Battery cell, manufacturing method and manufacturing system thereof, battery, and electrical device

Abstract

A battery cell, a manufacturing method and system thereof, a battery, and an electrical device. The battery cell includes an electrode assembly, a housing, a pressure relief mechanism, and a cover assembly. The housing is provided with an accommodation space for accommodating the electrode assembly; the housing includes a first side plate located on one side along a first direction; the pressure relief mechanism is disposed on the first side plate; the cover assembly is used to seal the housing; wherein, a first flow channel extending along the inner surface is provided on the inner surface of the first side plate of the housing, and the first flow channel is used to guide the gas in the accommodation space to the pressure relief mechanism, so that the pressure relief mechanism actuates and releases pressure when the pressure reaches a threshold value; the first flow channel includes a first intermediate flow channel and a first edge flow channel; the first edge flow channel extends along the circumferential edge of the inner surface of the first side plate and is communicated with the accommodation space, and the first intermediate flow channel connects the first edge flow channel with the pressure relief mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of batteries, and more specifically, to a battery cell and a manufacturing method and system thereof, a battery, and an electrical device. Background Art

[0002] Battery cells are widely used in electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, electric bicycles, electric cars, electric airplanes, electric boats, electric toy cars, electric toy boats, electric toy airplanes, and power tools. Battery cells can include nickel-cadmium battery cells, nickel-metal hydride battery cells, lithium-ion battery cells, and secondary alkaline zinc-manganese battery cells.

[0003] In the development of battery technology, in addition to improving the performance of battery cells, safety is also an issue that cannot be ignored. If the safety of a battery cell cannot be guaranteed, the battery cell will be unusable. Therefore, how to enhance the safety of battery cells is a technical issue that needs to be addressed urgently in battery technology. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present application provide a battery cell, a manufacturing method and system thereof, a battery, and an electrical device, which can enhance the safety of the battery cell.

[0005] According to the first aspect of the present application, an embodiment of the present application provides a battery cell, including an electrode assembly, a shell, a pressure relief mechanism and a cover assembly. The shell is provided with a storage space for accommodating the electrode assembly; the shell includes a first side plate located on one side along a first direction; the pressure relief mechanism is arranged on the first side plate; the cover assembly is used to seal the shell; a first flow channel extending along the inner surface of the first side plate of the shell is provided, and the first flow channel is used to guide the gas in the storage space to the pressure relief mechanism so that the pressure relief mechanism is actuated and releases pressure when the pressure reaches a threshold. The first flow channel includes a first middle flow channel and a first edge flow channel; the first edge flow channel extends along the circumferential edge of the inner surface of the first side plate and is connected to the storage space, and the first middle flow channel connects the first edge flow channel with the pressure relief mechanism.

[0006] In the above solution, the embodiment of the present application provides a first flow channel on the first side panel of the housing, the first flow channel comprising a first intermediate flow channel and a first edge flow channel. When a battery cell releases gas during thermal runaway, the first edge flow channel can guide the gas from the containment space along the edge of the housing and into the first intermediate flow channel. The gas is then guided through the first intermediate flow channel to the pressure relief mechanism, enabling the pressure relief mechanism to activate and release the gas in a timely manner, thereby increasing the exhaust rate during thermal runaway of the battery cell and improving the safety of the battery cell.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first intermediate flow channel includes a first intermediate groove provided on the inner surface of the first side plate. One end of the first intermediate groove communicates with the pressure relief mechanism, and the other end communicates with the first edge flow channel. When thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell, the released gas can be guided along the first intermediate groove from the accommodation space to the pressure relief mechanism for discharge, without being affected by the electrode assembly to block the exhaust, improving the exhaust rate during thermal runaway of the battery cell and enhancing the safety of the battery cell. At the same time, the first intermediate groove is provided on the inner surface of the first side plate, without occupying the accommodation space and affecting the energy density of the battery cell.

[0008] In some embodiments, there are a plurality of first intermediate grooves, and each first intermediate groove communicates with the pressure relief mechanism and the first edge flow channel.

[0009] In some embodiments, at least two first intermediate grooves are parallel to each other, which is beneficial to improving the exhaust efficiency along the length direction of the first intermediate groove. Or a plurality of first intermediate grooves extend in a divergent manner around the pressure relief mechanism, which is beneficial to improving the exhaust efficiency in the circumferential direction of the pressure relief mechanism.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first edge flow channel includes a first edge groove provided at the circumferential edge of the inner surface of the first side plate and extending along the circumferential edge. Each first intermediate groove communicates with the first edge groove. By providing the first edge groove, the gas can move through the first edge groove to the nearest first intermediate groove and be guided to the pressure relief mechanism for discharge, shortening the movement path of the gas, making the exhaust smoother, and improving the exhaust efficiency. In addition, if a certain first intermediate groove is blocked, the gas can also move through the first edge groove to other first intermediate grooves for discharge, improving the exhaust reliability.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first edge groove is annular or notched annular, or the first edge groove includes a plurality of sub-grooves provided at intervals along the circumferential edge.

[0012] In some embodiments, a first protrusion protruding towards the accommodation space is formed on the inner surface of the first side plate. The first protrusion has a top surface away from the inner surface, and the first intermediate flow channel and the first edge flow channel are formed in the space between the top surface and the inner surface of the first protrusion. In this embodiment, the top surface of the first protrusion is used to support the electrode assembly. The first intermediate flow channel and the first edge flow channel are formed in the space between the top surface and the inner surface of the first protrusion, without being affected by the electrode assembly to block the exhaust, and the exhaust rate during thermal runaway of the battery cell can be improved, enhancing the safety of the battery cell.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first intermediate flow channel includes a plurality of first intermediate sub-flow channels; there are a plurality of first raised portions, and the plurality of first raised portions extend radially around the pressure relief mechanism. A first intermediate sub-flow channel is formed between two adjacent first raised portions and the inner surface of the first side plate; the housing includes a pair of second side plates disposed opposite to each other in a second direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; the housing further includes a pair of third side plates disposed opposite to each other in a third direction, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; there is a gap between the end of each first raised portion away from the pressure relief mechanism and an adjacent second side plate or an adjacent third side plate, and the gap forms a part of the first edge flow channel. By providing a plurality of first raised portions extending radially around the pressure relief mechanism to form the first intermediate flow channel and the first edge flow channel, the exhaust efficiency in the circumferential direction of the pressure relief mechanism can be improved. In addition, if a certain first intermediate sub-flow channel is blocked, the gas can still move through the first edge flow channel to other first intermediate sub-flow channels for discharge, improving the reliability of exhaust.

[0014] In some embodiments, an insulating layer is provided on the top surface of the first raised portion. The insulating layer is used to insulate the electrode assembly and the housing, eliminating the need for additional support members and reducing the occupation of space. Without affecting the exhaust of the battery cell, it is beneficial to improve the energy density of the battery cell.

[0015] In some embodiments, starting from the position where the first intermediate flow channel communicates with the pressure relief mechanism, the depth of at least a part of the first intermediate flow channel gradually decreases in the direction away from the pressure relief mechanism. Furthermore, the depth of at least a part of the first intermediate flow channel gradually increases in the direction approaching the pressure relief mechanism, forming a slope inclined towards the exhaust direction of the pressure relief mechanism, which is more conducive to guiding the gas to the pressure relief mechanism for discharge and improving the exhaust efficiency.

[0016] In some embodiments, a support member is disposed between the first side plate and the electrode assembly to support the electrode assembly; the support member has a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other, the first surface faces the first side plate, and the second surface faces the electrode assembly; a second flow channel is provided on the first surface of the support member; the second flow channel communicates the first intermediate flow channel and the accommodation space. Forming a second flow channel on the support member to communicate the first intermediate flow channel and the accommodation space can increase the cross-sectional area of the exhaust flow channel and improve the exhaust efficiency.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second flow channel matches the shape of the first flow channel. The second flow channel matches the shape of the first flow channel, and after combination, the cross-sectional area of the exhaust flow channel can be increased, improving the exhaust efficiency.

[0018] In some embodiments, the support member includes a first through hole penetrating the support member in the first direction, and the first through hole communicates the first intermediate flow channel and the accommodation space.

