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

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a battery monomer, comprising: a shell having a first opening; an electrode assembly accommodated in the shell, the electrode assembly having a first tab, a second tab and a third tab, the first tab and the second tab being opposite in polarity, and the third tab being the same in polarity as the first tab or the second tab; an end cover for closing the first opening; and an insulating piece arranged between the end cover and the electrode assembly; wherein the third tab is configured to be connected with the insulating piece. The present application can improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the battery monomer by additionally setting the heat dissipation path of the electrode assembly-third tab-insulating piece-end cover, thereby improving the overcurrent capacity and safety performance of the battery monomer.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In recent years, with the increasing depletion of fossil fuels and growing pressure from environmental pollution, secondary batteries have received unprecedented attention and development. Their applications are becoming increasingly widespread, including energy storage systems in hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, as well as in power tools, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, electric cars, military equipment, aerospace, and many other fields.

[0003] The individual cells of a secondary battery generate heat during use. If heat dissipation is inadequate or an effective heat dissipation channel is not provided, the cell will undergo a series of chemical reactions due to excessive internal temperature, leading to a decline in cell performance and consequently affecting the overall performance of the secondary battery. Furthermore, when overheating causes excessive gas production from the electrolyte and active materials, the internal pressure of the cell will increase rapidly. Since the battery casing and other components have limited pressure resistance, this poses a safety hazard, such as cell explosion. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a battery cell, a battery, an electrical device, and an apparatus and method for preparing a battery cell, which provides an additional heat dissipation channel by means of an additionally provided third tab, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the battery cell.

[0005] In a first aspect, a battery cell is provided, comprising: a housing having a first opening; an electrode assembly housed within the housing, the electrode assembly having a first tab, a second tab, and a third tab, the first tab and the second tab having opposite polarities, and the third tab having the same polarity as either the first tab or the second tab; an end cap for closing the first opening; and an insulating member disposed between the end cap and the electrode assembly; wherein the third tab is configured to be connected to the insulating member.

[0006] Therefore, compared to the existing heat dissipation path of a battery cell (electrode assembly - first and second tabs - electrode terminals), the technical solution of this application increases the heat dissipation path of the battery cell (i.e., electrode assembly - third tab - insulating member - end cap) by adding a third tab, thus improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the battery cell. Furthermore, the third tab is insulated from the end cap by the insulating member, meaning that the casing and end cap do not participate in the current loop, thereby improving the safety of the battery cell. Under the same overcurrent conditions, the battery cell temperature of this application embodiment is lower, thereby improving the overcurrent capacity and safety performance of the battery cell.

[0007] In some embodiments, the third tab is in contact with the insulating element.

[0008] This allows for more reliable heat dissipation from the electrode assembly, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency.

[0009] In some embodiments, the insulating member has a first portion that contacts the third electrode tab, the thickness of the first portion being less than the thickness of the other portions of the insulating member.

[0010] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first portion is 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0011] Therefore, while ensuring the insulation of the third tab and the end cap, the heat dissipation efficiency of the first part of the insulating component in contact with the third tab is further improved by reducing the thickness of the insulating component.

[0012] In some embodiments, the insulating member is provided with a receiving portion for accommodating the third electrode tab.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first opening faces a first direction, the receiving portion has a second opening facing a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the third electrode enters the receiving portion through the second opening.

[0014] Therefore, by placing the third tab inside the receiving part, on the one hand, the position of the third tab can be defined, so that the third tab can fit better with the insulating part, reducing the heat transfer loss caused by the assembly gap and improving the heat dissipation efficiency; on the other hand, the bent third tab and the end face of the electrode assembly can be insulated, avoiding short circuit inside the battery cell caused by the bent third tab and the electrode assembly contacting each other.

[0015] In some embodiments, the insulating member has a body and a cover plate, the cover plate being configured to cover the first portion in a manner that forms a gap with the first portion in the first direction.

[0016] In some embodiments, the body and the cover are detachably connected.

[0017] In some embodiments, the body and the cover are connected by a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cover plate is configured to press against the third electrode tab to abut against the body.

[0019] With the detachable connection between the body and the cover plate, such as the snap-fit ​​design, during installation, the third tab can be placed in the appropriate position of the first part of the insulation component, and then the cover plate can be closed. The cover plate makes the third tab abut against the body, thereby ensuring a better fit between the third tab and the insulation component and improving heat dissipation efficiency.

