Assembly methods for insulators, electrode assemblies, battery cells, batteries, electrical devices, and electrode assemblies used to coat battery cells.

Abstract

This application provides an assembly method for an insulating component, electrode assembly, battery cell, battery, electrical device, and electrode assembly used to cover a battery cell. The insulating component includes: a central fold with a positioning hole; a first fold connected to the central fold at a first fold line, the first fold including a first main fold and a side fold connected to the first main fold at a third fold line; an extension piece connected to the end of the side fold near the central fold at a fourth fold line; and a second fold connected to the central fold at a second fold line. The central fold is configured to cover the bottom of the battery cell, the first and second folds are configured to cover the circumferential side of the battery cell after folding, and the extension piece is configured to completely cover the positioning hole. The insulating component prevents the battery cell from contacting the casing and catches active material falling from the electrode plates of the battery cell, preventing electrochemical corrosion of the casing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to an assembly method for insulating components, electrode assemblies, battery cells, batteries, electrical devices, and electrode assemblies used to coat battery cells. Background Technology

[0002] In the battery manufacturing process, a battery cell assembly consisting of at least one cell needs to be placed in an aluminum casing to complete the assembly. To prevent the cells from directly contacting the casing and causing corrosion, the outside of the cell assembly is coated with a Mylar (a tough polyester polymer) film, but the problem of casing corrosion still exists. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Some embodiments of this application propose an assembly method for insulating components, electrode assemblies, battery cells, batteries, electrical devices, and electrode assemblies used to mitigate the problem of casing corrosion.

[0004] Some embodiments of this application provide an insulating member for covering a battery cell, comprising: a middle flap having a positioning hole; a first flap connected to the middle flap at a first fold line, the first flap including a first main flap and a side flap connected to the first main flap at a third fold line, the third fold line being perpendicular to the first fold line; an extension piece connected to one end of the side flap near the middle flap at a fourth fold line, the fourth fold line being perpendicular to the third fold line; and a second flap connected to the middle flap at a second fold line, the second fold line being parallel to the first fold line; wherein the middle flap is configured to cover the bottom of the battery cell, the first flap and the second flap are configured to cover the circumferential side of the battery cell after folding, and the extension piece is configured to completely cover the positioning hole after folding.

[0005] The side fold of the insulating component is connected to the extension piece. After being folded, the extension piece covers the positioning hole, which plays a role in insulation and protection. It can prevent the battery cell part at the positioning hole from contacting the shell, and can catch the active material falling from the electrode of the battery cell, preventing the active material from falling onto the shell and causing electrochemical corrosion of the shell. It also plays a role in protecting the performance and safety of the battery cell.

[0006] In some embodiments, the extension piece is configured such that, after being folded along the fourth fold line, it does not extend beyond the area between the first fold line and the second fold line in the width direction of the intermediate fold piece.

[0007] After the extension piece is folded, the width of the middle fold does not exceed the area between the first fold line and the second fold line, which helps to ensure the absorption of electrolyte in the casing by the battery cell.

[0008] In some embodiments, the extension piece is configured such that, after being folded along the fourth fold line, the distance between it and the first fold line is at least 2 mm, and the distance between it and the second fold line is at least 2 mm in the width direction of the intermediate fold piece.

[0009] The maximum width of the extension strip is at least 4mm smaller than the distance between the first and second fold lines, corresponding to a single-sided gap of greater than or equal to 2mm, which helps ensure the absorption of electrolyte in the casing by the battery cell.

[0010] In some embodiments, the extension sheet is configured to cover at least a portion of the lengthwise end of the battery cell after being folded along the fourth fold line.

[0011] The extension sheet, when folded, covers at least part of the length-direction end of the battery cell, preventing the length-direction end of the battery cell from contacting the casing and catching any active material falling from the length-direction end of the battery cell, thus preventing the active material from falling into the casing and causing electrochemical corrosion of the casing.

[0012] In some embodiments, the number of battery cells is multiple, and the extension sheet is configured to cover at least a portion of the lengthwise end of each battery cell after being folded along the fourth fold line.

[0013] The extension sheet, when folded, covers at least a portion of the length-direction end of each cell, preventing the length-direction end of each cell from contacting the casing and catching any active material falling from the length-direction end of each cell, thus preventing the active material from falling into the casing and causing electrochemical corrosion of the casing.

[0014] In some embodiments, the length direction of the extension piece is defined to be perpendicular to the fourth fold line, and the length of the extension piece is defined as L, where L is not greater than the distance between the first fold line and the second fold line.

[0015] Since the extension piece covers the positioning hole after folding, the length L of the extension piece is not greater than the distance between the first fold line and the second fold line, which can be used to position the positioning hole.

[0016] In some embodiments, the length L of the extension piece is greater than s + d + x, where s is the minimum distance between the positioning hole and the fourth fold line after the extension piece is folded along the fourth fold line, d is the diameter of the positioning hole, and x is not less than 2 mm.

[0017] The length L of the extension piece is greater than s + d + x, which ensures that the extension piece completely covers the positioning hole.

