End cap assembly, battery cell, battery, power consuming device, and method of manufacture

Abstract

The application discloses an end cover assembly, a battery monomer, a battery, a power utilization device and a preparation method. The end cover assembly comprises an end cover, an electrode terminal and a connecting piece. The end cover is provided with an electrode lead-out hole and a first matching part on a side facing the inside of the battery monomer. The electrode terminal is arranged on the end cover and covers the electrode lead-out hole. The connecting piece is used for electrically connecting the electrode terminal and an electrode assembly of the battery monomer. The connecting piece is provided with a second matching part which is configured to match the first matching part to provide the connecting piece with radial deformation resistance along the electrode lead-out hole. The embodiment of the application improves the structural strength of the connecting piece, solves the problem that the connecting piece is prone to deformation, the electrode terminal is dislocated or separated from the end cover, and the battery monomer leaks liquid.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of batteries, in particular to an end cover assembly, a battery monomer, a battery, a power consumption device and a preparation method. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the continuous development of battery technology, higher requirements are put forward for the performance of the battery, and it is hoped that the battery can consider multiple design factors at the same time. The long service life of the battery is the goal that the person skilled in the art has been pursuing, but in the prior art, it is often found that the battery monomer leaks electrolyte at the electrode terminal, causing the battery to be scrapped and affecting the service life of the battery. SUMMARY

[0003] The present application proposes an end cover assembly, a battery monomer, a battery, a power consumption device and a preparation method, in order to improve the structural strength of the connecting piece, solve the problem that the connecting piece is prone to deformation, causing the electrode terminal connected with the connecting piece to be misaligned, and causing the battery monomer to leak.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present application, an end cover assembly for a battery monomer is provided, comprising: an end cover, the end cover being provided with an electrode lead-out hole, a first matching part being provided on the side of the end cover facing the inside of the battery monomer; an electrode terminal, the electrode terminal being arranged on the end cover and covering the electrode lead-out hole; and a connecting piece, the connecting piece being used for electrically connecting the electrode terminal and an electrode assembly of the battery monomer, the connecting piece being provided with a second matching part, the second matching part being configured to cooperate with the first matching part to provide the connecting piece with radial anti-deformation force along the electrode lead-out hole.

[0005] The end cover assembly in the embodiment cooperates with the first matching part and the second matching part, so that the end cover and the connecting piece can support each other at the position where the first matching part and the second matching part cooperate, improving the structural strength of the connecting piece and making the connecting piece stronger in radial anti-deformation ability, thereby solving the problem that the connecting piece is prone to deformation due to low structural strength, causing the electrode terminal connected with the connecting piece to be misaligned or even detached from the end cover, and causing the battery monomer to leak.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first matching part and the second matching part are axially inserted and matched along the electrode lead-out hole.

[0007] Through the way of insertion and matching, the first matching part and the second matching part are nested with each other in structure, so that they can interact with each other in the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole, increasing the difficulty of deformation of the connecting piece in the radial direction, improving the structural strength between the end cover and the connecting piece, and improving the anti-deformation ability of the connecting piece.

[0008] In some embodiments, one of the first mating portion and the second mating portion is a first connecting protrusion and the other is a first connecting hole, the first connecting protrusion is at least partially located in the corresponding first connecting hole, and the first mating portion is disposed on the outer periphery of the electrode lead-out hole.

[0009] The first mating part is located on the outer periphery of the electrode lead-out hole. The portion of the first connecting protrusion located inside the first connecting hole will restrict the connector from further deforming in the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole. At the same time, this structure of the first connecting protrusion and the first connecting hole facilitates the positioning and installation of the end cap and the connector, making assembly convenient and improving assembly efficiency.

[0010] In some embodiments, the end cap is provided with a plurality of first mating portions, which are evenly distributed along the circumference of the electrode lead-out hole; the connector is provided with a plurality of second mating portions, which are correspondingly arranged with the first mating portions.

[0011] Multiple first mating parts are evenly distributed along the circumference of the electrode lead-out hole, so that after each first mating part and the corresponding second mating part are mated, the structural strength of the electrode lead-out hole of the connector is improved at various positions in the circumference, and the radial deformation resistance of the connector as a whole is improved.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first mating portion is a first connecting protrusion, the projection of the first connecting protrusion along the axial direction at least partially overlapping the electrode terminal.

[0013] The portion where the projections of the electrode terminal and the first connecting protrusion overlap in the axial direction will support the end cap, increase the structural strength of the end cap support portion, reduce the possibility of deformation of the end cap at the location where the first mating portion is provided, and at the same time help improve the sealing performance between the electrode terminal and the end cap.

[0014] In some embodiments, the end cap assembly further includes a first insulating member disposed between the end cap and the connector. The first insulating member has an insulating portion and a receiving cavity for accommodating the first mating portion and / or the second mating portion to isolate the end cap and the connector.

[0015] A first insulating element is provided between the end cap and the connector. The first insulating element has an insulating part with a receiving cavity to cover the first mating part and / or the second mating part, so as to prevent the end cap and the connector from making contact and conducting through the first mating part and / or the second mating part, thereby insulating the end cap and the connector.

[0016] In some embodiments, the electrode terminal is provided with a third mating portion, and the connector is provided with a fourth mating portion that mates with the third mating portion. At least one of the fourth mating portion and the third mating portion extends into the electrode lead-out hole and is fixedly connected to the other.