[0019] In some embodiments, an insulating film is further included, which is used to wrap a part of the electrode assembly and separate the electrode assembly from the housing; the insulating film includes a first side film located between the electrode assembly and the support member; the first side film includes a second through hole penetrating the first side film along a first direction, and the projection of the second through hole in the first direction does not overlap with the projection of the first through hole. The non-overlapping projection in the first direction of the second through hole on the first side film of the insulating film and the first through hole on the support member can achieve reliable insulation between the electrode assembly and the first side plate. The second through hole on the first side film of the insulating film can cooperate with the first through hole on the support member, and the gas in the accommodation space can enter the pressure relief mechanism through the second through hole, the first through hole, and the first intermediate flow channel for discharge, improving the exhaust efficiency of the internal space of the insulating film.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the present application, a battery is provided, which includes the battery cell of the first aspect.

[0021] According to a third aspect of the present application, an electrical device is provided, which includes: the battery of the second aspect.

[0022] In some embodiments, the electrical device is a vehicle, a ship, or a spacecraft.

[0023] According to a fourth aspect of the present application, a method for manufacturing a battery cell is provided, which includes providing an electrode assembly; providing a housing, the housing is provided with an accommodation space for accommodating the electrode assembly; the housing includes a first side plate located on one side along a first direction; providing a pressure relief mechanism, the pressure relief mechanism is arranged on the first side plate; providing a cover assembly, the cover assembly is used to seal the housing; assembling the electrode assembly, the housing, the pressure relief mechanism, and the cover assembly to form a battery cell; wherein, providing the housing includes forming a first flow channel extending along the inner surface on the inner surface of the first side plate of the housing, the first flow channel is used to guide the gas in the accommodation space to the pressure relief mechanism, so that the pressure relief mechanism actuates and discharges pressure when the pressure reaches a threshold value; the first flow channel includes a first intermediate flow channel and a first edge flow channel; the first edge flow channel extends along the circumferential edge of the inner surface of the first side plate and is connected to the accommodation space, and the first intermediate flow channel connects the first edge flow channel with the pressure relief mechanism.

[0024] According to the fifth aspect of the present application, a battery cell manufacturing system is provided, including an electrode assembly providing device for providing an electrode assembly; a shell providing device for providing a shell, the shell being provided with a accommodating space for accommodating the electrode assembly; the shell comprising a first side plate located on one side along a first direction; a pressure relief mechanism providing device for providing a pressure relief mechanism, the pressure relief mechanism being used to be arranged on the first side plate; a cover assembly providing device for providing a cover assembly, the cover assembly being used to seal the shell; an assembling device for assembling the electrode assembly, the shell, the pressure relief mechanism and the cover assembly to form a battery cell; wherein a first flow channel extending along the inner surface of the first side plate of the shell is formed, the first flow channel being used to guide the gas in the accommodating space to the pressure relief mechanism, so that the pressure relief mechanism is actuated and releases the pressure when the pressure reaches a threshold value; the first flow channel comprises a first intermediate flow channel and a first edge flow channel; the first edge flow channel extends along the circumferential edge of the inner surface of the first side plate and is connected to the accommodating space, and the first intermediate flow channel connects the first edge flow channel with the pressure relief mechanism.

[0025] The battery cell and its manufacturing method and manufacturing system, battery and power-consuming device provided in the present application can improve the exhaust efficiency of the battery cell during thermal runaway and improve the safety of the battery cell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present application and constitute a part of the present application. The illustrative embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present application. In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a vehicle provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0028] Figure 2 An exploded schematic diagram of a battery provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of the battery module shown;

[0030] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of an explosion of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0031] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of a battery cell housing provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0032] Figure 6 A schematic top view of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0033] Figure 7 for Figure 6 As shown in Figure 5Schematic cross-sectional view of the battery cell of the housing of the embodiment at B-B;

[0034] Figure 8 is Figure 7 Enlarged schematic view of the battery cell shown in [reference] at C;

[0035] Figure 9 is Figure 7 Enlarged schematic view of the battery cell shown in [reference] at D;

[0036] Figure 10 is Figure 6 Schematic cross-sectional view of the battery cell of the housing of the embodiment adopting [reference] at E-E; Figure 5 ;

[0037] Figure 11 is Figure 10 Enlarged schematic view of the battery cell shown in [reference] at F;

[0038] Figure 12 Schematic structural view of the housing of the battery cell provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 13 Schematic structural view of the housing of the battery cell provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 14 Schematic structural view of the housing of the battery cell provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 15 is Figure 6 Partial enlarged schematic view of the schematic cross-sectional view of the battery cell of the housing of the embodiment adopting [reference] at E-E shown in [reference]; Figure 14 ;

[0042] Figure 16 Schematic structural view of the battery cell provided by another embodiment of the present application provided with a support member;

[0043] Figure 17 Schematic structural view of the support member of the battery cell provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 18 Schematic structural view of the support member of the battery cell provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 19 Schematic structural view of the support member of the battery cell provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 20 Schematic structural view of the battery cell provided by another embodiment of the present application provided with a support member and an insulating film;

[0047] Figure 21 Schematic structural diagram of the insulating film shown in another embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 22 Schematic flow chart of the manufacturing method of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0049] Figure 23 Schematic block diagram of the manufacturing system of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0050] In the accompanying drawings, the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0051] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Apparently, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present application. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present application without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0052] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in the present application have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the technical field to which the present application belongs; the terms used in the specification of the present application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of the present application and the above accompanying drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present application or the above accompanying drawings are used to distinguish different objects and not to describe a specific order or primary-secondary relationship.

[0053] Referring to "embodiments" in the present application means that the specific features, structures or characteristics described in connection with the embodiments can be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The phrase appears in various positions in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0054] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected to", and "attached to" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0055] The term "and / or" in this application is merely a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0056] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals represent the same components. And for the sake of brevity, in different embodiments, the detailed description of the same components is omitted. It should be understood that the thickness, length, width, etc. of various components in the embodiments of this application shown in the drawings, as well as the overall thickness, length, width, etc. of the integrated device, are only exemplary descriptions and should not constitute any limitation to this application.

[0057] The term "a plurality of" as used in this application refers to two or more (including two).

[0058] In this application, the battery cell may include a lithium-ion secondary battery cell, a lithium-ion primary battery cell, a lithium-sulfur battery cell, a sodium-lithium-ion battery cell, a sodium-ion battery cell, a magnesium-ion battery cell, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this. The battery cell can be in the shape of a cylinder, a flat body, a cuboid, or other shapes, and the embodiments of this application also do not limit this. Generally, the battery cell is divided into three types according to the encapsulation method: cylindrical battery cell, square battery cell, and soft-pack battery cell, and the embodiments of this application also do not limit this.

[0059] The battery mentioned in the embodiments of this application refers to a single physical module that includes one or more battery cells to provide a higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery mentioned in this application may include a battery module or a battery pack, etc. The battery generally includes a box for encapsulating one or more battery cells. The box can prevent liquids or other foreign objects from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells.

[0060] The battery cell includes an electrode assembly and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode tab, a negative electrode tab, and a separator. The battery cell mainly operates by the movement of metal ions between the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab. The positive electrode tab includes a positive current collector and a positive active material layer, and the positive active material layer is coated on the surface of the positive current collector; the positive current collector includes a positive current collecting portion and a positive protrusion protruding from the positive current collecting portion. The positive current collecting portion is coated with the positive active material layer, and at least a part of the positive protrusion is not coated with the positive active material layer. The positive protrusion serves as the positive electrode ear. Taking a lithium-ion battery as an example, the material of the positive current collector can be aluminum, and the positive active material layer includes a positive active material, which can be lithium cobaltate, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, lithium manganate, etc. The negative electrode tab includes a negative current collector and a negative active material layer, and the negative active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative current collector; the negative current collector includes a negative current collecting portion and a negative protrusion protruding from the negative current collecting portion. The negative current collecting portion is coated with the negative active material layer, and at least a part of the negative protrusion is not coated with the negative active material layer. The negative protrusion serves as the negative electrode ear. The material of the negative current collector can be copper, and the negative active material layer includes a negative active material, which can be carbon or silicon, etc. In order to ensure that a large current can pass through without fusing, the number of positive electrode ears is multiple and stacked together, and the number of negative electrode ears is multiple and stacked together. The material of the separator can be PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene), etc. In addition, the electrode assembly can be a wound structure or a stacked structure, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0061] The battery cell may further include a housing assembly. The housing assembly has an accommodation cavity inside, and the accommodation cavity is a closed space provided by the housing assembly for the electrode assembly and the electrolyte.