[0018] In some embodiments, the side flap includes a first side flap and a second side flap, and both the first and second sides of the first main flap have a third fold line; the first side flap is connected to the first main flap at the third fold line on the first side of the first main flap; the second side flap is connected to the first main flap at the third fold line on the second side of the first main flap; the extension piece includes a first extension piece and a second extension piece, and both the first side flap and the second side flap have a fourth fold line at one end near the middle flap; the first extension piece is connected to the first side flap at the fourth fold line on the first side flap; the second extension piece is connected to the second side flap at the fourth fold line on the second side flap; the positioning hole includes a first positioning hole and a second positioning hole, and the battery cell includes a first side, a second side, and a bottom; the first extension piece is configured to cover at least a portion of the corners of the first side and bottom of the battery cell after folding, and completely cover the first positioning hole; the second extension piece is configured to cover at least a portion of the corners of the second side and bottom of the battery cell after folding, and completely cover the second positioning hole.

[0019] A first side flap and a second side flap are respectively provided on both sides of the first main flap. The first side flap and the second side flap are used to cover the two ends of the battery cell along its length. The first side flap is connected to the first extension piece, and the second side flap is connected to the second extension piece. The first extension piece and the second extension piece can cover the corners of the two ends and the bottom of the battery cell. In order to enable the mechanical equipment to automatically grasp the insulating component when the insulating component is wrapped around the battery cell, and to facilitate the operation of wrapping the insulating component, two positioning holes are provided on the insulating component. The first extension piece and the second extension piece can each cover one positioning hole, thereby achieving all-round wrapping of the battery cell.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second flap includes a second main flap and an overlap flap connected to the second main flap at a fifth fold line, the overlap flap and the side flap being configured to overlap each other after folding, the fifth fold line being perpendicular to the second fold line.

[0021] The overlapping pieces and side folds can completely cover the two ends of the battery cell along its length after being folded and overlapped. The middle fold covers the bottom of the battery cell. The first and second main folds cover the two sides of the battery cell along its width after being folded, thus achieving full coverage of the battery cell.

[0022] Some embodiments of this application also provide an electrode assembly including at least one battery cell and the aforementioned insulating member, the insulating member being folded to cover at least a portion of the surface of the at least one battery cell.

[0023] The electrode assembly includes the insulating component provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, and accordingly possesses the beneficial effects of the insulating component provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, which will not be elaborated here.

[0024] Some embodiments of this application also provide a battery cell, which includes a housing and the electrode assembly described above, the electrode assembly being disposed within the housing.

[0025] The battery cell includes the electrode assembly provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, and accordingly possesses the beneficial effects of the electrode assembly provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, which will not be elaborated here.

[0026] Some embodiments of this application also provide a battery, which includes a housing and at least one of the above-described battery cells, the battery cells being disposed within the housing.

[0027] The battery includes the battery cell provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, and has the beneficial effects of the battery cell provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, which will not be repeated here.

[0028] Some embodiments of this application also provide an electrical device that includes the battery described above.

[0029] The electrical device includes the battery provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, and accordingly possesses the beneficial effects of the battery provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, which will not be elaborated here.

[0030] Some embodiments of this application also provide a method for assembling an electrode assembly, comprising the following steps: providing at least one battery cell; providing an insulating member, the insulating member comprising: a middle fold having a positioning hole thereon; a first fold connected to the middle fold at a first fold line, the first fold including a first main fold and a side fold connected to the first main fold at a third fold line, the third fold line being perpendicular to the first fold line; an extension piece connected to one end of the side fold near the middle fold at a fourth fold line, the fourth fold line being perpendicular to the third fold line; and a second fold piece connected to the middle fold at a second fold line, the second fold line being parallel to the first fold line; placing the at least one battery cell on the middle fold and arranging them sequentially along the direction between the first fold line and the second fold line, such that the middle fold covers the bottom of the at least one battery cell; and folding the first fold and the second fold, such that the first fold and the second fold cover the circumferential side of the at least one battery cell, and folding the extension piece, such that the extension piece completely covers the positioning hole.

[0031] The middle flap covers the bottom of the battery cell, the first flap and the second flap cover the circumferential side of the battery cell, the extension flap covers at least part of the corners of the side and bottom of the battery cell, and completely covers the positioning hole. The insulating component can cover the circumferential side, bottom and corner area of ​​the side and bottom of the battery cell, and can also cover the positioning hole it has set, so as to cover the battery cell in all directions and prevent the casing from electrochemical corrosion.