[0017] In some embodiments, the third mating part and the fourth mating part are inserted into each other along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole.

[0018] By using a plug-in connection, the movement or deformation of the electrode terminal and the connector in the radial direction along the electrode lead hole can mutually restrain each other. After the first and second mating parts are engaged, the movement or deformation of the connector and the end cap in the radial direction along the electrode lead hole will also mutually restrain each other. This makes the deformation or movement of the electrode terminal, the end cap and the connector mutually restrain each other, and the overall structural stability will be improved. When the busbar pulls the electrode terminal, it becomes more difficult for the electrode terminal and the end cap to misalign with the end cap in the radial direction along the electrode lead hole.

[0019] In some embodiments, the third mating part includes a second connecting protrusion, and the fourth mating part includes a second connecting hole, wherein the second connecting protrusion is fixed within the second connecting hole.

[0020] This method facilitates the positioning and installation of the electrode terminals and adapters.

[0021] In some embodiments, the fourth mating portion further includes a third connecting protrusion that extends along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole toward the side closer to the end cap, and the second connecting hole is disposed on the third connecting protrusion.

[0022] The third connecting protrusion extends along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole towards the side closer to the end cap, increasing the thickness of the third connecting protrusion along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole. The second connecting hole is provided on the third connecting protrusion, increasing the depth of the second connecting hole along its axial direction and increasing the contact area between the second connecting protrusion and the connector within the second connecting hole, which is beneficial to improving the reliability of the connection between the electrode terminal and the connector.

[0023] In some embodiments, the side of the connector opposite to the electrode lead hole is recessed toward the electrode lead hole to form the third connecting protrusion, and the inner peripheral wall of the second connecting hole extends away from the end cap along the axial direction of the second connecting hole to form a flange, the flange contacting the outer peripheral wall of the third connecting protrusion.

[0024] The third connecting protrusion is a raised structure formed by the side of the connector away from the electrode lead hole and recessed towards the other side closer to the electrode lead hole. This creates a cavity inside the third connecting protrusion, reducing its weight. Meanwhile, the inner peripheral wall of the second connecting hole extends along its own axis away from the end cover to form a flange, increasing the contact area between the inner peripheral wall of the second connecting hole and the third connecting protrusion. This ensures the strength of the connection structure, reduces the weight of the end cover assembly, and improves the energy density of the battery cell.

[0025] In some embodiments, the third connecting protrusion is at least partially accommodated within the electrode lead-out hole.

[0026] By housing the third connecting protrusion inside the electrode lead-out hole, the space occupied by the third connecting protrusion inside the battery cell can be reduced, thereby increasing the energy density of the battery cell.

[0027] In some embodiments, the connector further includes at least two reinforcing blocks, which are alternately arranged with the second mating portion along the circumference of the electrode lead-out hole.

[0028] By adding reinforcing blocks, the structural strength of the connectors can be further increased.

[0029] According to a second aspect of this application, a battery cell is provided, comprising: a housing having an opening; an electrode assembly housed within the housing, the electrode assembly including a body portion and a tab; and an end cap assembly according to a first aspect embodiment, the end cap covering the opening of the housing to enclose the electrode assembly within the housing, the connector connecting the tab and the electrode terminal.

[0030] According to a third aspect of this application, a battery is provided that includes the battery cell described in the above embodiments.

[0031] According to a fourth aspect of this application, an electrical device is provided, which includes the battery cell described in the above embodiments, the battery cell being used to supply power.

[0032] According to a fifth aspect of this application, a method for manufacturing a battery cell is provided, comprising: providing an end cap assembly, the end cap assembly including: an end cap having an electrode lead-out hole, the end cap having a first mating portion on a side of the end cap facing the interior of the battery cell; an electrode terminal disposed on the end cap and covering the electrode lead-out hole; and a connector for electrically connecting the electrode terminal and an electrode assembly of the battery cell, the connector having a second mating portion configured to engage with the first mating portion to provide the connector with a radial resistance to deformation along the electrode lead-out hole; providing an electrode assembly including a body portion and a tab; providing a housing having an opening; housing the electrode assembly within the housing, the connector connecting the tab and the electrode terminal, the end cap assembly covering the opening to enclose the electrode assembly within the housing.

[0033] By having the first and second mating parts cooperate with each other, the end cap and the connector can support each other at the position where the first and second mating parts are engaged, which improves the structural strength of the connector and enhances its resistance to deformation in the radial direction. This solves the problem that the connector is prone to deformation due to its low structural strength, which can lead to misalignment of the electrode terminals connected to the connector or even detachment from the end cap, causing leakage of the battery cell. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings, the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 2 An exploded view of the battery structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a single battery cell according to an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram of a battery cell according to an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the end cap assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 6 This is an exploded structural diagram of the end cap assembly according to an embodiment of this application (the connector is in an folded state);

[0041] Figure 7 This is an exploded structural diagram of the end cap assembly from another perspective of an embodiment of this application (the connector is in a folded state);

[0042] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the end cap assembly along the AA direction in one embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the end cap assembly along the AA direction in another embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the connector in an folded state according to one embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 11 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the battery cell preparation method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0046] The reference labels in the figure:

[0047] 1. Vehicle; 1a. Motor; 1b. Controller;

[0048] 10. Battery; 11. First part; 12. Second part; 13. Battery module;

[0049] 20. Battery cell;

[0050] 30. Shell;

[0051] 40. Electrode assembly;