[0062] For the battery cell, the main safety hazards come from the charging and discharging processes. At the same time, there is also a suitable environmental temperature design. In order to effectively avoid unnecessary losses, there are generally at least three protection measures for the battery cell. Specifically, the protection measures at least include a switching element, selecting an appropriate separator material, and a pressure relief mechanism. The switching element refers to an element that can stop the charging or discharging of the battery when the temperature or resistance inside the battery cell reaches a certain threshold. The separator is used to isolate the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab, and can automatically dissolve the micron-level (even nanometer-level) micropores attached to it when the temperature rises to a certain value, so that metal ions cannot pass through the separator, terminating the internal reaction of the battery cell.

[0063] A pressure relief mechanism refers to an element or component that actuates to release internal pressure when the internal pressure of a battery cell reaches a predetermined threshold. This threshold is designed differently according to different design requirements. The threshold may depend on the materials of one or several of the positive electrode plate, negative electrode plate, electrolyte, and separator in the battery cell. The pressure relief mechanism can be in the form of, for example, an explosion-proof valve, a gas valve, a pressure relief valve, or a safety valve, and can specifically adopt a pressure-sensitive element or structure, that is, when the internal pressure of the battery cell reaches a predetermined threshold, the pressure relief mechanism performs an action or a weak structure provided in the pressure relief mechanism ruptures, thereby forming an opening or channel for the release of internal pressure or temperature.

[0064] The "actuation" mentioned in this application means that the pressure relief mechanism generates an action or is activated to a certain state, so that the internal pressure of the battery cell can be released. The actions generated by the pressure relief mechanism can include, but are not limited to: at least a part of the pressure relief mechanism ruptures, breaks, is torn, or opens, etc. When the pressure relief mechanism is actuated, the high-temperature and high-pressure substances inside the battery cell are discharged outward from the actuated part as emissions. In this way, the battery cell can be depressurized under a controllable pressure, thereby avoiding potential more serious accidents.

[0065] The emissions from the battery cell mentioned in this application include, but are not limited to: electrolyte, dissolved or fragmented positive and negative electrode plates, fragments of the separator, high-temperature and high-pressure gases generated by the reaction, flames, etc.

[0066] The pressure relief mechanism on the battery cell has an important impact on the safety of the battery cell. For example, when short circuits, overcharging, etc. occur, it may cause thermal runaway inside the battery cell, resulting in a sudden increase in pressure. In this case, the internal pressure can be released outward through the actuation of the pressure relief mechanism to prevent the battery cell from exploding or catching fire.

[0067] The pressure relief mechanism is usually installed in the housing assembly. The inventors found that in order to improve the energy density of the battery cell, the space available for gas flow inside the battery cell is limited, resulting in a low rate of gas discharge during thermal runaway. In addition, the pressure relief mechanism may be blocked by the components inside the housing assembly, leading to poor exhaust and potential safety hazards.

[0068] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides a technical solution. In this technical solution, a battery cell includes an electrode assembly, a housing, a pressure relief mechanism, and a cover assembly. Among them, the housing is provided with a receiving space for receiving the electrode assembly; the housing includes a first side plate located on one side along the first direction; the pressure relief mechanism is disposed on the first side plate; the cover assembly is used to seal the housing; wherein, a first flow channel extending along the inner surface is provided on the inner surface of the first side plate of the housing, and the first flow channel is used to guide the gas in the receiving space to the pressure relief mechanism, so that the pressure relief mechanism actuates and releases pressure when the pressure reaches a threshold value. The first flow channel includes a first intermediate flow channel and a first edge flow channel; the first edge flow channel extends along the circumferential edge of the inner surface of the first side plate and is communicated with the receiving space, and the first intermediate flow channel connects the first edge flow channel with the pressure relief mechanism. The battery cell with this structure guides high-temperature and high-pressure gas to the pressure relief mechanism during thermal runaway, improves the exhaust rate, and improves the safety performance.

[0069] The technical solution described in the embodiments of the present application is applicable to batteries and electrical devices using batteries.

[0070] The electrical device can be a vehicle, a mobile phone, a portable device, a laptop computer, a ship, a spacecraft, an electric toy, an electric tool, etc. The vehicle can be a fuel vehicle, a gas vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or an extended-range vehicle, etc.; the spacecraft includes an airplane, a rocket, a space shuttle, a spaceship, etc.; the electric toy includes a stationary or mobile electric toy, for example, a game console, an electric vehicle toy, an electric ship toy, an electric airplane toy, etc.; the electric tool includes a metal cutting electric tool, a grinding electric tool, an assembly electric tool, and a railway electric tool, for example, an electric drill, an electric grinding wheel, an electric wrench, an electric screwdriver, a hammer drill, an impact electric drill, a concrete vibrator, an electric planer, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not impose special restrictions on the above electrical devices.

[0071] For the convenience of description, the following embodiments take the electrical device as a vehicle as an example for description.

[0072] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle provided for some embodiments of the present application. As Figure 1 shown, a battery 2 is disposed inside the vehicle 1, and the battery 2 can be disposed at the bottom, the head, or the tail of the vehicle 1. The battery 2 can be used for power supply of the vehicle 1. For example, the battery 2 can be used as the operating power source of the vehicle 1.

[0073] The vehicle 1 may further include a controller 3 and a motor 4. The controller 3 is used to control the battery 2 to supply power to the motor 4. For example, it is used for the working power requirements during the start, navigation, and driving of the vehicle 1.

[0074] In some embodiments of the present application, the battery 2 can not only serve as the operating power source of the vehicle 1, but also as the driving power source of the vehicle 1, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1.

[0075] Figure 2 An explosion schematic diagram of the battery provided for some embodiments of the present application. As Figure 2 shown, the battery 2 includes a box body 5 and battery cells ( Figure 2 not shown), and the battery cells are accommodated in the box body 5.

[0076] The box body 5 is used to accommodate the battery cells, and the box body 5 can have various structures. In some embodiments, the box body 5 can include a first box body part 51 and a second box body part 52. The first box body part 51 and the second box body part 52 cover each other, and the first box body part 51 and the second box body part 52 jointly define a accommodation space 53 for accommodating the battery cells. The second box body part 52 can be a hollow structure with one end open, and the first box body part 51 is a plate-like structure. The first box body part 51 covers the opening side of the second box body part 52 to form the box body 5 with the accommodation space 53; both the first box body part 51 and the second box body part 52 can also be hollow structures with one side open, and the opening side of the first box body part 51 covers the opening side of the second box body part 52 to form the box body 5 with the accommodation space 53. Of course, the first box body part 51 and the second box body part 52 can have various shapes, such as a cylinder, a cuboid, etc.

[0077] To improve the sealing performance after the connection between the first box body part 51 and the second box body part 52, a sealing member, such as sealant, sealing ring, etc., can also be provided between the first box body part 51 and the second box body part 52.

[0078] Assume that the first box body part 51 covers the top of the second box body part 52. The first box body part 51 can also be called the upper box cover, and the second box body part 52 can also be called the lower box body.

[0079] In the battery 2, the battery cells can be one or multiple. If there are multiple battery cells, the multiple battery cells can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed connection. A mixed connection means that there are both series and parallel connections among the multiple battery cells. The multiple battery cells can be directly connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed connection together, and then the whole formed by the multiple battery cells is accommodated in the box body 5; of course, it can also be that multiple battery cells are first connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed connection to form a battery module 6, and then multiple battery modules 6 are connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed connection to form a whole and are accommodated in the box body 5.