[0020] In some embodiments, the end cap is provided with a pressure relief mechanism for releasing the internal pressure of the battery cell when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell reaches a predetermined threshold. The insulating member is provided with an insulating baffle for preventing the third electrode tab from contacting the pressure relief mechanism. In the first direction, the projection of the insulating baffle is located between the projection of the first portion and the projection of the pressure relief mechanism.

[0021] In some embodiments, the insulating member is provided with a pressure relief hole corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism, and the insulating baffle is disposed between the first part and the pressure relief hole to prevent the third electrode from passing through the pressure relief hole.

[0022] In some embodiments, the insulating member has a protrusion for ensuring that the pressure relief mechanism and the insulating member are spaced apart to prevent the insulating member from contacting the pressure relief mechanism and damaging the pressure relief mechanism. The pressure relief hole is provided on the protrusion, and the first portion and the protrusion are connected by the insulating baffle.

[0023] Therefore, by setting an insulating baffle, the third electrode tab can be prevented from contacting the end cap or the pressure relief mechanism set on the end cap, thereby ensuring the insulation between the third electrode tab and the end cap.

[0024] In some embodiments, along a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, the width of the insulating baffle is greater than the smaller of the width of the third tab and the width of the protrusion.

[0025] In some embodiments, along the first direction, the height of the insulating baffle is greater than the greater of the thickness of the third tab and the maximum distance from the pressure relief hole on the protrusion to the first portion, and the height of the insulating baffle is less than or equal to the distance from the first portion to the end face of the electrode assembly.

[0026] If the height and / or width of the insulating baffle is too large, the third electrode lug and the insulating component may not fit well after installation, resulting in gaps that cause heat transfer loss and potentially reduce heat dissipation efficiency. If the height and / or width of the insulating baffle is too small, it may not be able to achieve the desired insulation effect between the third electrode lug and the end cap and the pressure relief mechanism. Therefore, the technical solution of this application embodiment, by reasonably setting the height and / or width of the insulating baffle, can simultaneously achieve good insulation and heat dissipation.

[0027] Secondly, a battery is provided, comprising the battery cell of the first aspect.

[0028] Thirdly, an electrical device is provided, comprising the battery of the second aspect, said battery being used to provide electrical energy.

[0029] Fourthly, an apparatus for preparing a single battery cell is provided, comprising: a housing preparation module, the housing having a first opening and a receiving space, the first opening communicating with the receiving space; an electrode assembly preparation module, the electrode assembly being received within the receiving space, the electrode assembly having a first tab, a second tab, and a third tab, the first tab and the second tab being respectively used to connect to two electrode terminals of opposite polarity; an end cap preparation module, the end cap being used to close the first opening; and an insulating component preparation module, the insulating component being disposed on the side of the end cap facing the electrode assembly, used to isolate the end cap and the electrode assembly; wherein the third tab is configured to conduct heat from the electrode assembly to the end cap via the insulating component.

[0030] Fifthly, a method for manufacturing a battery cell is provided, comprising: providing a housing having a first opening and a receiving space, the first opening communicating with the receiving space; providing an electrode assembly housed within the receiving space, the electrode assembly having a first tab, a second tab, and a third tab, the first tab and the second tab being respectively used for connecting to two electrode terminals of opposite polarity; providing an end cap for closing the first opening; and providing an insulating member disposed on the side of the end cap facing the electrode assembly for isolating the end cap and the electrode assembly; wherein the third tab is configured to conduct heat from the electrode assembly to the end cap via the insulating member. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an end cap and insulating component according to an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 4 It is shown in magnification Figure 3 The diagram shows the insulating component.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a top view of the assembled electrode assembly and insulating component according to an embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of an insulating component according to an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of an insulating component according to another embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell according to another embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a device in which a battery is used as a power source according to an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for preparing a single battery cell according to an embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a method for preparing a battery cell according to an embodiment of this application.