[0052] 50. End cap assembly;

[0053] 60. Electrode terminal; 61. Third mating part;

[0054] 70. End cap; 71. First mating part; 72. Electrode lead-out hole; 73. Limiting protrusion; 74. Second groove; 75. Abutment part;

[0055] 80. Connector; 81. Second mating part; 82. Fourth mating part; 83. Reinforcing block; 84. Bending part; 85. First non-bending part; 86. Second non-bending part; 87. Third non-bending part; 821. Second connecting hole; 822. Third connecting protrusion; 823. Flange; 831. Radial reinforcing rib; 832. Circumferential reinforcing rib;

[0056] 90. First insulating element; 91. Insulating part; 92. First groove; 93. First through hole;

[0057] 100. Second insulating component; 110. Second through hole;

[0058] 200, sealing element; 210, third through hole; 220, third groove. Detailed Implementation

[0059] 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 and completely 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.

[0060] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein in the specification 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 specification, claims, and foregoing drawings of this application, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, or foregoing drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a particular order or hierarchy.

[0061] In this document, the term "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 throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0062] In this article, 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, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0063] In this application, "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), and similarly, "multiple groups" refers to two or more (including two), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two).

[0064] The inventors noticed that during battery use, problems such as vibration and impact inevitably occur. For example, when a vehicle is driving on the ground, the vibration of the vehicle body is transmitted to the battery, causing collisions and pulling between the battery cells installed inside the battery. This leads to the deformation of the connectors in the battery end cap assembly. The main reason for this is that the connectors are thin and have low structural strength, making them prone to deformation.

[0065] The inventors discovered that when the connector and electrode terminals are fixed by welding, the end cap is directly fixed between the electrode terminals and the connector. Because the connector is relatively thin and has low structural strength, once the battery cell is impacted after welding, the battery cells will move relative to each other, pulling the busbar and exerting force on the electrode terminals. The force on the electrode terminals acts on the connector, causing the connector to bend and deform radially along the electrode lead hole. After the connector is deformed, the positioning of the electrode terminals is affected, making the electrode terminals prone to misalignment or even detachment from the end cap, resulting in leakage. This prevents the battery cells from functioning properly and affects the battery's lifespan.

[0066] Therefore, in order to solve the problem of electrode terminal misalignment caused by connector deformation, the inventors started by improving the connector's resistance to deformation and enhancing its structural strength. They designed the structure of the connector and the connection structure between the connector, electrode terminals, and end caps. They found that by setting mutually cooperating structures on the connector and end caps, the structural strength and resistance to deformation of the connector can be effectively improved. Furthermore, by setting mutually cooperating structures between the connector and the connecting terminals, the structural strength and resistance to deformation of the connector can be further improved, as well as the overall structural strength and resistance to deformation of the end cap assembly. This improves the sealing performance of the battery cell and, in turn, extends the service life of the battery cell.

[0067] This application provides an electrical device that uses a battery as a power source. The electrical device can be, but is 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.

[0068] For ease of description, vehicle 1 is used as an example, such as Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of this application. Vehicle 1 can be a fuel-powered vehicle, a natural gas-powered vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, or a range-extended electric vehicle, etc. Vehicle 1 includes a motor 1a, a controller 1b, and a battery 10. The controller 1b is used to power the battery 10 to the motor 1a. The motor 1a is connected to the wheels through a transmission mechanism to drive the vehicle 1 to move.

[0069] The battery 10 can be located inside the vehicle 1, for example, at the front, rear, or bottom of the vehicle 1. The battery 10 can be a battery pack or a battery module.

[0070] As an example, battery 10 can serve as the operating power source for vehicle 1's electrical system. Alternatively, battery 10 can be used to meet the power requirements of vehicle 1 during startup, navigation, and operation.

[0071] In another embodiment of this application, the battery 10 can not only serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1, but also as the driving power source for the vehicle 1, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1.

[0072] like Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the battery 10 in an embodiment of this application. In some embodiments, in order to meet different power usage needs, the battery 10 may include one or more battery modules 13 (or may also be called battery modules). The multiple battery modules 13 can be connected in series, parallel or mixed connection. Mixed connection refers to a combination of series and parallel connection.

[0073] In addition, the battery 10 may include other structures. For example, the battery 10 includes a housing, which includes a first part 11 and a second part 12. The first part 11 and the second part 12 are combined to form a receiving portion, and a plurality of battery modules 13 are disposed in the housing. However, the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0074] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery cell 20 in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram of a battery cell 20 according to an embodiment of this application. In the embodiment shown, depending on different power requirements, the battery 10 may include one or more battery cells 20. For example, a battery 10 may include multiple battery cells 20, which can be connected in series, parallel, or mixed connection to achieve a larger capacity or power. The number of battery cells 20 included in a battery 10 can be set to any value. The battery 10 can be directly composed of multiple battery cells 20 connected in series, parallel, or mixed connection; alternatively, multiple battery cells 20 can be connected in series, parallel, or mixed connection to form a battery module 13, and then multiple battery modules 13 can be connected in series, parallel, or mixed connection to form the battery 10. The battery 10 may also include other structures, such as a busbar component for electrical connection between multiple battery cells 20.

[0075] Each battery cell 20 may be a lithium-ion secondary battery, a lithium-ion primary battery, a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-lithium-ion battery, or a magnesium-ion battery, but is not limited to these. The battery cell 20 may be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes. This application uses a cylindrical battery cell 20 as an example for illustration.