[0080] Figure 3 For Figure 2 the structural schematic diagram of the battery module shown. As Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, there are multiple battery cells 7. The multiple battery cells 7 are first connected in series, parallel, or in a hybrid connection to form a battery module 6. Then, multiple battery modules 6 are connected in series, parallel, or in a hybrid connection to form an integral unit and are accommodated in a box.

[0081] The multiple battery cells 7 in the battery module 6 can be electrically connected through a busbar component to achieve parallel, series, or hybrid connection of the multiple battery cells 7 in the battery module 6.

[0082] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0083] As Figure 4 shown, the battery cell 7 provided in the embodiments of the present application includes an electrode assembly 10 and a housing assembly 20, and the electrode assembly 10 is accommodated in the housing assembly 20.

[0084] In some embodiments, the battery cell 7 includes: an electrode assembly 10, a housing 21, a pressure relief mechanism 30, and a cover assembly 22. Among them, the housing 21 is provided with a receiving space 218 for accommodating the electrode assembly 10; the housing 10 includes a first side plate 212 on one side along the first direction Z; the pressure relief mechanism 30 is disposed on the first side plate 212; the cover assembly 22 is used to seal the housing 21; wherein, a first flow channel extending along the inner surface 2120 is provided on the inner surface 2120 of the first side plate 212 of the housing 21, and the first flow channel is used to guide the gas in the receiving space 218 to the pressure relief mechanism 30, so that the pressure relief mechanism 30 is actuated and releases pressure when the pressure reaches a threshold.

[0085] In some embodiments, the housing assembly 20 can also be used to accommodate an electrolyte, such as an electrolyte solution. The housing assembly 20 can be in various structural forms.

[0086] In some embodiments, the housing assembly 20 may include a housing 21 and a cover assembly 22. The housing 21 is a hollow structure with an opening on one side, and the cover assembly 22 covers the opening of the housing 21 and forms a sealed connection to form a receiving cavity for accommodating the electrode assembly 10 and the electrolyte.

[0087] The housing 21 can be in various shapes, such as a cylinder, a cuboid, etc. The shape of the housing 21 can be determined according to the specific shape of the electrode assembly 10. For example, if the electrode assembly 10 is a cylindrical structure, a cylindrical housing can be selected; if the electrode assembly 10 is a cuboid structure, a cuboid housing can be selected.

[0088] In some embodiments, the cover assembly 22 includes an end cover 221, and the end cover 221 covers the opening of the housing 21. The end cover 221 can be in various structures. For example, the end cover 221 is a plate-like structure. Exemplarily, in Figure 4Among them, the housing 21 has a cuboid structure, and the end cap 221 has a plate-like structure. The end cap 221 covers the opening at the top of the housing 21.

[0089] The end cap 221 can be made of an insulating material (such as plastic) or a conductive material (such as metal). When the end cap 221 is made of a metal material, the cover assembly 22 may further include an insulating plate located on the side of the end cap 221 facing the electrode assembly 10 to insulate and separate the end cap 221 and the electrode assembly 10.

[0090] In some embodiments, the cover assembly 22 may further include electrode terminals 222 mounted on the end cap 221. There are two electrode terminals 222, which are respectively defined as a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal. Both the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal are used for electrical connection with the electrode assembly 10 to output the electrical energy generated by the electrode assembly 10.

[0091] In other embodiments, the outer shell assembly 20 may also be of other structures. For example, the outer shell assembly 20 includes a housing 21 and two cover assemblies 22. The housing 21 has a hollow structure with openings on opposite sides. One cover assembly 22 correspondingly covers one opening of the housing 21 and forms a sealed connection to form a receiving cavity for accommodating the electrode assembly 10 and the electrolyte. In this structure, two electrode terminals 222 may be provided on one cover assembly 22, while no electrode terminals 222 are provided on the other cover assembly 22, or one electrode terminal 222 may be provided on each of the two cover assemblies 22.

[0092] In the battery cell 7, the electrode assembly 10 accommodated in the outer shell assembly 20 may be one or more. Exemplarily, in Figure 4 there are two electrode assemblies 10.

[0093] The electrode assembly 10 includes a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator. The electrode assembly 10 may be a wound electrode assembly, a stacked electrode assembly, or other forms of electrode assemblies.

[0094] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 10 is a wound electrode assembly. The positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, and the separator are all in strip-like structures. In the embodiments of the present application, the positive electrode plate, the separator, and the negative electrode plate may be sequentially stacked and wound more than two turns to form the electrode assembly 10.

[0095] In other embodiments, the electrode assembly 10 is a stacked electrode assembly. Specifically, the electrode assembly 10 includes a plurality of positive electrode plates and a plurality of negative electrode plates, and the positive electrode plates and the negative electrode plates are alternately stacked, and the stacking direction is parallel to the thickness directions of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate.

[0096] From the appearance of the electrode assembly 10, the electrode assembly 10 includes a main body 11 and a tab 12 connected to the main body 11. Exemplarily, the tab 12 extends from one end of the main body 11 close to the cap assembly 22.

[0097] In some embodiments, there are two tabs 12, which are defined as a positive tab and a negative tab, respectively. The positive tab and the negative tab can extend from the same end of the main body 11 or from opposite ends of the main body 11.

[0098] The main body 11 is the core component of the electrode assembly 10 that enables charging and discharging. The tabs 12 are used to extract the current generated by the main body 11. The main body 11 includes a positive current collector (positive electrode current collector), a positive electrode active material layer, a negative current collector (negative electrode current collector), a negative electrode active material layer, and a separator. The positive tabs include multiple positive tabs, and the negative tabs include multiple negative tabs.

[0099] The pole lug 12 is used to electrically connect to the electrode terminal 222. The pole lug 12 can be directly connected to the electrode terminal 222 by welding or other means, or it can be indirectly connected to the electrode terminal 222 through other components. For example, the battery cell 7 also includes a current collecting component 13, which is used to electrically connect the electrode terminal 222 and the pole lug 12. There are two current collecting components 13, and the two current collecting components 13 are respectively defined as a positive current collecting component and a negative current collecting component. The positive current collecting component is used to electrically connect the positive electrode terminal and the positive pole lug, and the negative current collecting component is used to electrically connect the negative electrode terminal and the negative pole lug. When the battery cell 7 is provided with multiple electrode assemblies 10, the positive current collecting components of the multiple electrode assemblies 10 can be provided as a whole, and the negative current collecting components of the multiple electrode assemblies 10 can be provided as a whole.

[0100] The first side plate 212 is located on one side of the housing assembly 20 along the first direction Z. The housing 21 of the housing assembly 20 has an end opening on the other side along the first direction Z opposite to the first side plate 212 .

[0101] When the housing 21 is a hollow structure with one end open, the first side plate 212 is a bottom plate of the housing 21 located on a side of the electrode assembly 10 facing away from the cap assembly 22 .

[0102] The pressure relief mechanism 30 is disposed on the first side plate 212. The pressure relief mechanism 30 can be a part of the first side plate 212 or a separate structure from the first side plate 212. The first side plate 212 is provided with a first pressure relief hole 210 penetrating in its own thickness direction. The pressure relief mechanism 30 is fixed on the first side plate 212 by welding or other means and covers the first pressure relief hole 210. The pressure relief mechanism 30 seals the first pressure relief hole 210 to separate the spaces on both sides of the first side plate 212, preventing the electrolyte from flowing out through the first pressure relief hole 210 during normal operation.

[0103] The pressure relief mechanism 30 is used to actuate to release the internal pressure when the internal pressure of the battery cell 7 reaches a threshold value. When too much gas is generated in the battery cell 7, causing the internal pressure in the housing 21 to rise and reach the threshold value, the pressure relief mechanism 30 performs an action or a weak structure provided in the pressure relief mechanism 30 is ruptured, and the gas and other high-temperature and high-pressure substances are released outward through the opening formed by the rupture of the pressure relief mechanism 30 and the first pressure relief hole 210, thereby preventing the battery cell 7 from exploding.

[0104] The pressure relief mechanism 30 can be various possible pressure relief structures, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this. For example, the pressure relief mechanism 30 can be a pressure-sensitive pressure relief mechanism, which is configured to rupture when the internal air pressure of the battery cell 7 provided with the pressure-sensitive pressure relief mechanism reaches a threshold value.