[0043] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0044] 1. Shell

[0045] 11 First Opening

[0046] 12 storage spaces

[0047] 2-electrode assembly

[0048] 21 First Pole Ear

[0049] 22 Second pole ear

[0050] 23 Third Pole Ear

[0051] 3-electrode terminal

[0052] 4 end caps

[0053] 41 Pressure relief mechanism

[0054] 5 Insulating components

[0055] 51 Part 1

[0056] 52 Accommodation Department

[0057] 520 Second Opening

[0058] 521 cover plate

[0059] 522 Insulating Baffle

[0060] 53 body

[0061] 54 protrusions

[0062] 60 cell

[0063] 600 Apparatus for preparing battery cells

[0064] 610 Housing Preparation Module

[0065] 620 Electrode Assembly Fabrication Module

[0066] 630 End Cap Preparation Module

[0067] 640 Insulation Component Preparation Module Specific Implementation

[0068] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0069] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0070] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application can be combined with other embodiments.

[0071] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0072] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0073] In this application, "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), and similarly, "multiple groups" refers to two or more (including two), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two).

[0074] Figure 1 A square-structured secondary battery cell 60 is shown. In this application, the secondary battery includes lithium-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, sodium-lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, or magnesium-ion batteries, etc.

[0075] Reference Figures 1 to 3 A secondary battery cell 60 according to one embodiment of this application includes a housing 1 having a first opening 11; an electrode assembly 2 housed within the housing 11, the electrode assembly 2 having a first tab 21, a second tab 22, and a third tab 23, the first tab 21 and the second tab 22 having opposite polarities, and the third tab 23 having the same polarity as either the first tab 21 or the second tab 22; an end cap 4 for closing the first opening 11; and an insulating member 5 disposed between the end cap 4 and the electrode assembly 2; wherein the third tab 23 is configured to connect to the insulating member 5. Optionally, the third tab 23 is in contact with the insulating member 5.

[0076] The battery cell 60 can be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes. Battery cells are generally classified into three types according to their packaging method: cylindrical battery cells, cuboid / square battery cells, and pouch battery cells.

[0077] The battery mentioned in the embodiments of this application refers to a single physical module comprising one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. For example, a battery may include a battery module or a battery pack. A battery generally includes a housing for encapsulating one or more battery cells. The housing prevents liquids or other foreign matter from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells.

[0078] Multiple battery cells 60 can be connected in series and / or in parallel via electrode terminals for various applications. In high-power applications such as electric vehicles, battery applications involve three levels: battery cells, battery modules, and battery packs. With technological advancements, the battery module level can be omitted, meaning that battery packs can be formed directly from battery cells. This improvement increases the gravimetric and volumetric energy density of the battery system while significantly reducing the number of components.

[0079] The battery cell 60 includes an electrode assembly and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly consists of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. The battery cell primarily functions by the movement of metal ions between the positive and negative electrode plates. The positive electrode includes a positive current collector and a positive active material layer. The positive active material layer is coated on the surface of the positive current collector. The current collector without the positive active material layer protrudes from the current collector with the positive active material layer, and serves as the positive electrode tab. Taking a lithium-ion battery as an example, the material of the positive current collector can be aluminum, and the positive active material can be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganese oxide, etc. The negative electrode includes a negative current collector and a negative active material layer. The negative active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative current collector. The current collector without the negative active material layer protrudes from the current collector with the negative active material layer, and serves as the negative electrode tab. The material of the negative current collector can be copper, and the negative active material can be carbon or silicon, etc. To ensure that the circuit does not melt when carrying a large current, the positive electrode tabs are multiple and stacked together, and the negative electrode tabs are also multiple and stacked together. The diaphragm material can be PP or PE, etc.

[0080] In this application, the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 have opposite polarities and can be the aforementioned positive electrode or negative electrode, respectively. The third electrode 23 is formed in the current collector where the first electrode 21 or the second electrode 22 is located; that is, the third electrode 23 can have the same polarity as the first electrode 21 or the second electrode 22.

[0081] The housing 1 is used to accommodate the electrode assembly 2, and a first opening 11 is formed at one end. This application does not impose any particular limitation on the shape of the housing 1; it can be cylindrical, square, or any other arbitrary shape. The housing 1 is generally made of metal or rigid plastic to provide the necessary strength and rigidity protection for the accommodated electrode assembly 2. The number of electrode assemblies 2 accommodated within the housing 1 can be one or more, which can be selected by those skilled in the art according to specific practical needs.

[0082] End cap 4 is used to close the first opening 11 of housing 1 to seal the electrode assembly and electrolyte contained within housing 1. End cap 4 can be made of metal or rigid plastic. Various functional components such as electrode terminals, explosion-proof valves, or liquid injection holes can be attached to end cap 4.