[0076] like Figures 3 to 4 As shown, the battery cell 20 in this embodiment includes a housing 30, an electrode assembly 40, and an end cap assembly 50. The housing 30 has an opening and an internal space for accommodating the electrode assembly 40 and electrolyte. The internal space is connected to the opening. The housing 30 can be made of materials such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or plastic, and its shape can be cylindrical, cuboid, or other shapes. The end cap assembly 50 covers the opening of the housing 30 to enclose the electrode assembly 40 inside the housing 30.

[0077] The electrode assembly 40 can be formed by stacking or winding a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator together, wherein the separator is an insulator located between the positive or negative electrode. Both the positive and negative electrode include coated areas and uncoated areas, wherein the positive active material is coated on the coated areas of the positive electrode, the negative active material is coated on the coated areas of the negative electrode, the active material is coated on a current collector formed of a thin metal plate, and no active material is coated on the uncoated areas.

[0078] The electrode assembly 40 includes a main body and electrode tabs, which are divided into a positive electrode tab and a negative electrode tab. The main body has two oppositely disposed ends, and the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab are respectively disposed in a first direction of the electrode assembly 40. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The two ends of the x-axis direction shown can be understood to mean that the first direction can be the length direction of the electrode assembly 40. The uncoated areas of the positive electrode sheet are stacked to form a positive electrode tab, and the uncoated areas of the negative electrode sheet are stacked to form a negative electrode tab.

[0079] like Figures 3 to 8 As shown, where, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the end cap assembly 50 according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 This is an exploded structural diagram of the end cap assembly 50 according to an embodiment of this application (the connector is in an folded state). Figure 7 This is an exploded structural diagram of the end cap assembly 50 from another perspective (the connector is in a folded state) according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the end cap assembly 50 along the AA direction in one embodiment of this application.

[0080] The end cap assembly 50 includes an end cap 70, electrode terminals 60, and a connector 80. The end cap 70 is sealed to the housing 30, meaning the end cap 70 is positioned to seal the opening of the housing 30. The end cap 70 has an electrode lead-out hole 72, and the electrode terminal 60 is disposed on the end cap 70, covering the electrode lead-out hole 72 to seal it. The electrode terminal 60 is electrically connected to the tabs of the electrode assembly 40 via the connector 80 to ensure normal current conduction between the electrode terminal 60 and the electrode assembly 40. Each of the two ends of the electrode assembly 40 in the first direction is provided with an end cap assembly 50. Specifically, the end cap assembly 50 corresponding to the positive tab has its electrode terminal 60 electrically connected to the positive tab via the connector 80, and the end cap assembly 50 corresponding to the negative tab has its electrode terminal 60 electrically connected to the negative tab via the connector 80. Understandably, the end cap assembly 50 may also have two electrode terminals 60, and each electrode terminal 60 may be electrically connected to a positive or negative electrode via a respective connector 80. Alternatively, two openings may be provided on the same side of the housing 30, each opening covered by an end cap assembly 50.

[0081] The end cap 70 has a first mating part 71 on the side facing the inside of the battery cell 20, and the connector 80 has a second mating part 81. The second mating part 81 is configured to mate with the first mating part 71 to provide the connector 80 with resistance to deformation in the radial direction along the electrode lead-out hole 72.

[0082] In this embodiment, the end cap assembly 50 has a first mating part 71 on the side of the end cap 70 facing the inside of the battery cell 20 (i.e., the side of the end cap 70 facing the connector 80), and a second mating part 81 on the connector 80. The second mating part 81 and the first mating part 71 cooperate with each other, so that the end cap 70 and the connector 80 can support each other at the position where the first mating part 71 and the second mating part 81 are mated. This improves the structural strength of the connector 80 and thus improves the resistance to deformation of the connector 80 in the radial direction along the electrode lead-out hole 72. This effectively solves the problem that the connector 80 is prone to deformation due to collisions and pulling between battery cells 20 because of its low structural strength, which can lead to misalignment of the electrode terminal 60 or even detachment from the end cap 70, causing leakage of the battery cell 20.

[0083] In some embodiments, such as Figures 6 to 8As shown, the first mating part 71 and the second mating part 81 are inserted into each other along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 72. Through this insertion, the first mating part 71 and the second mating part 81 are structurally nested, allowing them to interact radially along the electrode lead-out hole 72. For example, if the connector 80 deforms radially along the electrode lead-out hole 72, further deformation would require the end cap 70 or its first mating part 71 to deform as well. This undoubtedly increases the difficulty of deforming the connector 80, thereby improving the structural strength between the end cap 70 and the connector 80 and enhancing the connector 80's resistance to deformation.

[0084] Specifically, one of the first mating part 71 and the second mating part 81 is a first connecting protrusion and the other is a first connecting hole. The first connecting protrusion is at least partially located in the corresponding first connecting hole, and the first mating part 71 is disposed on the outer periphery of the electrode lead-out hole 72.

[0085] Since the first mating part 71 is located on the outer periphery of the electrode lead-out hole 72 and the first connecting protrusion is located inside the first connecting hole, the first connecting protrusion can play a positioning and supporting role, which restricts the connector 80 from moving or deforming further along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 72. When the end cap 70 and the connector 80 are installed and mated, the first connecting protrusion can be directly inserted into the first connecting hole. This method facilitates the positioning and installation of the end cap 70 and the connector 80, makes assembly convenient, and helps to improve assembly efficiency.