[0032] Based on the above technical solution, this application has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0033] In some embodiments, the side flaps of the insulating component are connected to the extension flaps. After being folded, the extension flaps completely cover the positioning holes, which serves as insulation and protection. This prevents the battery cell portion at the positioning holes from contacting the casing and catches active materials falling from the electrode plates of the battery cell, preventing the active materials from falling onto the casing and causing electrochemical corrosion. It also protects the performance and safety of the battery cell. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle disclosed in some embodiments of this application;

[0036] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of a battery disclosed in some embodiments of this application;

[0037] Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of a battery cell disclosed in some embodiments of this application;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the unfolded structure of an insulating component for covering battery cells, as disclosed in some embodiments of this application;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the folding process of an insulating component for covering a battery cell, as disclosed in some embodiments of this application;

[0040] Figure 6a This is a schematic diagram of an end cap assembly and a battery cell disclosed in some embodiments of this application;

[0041] Figure 6b This is a schematic diagram of an insulating component covering a battery cell, as disclosed in some embodiments of this application;

[0042] Figure 6c This is a side view schematic diagram of an insulating component covering a battery cell, as disclosed in some embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 6d This is a bottom view schematic diagram of an insulating component covering a battery cell, as disclosed in some embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 7a This is a schematic diagram of the end cap assembly and two battery cells disclosed in some embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 7b This is a schematic diagram of an insulating component covering two battery cells, as disclosed in some embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 7c This is a side view schematic diagram of an insulating component covering two battery cells, as disclosed in some embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figure 7d This is a bottom view schematic diagram of an insulating component covering two battery cells, as disclosed in some embodiments of this application;

[0048] Figure 8a This is a schematic diagram of the end cap assembly and four battery cells disclosed in some embodiments of this application;

[0049] Figure 8b This is a schematic diagram of an insulating component covering four battery cells, as disclosed in some embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figure 8c This is a side view schematic diagram of an insulating component covering four battery cells, as disclosed in some embodiments of this application;

[0051] Figure 8d This is a bottom view schematic diagram of an insulating component covering four battery cells, as disclosed in some embodiments of this application.

[0052] The accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0053] Marking Explanation: 1-First fold; 11-First main fold; 12-Side fold; 12a-First side fold; 12b-Second side fold; 2-Second fold; 21-Second main fold; 22-Overlap piece; 22a-First overlap piece; 22b-Second overlap piece; 3-Middle fold; 31-Positioning hole; 31a-First positioning hole; 31b-Second positioning hole; 4-Extension piece; 41-First extension piece; 42-Second extension piece; 51-First fold line; 52-Second fold line ; 53-Third fold line; 54-Fourth fold line; 55-Fifth fold line; 100-Electrode assembly; 101-Battery cell; 102-Insulator; 103-Taper assembly; 200-Battery cell; 201-Housing; 202-End cap assembly; 202a-End cap; 202b-Terminal; 202c-Explosion-proof valve; 300-Battery; 301-Box; 302-Cover; 400-Vehicle; 401-Axle; 402-Wheel; 403-Motor; 404-Controller. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The detailed description of the following embodiments and the accompanying drawings are used to illustrate the principles of this application by way of example, but should not be used to limit the scope of this application, that is, this application is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0055] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more; the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. "Vertical" is not vertical in the strict sense, but within the allowable tolerance range. "Parallel" is not parallel in the strict sense, but within the allowable tolerance range.

[0056] The directional terms used in the following description refer to the directions shown in the figures and are not intended to limit the specific structure of this application. It should also be noted in the description of this application that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0057] Currently, judging from market trends, the application of power batteries is becoming increasingly widespread. Power batteries are not only used in energy storage systems such as hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but also extensively used in electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as in military equipment and aerospace. With the continuous expansion of power battery applications, market demand is also constantly increasing.

[0058] The battery mentioned in the embodiments of this application refers to a single physical module comprising one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery mentioned in this application may include a battery module or a battery pack. A battery generally includes a housing for housing the battery cells. The housing prevents liquids or other foreign matter from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells.

[0059] The battery of this application can be used in electrical devices to provide electrical energy to them. These devices can be mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, electric vehicles, electric cars, ships, spacecraft, electric toys, and power tools, etc. For example, spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc. Electric toys include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. Power tools include metal cutting power tools, grinding power tools, assembly power tools, and railway power tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, impact drills, concrete vibrators, and electric planers.

[0060] Electrical devices can also be vehicles, such as new energy vehicles, which can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, or range-extended vehicles; or electrical devices can be drones or ships.

[0061] refer to Figure 1 The vehicle 400 includes an axle 401, wheels 402 connected to the axle 401, a motor 403, a controller 404, and a battery 300. The motor 403 is used to drive the axle 401 to rotate the wheels 402. The controller 404 is used to control the operation of the motor 403. The battery 300 can be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 400 and is used to provide power for the operation of the motor 403 and other components in the vehicle.

[0062] refer to Figure 2 The battery 300 includes a housing 301, a cover 302, and at least one battery cell 200. The at least one battery cell 200 includes two or more battery cells 200, which can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed manner. A mixed manner refers to a combination of series and parallel connections.

[0063] The housing 301 and the cover 302 are fastened together. For example, both the housing 301 and the cover 302 can be hollow cuboids with only one open side each. The openings of the housing 301 and the cover 302 are opposite to each other, and the housing 301 and the cover 302 are fastened together to form a housing with a closed chamber. Alternatively, the housing 301 can be an open cuboid while the cover 302 is plate-shaped, or the cover 302 can be an open cuboid while the housing 301 is plate-shaped. The housing 301 and the cover 302 are opposite to each other and fastened together to form a housing with a closed chamber. Multiple battery cells 200 are connected in parallel, series, or mixed configurations and placed within the closed chamber formed by the fastened housing 301 and the cover 302.