[0083] An insulating component 5 is disposed between the end cap 4 and the electrode assembly 2, specifically on the side of the end cap 4 facing the electrode assembly 2, meaning the insulating component 5 is located on the inner side of the end cap 4 and attached to it. The insulating component 5 serves to insulate the electrode assembly 2 from the end cap 4, ensuring that the electrical energy of the electrode assembly 2 can only be connected to the electrode terminals through the positive or negative electrode tabs. The insulating component 5 can be made of PP or PET material.

[0084] Optionally, the third electrode tab 23 contacts the insulating element 5 (see reference). Figure 3 Optionally, the insulating member 5 located between the end cap 4 and the electrode assembly 2 is perforated at the position corresponding to the electrode terminal 3. Thus, when the secondary battery is charged and discharged, a complete current loop is formed only between the electrode assembly 2 - first tab 21 - electrode terminal 3 - external power source or device - electrode terminal 3 - second tab 22, while the third tab 23 is insulated from the end cap 4. That is, the purpose of the added third tab 23 is not to add an additional current loop, but to conduct heat from inside the electrode assembly 2 to the end cap 4 via the insulating member 5.

[0085] Therefore, compared to the existing heat dissipation path of a single battery cell (electrode assembly 2 - first and second tabs 21, 22 - electrode terminal 3), the third tab 23 increases the heat dissipation path of the battery cell 60 (i.e., electrode assembly 2 - third tab 23 - insulating member 5 - end cap 4), thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the battery cell. Under the same overcurrent conditions, the battery cell temperature of this embodiment is lower, thereby improving the overcurrent capacity and safety performance of the battery cell. Optionally, a cooling device can be further provided on the outside of the end cap 4 of the battery cell 60 to further improve the heat dissipation performance of the battery cell 60.

[0086] It is worth noting that, Figure 1 , Figure 2 The battery cell 60 shown contains two sets of electrode assemblies 2. In this case, each set of electrode assemblies 2 is provided with first to third tabs 21 to 23, that is, the number of first to third tabs 21 to 23 is two. The technical solution of this application is not limited to this; the battery cell 60 may also contain only one set of electrode assemblies 2, in which case the number of first to third tabs 21 to 23 is one.

[0087] Optionally, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the insulating member 5 has a first portion 51 that contacts the third electrode tab 23, and the thickness of the first portion 51 is less than the thickness of the other portions of the insulating member 5.

[0088] Figure 3The diagram shows that after the third tab 23 is bent, its upper surface contacts the first part 51 of the insulating member 5. This arrangement allows the third tab 23 and the insulating member 5 to have a larger contact area, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect.

[0089] Optionally, the thickness of the first portion 51 is 0.1mm to 0.3mm. The thickness of other portions of the insulating member 5 is set according to the parameters of the battery cell 60, typically 0.6mm to 0.7mm. While ensuring the insulation of the third tab 23 and the end cap 4, reducing the thickness of the first portion 51 in contact with the third tab 23 further improves heat dissipation efficiency. Furthermore, since the third tab 23, after being bent, contacts the insulating member 5, it occupies a significant portion of the space between the end cap 4 and the electrode assembly 2. Reducing the thickness of the first portion 51 allows this space to effectively accommodate the third tab 23, thereby increasing the energy density of the battery cell 60.

[0090] Optionally, such as Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the insulating component is also provided with a receiving portion 52 for receiving the third electrode tab 23.

[0091] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, when the battery cell is placed upright with the electrode terminals facing upwards or downwards, the height direction of the vertical battery cell is defined as the D1 direction, the thickness direction of the battery cell is defined as the D2 direction, and the width direction of the battery cell is defined as the D3 direction. Figure 1 As shown.

[0092] The receiving portion is formed as a cavity structure with an opening on one side (second opening 520) (see reference). Figure 4 It has: a top surface and a bottom surface opposite each other along the first direction D1, wherein the bottom surface includes a first portion 51; and a side surface connecting the top surface and the bottom surface along the first direction D1.

[0093] The second opening 520 of the receiving part 52 faces the second direction D2, which is perpendicular to the first direction D1 to which the first opening 11 faces. The third electrode 23 enters the receiving part 52 through the second opening 520.