[0086] As an example, the first connecting protrusion can be cylindrical, prismatic, or other protruding structures, and correspondingly, the first connecting hole can be a circular hole, a polygonal hole, or a hole of other shapes. The first connecting hole can be a blind hole or a through hole.

[0087] In other embodiments, both the first mating portion 71 and the second mating portion 81 are first connecting protrusions, and in the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 72, the side wall of the first mating portion 71 facing away from the electrode lead-out hole 72 abuts against the side wall of the second mating portion 81 facing the electrode lead-out hole 72 to provide the connector 80 with resistance to deformation in the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 72.

[0088] In some embodiments, the end cap 70 is provided with a plurality of first mating portions 71, which are evenly distributed along the circumference of the electrode lead-out hole 72. As an example, the plurality of first mating portions 71 are arranged in a circumferential array on the end cap 70, and the center of the circumferential array is coaxially arranged with the axis of the electrode lead-out hole 72. The connector 80 is provided with a plurality of second mating portions 81, which are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the first mating portions 71.

[0089] In this embodiment, by providing multiple first mating parts 71 evenly distributed around the electrode lead-out hole 72 on the end cap 70, the structural strength of the connector 80 at various positions around the electrode lead-out hole 72 is strengthened after each first mating part 71 is mated with each corresponding second mating part 81, thereby improving the overall radial deformation resistance of the connector 80.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first mating portion 71 is a first connecting protrusion, the projection of which along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 72 at least partially overlaps with the electrode terminal 60. That is, the projection of the first connecting protrusion along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 72 overlaps with the portion of the electrode terminal 60 covering the electrode lead-out hole 72, such that the overlapping portion of the electrode terminal 60 and the projection provides support for the end cap 70 at the location where the first connecting protrusion is provided, increasing the structural strength of the supporting portion of the end cap 70, reducing the possibility of deformation of the end cap 70 at the location where the first mating portion 71 is provided, and simultaneously improving the sealing performance of the connection between the electrode terminal 60 and the end cap 70.

[0091] It is understood that in other embodiments, the first mating part 71 may also be a first connecting hole, and the projection of the first connecting hole along the axial direction of the first connecting hole at least partially overlaps with the electrode terminal 60.

[0092] In some embodiments, the end cap assembly 50 further includes a first insulating member 90 disposed between the end cap 70 and the connector 80. The first insulating member 90 is used to insulate and isolate the end cap 70 and the connector 80. The first insulating member 90 has an insulating portion 91 with a receiving cavity for accommodating a first mating portion 71 and / or a second mating portion 82, so as to isolate the end cap 70 from the connector 80 and prevent the connector 80 from making contact and conducting with the end cap 70 through the first mating portion 71 and / or the second mating portion 81.

[0093] In some optional embodiments, the first mating portion 71 is a first connecting protrusion, the second mating portion 81 is a first connecting hole, and the insulating portion 91 protrudes towards the first connecting hole and is located within the first connecting hole. The insulating portion 91 has a receiving cavity formed on the side near the first connecting protrusion for enclosing the first connecting protrusion. The first connecting protrusion is located within the receiving cavity, so that the insulating portion 91 encloses the first connecting protrusion and is located within the first connecting hole together with the first connecting protrusion, thereby insulating the end cap 70 from the connector 80. It is understood that in other embodiments, the first mating portion 71 may also be a first connecting hole, and the second mating portion 81 may be a first connecting protrusion.

[0094] In other embodiments, the first mating part 71 and the second mating part 81 may both be first connecting protrusions. Furthermore, the insulating part 91 has a first receiving cavity for accommodating the first mating part 71 on the side facing the first mating part 71, and a second receiving cavity for accommodating the second mating part 81 on the side facing the second mating part 81, so that the insulating part 91 isolates the first mating part 71 and the second mating part 81 respectively, preventing the connector 80 and the end cap 70 from making contact and conducting through the first mating part 71 and the second mating part 81.

[0095] In some embodiments, the first mating part 71 is a first connecting protrusion, the second mating part 81 is a first connecting hole, and the end cap 70 has a limiting protrusion 73 on the side facing the first insulating member 90. The limiting protrusion 73 surrounds the outer periphery of the electrode lead-out hole 72, and the first connecting protrusion is disposed on the limiting protrusion 73. The side of the first insulating member 90 facing the end cap 70 has a first groove 92 adapted to the limiting protrusion 73. The bottom of the first groove 92 has a first through hole 93 communicating with the electrode lead-out hole 72. The insulating part 91 is disposed on the other side of the first insulating member 90 away from the first groove 92, and the receiving cavity communicates with the first groove 92. The limiting protrusion 73 and the first groove 92 cooperate to restrict the end cap 70 from moving radially relative to the first insulating part along the electrode lead-out hole 72, thereby improving the reliability of the connection between the end cap 70 and the first insulating member 90 and facilitating positioning and installation.

[0096] In some embodiments, the end cap assembly 50 further includes a second insulating member 100 disposed between the electrode terminal 60 and the end cap 70, the second insulating member 100 being used to isolate the electrode terminal 60 and the end cap 70.