[0064] refer to Figure 3Each battery cell 200 includes an electrode assembly 100, a housing 201, and an end cap assembly 202. The housing 201 is shaped according to the combination of one or more electrode assemblies 100. For example, the housing 201 can be a hollow cuboid, cube, or cylinder, and one side of the housing 201 has an opening to allow one or more electrode assemblies 100 to be placed inside the housing 201. For example, when the housing 201 is a hollow cuboid or cube, one plane of the housing 201 is the opening, meaning that the plane does not have a housing wall, allowing communication between the inside and outside of the housing 201. When the housing 201 is a hollow cylinder, the circular side of the housing 201 is the opening, meaning that the circular side does not have a housing wall, allowing communication between the inside and outside of the housing 201. The end cap assembly 202 is connected to the housing 201 at the opening to form a closed outer shell for placing the electrode assembly 100, and the housing 201 is filled with electrolyte.

[0065] The end cap assembly 202 includes an end cap 202a and two terminals 202b. The end cap 202a is basically flat, and the two terminals 202b are located on and pass through the flat surface of the end cap 202a. The two terminals 202b are the positive terminal and the negative terminal, respectively.

[0066] An explosion-proof valve 202c may also be installed on the flat surface of the end cover 202a. The explosion-proof valve 202c can be part of the flat surface of the end cover 202a, or it can be welded to the flat surface of the end cover 202a. When the battery 300 produces too much gas, the gas expands and the gas pressure inside the casing rises to a value exceeding the preset value. At this point, the explosion-proof valve 202c cracks, causing communication between the inside and outside of the casing. The gas is released outward through the crack in the explosion-proof valve 202c, thereby preventing an explosion.

[0067] The electrode assembly 100 includes a plurality of battery cells 101 arranged side by side and electrically connected to each other, and a tab assembly 103, the tab assembly 103 being connected to a terminal 202b. The tab assembly 103 is formed by folding the tabs of the plurality of battery cells 101.

[0068] The battery cell 101 includes electrodes and a separator, wherein the electrodes include an anode plate and a cathode plate. Both the anode plate and the cathode plate include a current collector and a coating layer. The active material of the anode plate is coated onto the current collector to form a coating layer, and the active material of the cathode plate is coated onto the current collector to form a coating layer. The separator, an insulator, is disposed between the anode plate and the cathode plate, and serves to separate the coating layers of the anode plate and the cathode plate. The anode plate, separator, and cathode plate are sequentially stacked and wound to form the battery cell 101.

[0069] Since the housing 201 is made of aluminum, before the electrode assembly 100 is placed inside the housing 201, the circumferential sides and bottom of the battery cell assembly composed of multiple battery cells 101 need to be covered with insulating materials to prevent the battery cells 101 from contacting the housing 201 and causing corrosion of the housing 201.

[0070] The inventors discovered that although the circumferential sides and bottom of the cell assembly of the electrode assembly 100 are covered with insulating materials, the cell 101 is still easy to come into contact with the housing 201 at the corners of the sides and bottom of the cell, causing corrosion of the housing 201. In order to position and install the insulating materials, positioning holes need to be provided on the insulating materials. After the insulating materials cover the cell assembly, the positioning holes are generally located at the bottom of the cell assembly. Some active materials on the electrode plates will fall into the positioning holes, causing the housing 201 to overlap with the electrode plates and causing electrochemical corrosion of the housing 201.

[0071] Based on this, some embodiments of this disclosure provide an assembly method for insulating components, electrode assemblies, battery cells, batteries, electrical devices, and electrode assemblies for covering battery cells. By improving the structure of the insulating component itself, it can cover the circumferential side, bottom, corners of the side and bottom, and positioning holes of the battery cell assembly, thereby mitigating the problem of casing corrosion.

[0072] refer to Figure 4 In some embodiments, the insulating member 102 for covering the battery cell includes an intermediate flap 3, a first flap 1, an extension flap 4, and a second flap 2.

[0073] The middle flap 3 is provided with a positioning hole 31.

[0074] The first fold 1 is connected to the middle fold 3 at the first fold line 51. The first fold 1 includes a first main fold 11 and a side fold 12 connected to the first main fold 11 at the third fold line 53. The third fold line 53 is perpendicular to the first fold line 51.

[0075] The extension piece 4 is connected to the end of the side piece 12 near the middle piece 3 at the fourth fold line 54, and the fourth fold line 54 is perpendicular to the third fold line 53.

[0076] The second fold 2 connects to the middle fold 3 at the second fold line 52, and the second fold line 52 is parallel to the first fold line 51.

[0077] refer to Figure 5 The middle fold 3 is configured to cover the bottom of the battery cell 101, the first fold 1 and the second fold 2 are configured to cover the circumferential side of the battery cell 101 after folding, and the extension piece 4 is configured to completely cover the positioning hole 31 after folding.