[0105] In some embodiments, the pressure relief mechanism 30 is formed with a notch, a groove or other structures to reduce the local strength of the pressure relief mechanism 30 and form a weak structure on the pressure relief mechanism 30; when the internal pressure of the battery cell 7 reaches the threshold value, the pressure relief mechanism 30 ruptures at the weak structure, and the part of the pressure relief mechanism 30 arranged along the rupture folds over to form an opening to release the high-temperature and high-pressure substances.

[0106] When phenomena such as short circuit and overcharge occur, the battery cell 7 undergoes thermal runaway and releases a large amount of high-temperature and high-pressure substances, such as high-temperature and high-pressure gas; the first flow channel can guide the gas flow to guide the gas in the accommodation space 218 to the pressure relief mechanism 30, and the gas acts on the pressure-bearing surface of the pressure relief mechanism 30 and applies pressure to the pressure relief mechanism 30; as the gas increases, the pressure borne by the pressure relief mechanism 30 becomes greater, and the pressure relief mechanism 30 actuates when the pressure reaches the threshold value to release the gas and other high-temperature and high-pressure substances to the outside of the battery cell 7, thereby releasing the internal pressure of the battery cell 7 outward to prevent the battery cell 7 from exploding and catching fire.

[0107] By providing the first flow channel on the first side plate 212 of the housing 21 in the embodiments of the present application, the gas released by the battery cell 7 during thermal runaway can be guided from the accommodation space 218 to the pressure relief mechanism 30, enabling the pressure relief mechanism 30 to actuate in time and release the gas, improving the exhaust rate during the thermal runaway of the battery cell 7 and enhancing the safety of the battery cell 7.

[0108] Figure 5 Schematic structural diagram of the housing of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of the present application; Figure 6 Top view schematic of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of the present application; Figure 7 For Figure 6 the battery cell with the housing of the embodiment using Figure 5 Cross-sectional schematic view at B-B of the battery cell; Figure 8 For Figure 7 Enlarged schematic view of the battery cell at C shown in Figure 9 For Figure 7 Enlarged schematic view of the battery cell at D shown in Figure 10 For Figure 6 the battery cell with the housing of the embodiment using Figure 5 Cross-sectional schematic view at E-E of the battery cell; Figure 11 For Figure 10 Enlarged schematic view of the battery cell at F shown in

[0109] Referring to Figures 5 to 11 , in some embodiments, the first flow channel includes a first intermediate flow channel 215 and a first edge flow channel 216; the first edge flow channel 216 extends along the circumferential edge of the inner surface 2120 of the first side plate 212 and is in communication with the accommodation space 218, and the first intermediate flow channel 215 communicates the first edge flow channel 216 with the pressure relief mechanism 30.

[0110] In some embodiments, the first intermediate flow channel 215 includes a first intermediate groove 2141 extending on the inner surface 2120. One end of each first intermediate groove 2141 is in communication with the pressure relief mechanism 30, and the other end is in communication with the first edge flow channel 216. When the battery cell 7 undergoes thermal runaway, the released gas can be guided from the accommodation space 218 to the pressure relief mechanism 30 along the first intermediate groove 2141 for discharge, without being affected by the electrode assembly 10 to block the exhaust, improving the exhaust rate during the thermal runaway of the battery cell 7, improving the safety of the battery cell 7. At the same time, the first intermediate groove 2141 is provided on the inner surface 2120 of the first side plate 212, and does not occupy the accommodation space 218 to affect the energy density of the battery cell 7.

[0111] In some embodiments, the first intermediate flow channel 215 includes a plurality of first intermediate grooves 2141, and each first intermediate groove 2141 communicates with the pressure relief mechanism 30 and the first edge flow channel 216. The plurality of first intermediate grooves 2141 can increase the exhaust rate during thermal runaway of the battery cell 7, improve the safety of the battery cell 7. At the same time, even if a certain first intermediate groove 2141 is blocked, the gas can move through the first edge flow channel 216 to other first intermediate grooves 2141 and then be discharged by the pressure relief mechanism 30, improving the reliability of exhaust. At the same time, the first intermediate grooves 2141 are arranged on the inner surface of the first side plate 212 and do not occupy the accommodation space 218 and affect the energy density of the battery cell 7.

[0112] In some embodiments, the plurality of first intermediate grooves 2141 on the housing 21 extend radially around the pressure relief mechanism 30.

[0113] Specifically, the plurality of first intermediate grooves 2141 together form the first intermediate flow channel 215, and the plurality of first intermediate grooves 2141 extend radially around the pressure relief mechanism 30. The radially extending means that the plurality of first intermediate grooves 2141 are centered on the pressure relief mechanism 30, and the plurality of first intermediate grooves 2141 generally extend along the radial direction with the center of the pressure relief mechanism 30 as the axis. One end of the plurality of first intermediate grooves 2141 is connected to the pressure relief mechanism 30. In some embodiments, the plurality of first intermediate grooves 2141 are connected to the first pressure relief hole 210. The other ends of a part of the first intermediate grooves 2141 extend to the vicinity of the adjacent second side plate 213, and the other ends of a part of the first intermediate grooves 2141 extend to the vicinity of the third side plate 211.

[0114] In some embodiments, the first edge flow channel 216 includes a first edge groove 2142 provided at the circumferential edge of the inner surface 2120 of the first side plate 212 and extending along the circumferential edge. Each first intermediate groove 2141 is connected to the first edge groove 2142. By providing the first edge groove 2142, the gas can move through the first edge groove 2142 to the nearest first intermediate groove 2141 and be guided to the pressure relief mechanism 30 for discharge, shortening the movement path of the gas, making the exhaust smoother, and improving the exhaust efficiency. In addition, if a certain first intermediate groove 2141 is blocked, the gas can also move through the first edge groove 2142 to other first intermediate grooves 2141 for discharge, improving the reliability of exhaust. In some embodiments, the first edge groove 2142 is an integrally connected ring.

[0115] Refer to Figure 5As shown, the housing 21 includes a pair of second side plates 213 oppositely disposed along the third direction Y, and a pair of third side plates 211 oppositely disposed along the second direction X. The second side plates 213 and the third side plates 211 are both connected to the first side plate 212, and the adjacent second side plates 213 and third side plates 211 are also connected to each other to jointly form an accommodation space 218. The second direction X is perpendicular to the first direction Z and perpendicular to the third direction Y. The third direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction Z and perpendicular to the second direction X.

[0116] Referring to Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the accommodation space 218 includes a first gap G1 provided between the electrode assembly 10 and each second side plate 213, and a part of the first edge groove 2142 extending to the vicinity of the adjacent second side plate 213 communicates with the first gap G1. The accommodation space 218 further includes a second gap G2 provided between the electrode assembly 10 and each third side plate 211, and a part of the first edge groove 2142 extending to the vicinity of the third side plate 213 communicates with the second gap G2. In this way, when the battery cell 7 undergoes thermal runaway, the gas can be guided along the first edge groove 2142 through the first gap G1 and the second gap G2 in the circumferential direction of the first side plate 212 to the first intermediate groove 2141, and then move to the pressure relief mechanism 30 through the first intermediate groove 2141. In addition, the gas generated inside the electrode assembly 10 can also directly enter the pressure relief mechanism 30 through the first intermediate groove 2141. The exhaust rate during the thermal runaway of the battery cell 7 is increased, and the safety of the battery cell 7 is improved.

[0117] Referring to Figure 8 , the accommodation space 218 includes a first gap G1 provided between the electrode assembly 10 and each second side plate 213. The first edge groove 2142 communicates with the first gap G1. The first intermediate groove 2141 communicates with the first gap G1 through the first edge groove 2142, thereby realizing the communication between the first intermediate flow channel 215 and the accommodation space 218 through the first edge flow channel 216.

[0118] Referring to Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, starting from the position where the first intermediate flow channel 215 communicates with the pressure relief mechanism 30, the depth H of at least a part of the length of the first intermediate flow channel 215 gradually decreases in the direction away from the pressure relief mechanism 30.

