surface of the second recess 2311.

[0120] In this embodiment, there may be a gap between the electrode assembly 22 and the insulating member 233 in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 231; the electrode assembly 22 may also abut against the insulating member 233 in a direction away from the electrode assembly 22, so that the electrode assembly 22 and the insulating member 233 are more compact, which is beneficial to improving the capacity of the battery cell 20. Figure 7 An example is shown where the electrode assembly 22 abuts against the insulating member 233 in a direction away from the electrode assembly 22.

[0121] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 for Figure 7 The diagram shows the positional relationship of the insulating element 233, the current collector 24, and the tab 221. The tab 221 includes a first connecting portion 2211, and the current collector 24 includes a second connecting portion 241. The second connecting portion 241 is used to connect the tab 221 to the first connecting portion 2211. The first recess 2331 is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the first connecting portion 2211 and / or at least a portion of the second connecting portion 241.

[0122] The first connecting part 2211 is the part where the tab 221 connects to the current collector 24, and the second connecting part 241 is the part where the current collector 24 connects to the tab 221. For example, the first connecting part 2211 and the second connecting part 241 are welded together.

[0123] Optionally, the first connecting portion 2211 and the second connecting portion 241 are stacked in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 231 so as to connect the first connecting portion 2211 and the second connecting portion 241 together.

[0124] The first connecting portion 2211 and the second connecting portion 241 are stacked in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 231. The first connecting portion 2211 and the second connecting portion 241 together occupy a large space inside the housing 21. However, by accommodating at least a part of the first connecting portion 2211 of the tab 221 and / or at least a part of the second connecting portion 241 of the current collector 24 in the first recess 2331, more space can be freed up for the electrode assembly 22.

[0125] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 231, the first connecting portion 2211 is closer to the electrode assembly 22 than the second connecting portion 241 (see Figure 231). Figure 7 The second connecting portion 241 is received within the first recess 2331. In some other embodiments, please refer to... Figure 9 , Figure 9 The diagram shows the positional relationship of the insulating member 233, the current collector 24, and the electrode tab 221 in some embodiments of this application. In the thickness direction Z of the end cap 231, the second connecting portion 241 is closer to the electrode assembly 22 than the first connecting portion 2211, and the first connecting portion 2211 is accommodated within the first recess 2331. In other embodiments, please refer to... Figure 10 , Figure 10 The diagram shows the positional relationship between the insulating member 233, the current collector 24, and the electrode tab 221 provided in other embodiments of this application. The first connecting portion 2211 and the second connecting portion 241 are both accommodated in the first recess 2331 to further free up more space for the electrode assembly 22.

[0126] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 11 , Figure 11 for Figure 7The schematic diagram of the current collector 24 shown illustrates that the current collector 24 may further include a third connecting portion 242 and a fourth connecting portion 243. The third connecting portion 242 is used to connect to the electrode terminal 232, and the third connecting portion 242 is connected to the second connecting portion 241 through the fourth connecting portion 243. The third connecting portion 242 and the second connecting portion 241 are spaced apart in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 231. For this type of current collector 24 structure, the second connecting portion 241 can be accommodated within the first recess 2331, and the third connecting portion 242 can be located on the side of the insulating member 233 closer to the electrode assembly 22.

[0127] For example, the second connecting portion 241, the fourth connecting portion 243, and the third connecting portion 242 are connected in sequence to form a "Z"-shaped sheet structure. In the thickness direction Z of the end cap 231, the third connecting portion 242 is provided with a protrusion 244 on the side near the second connecting portion 241 for connection and fixation with the electrode terminal 232. For example, the protrusion 244 is welded to the electrode terminal 232.

[0128] In this embodiment, the second recess 2311 may be provided at multiple locations on the end cap 231. In some embodiments, please refer to... Figure 12 , Figure 12 for Figure 7 The schematic diagram of the end cap assembly 23 shown shows that the electrode terminal 232 is aligned with the second recess 2311 in the preset direction X (see also...). Figure 7 The two sides are offset, and the preset direction X is perpendicular to the thickness direction Z of the end cap 231.

[0129] The electrode terminal 232 is offset from the second recess 2311 in the thickness direction Z perpendicular to the end cover 231, that is, there is a distance between the electrode terminal 232 and the second recess 2311 in the preset direction X, so that the second recess 2311 is formed in the area outside the end cover 231 where the electrode end cover 231 is installed, and the setting of the second recess 2311 will not affect the installation of the electrode terminal 232.