[0078] The insulating element 102 is made of an insulating material. Optionally, the insulating element 102 includes a polyester film or a polypropylene film.

[0079] Since the electrode assembly 100 includes a housing 201 and one or more battery cells 101, and the housing 201 is made of aluminum, if one or more battery cells 101 are placed directly inside the housing 201, the battery cells 101 are prone to contact with the housing 201, leading to corrosion of the housing 201. Even if only the insulating component 102 covers the circumferential sides and bottom of the battery cell 101, the corners of the sides and bottom of the battery cell 101 will still have the problem of contact with the housing 201 and corrosion of the housing 201. Active material from the electrode can also fall off at the corners of the side and bottom of the battery cell 101, causing the casing 201 to overlap with the electrode and resulting in electrochemical corrosion of the casing 201. Furthermore, in order to achieve mechanized and automated gripping of the insulating component 102, a positioning hole 31 needs to be provided on the insulating component 102. After the insulating component 102 covers the battery cell 101, the positioning hole 31 is generally located at the bottom of the battery cell 101. Active material from the electrode can also fall off into the positioning hole 31, causing the casing 201 to overlap with the electrode and resulting in electrochemical corrosion of the casing 201.

[0080] Based on this, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the side flap 12 of the insulating member 102 is connected to the extension piece 4. After the extension piece 4 is folded, it covers at least part of the corners of the side and bottom of the battery cell 101 and completely covers the positioning hole 31, which plays the role of insulation and protection. It can prevent the battery cell 101 at the corners of the side and bottom and at the positioning hole 31 from contacting the housing 201. It can also catch the active material falling from the electrode of the battery cell 101, preventing the active material from falling onto the housing 201 and causing electrochemical corrosion of the housing 201. It also has the function of protecting the performance and safety of the battery cell.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the middle flap 3 of the insulating member 102 covers the bottom of the battery cell 101, and the first flap 1 and the second flap 2 are folded and cover the circumferential side of the battery cell 101. Therefore, the insulating member 102 provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure can cover the circumferential side, bottom and corner area of ​​the battery cell 101, and can also cover the positioning hole 31 provided therein, so as to cover the battery cell 101 in all directions and avoid electrochemical corrosion of the housing 201.

[0082] In some embodiments, the insulating element 102 can be formed by cutting a single piece of insulating material. By simply cutting the whole piece of insulating material, the middle folded piece 3 and the extension piece 4 can be cut out. Then, by folding the insulating element 102 along the fold line, the battery cell 101 can be fully covered. The preparation method of the insulating element 102 is simple and the protection effect is good.

[0083] Optionally, the entire insulating material may be square.

[0084] In this embodiment, each fold line on the insulating member 102 can be a solid crease, or it can be formed by providing continuous dot holes on the insulating member 102.

[0085] In some embodiments, the extension piece 4 is configured such that after being folded along the fourth fold line 54, it does not extend beyond the area between the first fold line 51 and the second fold line 52 in the width direction of the middle fold piece 3.

[0086] After the extension piece 4 is folded, it does not extend beyond the area between the first fold line 51 and the second fold line 52 in the width direction of the middle fold piece 3, which helps to ensure that the cell 101 absorbs the electrolyte in the casing 201.

[0087] When the extension piece 4 is formed by cutting from a whole piece of insulating material, the width of the extension piece 4 after cutting is less than the distance between the first fold line 51 and the second fold line 52. Therefore, there is no waste of material and no redundant part that would hinder the assembly of the battery cell 101 covered with the insulating material 102 into the housing. The electrolyte in the housing 201 can enter the battery cell 101 through the gap between the extension piece 4 and the first fold line 51, and the gap between the extension piece 4 and the second fold line 52. This also helps to ensure the absorption of electrolyte in the housing 201 by the battery cell 101.

[0088] Since the width of the extension piece 4 is less than the distance between the first fold line 51 and the second fold line 52, the extension piece 4 covers the side and bottom corners of the battery cell 101 after folding. The gap between the extension piece 4 and the first fold line 51, and the gap between the extension piece 4 and the second fold line 52 mainly refer to the corners of the side and bottom of the battery cell 101 that are not covered by the extension piece 4.

[0089] In some embodiments, the extension piece 4 is configured such that, after being folded along the fourth fold line 54, the distance between it and the first fold line 51 is at least 2 mm in the width direction of the intermediate fold piece 3, and the distance between it and the second fold line 52 is at least 2 mm.

[0090] The maximum width W of the extension piece 4 is at least 4 mm smaller than the distance between the first fold line 51 and the second fold line 52, corresponding to a single-sided gap of greater than or equal to 2 mm. The electrolyte in the housing 201 can enter the cell 101 through the gap between the extension piece 4 and the first fold line 51, and the gap between the extension piece 4 and the second fold line 52, which is beneficial to ensure the absorption of electrolyte in the housing 201 by the cell 101.