[0119] Specifically, starting from the position where the first intermediate flow channel 215 communicates with the pressure relief mechanism 30, along at least a part of the length of each first intermediate groove 2141 constituting the first intermediate flow channel 215 in the third direction Y, the depth H of the first intermediate groove 2141 gradually decreases in the direction away from the pressure relief mechanism 30. Referring to Figure 9As shown, the depth H of at least a part of the length of the first intermediate groove 2141 gradually increases along the direction approaching the pressure relief mechanism 30, forming a slope inclined towards the exhaust direction of the pressure relief mechanism 30, which is more conducive to guiding the gas to the pressure relief mechanism 30 for discharge and improving the exhaust efficiency. The slope can be inclined in a straight line or an arc.

[0120] The partial length means that the part where the depth H changes only occupies a part of the length of the first intermediate flow channel 215 connected to the pressure relief mechanism 20 in the third direction Y, and the depth of the remaining part of the first intermediate flow channel 215 can remain unchanged. In some other embodiments, the depth H of the first intermediate flow channel 215 can also change along the entire length of the first intermediate flow channel 215.

[0121] The position where the first intermediate flow channel 215 communicates with the pressure relief mechanism 30 refers to the position where the first intermediate flow channel 215 is connected to the edge of the pressure relief mechanism 30. When the first pressure relief hole 210 is provided on the housing 21, the position where the first intermediate flow channel 215 communicates with the pressure relief mechanism 30 refers to the position where the first intermediate flow channel 215 is connected to the first pressure relief hole 210.

[0122] Refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 , a second gap G2 is formed between the electrode assembly 10 and each third side plate 211, and the first edge groove 2142 communicates with the second gap G2. The first intermediate groove 2141 communicates with the second gap G2 through the first edge groove 2142, and further realizes the communication between the first intermediate flow channel 215 and the accommodation space 218 through the first edge flow channel 216. Further, when the gas generated by the battery cell 7 is too much, causing the internal pressure of the housing 21 to rise and reach the threshold value, after the gas passes through the second gap G2, it can move to the pressure relief mechanism 30 through the plurality of first intermediate grooves 2141 without being blocked by the electrode assembly 10 for discharge.

[0123] In addition, in some embodiments, the gas generated inside the electrode assembly 10 can also directly enter the pressure relief mechanism 30 through the first intermediate flow channel 215.

[0124] Figure 12 It is a schematic structural diagram of the housing of the battery cell provided in another embodiment of the present application.

[0125] Refer to Figure 12 As shown, in this embodiment, the difference between the housing 21 in the embodiment of Figure 5 is that the plurality of first intermediate grooves 2141 forming the first intermediate flow channel 215 include at least two mutually parallel first intermediate grooves 2141. As Figure 12As shown, the first intermediate flow channel 215 includes two first intermediate grooves 2141 extending along the third direction Y and two first intermediate grooves 2141 extending along the second direction X. Each first intermediate groove 2141 communicates with the pressure relief mechanism 30 and the first edge groove 2142. The number of the first intermediate grooves 2141 is not limited to two, and their extending directions are not limited to the third direction Y or the second direction X.

[0126] Figure 13 The structural schematic diagram of the housing of the battery cell provided by another embodiment of the present application.

[0127] Referring to Figure 13 As shown in Figure 5 The difference between the housing 21 in this embodiment and the housing 21 in the embodiment of

[0128] Figure 14 The structural schematic diagram of the housing of the battery cell provided by another embodiment of the present application; Figure 15 is Figure 6 As shown in Figure 14 The partial enlarged schematic diagram of the cross-sectional view of the battery cell with the housing of the embodiment of

[0129] Referring to Figure 14 、 15 As shown in

[0130] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 14As shown in the figure, the first intermediate flow channel 215 includes a plurality of first intermediate sub-flow channels 2151 communicating with the pressure relief mechanism 30; there are a plurality of first protrusions 2143, and the plurality of first protrusions 2143 extend radially around the pressure relief mechanism 30 and are spaced apart from each other. A first intermediate sub-flow channel 2151 is formed between two adjacent first protrusions 2143 and the inner surface 2120. A fifth gap G5 is provided between the end of each first protrusion 2143 away from the pressure relief mechanism 30 and an adjacent second side plate 213 or an adjacent third side plate 211, and the fifth gap G5 forms a part of the first edge flow channel 216. By providing a plurality of first protrusions 2143 extending radially around the pressure relief mechanism 30, the first intermediate flow channel 215 and the first edge flow channel 216 are formed, which can improve the exhaust efficiency in the circumferential direction of the pressure relief mechanism 30. By providing the fifth gap G5, the gas can also move circumferentially along the edge of the first side plate 212 to form the first edge flow channel 216. In addition, if a certain first intermediate sub-flow channel 2151 is blocked, the gas can also move through the first edge flow channel 216 to other first intermediate sub-flow channels 2151 for discharge, improving the reliability of exhaust.

[0131] Specifically, a first intermediate sub-flow channel 2151 is formed between two adjacent first protrusions 2143 and the inner surface 2120, and the plurality of first intermediate sub-flow channels 2151 extend radially around the pressure relief mechanism 30 and are spaced apart from each other. The radially extending means that the plurality of first intermediate sub-flow channels 2151 are centered on the pressure relief mechanism 30, and the plurality of first intermediate sub-flow channels 2151 generally extend along the radial direction with the center point of the pressure relief mechanism 30 as the axis. One end of the plurality of first intermediate sub-flow channels 2151 is connected to the pressure relief mechanism 30. In some embodiments, the plurality of first intermediate sub-flow channels 2151 are connected to the first pressure relief hole 210. The other end of a part of the first intermediate sub-flow channels 2151 extends to the vicinity of a second side plate 213 and communicates with the first gap G1; the other end of a part of the first intermediate sub-flow channels 2151 extends to the vicinity of a third side plate 211 and communicates with the second gap G2. The adjacent first intermediate sub-flow channels 2151 can also be connected through the fifth gap G5.

[0132] Refer to Figure 8 and 11As shown in , in this embodiment, the accommodation space 218 includes a first gap G1 provided between the electrode assembly 10 and each second side plate 213. A portion of the first intermediate manifold 2151 extending to the vicinity of one of the second side plates 213 communicates with the first gap G1. The accommodation space 218 also includes a second gap G2 provided between the electrode assembly 10 and each third side plate 211. A portion of the first intermediate manifold 2151 extending to the vicinity of one of the third side plates 213 communicates with the second gap G2. Thus, when a battery cell 7 experiences thermal runaway, gas can be guided along the first intermediate manifold 215 in the circumferential direction of the pressure relief mechanism 30 to the pressure relief mechanism 30, increasing the exhaust rate during thermal runaway and improving the safety of the battery cell 7. Furthermore, if a first intermediate manifold 2151 becomes blocked, gas can flow through the first edge manifold 216 to other first intermediate manifolds 2151 for discharge, improving the reliability of exhaust.

[0133] In addition, in some embodiments, the gas generated inside the electrode assembly 10 can also directly enter the pressure relief mechanism 30 through the first intermediate branch channel 2151 .

[0134] also, Figures 12 to 14 In the embodiment, you can also refer to Figure 9 In the embodiment, starting from the position where the first intermediate flow channel 215 is connected to the pressure relief mechanism 30, the depth H of at least a portion of the length of the first intermediate flow channel 215 gradually decreases in a direction away from the pressure relief mechanism 30.

[0135] In the above embodiment, an insulating layer may further be provided on the top surface 2140 of the first protrusion 2143. The insulating layer is used to achieve insulation between the electrode assembly 10 and the shell 21. No additional supporting structure is required, which reduces the occupation of the accommodating space 218. Without affecting the exhaust of the battery cell 7, it is beneficial to improve the energy density of the battery cell 7.

[0136] Figure 16 This is a schematic structural diagram of a battery cell provided in yet another embodiment of the present application.

[0137] Reference Figure 16 As shown in , in this embodiment, the difference from the above embodiment is that a support member 40 is added. The support member 40 is disposed between the electrode assembly 10 and the first side plate 212 and is used to support the electrode assembly 10. The electrode assembly 10, the support member 40 and the first side plate 212 are arranged in sequence along the first direction Z. Exemplarily, the support member 40 is made of an insulating material, which can insulate and separate the first side plate 212 and the electrode assembly 10. The support member 40 can support the electrode assembly 10 to reduce the shaking of the electrode assembly 10 when the battery cell 7 vibrates, thereby reducing the risk of the active material of the electrode assembly 10 falling off.