[0097] In some specific embodiments, the end cap 70 has a second groove 74 on the side facing the electrode terminal 60. The second groove 74 surrounds the outer periphery of the electrode lead-out hole 72 and is adapted to the second insulating member 100. The second insulating member 100 is disposed within the second groove 74. The side of the second insulating member 100 facing the electrode terminal 60 has a receiving portion. The bottom of the receiving portion has a second through hole 110 communicating with the electrode lead-out hole 72. The electrode terminal 60 is at least partially located within the receiving portion, so that the first insulating member 90 insulates the electrode terminal 60 from the end cap 70 and keeps the electrode terminal 60 at least partially located within the second groove 74 of the end cap 70. In this way, the second groove 74 can restrict the radial movement of the electrode terminal 60 relative to the end cap 70 along the electrode lead-out hole 72.

[0098] In some embodiments, the end cap assembly 50 further includes a seal 200 disposed between the electrode terminal 60 and the end cap 70 for sealing the connection gap between the electrode terminal 60 and the end cap 70.

[0099] In some specific embodiments, the sealing member 200 is provided with a third through hole 210 communicating with the electrode lead-out hole 72. The side of the sealing member 200 facing the end cap 70 is provided with a third groove 220, which surrounds the outer periphery of the third through hole 210. The inner peripheral wall of the electrode lead-out hole 72 extends along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 72 toward the side closer to the electrode terminal 60 with an abutment portion 75. The abutment portion 75 is disposed in the third groove 220. The sealing member 200 is located between the side of the electrode terminal 60 with the third mating portion 61 and the first abutment portion 75, so that the side of the electrode terminal 60 with the third mating portion 61 and the abutment portion 75 achieve a sealing effect through the compression of the sealing member 200.

[0100] In some embodiments, the electrode terminal 60 is provided with a third mating part 61, and the connector 80 is provided with a fourth mating part 82 that mates with the third mating part 61. At least one of the fourth mating part 82 and the third mating part 61 extends into the electrode lead-out hole 72 and is fixedly connected to the other.

[0101] The electrode terminal 60 and the connector 80 are fixedly connected by the third mating part 61 and the fourth mating part 82, such as by laser welding or ultrasonic welding, so that the electrode terminal 60 is not easily separated from the connector 80 along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 72.

[0102] In some embodiments, a fourth mating portion 82 is disposed on the connector 80 within the area enclosed by a plurality of second mating portions 81, so that the connector 80 and the electrode terminal 60 are fixed together by the fourth mating portion 82 and the third mating portion 61, and the connector 80 and the end cap 70 are connected by the second mating portion 81 and the first mating portion 71, so that the electrode terminal 60, the end cap 70 and the connector 80 interact with each other, increasing the overall structural strength of the three components and improving the overall structural strength of the end cap assembly 50, while also improving the deformation resistance of the connector 80.

[0103] In some embodiments, the third mating part 61 and the fourth mating part 82 are inserted into each other along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 72. The insertion of the third mating part 61 and the fourth mating part 82 creates a nested structure, allowing the movement or deformation of the electrode terminal 60 and the connector 80 in the radial direction along the electrode lead-out hole 72 to mutually restrain each other. Since the first mating part 71 and the second mating part 81 are engaged, the movement or deformation of the connector 80 and the end cap 70 in the radial direction along the electrode lead-out hole 72 also mutually restrains each other. This results in mutual restraint between the deformation or movement of the electrode terminal 60, the end cap 70, and the connector 80, improving the overall structural stability. When the busbar pulls the electrode terminal 60, it becomes more difficult for the electrode terminal 60 and the end cap 70 to misalign in the radial direction along the electrode lead-out hole 72.

[0104] Specifically, in some embodiments, the third mating part 61 includes a second connecting protrusion, and the fourth mating part 82 includes a second connecting hole 821, with the second connecting protrusion fixed within the second connecting hole 821. This method facilitates the positioning and installation of the electrode terminal 60 and the adapter 80. When the second connecting hole 821 is a through hole, in this method, when the two are connected by welding, compared to the method where the upper surface of the fourth mating part 82 is directly fixed to the lower surface of the third mating part 61 by welding, the welding quality can be more clearly observed, and the connection reliability between the electrode terminal 60 and the adapter 80 can be better guaranteed.

[0105] In some embodiments, the fourth mating portion 82 further includes a third connecting protrusion 822, which extends along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 72 toward the side closer to the end cap 70, and a second connecting hole 821 is disposed on the third connecting protrusion 822.

[0106] The fourth mating portion 82 of the connector 80 extends along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 72 near the end cap 70, thereby increasing the thickness of the third connecting protrusion 822 along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 72. The second connecting hole 821 is disposed on the third connecting protrusion 822, increasing its axial depth and further increasing the contact area of ​​the second connecting protrusion within the second connecting hole 821. This improves the reliability of the connection between the electrode terminal 60 and the connector 80, while also enhancing the structural strength of the connector 80. The second connecting hole 821 can be a through hole or a blind hole; optionally, it is a through hole.

[0107] like Figure 6 and Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9This is a cross-sectional view of the end cap assembly 50 along the AA direction in another embodiment of this application. In some embodiments, the connector 80 is recessed away from the electrode lead-out hole 72 to form the third connecting protrusion 822 described above, and the inner peripheral wall of the second connecting hole 821 extends away from the end cap 70 along the axial direction of the second connecting hole 821 to form a flange 823, which contacts the outer peripheral wall of the second connecting protrusion.