[0094] Therefore, by placing the third tab 23 inside the receiving portion 52, on the one hand, the position of the third tab 23 can be defined, so that the third tab 23 can fit better with the insulating part 5, reducing the heat transfer loss caused by the assembly gap and improving the heat dissipation efficiency; on the other hand, the third tab 23 and the end face of the electrode assembly 2 can be insulated, avoiding short circuits in the battery cell 60 caused by the contact between the third tab 23 and the electrode assembly 2.

[0095] Optionally, such as Figure 7As shown, the insulating member 5 has a body 53 and a cover plate 521. The body 53 is the portion of the insulating member 5 that fits against the end cap 4, and the cover plate 521 is the portion of the insulating member 5 located below the body 53 and closer to the electrode assembly 2. Optionally, the cover plate 521 is configured to cover the first portion 51 in a way that creates a gap between it and the first portion 51 in the first direction D1. Thus, the body 53 and the cover plate 521 form a receiving cavity 52, in which the third electrode tab 23 is received. It is worth noting that if the gap between the cover plate 521 and the first portion 51 is too large, the contact area between the third electrode tab 23 and the first portion 51 is reduced, the degree of fit is decreased, and thus the heat dissipation efficiency is reduced. Therefore, it is preferable to use the cover plate 521 to ensure that the third electrode tab 23 fits tightly against the first portion 51. For example, the gap can be set to be slightly smaller than the thickness of the third tab 23 (i.e., the third tab 23 and the receiving cavity 52 are interference-fitted), so that once the third tab 23 is inserted into the receiving cavity through the second opening 520, the third tab 23 can remain in close contact with the first part 51 even during the use of the battery.

[0096] The body 53 and the cover plate 521 can be integrally molded to save processes and improve product manufacturing efficiency. Alternatively, as... Figure 7 As shown, the body 53 and the cover plate 521 are detachably connected. Optionally, the body 53 and the cover plate 521 can be connected by snap-fit ​​to facilitate processing and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0097] Optionally, the cover plate 521 is configured to press against the third tab 23, so that the third tab 23 abuts against the body 53. Thus, through the detachable connection between the body 53 and the cover plate 521, during installation, the third tab 23 can be placed in a suitable position on the first part 51 of the insulating member 5, and then the cover plate 521 can be closed, with the cover plate 521 causing the third tab 23 to abut against the body 53, thereby ensuring a better fit between the third tab 23 and the insulating member 5 and improving heat dissipation efficiency.

[0098] Optionally, a pressure relief mechanism 41 is provided on the end cap 4 (see reference). Figure 2 This is used to release the internal pressure of the battery cell 60 when the internal pressure or temperature reaches a predetermined threshold. An insulating baffle 522 (see reference 5) is provided on the insulating member 5. Figure 7 An insulating baffle 522 is used to prevent the third electrode tab 23 from contacting the pressure relief mechanism 41. In the first direction D1, the projection of the insulating baffle 522 is positioned between the projection of the first part 51 and the projection of the pressure relief mechanism 41. The insulating baffle 522 may be a side wall of the receiving cavity 52, which is opposite to the second opening 520 in the second direction D2.

[0099] Optionally, the insulating member 5 is provided with a pressure relief hole (not shown) corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism 41. The pressure relief hole provides a pressure relief channel between the inside of the battery cell 60 and the pressure relief mechanism 41 on the end cover 4. An insulating baffle 522 is disposed between the first part 51 and the pressure relief hole to prevent the third tab 23 from passing through the pressure relief hole and contacting the end cover 4, ensuring that the third tab 23 is insulated from the end cover 4.

[0100] Optionally, such as Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the insulating member 5 has a protrusion 54, which ensures that the pressure relief mechanism 41 and the insulating member 5 are spaced apart, providing clearance for the pressure relief mechanism 41 and preventing the insulating member 5 from contacting the pressure relief mechanism 41 and damaging it. A pressure relief hole can be provided on the protrusion 54, and the first part 51 and the protrusion 54 are connected by an insulating baffle 522. This ensures that the third electrode tab 23 is insulated from the end cap 4.

[0101] Optionally, along a third direction D3 perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, the width of the insulating baffle 522 is greater than the smaller of the width of the third electrode 23 and the width of the protrusion 54. Thus, the insulating baffle 522 prevents the third electrode 23 from passing through the pressure relief hole provided on the protrusion 54 and contacting the end cap 4, ensuring the insulation between the third electrode 23 and the end cap 4.