[0130] For example, the preset direction X is the length direction of the end cap 231.

[0131] It should be noted that in the end cap assembly 23, whether there is one electrode terminal 232 or two electrode terminals, they can be offset from the second recess 2311 in a preset direction X. Understandably, if there are two electrode terminals 232 in the end cap assembly 23, both electrode terminals 232 are offset from the second recess 2311 in the preset direction X.

[0132] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 12The end cap assembly 23 has two electrode terminals 232, which are located between the two electrode terminals 232 along a preset direction X. That is, the second recess 2311 is provided in the area of ​​the end cap 231 between the two electrode terminals 232, so that the two electrode terminals 232 are offset from the second recess 2311 in the preset direction X, thus making reasonable use of the space between the two electrode terminals 232 in the end cap 231.

[0133] Of course, there are two electrode terminals 232 in the end cap assembly 23, and there can also be two current collectors 24. Taking the example that at least a portion of the current collector 24 is accommodated in the first recess 2331, it is possible that at least a portion of both current collectors 24 are accommodated in the same first recess 2331. Alternatively, two first recesses 2331 can be formed on the insulating member 233, with at least a portion of one current collector 24 accommodated in one first recess 2331 and at least a portion of the other current collector 24 accommodated in the other first recess 2331. Figure 12 In the end cap assembly 23 shown, a second recess 2311 is formed on the end cap 231, and a first recess 2331 and a second protrusion 2314 are formed on the insulating member 233. Both current collectors 24 are at least partially accommodated in the first recess 2331. For example, the second connecting portions 241 of the two current collectors 24 are both accommodated in the first recess 2331.

[0134] In other embodiments, the second recess 2311 may not be offset from the electrode terminal 232 in the preset direction X. For example, the second recess 2311 is formed at the position where the electrode terminal 232 is provided on the end cover 231, and the second recess 2311 and the electrode terminal 232 are respectively located on both sides in the thickness direction Z of the end cover 231.

[0135] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 13 , Figure 13 for Figure 12 The enlarged view of part A of the end cap assembly 23 shown shows that the electrode terminal 232 includes a terminal body 2321 and a connector 2322. The terminal body 2321 is mounted on the end cap 231 through the connector 2322. The terminal body 2321 is used to connect with the current collector 24 to realize the electrical connection between the terminal body 2321 and the tab 221.

[0136] The connector 2322 can circumferentially cover the outer periphery of the terminal body 2321 to fix the connector 2322 to the terminal body 2321. The connector 2322 and the end cap 231 can be fixedly connected.

[0137] For example, the connector is a ring structure and is welded to the end cap 231.

[0138] In addition, the end cap 231 is provided with an electrode lead-out hole 2312, and the third connecting part 242 of the current collector 24 has a protrusion 244 (see Figure 11 It can pass through the electrode lead-out hole 2312 and be connected and fixed to the electrode terminal 232. For example, the protrusion 244 is welded to the electrode terminal 232.

[0139] In the embodiments of this application, the second recess 2311 on the end cap 231 has various forms, which will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0140] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 14 , Figure 14 for Figure 12 The enlarged view at point B of the end cap assembly 231 shows that the end cap 231 includes a first body 2313 for closing the opening. The first body 2313 has a facing electrode assembly 22 (see [reference]). Figure 7 The first inner surface 2313a and the second recess 2311 are recessed from the first inner surface 2313a in a direction away from the electrode assembly 22. The end cap 231 with this structure is simple and easy to mold and manufacture.

[0141] In some embodiments, the end cap 231 further includes a second protrusion 2314, and the first body 2313 further has a first outer surface 2313b disposed opposite to the first inner surface 2313a. The second protrusion 2314 protrudes from the first outer surface 2313b and is located at a position corresponding to the second recess 2311. The second protrusion 2314 can reinforce the position of the second recess 2311 on the first body 2313, thereby improving the robustness of the end cap 231.

[0142] Optionally, the second protrusion 2314 has a first end face 2314a, which extends from the first outer surface 2313b in a direction away from the electrode assembly 22 to the first end face 2314a. The first end face 2314a does not extend beyond the electrode terminal 232 in the direction away from the electrode assembly 22 (see...). Figure 12 The second protrusion 2314 makes reasonable use of the space between the first outer surface 2313b of the first body 2313 and the end of the electrode terminal 232, reducing the risk of the entire battery cell 20 occupying more space due to the first end face 2314a extending beyond the electrode terminal 232.