[0108] In this embodiment, the third connecting protrusion 822 is a protrusion structure formed by the side of the connector 80 facing away from the electrode lead-out hole 72 and recessing towards the other side near the electrode lead-out hole 72, thus forming a cavity inside the third connecting protrusion 822. The inner peripheral wall of the second connecting hole 821 extends along its own axial direction away from the end cap 70 to form a flange 823, increasing the contact area between the inner peripheral wall of the second connecting hole 821 and the second connecting protrusion, thereby ensuring the strength of the connection structure. At the same time, the third connecting protrusion 822 is formed by recess, reducing the weight of the end cap assembly 50 and increasing the energy density of the battery cell 20. The third connecting protrusion 822 and the flange 823 can be formed by stamping, which is simple in structure and easy to process.

[0109] In some embodiments, the third connecting protrusion 822 is at least partially accommodated within the electrode lead-out hole 72. By accommodating the second connecting protrusion within the electrode lead-out hole 72, the space occupied by the third connecting protrusion 822 in the connector 80 within the battery cell 20 is reduced, thereby increasing the energy density of the battery cell 20.

[0110] In some embodiments, the connector 80 further includes at least two reinforcing blocks 83, which are alternately arranged with the second mating portion 81 along the circumference of the electrode lead-out hole 72. That is, the reinforcing blocks 83 and the second mating portion 81 are alternately arranged around the outer periphery of the fourth mating portion 82 on the connector 80. By providing the reinforcing blocks 83, the structural strength of the connector 80 can be further improved, and its resistance to deformation can be enhanced.

[0111] In some embodiments, please combine Figure 6 and Figure 10 As shown, Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the connector 80 in an folded state according to one embodiment of this application. The reinforcing block 83 includes radial reinforcing ribs 831 and / or circumferential reinforcing ribs 832. Radial reinforcing ribs 831 are ribs disposed on the connector 80, extending along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 72; circumferential reinforcing ribs 832 are ribs disposed on the connector 80, extending along the circumferential direction of the electrode lead-out hole 72. Both radial and circumferential reinforcing ribs 831 and 832 can improve the structural strength of the connector 80 and enhance its resistance to deformation.

[0112] In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing block 83 includes radial reinforcing ribs 831 and circumferential reinforcing ribs 832, and the radial reinforcing ribs 831 and circumferential reinforcing ribs 832 are arranged intersectingly.

[0113] In some embodiments, the radial stiffener 831 and / or the circumferential stiffener 832 have an arched cross-section in their length direction. The arched cross-section improves the deformation resistance of the connecting stiffener, thereby improving the deformation resistance of the connector 80.

[0114] It is understood that in other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the radial stiffener 831 and / or the circumferential stiffener 832 along its length direction may also be other shapes, such as rectangular, but not limited thereto.

[0115] This application also provides a method for preparing a battery cell 20, wherein the parts not described in detail can be referred to the foregoing embodiments.

[0116] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 10 As shown, the connector 80 includes at least two non-bending portions and a bending portion 84 connecting two adjacent non-bending portions. By employing this structure consisting of non-bending portions and the bending portion 84, the connector 80 can be in an unfolded state during assembly, facilitating connection between the connector 80 and the electrode terminals 60 and tabs. When the end cap assembly 50 covers the opening of the housing 30, the connector 80 can be bent into a stacked structure within the housing 30, reducing the space occupied by the connector 80 inside the battery cell 20 and thus improving the energy density of the battery cell 20.

[0117] In one optional embodiment, at least two non-bending portions include a first non-bending portion 85, a second non-bending portion 86, and a third non-bending portion 87. The second non-bending portion 86 is located between the first non-bending portion 85 and the third non-bending portion 87. The first non-bending portion 85 is connected to the electrode terminal 60, and the third non-bending portion 87 is connected to the tab of the electrode assembly 40. The connector 80 can be connected by welding, such as laser welding or ultrasonic welding. When the connector 80 is connected to the electrode terminal 60, only the first non-bending portion 85 needs to be welded to the electrode terminal 60; when the connector 80 is connected to the tab, only the third non-bending portion 87 needs to be welded to the tab. The entire connector 80 does not need to be welded, greatly reducing the welding difficulty between the connector 80 and the electrode terminal 60 and the tab.

[0118] It should be noted that the second mating part 81, the fourth mating part 82, and the reinforcing block 83 in the aforementioned embodiments are respectively disposed on the first non-bending part 85 of the connector 80.

[0119] The end cap assembly 50, battery cell 20, battery 10, and power device of the present application embodiments have been described above. The method for preparing the battery cell 20 of the present application embodiments will be described below. For parts not described in detail, please refer to the foregoing embodiments.

[0120] This application also provides a method 300 for preparing a battery cell 20, such as... Figures 3 to 11 As shown, Figure 11 This is a schematic flowchart of the battery cell preparation method 300 according to an embodiment of this application.

[0121] The method 300 for preparing battery cell 20 includes the following steps:

[0122] 301: An end cap assembly 50 is provided, the end cap assembly 50 including: an end cap 70 having an electrode lead-out hole 72, and a first mating portion 71 on the side of the end cap 70 facing the interior of the battery cell 20; an electrode terminal 60 disposed on the end cap 70 and covering the electrode lead-out hole 72; and a connector 80 for electrically connecting the electrode terminal 60 and the electrode assembly 40 of the battery cell 20, the connector 80 having a second mating portion 81 configured to mate with the first mating portion 71 to provide the connector 80 with resistance to deformation in the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 72;

[0123] 302: Provide an electrode assembly 40, which includes a main body and electrode tabs;

[0124] 303: Provides a housing 30, the housing 30 having an opening;

[0125] 304: The electrode assembly 40 is housed within the housing 30, the connector 80 connects the tabs and the electrode terminals 60, and the end cap assembly 50 covers the opening to enclose the electrode assembly 40 within the housing 30.