[0102] Optionally, along the first direction D1, the height of the insulating baffle 522 is greater than the greater of the thickness of the third electrode tab 23 and the maximum distance from the pressure relief hole on the protrusion 54 to the first part 51, and the height of the insulating baffle 522 is less than or equal to the distance from the first part 51 to the end face of the electrode assembly 2. This ensures that the third electrode tab 23 cannot pass through the pressure relief hole on the protrusion 54 and contact the end cap 4, while also avoiding the problem of the housing and end cap not fitting due to the excessive height of the insulating baffle.

[0103] Therefore, by reasonably setting the height and width of the insulating baffle 522, on the one hand, it can ensure that the third electrode 23 is in close contact with the insulating part 5, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency; on the other hand, it can ensure that the third electrode 23 is insulated from the end cover 4 and the pressure relief mechanism 41, thus achieving both good insulation and heat dissipation.

[0104] It is worth noting that, such as Figure 5 , Figure 6As shown, when the battery cell 60 includes two sets of electrode assemblies 2 stacked in the second direction D2, that is, when there are two first tabs 21, two second tabs 22, and two third tabs 23, the third tab 23 can be located between the first tabs 21 and the second tabs 22 and correspond to the position of the protrusion 54. A receiving portion 52 is provided for each third tab 23, and the two receiving portions 52 are arranged opposite each other in the second direction D2, separated by the protrusion 54 of the insulating member 5. This allows for a more compact space design.

[0105] Furthermore, various modifications can be made to the technical solution of this application. For example, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the first tab 21 and the second tab 22 can be respectively disposed at both ends of the electrode assembly 2 along the first direction D1. There can also be multiple third tabs 23, and the multiple third tabs 23 can also be respectively disposed at one end or both ends of the electrode assembly 2 along the first direction D1.

[0106] Furthermore, this application also provides a battery, which includes the battery cell of this application. The battery may also include other structures, which will not be described in detail here. For example, the battery may also include a busbar component for realizing electrical connection between multiple battery cells 60, such as in parallel, series, or mixed connection.

[0107] Furthermore, one embodiment of this application also provides an electrical device, which may include the battery cell 60 from the foregoing embodiments. Optionally, as... Figure 9 As shown, the electrical equipment can be a vehicle, a ship, or a spacecraft.

[0108] The above text combines Figures 1 to 8 The battery cell of the embodiment of this application has been described, and will be discussed below in conjunction with... Figure 9 and Figure 10 The apparatus and method for preparing battery cells according to embodiments of this application are described, wherein parts not described in detail can be referred to the foregoing embodiments.

[0109] Figure 10 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating an apparatus 600 for preparing a battery cell according to an embodiment of this application. The apparatus 600 for preparing a battery cell according to an embodiment of this application includes: a housing preparation module 610, the housing having a first opening and a receiving space; an electrode assembly preparation module 620, the electrode assembly being received within the receiving space, the electrode assembly having a first tab, a second tab, and a third tab, the first tab and the second tab having opposite polarities, and the third tab having the same polarity as either the first tab or the second tab; an end cap preparation module 630, an end cap for closing the first opening; and an insulating component preparation module 640, the insulating component being disposed between the end cap and the electrode assembly; wherein the third tab is configured to be connected to the insulating component.

[0110] Figure 11A schematic flowchart of a method 700 for preparing a battery cell according to an embodiment of this application. (See attached diagram.) Figure 10 As shown, the method 700 includes: providing a housing 710 having a first opening and a receiving space; providing an electrode assembly 720, the electrode assembly being received within the receiving space, the electrode assembly having a first tab, a second tab, and a third tab, the first tab and the second tab having opposite polarities, and the third tab having the same polarity as the first tab or the second tab; providing an end cap 730 for closing the first opening; and providing an insulating member 740 disposed between the end cap and the electrode assembly; wherein the third tab is configured to be connected to the insulating member.