[0143] If the end cap assembly 23 is equipped with a pressure relief mechanism 234 (see...) Figure 6The pressure relief mechanism 234 can be installed on the end cover 231 in the area corresponding to the second protrusion 2314. Taking the pressure relief mechanism 234 as an explosion-proof plate as an example, the second protrusion 2314 can be provided with a pressure relief hole (not shown in the figure) that communicates with and penetrates the first end face 2314a of the second protrusion 2314. The explosion-proof plate is installed on the end cover 231 and seals the pressure relief hole.

[0144] The second recess 2311 has a first bottom wall 2311a, and the second recess 2311 is recessed from the first inner surface 2313a in a direction away from the electrode assembly 22 to the first bottom wall 2311a. In some embodiments, such as Figure 14 As shown, the first bottom wall 2311a extends beyond the first outer surface 2313b in the direction facing the electrode assembly 22. In other embodiments, please refer to... Figure 15 , Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the insulating member 233 and the end cap 231 provided in other embodiments of this application. The first bottom wall 2311a is located away from the electrode assembly 22 (see...). Figure 7 The direction of the second recess 2311 extends beyond the first outer surface 2313b, meaning the first outer surface 2313b is closer to the electrode assembly 22 than the first bottom wall 2311a. This causes the second recess 2311 to be recessed into the second protrusion 2314, thereby increasing the depth of the second recess 2311 and increasing the space in the second recess 2311 for accommodating the first protrusion 2332, allowing the first protrusion 2332 to extend to a deeper position in the second recess 2311. In some other embodiments, the first bottom wall 2311a may also be flush with the first outer surface 2313b.

[0145] In some embodiments, see continue to see Figure 14 and Figure 15 The insulating member 233 includes a second body 2333 and a first protrusion 2332. The second body 2333 has a second inner surface 2333a and a second outer surface 2333b facing each other. The second inner surface 2333a faces the electrode assembly 22. The first recess 2331 is recessed from the second inner surface 2333a in a direction away from the electrode assembly 22. The first protrusion 2332 protrudes from the second outer surface 2333b.

[0146] Optionally, the second outer surface 2333b abuts against the first inner surface 2313a to eliminate the gap between the second outer surface 2333b and the first inner surface 2313a, so that the first protrusion 2332 can be completely accommodated in the first recess 2331, thereby freeing up more space for the electrode assembly 22.

[0147] Furthermore, the first protrusion 2332 has a second end face 2332a, which extends from the second outer surface 2333b in a direction away from the electrode assembly 22 to the second end face 2332a. A gap exists between the second end face 2332a and the first bottom wall 2311a. This ensures that the second outer surface 2333b of the second body 2333 can effectively abut against the first inner surface 2313a of the first body 2313, reducing the risk of over-positioning between the insulating member 233 and the end cap 231.

[0148] Optionally, the first recess 2331 has a second bottom wall 2331a. The first recess 2331 is recessed from the second inner surface 2333a in a direction away from the electrode assembly 22 to the second bottom wall 2331a. The second bottom wall 2331a of the first recess 2331 extends beyond the second outer surface 2333b in a direction away from the electrode assembly 22, so that the first recess 2331 is recessed into the first protrusion 2332, thereby increasing the recess depth of the first recess 2331 and increasing the space of the first recess 2331 for accommodating the tab 221 and / or the current collector 24, so that the tab 221 and / or the current collector 24 can extend to a deeper position in the first recess 2331, so as to make room for the electrode assembly 22.

[0149] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the second recess 2311 on the end cap 231 can be formed by recessing the inner surface of the first body 2313 in a direction away from the electrode assembly 22. Of course, the second recess 2311 on the end cap 231 can also have other forms.

[0150] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 16 , Figure 16 This is a partial enlarged view of a battery cell 20 provided in some embodiments of this application. The end cap 231 includes a first body 2313 and a third protrusion 2315. The first body 2313 is used to cover the opening of the housing 21. The first body 2313 has a first inner surface 2313a facing the electrode assembly 22, and the third protrusion 2315 has a third end face 2315a, extending from the first inner surface 2313a in a direction facing the electrode assembly 22 to the third end face 2315a. A second recess 2311 is recessed from the third end face 2315a in a direction away from the electrode assembly 22 to the first inner surface 2313a. That is, by providing the third protrusion 2315 on the first inner surface 2313a of the first body 2313, the end cap 231 forms a second recess 2311 on the side facing the electrode assembly 22.