[0138] The support member 40 can directly abut against the electrode assembly 10 to support the electrode assembly 10, or can support the electrode assembly 10 through other members. For example, the battery cell 7 further includes an insulating film 50 wrapped around the outer side of the main body portion 11 of the electrode assembly 10. A part of the insulating film 50 is located between the support member 40 and the electrode assembly 10, and the support member 40 supports the electrode assembly 10 through the insulating film 50. The support member 40 has a first surface 41 and a second surface 42 which are oppositely arranged. The first surface 41 faces the first side plate 2120, and the second surface 42 faces the electrode assembly 10.

[0139] In some embodiments, the support member 40 can abut against the first side plate 212. For example, in Figures 5 - 11 the embodiment, the support member 40 can abut against the first side plate 212 under the gravity of the electrode assembly 10 and be in contact with the inner surface 2120 of the first side plate 212. Refer to Figure 8 , a third gap G3 is formed between the support member 40 and the third side plate 213 in the third direction Y. In addition, referring to Figure 11 the embodiment in, a fourth gap G4 is formed between the support member 40 and the adjacent second side plate 211 in the second direction X. The first gap G1 is communicated with the first edge flow channel 216 through the third gap G3. The second gap G2 is communicated with the first edge flow channel 216 through the fourth gap G4.

[0140] The support member 40 can also be spaced from the first side plate 212 in the first direction Z. For example, in Figure 14 , 15 the embodiment, the support member 40 can be placed on the surface of the first protrusion 2143 and be spaced from the inner surface 2120 of the first side plate 212.

[0141] Figure 17 Schematic diagram of the structure of the support member of the battery cell provided by another embodiment of the present application; Figure 18 Schematic diagram of the structure of the support member of the battery cell provided by another embodiment of the present application; Figure 19 Schematic diagram of the structure of the support member of the battery cell provided by another embodiment of the present application.

[0142] In some embodiments, a second flow channel is provided on the support member 40, and the second flow channel communicates the first intermediate flow channel 215 and the accommodation space 218. Forming a second flow channel on the support member 40 to communicate the first intermediate flow channel 215 and the accommodation space 218 can increase the flow channel area for exhaust and improve the exhaust efficiency.

[0143] Refer to Figure 17As shown, in some embodiments, the second flow channel includes a first through hole 401 that penetrates the support member 40 along the first direction Z. The first through hole 401 communicates the first intermediate flow channel 215 and the accommodation space 218 in the first direction Z. Through the first through hole 401, the gas generated inside the electrode assembly 10 can pass through the support member 40 directly into the first intermediate flow channel 215 through the first through hole 401, which can improve the exhaust efficiency.

[0144] Referring to Figure 18 As shown, in some embodiments, the second flow channel is matched in shape with the first flow channel. The second flow channel is matched in shape with the first flow channel, and after combination, the cross-sectional area of the exhaust flow channel can be increased, improving the exhaust efficiency. Specifically, the second flow channel is matched in shape with the first intermediate flow channel 215 and the first edge flow channel 216. After being combined together, the cross-sectional area of the exhaust flow channel can be increased, improving the exhaust efficiency.

[0145] In some embodiments, the second flow channel includes a second intermediate flow channel 402 provided on the first surface 41. The second intermediate flow channel 402 communicates with the first gap G1 and / or the second gap G2, and the second intermediate flow channel 402 is identical in shape to the first intermediate flow channel 215. By providing the second intermediate flow channel 402 on the support member 40 that communicates with the first gap G1 and / or the second gap G2 and the first intermediate flow channel 215, the flow channel area for exhaust can be increased, improving the exhaust efficiency.

[0146] In some embodiments, a second pressure relief hole 43 is provided on the support member 40. The second pressure relief hole 43 corresponds in position to the first pressure relief hole 210 on the housing 21. The second intermediate flow channel 402 extends radially outward around the second pressure relief hole 43. The second intermediate flow channel 402 communicates the second pressure relief hole 43 with the first gap G1 and / or the second gap G2.

[0147] In some embodiments, a second edge flow channel 403 is further provided at the circumferential edge of the support member 40. The second edge flow channel 403 is identical in shape to the first edge flow channel 216. The flow channel area for exhaust at the edge of the first side plate 212 can be increased, improving the exhaust efficiency.

[0148] Referring to Figure 19 As shown, in some embodiments, a first through hole 401, a second intermediate flow channel 402, and a second edge flow channel 403 are provided on the support member 40. The first through hole 401 is connected to the second intermediate flow channel 402. The flow channel area for exhaust can be further increased, improving the exhaust efficiency.

[0149] Figure 20 It is a schematic structural diagram of a battery cell provided with a support member and an insulating film according to another embodiment of the present application; Figure 21 It is a schematic structural diagram of the insulating film shown in another embodiment of the present application.

[0150] Reference Figures 20 to 21 As shown, in some embodiments, the battery cell 7 further includes an insulating film 50 wrapped around the outer side of the main body 11 of the electrode assembly 10. A part of the insulating film 50 is located between the support member 40 and the electrode assembly 10, and the support member 40 supports the electrode assembly 10 through the insulating film 50. The support member 40 has a first surface 41 and a second surface 42 arranged opposite to each other. The first surface 41 faces the first side plate 2120, and the second surface 42 faces the insulating film 50.

[0151] In some embodiments, the insulating film 50 is used to wrap a part of the electrode assembly 10 and separate the electrode assembly 10 from the housing 21; the insulating film 50 includes a first side film 501 located between the electrode assembly 10 and the support member 40; the first side film 501 has a second through hole 5011, and the projections of the second through hole 5011, the first through hole 401 and the second pressure relief hole 43 of the support member 40 in the first direction Z do not overlap. The projections of the second through hole 5011 of the first side film 501 of the insulating film 50, the first through hole 401 and the second pressure relief hole 43 on the support member 40 in the first direction Z do not overlap, which can prevent the electrode assembly 10 from directly contacting the first side plate 212 of the housing 21. While achieving reliable insulation between the electrode assembly 10 and the first side plate 212, the accommodation space 218 can be communicated with the first intermediate flow channel 215 through the first through hole 401 and the second through hole 5011, improving the exhaust efficiency.

[0152] In some embodiments, reference Figure 21 and Figure 8 As shown, the first side film 501 is located on one side of the insulating film 50 in the first direction Z. The insulating film 50 is provided with opposite third side films 502 in the third direction Y, and an opening 510 is provided at a position where the third side film 502 is close to the first side film 501. The gas generated inside the electrode assembly 10 wrapped by the isolation film 50 can, on the one hand, connect the first intermediate flow channel 215 through the second through hole 5011 and the first through hole 402, and on the other hand, connect to the first edge flow channel 216 through the opening 510, the first gap G1 and the third gap G3, and then be discharged through the pressure relief mechanism 30, which can increase the flow channel area for exhaust and improve the exhaust efficiency.

[0153] Figure 22 It is a schematic flow chart of the manufacturing method of the battery cell provided by some embodiments of the present application.

[0154] As Figure 22 shown, the manufacturing method of the battery cell according to the embodiments of the present application includes:

[0155] S100. Provide an electrode assembly;

[0156] S200. Provide a housing having a receiving space for accommodating an electrode assembly; the housing includes a first side plate located on one side along a first direction;

[0157] S300. Provide a pressure relief mechanism disposed on the first side plate;

[0158] S400. Provide a cover assembly for sealing the housing;

[0159] S500. Assemble the electrode assembly, the housing, the pressure relief mechanism and the cover assembly to form a battery cell;

[0160] Wherein, in the step S200 of providing the housing, it further includes forming a first flow channel extending along the inner surface on the inner surface of the first side plate of the housing, and the first flow channel is used to guide the gas in the receiving space to the pressure relief mechanism, so that the pressure relief mechanism actuates and releases pressure when the pressure reaches a threshold value. The first flow channel includes a first intermediate flow channel and a first edge flow channel; the first edge flow channel extends along the circumferential edge of the inner surface of the first side plate and is communicated with the receiving space, and the first intermediate flow channel connects the first edge flow channel with the pressure relief mechanism.