[0126] In the end cap assembly 50, the first mating part 71 and the second mating part 81 cooperate with each other, so that the end cap 70 and the connector 80 can support each other at the position where the first mating part 71 and the second mating part are engaged, which improves the structural strength of the connector 80 and makes the connector 80 more resistant to deformation in the radial direction, thereby solving the problem that the connector 80 deforms due to low structural strength and detaches from the electrode terminal 60.

[0127] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. However, these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An end cap assembly for a battery cell, characterized in that, include: End cap (70), the end cap (70) is provided with electrode lead-out hole (72), and the end cap (70) is provided with a first mating part (71) on the side facing the inside of the battery cell. Electrode terminal (60), the electrode terminal (60) is disposed on the end cap (70) and covers the electrode lead-out hole (72); and A connector (80) is provided for electrically connecting the electrode terminal (60) and the electrode assembly (40) of the battery cell. The connector (80) is provided with a second mating part (81) configured to mate with the first mating part (71) to provide the connector (80) with resistance to deformation in the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole (72). The first mating part (71) and the second mating part (81) are inserted into each other along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole (72).

2. The end cap assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the first mating part (71) and the second mating part (81) is a first connecting protrusion and the other is a first connecting hole. The first connecting protrusion is at least partially located in the corresponding first connecting hole, and the first mating part (71) is disposed on the outer periphery of the electrode lead-out hole (72).

3. The end cap assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The end cap (70) is provided with a plurality of first mating parts (71), and the plurality of first mating parts (71) are evenly distributed along the circumference of the electrode lead-out hole (72); The connector (80) is provided with a plurality of second mating parts (81), and the second mating parts (81) are correspondingly arranged with the first mating parts (71).

4. The end cap assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first mating part (71) is a first connecting protrusion, and the projection of the first connecting protrusion along the axial direction at least partially overlaps with the electrode terminal (60).

5. The end cap assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The end cap assembly further includes a first insulating member (90) disposed between the end cap (70) and the connector (80). The first insulating member (90) has an insulating portion (91) with a receiving cavity for accommodating the first mating portion (71) and / or the second mating portion (81) to isolate the end cap (70) and the connector (80).

6. The end cap assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The electrode terminal (60) is provided with a third mating part (61), and the connector (80) is provided with a fourth mating part (82) that mates with the third mating part (61). At least one of the fourth mating part (82) and the third mating part (61) extends into the electrode lead-out hole (72) and is fixedly connected to the other.

7. The end cap assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The third mating part (61) and the fourth mating part (82) are inserted into each other along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole (72).

8. The end cap assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The third mating part (61) includes a second connecting protrusion, and the fourth mating part (82) includes a second connecting hole (821), wherein the second connecting protrusion is fixed in the second connecting hole (821).

9. The end cap assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fourth mating part (82) further includes a third connecting protrusion (822), which extends along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole (72) toward the side closer to the end cap (70), and the second connecting hole (821) is disposed on the third connecting protrusion (822).

10. The end cap assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The connector (80) is recessed on the side away from the electrode lead-out hole (72) toward the electrode lead-out hole (72) to form the third connecting protrusion (822), and the inner peripheral wall of the second connecting hole (821) extends away from the end cap (70) along the axial direction of the second connecting hole (821) to form a flange (823), which contacts the outer peripheral wall of the third connecting protrusion (822).

11. The end cap assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The third connecting protrusion (822) is at least partially accommodated within the electrode lead-out hole (72).

12. The end cap assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The connector (80) also includes at least two reinforcing blocks (83), which are alternately arranged with the second mating part (81) along the circumference of the electrode lead-out hole (72).

13. A single battery cell, characterized in that, include: A housing (30) having an opening; An electrode assembly (40) is housed within the housing (30), the electrode assembly (40) comprising a main body and tabs; and According to any one of claims 1-12, the end cap (70) covers the opening of the housing (30) to enclose the electrode assembly (40) within the housing (30), and the connector (80) connects the tab and the electrode terminal (60).

14. A battery, characterized in that, Includes the battery cell as described in claim 13.

15. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, It includes the battery cell as described in claim 14, so the battery cell is used for power supply.

16. A method for preparing a battery cell, characterized in that, include: An end cap assembly is provided, the end cap assembly comprising: End cap (70), the end cap (70) is provided with electrode lead-out hole (72), and the end cap (70) is provided with a first mating part (71) on the side facing the inside of the battery cell. Electrode terminal (60), the electrode terminal (60) is disposed on the end cap (70) and covers the electrode lead-out hole (72); and A connector (80) is provided for electrically connecting the electrode terminal (60) and the electrode assembly (40) of the battery cell. The connector (80) is provided with a second mating part (81) configured to mate with a first mating part (71) to provide the connector (80) with resistance to deformation in the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole (72). The first mating part (71) and the second mating part (81) are inserted into each other in the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole (72). An electrode assembly (40) is provided, the electrode assembly (40) including a body portion and electrode tabs; A housing (30) is provided, the housing (30) having an opening; The electrode assembly (40) is housed within the housing (30), the connector (80) connects the tab and the electrode terminal (60), and the end cap assembly covers the opening to enclose the electrode assembly (40) within the housing (30).

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