[0151] Taking two electrode terminals 232 in the end cap assembly 23 as an example, two third protrusions 2315 can be provided on the first inner surface 2313a of the first body 2313, with one third protrusion 2315 corresponding to one electrode terminal 232. A second recess 2311 is formed between the two third protrusions 2315.

[0152] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 17 , Figure 17 for Figure 16 The enlarged view of the battery cell 20 shown shows that the first body 2313 also has a first outer surface 2313b disposed opposite to the first inner surface 2313a. A third recess 2316 is formed on the side of the first body 2313 away from the electrode assembly 22 at a position corresponding to the third protrusion 2315, which is recessed from the first outer surface 2313b in the direction facing the electrode assembly 22. The third recess 2316 is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the electrode terminal 232.

[0153] The third recess 2316 can be used to accommodate at least a portion of the electrode terminal 232 to shorten the length of the portion of the electrode terminal 232 protruding from the first body 2313. Furthermore, since the third recess 2316 is located at a position on the first body 2313 corresponding to the third protrusion 2315, the third protrusion 2315 allows the third recess 2316 to be recessed as much as possible along the direction facing the electrode assembly 22, further shortening the length of the portion of the electrode terminal 232 protruding from the first body 2313.

[0154] The electrode terminal 232 is mounted on the bottom of the third recess 2316 so that at least a portion of the electrode terminal 232 is accommodated within the third recess 2316.

[0155] Optionally, the third recess 2316 has a third bottom wall 2316a, which is recessed from the first outer surface 2313b in the direction facing the electrode assembly 22 to the third bottom wall 2316a, and the third bottom wall 2316a extends beyond the first inner surface 2313a in the direction facing the electrode assembly 22. This structure causes the third recess 2316 to be recessed into the third protrusion 2315, thereby increasing the recess depth of the third recess 2316 and increasing the space in the third recess 2316 for accommodating the electrode terminal 232, so that the electrode terminal 232 can be installed in a deeper position in the third recess 2316.

[0156] For example, a fourth recess 2317 is provided on the third bottom wall 2316a of the third recess 2316, and the electrode terminal 232 extends into the fourth recess 2317. The portion of the electrode terminal 232 extending into the fourth recess 2317 abuts against the bottom wall of the fourth recess 2317 to install the electrode terminal 232 onto the end cap 231.

[0157] Taking the electrode terminal 232, which includes a terminal body 2321 and a connector 2322, as an example, the connector 2322 of the electrode terminal 232 extends into the fourth recess 2317. The portion of the connector 2322 extending into the fourth recess 2317 abuts against the bottom wall of the fourth recess 2317. The connector 2322 and the end cap 231 can be welded and fixed.

[0158] Please refer to Figure 18 , Figure 18 A flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery cell 20 according to some embodiments of this application, the method comprising:

[0159] S100: A housing 21 is provided, the housing 21 having an opening;

[0160] S200: Provides electrode assembly 22, which includes tabs 221;

[0161] S300: Provides an end cap assembly 23, which includes an end cap 231, an electrode terminal 232 and an insulating member 233, wherein the electrode terminal 232 is mounted on the end cap 231;

[0162] S400: Provides a manifold component 24;

[0163] S500: The electrode assembly 22 is housed within the housing 21;

[0164] S600: Connect the current collector 24 to the electrode terminal 232 and the tab 221 so that the tab 221 is electrically connected to the electrode terminal 232;

[0165] S700: Close end cap 231 onto the opening.

[0166] The insulating member 233 is located on the side of the end cap 231 facing the electrode assembly 22. A first recess 2331 is formed on the side of the insulating member 233 facing the electrode assembly 22. The first recess 2331 is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the tab 221 and / or at least a portion of the current collector 24. A first protrusion 2332 is formed on the side of the insulating member 233 facing away from the electrode assembly 22 at a position corresponding to the first recess 2331. A second recess 2311 is formed on the side of the end cap 231 facing the electrode assembly 22. The second recess 2311 is used to accommodate the first protrusion 2332.

[0167] In the above method, the order of steps S100, S200, S300, and S400 is not restricted. For example, step S400 can be executed first, followed by step S300, then step S200, and finally step S100. Furthermore, step S600 can be performed before or after step S500.

[0168] The relevant structure of the battery cell 20 manufactured by the above method can be found in the battery cell 20 provided in the above embodiments.