[0091] refer to Figure 6d In some embodiments, the extension sheet 4 is configured to fold along the fourth fold line 54 to cover at least a portion of the lengthwise end of the cell 101.

[0092] The battery cell 101 is formed by sequentially stacking and winding an anode sheet, a separator, and a cathode sheet. The corner end of the battery cell 101 is defined as the end point along its length. The dimension between the two flat sides of the battery cell 101 is its width, and the dimension between its two elliptical end faces is its height.

[0093] After the battery cell 101 is placed inside the housing 201, the end of the battery cell 101 along the length direction can easily come into contact with the housing 201, and the active material can easily fall off. The extension piece 4 is folded and covers the end of the battery cell 101 along the length direction, which can prevent the end of the battery cell 101 along the length direction from coming into contact with the housing 201, and can catch the active material falling off from the end of the battery cell 101 along the length direction, so as to prevent the active material from falling into the housing 201 and causing electrochemical corrosion of the housing 201.

[0094] refer to Figure 7d and Figure 8d In some embodiments, there are multiple battery cells 101, and the extension sheet 4 is configured to fold along the fourth fold line 54 to cover at least a portion of the end of each battery cell 101 along its length direction.

[0095] The battery cell 101 is formed by stacking and winding an anode plate, a separator, and a cathode plate in sequence. The corner end of the battery cell 101 is the end of the battery cell 101 along its length. After multiple battery cells 101 are placed in the housing 201, the ends of the battery cells 101 along their length can easily come into contact with the housing 201 and the active material can easily fall off. The extension sheet 4 is folded and covers the ends of each battery cell 101 along its length, which can prevent the ends of each battery cell 101 along its length from coming into contact with the housing 201 and can catch the active material falling from the ends of each battery cell 101 along its length, thus preventing the active material from falling into the housing 201 and causing electrochemical corrosion of the housing 201.

[0096] Whether the insulating member 102 covers one or more battery cells 101, the ends of each battery cell 101 in the length direction are generally located in the middle region of the width direction of the intermediate fold 3. The extension piece 4 is configured to be folded along the fourth fold line 54 and located in the middle region of the width direction of the intermediate fold 3. The extension piece 4 can cover the ends of each battery cell 101 in the length direction.

[0097] refer to Figure 6a , Figure 6b , Figure 6c and Figure 6dIn some embodiments, an insulating member 102 encloses a battery cell 101. The width of the extension piece 4 is less than the width of a single battery cell 101. After being folded, the extension piece 4 is located in the middle region of the width direction of the intermediate flap 3. The end of the battery cell 101 in the length direction is also generally located in the middle region of the width direction of the intermediate flap 3. Optionally, the width of the extension piece 4 is not less than 1 / 2 of the width of the battery cell 101, i.e., W≥(1 / 2)H, where W is the width of the extension piece 4 and H is the width of a single battery cell 101, so as to cover the end of the battery cell 101 along the length direction.

[0098] refer to Figure 7a , Figure 7b , Figure 7c and Figure 7d In some embodiments, the insulating member 102 encloses two battery cells 101. The extension piece 4 is folded and located in the middle region of the width direction of the middle fold 3. Optionally, the width of the extension piece 4 is not less than 2 / 3 of the total width of the two battery cells 101, i.e. W≥(2 / 3)2H, where W is the width of the extension piece 4 and H is the width of a single battery cell 101.

[0099] refer to Figure 8a , Figure 8b , Figure 8c and Figure 8d In some embodiments, the insulating member 102 encloses four battery cells 101. The extension piece 4 is folded and located in the middle region of the width direction of the middle fold 3. Optionally, the width of the extension piece 4 is not less than 4 / 5 of the total width of the four battery cells 101, that is: W≥(4 / 5)4H, where W is the width of the extension piece 4 and H is the width of a single battery cell 101.

[0100] In some embodiments, the insulating member 102 encloses n battery cells 101. The extension piece 4, after being folded, is located in the middle region of the width direction of the intermediate fold 3. The width of the extension piece 4 is not less than n / (n+1) of the total width of the n battery cells 101, i.e., W≥(n / (n+1))nH. Wherein, n is the number of battery cells 101 enclosed by the insulating member 102, and n is an integer greater than 0, W is the width of the extension piece 4, and H is the width of a single battery cell 101.

[0101] In some embodiments, the insulating member 102 encloses n battery cells 101, and the extension piece 4 is located in the middle region of the width direction of the middle fold 3 after being folded. The width of the extension piece 4 is at least greater than the width of n-1 battery cells, where n is the number of battery cells 101 enclosed by the insulating member 102, and n is an integer greater than 0.

[0102] In some embodiments, the length direction of the extension piece 4 is defined to be perpendicular to the fourth fold line 54, and the length of the extension piece 4 is defined as L, where L is not greater than the distance between the first fold line 51 and the second fold line 52. The width of the extension piece 4 is defined as W.

[0103] Since the extension piece 4 covers the positioning hole 31 after being folded, the length L of the extension piece 4 is not greater than the distance between the first fold line 51 and the second fold line 52, which can be used to position the positioning hole 31.