[0161] It should be noted that for the related structure of the battery cell manufactured by the above manufacturing method of the battery cell, reference can be made to the battery cells provided in the above embodiments.

[0162] When assembling the battery cell based on the above manufacturing method of the battery cell, it is not necessary to perform the steps in the above order. That is to say, the steps can be executed in the order mentioned in the embodiments, or in an order different from that mentioned in the embodiments, or several steps can be executed simultaneously. For example, the execution of steps S100, S200, S300, S400 is not in sequence and can also be carried out simultaneously.

[0163] [[ID=2,1]] Figure 23 It is a schematic block diagram of a manufacturing system for a battery cell provided in some embodiments of the present application.<00,<1000437>

[0164] As Figure 23As shown in the figure, the manufacturing system 8 of the battery cell according to the embodiment of the present application includes: an electrode assembly providing device 81 for providing an electrode assembly; a housing providing device 82 for providing a housing, the housing being provided with an accommodation space for accommodating the electrode assembly; the housing includes a first side plate located on one side along the first direction; a pressure relief mechanism providing device 83 for providing a pressure relief mechanism, the pressure relief mechanism being used to be arranged on the first side plate; a cover assembly providing device 84 for providing a cover assembly, the cover assembly being used to seal the housing; an assembling device 85 for assembling the electrode assembly, the housing, the pressure relief mechanism and the cover assembly to form a battery cell; wherein, a first flow channel extending along the inner surface is formed on the inner surface of the first side plate of the housing, and the first flow channel is used to guide the gas in the accommodation space to the pressure relief mechanism, so that the pressure relief mechanism actuates and releases pressure when the pressure reaches a threshold value. The first flow channel includes a first intermediate flow channel and a first edge flow channel; the first edge flow channel extends along the circumferential edge of the inner surface of the first side plate and is communicated with the accommodation space, and the first intermediate flow channel connects the first edge flow channel with the pressure relief mechanism.

[0165] For the related structure of the battery cell manufactured by the above manufacturing system, reference may be made to the battery cells provided in the above embodiments.

[0166] It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments in the present application and the features in the embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0167] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them; although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements on some of the technical features, but these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A battery cell, comprising: an electrode assembly; a housing having an accommodation space for accommodating the electrode assembly; the housing includes a first side plate located on one side along a first direction; a pressure relief mechanism disposed on the first side plate; a cover assembly for sealing the housing; wherein, on the inner surface of the first side plate of the housing, there is a first flow channel extending along the inner surface, and the first flow channel is used to guide the gas in the accommodation space to the pressure relief mechanism, so that the pressure relief mechanism actuates and releases the pressure when the pressure reaches a threshold; the first flow channel includes a first intermediate flow channel and a first edge flow channel; the first edge flow channel extends along the circumferential edge of the inner surface of the first side plate and is in communication with the accommodation space, and the first intermediate flow channel connects the first edge flow channel with the pressure relief mechanism.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein The first intermediate flow channel includes a first intermediate groove provided on the inner surface of the first side plate, one end of the first intermediate groove is in communication with the pressure relief mechanism, and the other end is connected to the first edge flow channel.

3. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein There are a plurality of the first intermediate grooves, and each of the first intermediate grooves is in communication with the pressure relief mechanism and the first edge flow channel.

4. The battery cell according to claim 3, wherein, At least two of the first intermediate grooves are parallel to each other; or The plurality of first intermediate grooves extend in a divergent manner around the pressure relief mechanism.

5. The battery cell according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first edge flow channel includes a first edge groove provided at the circumferential edge of the inner surface of the first side plate and extending along the circumferential edge, and each of the first intermediate grooves is connected to the first edge groove.

6. The battery cell according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first edge groove is annular or notched annular, or the first edge groove includes a plurality of sub-grooves spaced along the circumferential edge.

7. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, On the inner surface of the first side plate, there is a first protrusion protruding into the accommodation space, the first protrusion has a top surface away from the inner surface, and the first intermediate flow channel and the first edge flow channel are formed in the space between the top surface of the first protrusion and the inner surface.

8. The battery cell according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first intermediate flow channel includes a plurality of first intermediate shunt channels; there are a plurality of the first protrusions, and the plurality of first protrusions extend in a divergent manner around the pressure relief mechanism and are spaced apart from each other, and a first intermediate shunt channel is formed between two adjacent first protrusions and the inner surface of the first side plate; The housing includes a pair of second side plates oppositely disposed in a second direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; The housing further includes a pair of third side plates oppositely disposed in a third direction, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; There is a gap between the end of each first protrusion away from the pressure relief mechanism and an adjacent second side plate or an adjacent third side plate, and the gap forms a part of the first edge flow channel.

9. The battery cell according to claim 7, wherein, An insulating layer is provided on the top surface of the first protrusion.

10. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, Starting from the position where the first intermediate flow channel communicates with the pressure relief mechanism, the depth of at least a part of the length of the first intermediate flow channel gradually decreases in a direction away from the pressure relief mechanism.

11. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, Further comprising: A support member is disposed between the first side plate and the electrode assembly to support the electrode assembly. The support member has a first surface and a second surface that are oppositely disposed. The first surface faces the first side plate, and the second surface faces the electrode assembly. A second flow channel is provided on the first surface of the support member. The second flow channel communicates the first intermediate flow channel and the accommodation space.

12. The battery cell according to claim 11, wherein, The second flow channel matches the shape of the first flow channel.

13. The battery cell according to claim 11, wherein the support member includes a first through hole that penetrates the support member in the first direction, and the first through hole communicates the first intermediate flow channel and the accommodation space.

14. The battery cell according to claim 13, wherein, Further included is: An insulating film for wrapping a part of the electrode assembly and separating the electrode assembly from the housing. The insulating film includes a first side film located between the electrode assembly and the support member. The first side film includes a second through hole that penetrates the first side film in the first direction, and the projection of the second through hole in the first direction does not overlap with the first through hole.

15. A battery includes the battery cell according to any one of claims 1-14.

16. An electrical device includes the battery according to claim 15.

17. A method for manufacturing a battery cell includes: Providing an electrode assembly; Providing a housing having an accommodation space for accommodating the electrode assembly. The housing includes a first side plate on one side along the first direction. Providing a pressure relief mechanism disposed on the first side plate. Providing a cover assembly for sealing the housing. Assembling the electrode assembly, the housing, the pressure relief mechanism, and the cover assembly to form the battery cell. Wherein, providing the housing includes forming a first flow channel extending along the inner surface on the inner surface of the first side plate of the housing. The first flow channel is used to guide the gas in the accommodation space to the pressure relief mechanism, so that the pressure relief mechanism actuates and releases the pressure when the pressure reaches a threshold value. The first flow channel includes a first intermediate flow channel and a first edge flow channel. The first edge flow channel extends along the circumferential edge of the inner surface of the first side plate and communicates with the accommodation space, and the first intermediate flow channel connects the first edge flow channel and the pressure relief mechanism.

18. A manufacturing system for a battery cell includes: An electrode assembly providing device for providing an electrode assembly. A housing providing device for providing a housing having an accommodation space for accommodating the electrode assembly. The housing includes a first side plate on one side along the first direction. A pressure relief mechanism providing device for providing a pressure relief mechanism to be disposed on the first side plate. A cover assembly providing device for providing a cover assembly for sealing the housing. An assembling device for assembling the electrode assembly, the housing, the pressure relief mechanism, and the cover assembly to form the battery cell. Wherein, a first flow channel extending along the inner surface is formed on the inner surface of the first side plate of the housing, and the first flow channel is configured to guide the gas in the accommodation space to the pressure relief mechanism, so that the pressure relief mechanism is actuated and discharges the pressure when the pressure reaches a threshold value; the first flow channel includes a first intermediate flow channel and a first edge flow channel; the first edge flow channel extends along the circumferential edge of the inner surface of the first side plate and communicates with the accommodation space, and the first intermediate flow channel connects the first edge flow channel with the pressure relief mechanism.

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