[0169] Please refer to Figure 19 , Figure 19 This is a schematic block diagram of a battery cell 20 manufacturing apparatus 2000 provided in some embodiments of this application. The manufacturing apparatus 2000 includes a first supply device 1100, a second supply device 1200, a third supply device 1300, a fourth supply device 1400, and an assembly device 1500.

[0170] A first providing device 1100 provides a housing 21 having an opening. A second providing device 1200 provides an electrode assembly 22, which includes tabs 221. A third providing device 1300 provides an end cap assembly 23, which includes an end cap 231, electrode terminals 232, and an insulating member 233, with the electrode terminals 232 mounted on the end cap 231. A fourth providing device 1400 provides a current collector 24. An assembly device 1500 accommodates the electrode assembly 22 within the housing 21, and connects the current collector 24 to the electrode terminals 232 and tabs 221 to electrically connect the tabs 221 to the electrode terminals 232. The assembly device 1500 also closes the end cap 231 to the opening.

[0171] The insulating member 233 is located on the side of the end cap 231 facing the electrode assembly 22. A first recess 2331 is formed on the side of the insulating member 233 facing the electrode assembly 22. The first recess 2331 is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the tab 221 and / or at least a portion of the current collector 24. A first protrusion 2332 is formed on the side of the insulating member 233 facing away from the electrode assembly 22 at a position corresponding to the first recess 2331. A second recess 2311 is formed on the side of the end cap 231 facing the electrode assembly 22. The second recess 2311 is used to accommodate the first protrusion 2332.

[0172] The relevant structure of the battery cell 20 manufactured by the above-described manufacturing equipment 2000 can be found in the battery cell 20 provided in the above embodiments.

[0173] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0174] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit this application. For those skilled in the art, this application can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A single battery cell, comprising: The shell has an opening; An electrode assembly, housed within the housing, the electrode assembly including tabs; An end cap assembly includes an end cap, electrode terminals, and an insulating element, wherein the end cap is used to close the opening, the electrode terminals are mounted on the end cap, and the insulating element is located on the side of the end cap facing the electrode assembly; as well as A current collector is used to connect the electrode terminal and the tab, so that the tab is electrically connected to the electrode terminal; The insulating member has a first recess on the side facing the electrode assembly, the first recess being configured to accommodate at least a portion of the tab and / or at least a portion of the current collector. A first protrusion is formed on the side of the insulating member facing away from the electrode assembly, corresponding to the first recess. A second recess is formed on the side of the end cap facing the electrode assembly, the second recess accommodating the first protrusion. The insulating member also includes a second body having opposing second inner and outer surfaces. The second inner surface faces the electrode assembly. The first recess is recessed from the second inner surface in a direction away from the electrode assembly. The first protrusion protrudes from the second outer surface. The second recess has a first bottom wall. The first protrusion has a second end face extending from the second outer surface in a direction away from the electrode assembly to the second end face. A gap exists between the second end face and the first bottom wall along the thickness direction of the end cap.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The end cap includes a first body for covering the opening; The first body has a first inner surface facing the electrode assembly, and the second recess is recessed from the first inner surface in a direction away from the electrode assembly.

3. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein, The end cap also includes a second protrusion; The first body also has a first outer surface disposed opposite to the first inner surface, and the second protrusion protrudes from the first outer surface and is located at a position corresponding to the second recess.

4. The battery cell according to claim 3, wherein, The second protrusion has a first end face, and the second protrusion extends from the first outer surface to the first end face in a direction away from the electrode assembly, wherein the first end face does not extend beyond the electrode terminal in the direction away from the electrode assembly.

5. The battery cell according to claim 3, wherein, The second recess extends from the first inner surface toward the first bottom wall in a direction away from the electrode assembly, and the first bottom wall extends beyond the first outer surface in a direction away from the electrode assembly.

6. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein, The second outer surface abuts against the first inner surface.

7. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein, The second recess extends from the first inner surface into the first bottom wall in a direction away from the electrode assembly.

8. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The first recess has a second bottom wall, the first recess is recessed from the second inner surface in a direction away from the electrode assembly to the second bottom wall, and the second bottom wall extends beyond the second outer surface in a direction away from the electrode assembly.

9. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The end cap includes a first body and a third protrusion, wherein the first body is used to cover the opening; The first body has a first inner surface facing the electrode assembly, and the third protrusion has a third end face, the third protrusion extending from the first inner surface in a direction facing the electrode assembly to the third end face; The second recess extends from the third end face into the first inner surface in a direction away from the electrode assembly.