[0104] When the extension piece 4 is formed by cutting from a whole piece of insulating material, the length of the extension piece 4 formed after cutting will naturally be less than the distance between the first fold line 51 and the second fold line 52. Therefore, in order to make full use of the whole piece of insulating material, the position of the positioning hole 31 should meet the requirement that the extension piece 4 covers the positioning hole 31 after folding.

[0105] In some embodiments, the length L of the extension piece 4 is greater than s + d + x, where s is the minimum distance between the positioning hole 31 and the fourth fold line 54 after the extension piece 4 is folded along the fourth fold line 54, d is the diameter of the positioning hole 31, and x is not less than 2 mm.

[0106] The length L of the extension piece 4 is greater than s+d+x, which ensures that the extension piece 4 completely covers the positioning hole 31.

[0107] When the extension piece 4 is formed by cutting from a whole piece of insulating material, the maximum value of the length L of the extension piece is equal to the width of the middle fold 3.

[0108] In some embodiments, the side flap 12 includes a first side flap 12a and a second side flap 12b, and both the first and second sides of the first main flap 11 have a third fold line 53.

[0109] The first side flap 12a is connected to the first main flap 11 at the third fold line 53 on the first side of the first main flap 11.

[0110] The second side flap 12b is connected to the first main flap 11 at the third fold line 53 on the second side of the first main flap 11.

[0111] The extension piece 4 includes a first extension piece 41 and a second extension piece 42. The first side fold 12a and the second side fold 12b both have a fourth fold line 54 at one end near the middle fold.

[0112] The first extension piece 41 is connected to the first side fold 12a at the fourth fold line 54 on the first side fold 12a.

[0113] The second extension piece 42 is connected to the second side fold 12b at the fourth fold line 54 on the second side fold 12b.

[0114] The positioning hole 31 includes a first positioning hole 31a and a second positioning hole 31b, and the battery cell includes a first side, a second side and a bottom.

[0115] The first extension piece 41 is configured to fold over and cover at least part of the first side and bottom corners of the battery cell, and completely cover the first positioning hole 31a.

[0116] The second extension piece 42 is configured to fold over at least part of the second side and bottom corners of the battery cell and completely cover the second positioning hole 31b.

[0117] A first side flap 12a and a second side flap 12b are respectively provided on both sides of the first main flap 11. The first side flap 12a and the second side flap 12b are used to cover the two ends of the battery cell 101 along its length. The first side flap 12a is connected to the first extension piece 41, and the second side flap 12b is connected to the second extension piece 42. The first extension piece 41 and the second extension piece 42 can cover the corners of the two ends and the bottom of the battery cell 101. In order to enable the mechanical equipment to automatically grasp the insulating component 102 when the insulating component 102 covers the battery cell 101, and to facilitate the operation of covering the insulating component 102, two positioning holes 31 are provided on the insulating component 102. The first extension piece 41 and the second extension piece 42 can each cover one positioning hole 31, thereby achieving all-round coverage of the battery cell 101.

[0118] In some embodiments, the second flap 2 includes a second main flap 21 and an overlapping piece 22 connected to the second main flap 21 at a fifth fold line 55. The overlapping piece 22 and the side flap 12 are configured to overlap each other after folding, and the fifth fold line 55 is perpendicular to the second fold line 52.

[0119] After the overlapping piece 22 and the side fold piece 12 are folded, they overlap each other to completely cover the two ends of the battery cell 101 in the length direction. The middle fold piece 3 covers the bottom of the battery cell 101. After the first main fold piece 11 and the second main fold piece 21 are folded, they cover the two sides of the battery cell 101 in the width direction, thus achieving all-round coverage of the battery cell 101.

[0120] In some embodiments, the overlapping piece 22 includes a first overlapping piece 22a and a second overlapping piece 22b, and the first and second sides of the second main fold 21 both have a fifth fold line 55.

[0121] The first overlapping piece 22a connects to the second main fold 21 at the fifth fold line 55 on the first side of the second main fold 21. The first overlapping piece 22a is configured to overlap with the first side fold 12a after folding.

[0122] The second overlapping piece 22b is connected to the second main fold 21 at the fifth fold line 55 on the second side of the second main fold 21. The second overlapping piece 22b is configured to overlap with the second side fold 12b after folding.

[0123] Some embodiments also provide an electrode assembly 100, which includes at least one battery cell 101 and the aforementioned insulating member 102, the insulating member 102 being folded to cover at least a portion of the surface of at least one battery cell 101.

[0124] The electrode assembly 100 includes the insulating member 102 provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, and accordingly possesses the beneficial effects of the insulating member 102 provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, which will not be described in detail here.

[0125] Some embodiments also provide a battery cell 200, which includes a housing 201 and the aforementioned electrode assembly 100, the electrode assembly 100 being disposed within the housing 201.

[0126] The battery cell 200 includes the electrode assembly 100 provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, and has the beneficial effects of the electrode assembly 100 provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, which will not be described in detail here.