[0111] Finally, it should be noted that this application is not limited to the above embodiments. The above embodiments are merely illustrative, and embodiments that have the same structure and achieve the same effect as the technical concept within the scope of this application are all included in the technical scope of this application. Furthermore, various modifications that can be conceived by those skilled in the art to the embodiments, and other ways of constructing by combining some of the constituent elements of the embodiments, without departing from the spirit of this application, are also included in the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A single battery cell, comprising: The casing has a first opening; An electrode assembly is housed within the housing. The electrode assembly has a first tab, a second tab, and a third tab. The first tab and the second tab have opposite polarities, and the third tab has the same polarity as either the first tab or the second tab. End cap, used to close the first opening; An insulating element is disposed between the end cap and the electrode assembly; The third electrode tab is configured to be connected to the insulating member. The insulating member is provided with a receiving portion for accommodating the third electrode tab. The first opening faces a first direction, and the receiving portion has a second opening facing a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. The third electrode tab enters the receiving portion through the second opening.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The third electrode contactes the insulating component.

3. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein, The insulating member has a first portion that contacts the third electrode tab, the thickness of the first portion being less than the thickness of the other portions of the insulating member.

4. The battery cell according to claim 3, wherein, The thickness of the first part is 0.1mm to 0.3mm.

5. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The insulating element has a body and a cover plate, and the insulating element has a first portion that contacts the third electrode ear; The first opening faces a first direction, and the cover is configured to cover the first portion in a manner that creates a gap between the first portion and the first portion in the first direction.

6. The battery cell according to claim 5, wherein, The main body and the cover plate are detachably connected.

7. The battery cell according to claim 6, wherein, The main body and the cover plate are connected by snap-fit.

8. The battery cell according to claim 5, wherein, The cover plate is configured to press against the third electrode tab to bring the third electrode tab against the body.

9. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The end cap is equipped with a pressure relief mechanism, which is used to release the internal pressure of the battery cell when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell reaches a predetermined threshold. An insulating baffle is provided on the insulating component to prevent the third electrode tab and the pressure relief mechanism from contacting each other; the insulating component has a first part that contacts the third electrode tab. The first opening faces a first direction, in which the projection of the insulating baffle is positioned between the projection of the first portion and the projection of the pressure relief mechanism.

10. The battery cell according to claim 9, wherein, The insulating component is provided with a pressure relief hole corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism. The insulating baffle is disposed between the first part and the pressure relief hole to prevent the third electrode from passing through the pressure relief hole.

11. The battery cell according to claim 10, wherein, The insulating component has a protrusion that allows the pressure relief mechanism and the insulating component to be spaced apart. The pressure relief hole of the pressure relief mechanism is located on the protrusion. The first part and the protrusion are connected by the insulating baffle.

12. The battery cell according to claim 11, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, wherein, Along a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, the width of the insulating baffle is greater than the smaller of the width of the third tab and the width of the protrusion.

13. The battery cell according to claim 11, wherein, Along the first direction, the height of the insulating baffle is greater than the greater of the thickness of the third electrode tab and the maximum distance from the pressure relief hole on the protrusion to the first portion, and the height of the insulating baffle is less than or equal to the distance from the first portion to the end face of the electrode assembly.

14. A battery comprising a battery cell as described in any one of claims 1-13.

15. An electrical device comprising the battery of claim 14, the battery being used to provide electrical energy.

16. An apparatus for preparing a single battery cell, comprising: A housing preparation module, wherein the housing has a first opening and a receiving space; An electrode assembly fabrication module, wherein the electrode assembly is housed within the accommodating space, and the electrode assembly has a first tab, a second tab, and a third tab, wherein the first tab and the second tab have opposite polarities, and the third tab has the same polarity as the first tab or the second tab; End cap preparation module, wherein the end cap is used to close the first opening; An insulating component fabrication module, wherein the insulating component is disposed between the end cap and the electrode assembly; The third electrode tab is configured to be connected to the insulating member. The insulating member is provided with a receiving portion for accommodating the third electrode tab. The first opening faces a first direction, and the receiving portion has a second opening facing a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. The third electrode tab enters the receiving portion through the second opening.

17. A method for preparing a battery cell, comprising: A housing is provided, the housing having a first opening and a receiving space; An electrode assembly is provided, the electrode assembly being housed within the receiving space, the electrode assembly having a first tab, a second tab, and a third tab, the first tab and the second tab having opposite polarities, and the third tab having the same polarity as the first tab or the second tab; An end cap is provided for closing the first opening; An insulating element is provided, the insulating element being disposed between the end cap and the electrode assembly; The third electrode tab is configured to be connected to the insulating member. The insulating member is provided with a receiving portion for accommodating the third electrode tab. The first opening faces a first direction, and the receiving portion has a second opening facing a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. The third electrode tab enters the receiving portion through the second opening.

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