10. The battery cell according to claim 9, wherein, The first body also has a first outer surface disposed opposite to the first inner surface; A third recess is formed on the side of the first body opposite to the electrode assembly, corresponding to the third protrusion, and is recessed from the first outer surface in a direction facing the electrode assembly. The third recess is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the electrode terminal.

11. The battery cell according to claim 10, wherein, The third recess has a third bottom wall, and the third recess is recessed from the first outer surface along the direction facing the electrode assembly to the third bottom wall; The third bottom wall extends beyond the first inner surface in the direction facing the electrode assembly.

12. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein, The first protrusion and the second concave portion form a positioning fit.

13. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein, The electrode assembly abuts against the insulating member in a direction away from the electrode assembly.

14. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein, The electrode includes a first connecting portion, and the current collecting member includes a second connecting portion for connecting to the first connecting portion; The first recess is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the first connecting portion and / or at least a portion of the second connecting portion.

15. The battery cell according to claim 14, wherein, The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are stacked in the thickness direction of the end cap.

16. The battery cell according to claim 14, wherein, Both the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are accommodated in the first recess.

17. The battery cell according to claim 14, wherein, The current collector further includes a third connecting portion for connecting to the electrode terminal, the third connecting portion being spaced apart from the second connecting portion in the thickness direction of the end cap.

18. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein, The electrode terminal is offset from the second recess in a preset direction, and the preset direction is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the end cap.

19. The battery cell according to claim 18, wherein, The end cap assembly includes two electrode terminals spaced apart along the preset direction; The second recess is located between the two electrode terminals in the preset direction.

20. A battery, comprising a housing and a battery cell according to any one of claims 1-19; The individual battery cells are housed within the casing.

21. An electrical device comprising the battery of claim 20.

22. A method for manufacturing a single battery cell, comprising: A housing is provided, the housing having an opening; An electrode assembly is provided, the electrode assembly including tabs; An end cap assembly is provided, the end cap assembly including an end cap, electrode terminals and an insulating element, the electrode terminals being mounted on the end cap; Provide current collection components; The electrode assembly is housed within the housing; The current collector is connected to the electrode terminal and the tab, so that the tab is electrically connected to the electrode terminal; Cover the opening with the end cap; The insulating member is located on the side of the end cap facing the electrode assembly. A first recess is formed on the side of the insulating member facing the electrode assembly. The first recess is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the tab and / or at least a portion of the current collector. A first protrusion is formed on the side of the insulating member facing away from the electrode assembly, corresponding to the first recess. A second recess is formed on the side of the end cap facing the electrode assembly, and the second recess is used to accommodate the first protrusion. The insulating member also includes a second body. The second body has opposing second inner surfaces and second outer surfaces. The second inner surface faces the electrode assembly. The first recess is recessed from the second inner surface in a direction away from the electrode assembly. The first protrusion protrudes from the second outer surface. The second recess has a first bottom wall. The first protrusion has a second end face. The first protrusion extends from the second outer surface in a direction away from the electrode assembly to the second end face. A gap exists between the second end face and the first bottom wall along the thickness direction of the end cap.

23. A manufacturing apparatus for a single battery cell, comprising: A first providing device is used to provide a housing having an opening; A second providing device is used to provide an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly including tabs; A third providing device is used to provide an end cap assembly, the end cap assembly including an end cap, electrode terminals and an insulating element, the electrode terminals being mounted on the end cap; The fourth providing device is used to provide the current collection component; as well as An assembly device is used to house the electrode assembly within the housing, and the assembly device is also used to connect the current collector to the electrode terminal and the tab so that the tab is electrically connected to the electrode terminal. The assembly device is also used to close the end cap to the opening. The insulating member is located on the side of the end cap facing the electrode assembly. A first recess is formed on the side of the insulating member facing the electrode assembly. The first recess is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the tab and / or at least a portion of the current collector. A first protrusion is formed on the side of the insulating member facing away from the electrode assembly, corresponding to the first recess. A second recess is formed on the side of the end cap facing the electrode assembly, and the second recess is used to accommodate the first protrusion. The insulating member also includes a second body. The second body has opposing second inner surfaces and second outer surfaces. The second inner surface faces the electrode assembly. The first recess is recessed from the second inner surface in a direction away from the electrode assembly. The first protrusion protrudes from the second outer surface. The second recess has a first bottom wall. The first protrusion has a second end face. The first protrusion extends from the second outer surface in a direction away from the electrode assembly to the second end face. A gap exists between the second end face and the first bottom wall along the thickness direction of the end cap.

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