[0127] Some embodiments also provide a battery 300, which includes a housing 301 and at least one of the above-described battery cells 200, the battery cells 200 being disposed within the housing 301.

[0128] The battery 300 includes the battery cell 200 provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, and has the beneficial effects of the battery cell 200 provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, which will not be described in detail here.

[0129] Some embodiments also provide an electrical device that includes the battery 300 described above.

[0130] The electrical device includes the battery 300 provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, and accordingly possesses the beneficial effects of the battery 300 provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, which will not be described in detail here.

[0131] Optionally, the electrical equipment includes vehicle 400.

[0132] Some embodiments also provide a method for assembling an electrode assembly, which includes the following steps:

[0133] Provide at least one cell 101;

[0134] An insulating component 102 is provided, comprising: a middle flap 3 having a positioning hole 31 thereon; a first flap 1 connected to the middle flap 3 at a first fold line 51, the first flap 1 including a first main flap 11 and a side flap 12 connected to the first main flap 11 at a third fold line 53, the third fold line 53 being perpendicular to the first fold line 51; an extension piece 4 connected to one end of the side flap 12 near the middle flap 3 at a fourth fold line 54, the fourth fold line 54 being perpendicular to the third fold line 53; and a second flap 2 connected to the middle flap 3 at a second fold line 52, the second fold line 52 being parallel to the first fold line 51;

[0135] At least one battery cell 101 is placed on the intermediate fold 3 and arranged sequentially along the direction between the first fold line 51 and the second fold line 52, such that the intermediate fold 3 covers the bottom of at least one battery cell 101; and

[0136] Fold the first flap 1 and the second flap 2 so that the first flap 1 and the second flap 2 cover the circumferential side of at least one battery cell 101, and fold the extension piece 4 so that the extension piece 4 completely covers the positioning hole 31.

[0137] The middle flap 3 covers the bottom of the battery cell 101, the first flap 1 and the second flap 2 cover the circumferential side of the battery cell 101, the extension piece 4 covers at least part of the corners of the side and bottom of the battery cell 101, and completely covers the positioning hole 31. The insulating member 102 can cover the circumferential side, bottom and corner area of ​​the side and bottom of the battery cell 101, and can also cover the positioning hole 31 it provides, so as to cover the battery cell 101 in all directions and prevent the casing 201 from undergoing electrochemical corrosion.

[0138] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 3 to 8d Some specific embodiments of the insulating element 102 are described in detail.

[0139] like Figure 4 As shown, the insulating component 102 used to cover the battery cell includes an intermediate fold 3, a first fold 1, an extension piece 4, and a second fold 2.

[0140] The first fold 1 is connected to the middle fold 3 at the first fold line 51, and the second fold 2 is connected to the middle fold 3 at the second fold line 52. The middle fold 3 is provided with a first positioning hole 31a and a second positioning hole 31b.

[0141] The first flap 1 includes a first main flap 11, a first side flap 12a, and a second side flap 12b. Both the first and second sides of the first main flap 11 have a third fold line 53. The first side flap 12a is connected to the first main flap 11 at the third fold line 53 on the first side of the first main flap 11. The second side flap 12b is connected to the first main flap 11 at the third fold line 53 on the second side of the first main flap 11.

[0142] The extension piece 4 includes a first extension piece 41 and a second extension piece 42. Both the first side fold 12a and the second side fold 12b have a fourth fold line 54 near one end of the middle fold. The first extension piece 41 connects to the first side fold 12a at the fourth fold line 54. The second extension piece 42 connects to the second side fold 12b at the fourth fold line 54.

[0143] The second flap 2 includes a second main flap 21, a first overlapping piece 22a, and a second overlapping piece 22b. Both the first and second sides of the second main flap 21 have a fifth fold line 55. The first overlapping piece 22a connects to the second main flap 21 at the fifth fold line 55 on the first side of the second main flap 21. The second overlapping piece 22b connects to the second main flap 21 at the fifth fold line 55 on the second side of the second main flap 21.

[0144] After the insulating member 102 is folded, the middle flap 3 covers the bottom of the battery cell 101, the first main flap 11 and the second main flap 21 cover the two sides of the battery cell 101 in the width direction; the first overlapping piece 22a overlaps with the first side flap 12a, and the second overlapping piece 22b overlaps with the second side flap 12b to cover the two sides (first side and second side) of the battery cell 101 in the length direction; the first extension piece 41 covers at least part of the corners of the first side and bottom of the battery cell and completely covers the first positioning hole 31a; the second extension piece 42 covers at least part of the corners of the second side and bottom of the battery cell and completely covers the second positioning hole 31b.

[0145] like Figure 5 The image shows the folding process of the insulating component 102. Figure 5 Figure a shows the unfolded state of the insulating component 102; Figure 5 b shows the folding of the first main fold 11 and the second main fold 21; Figure 5 As shown in Figure c, the first overlapping piece 22a and the first side fold piece 12a are folded and overlapped with each other, the second overlapping piece 22b and the second side fold piece 12b are folded and overlapped with each other, and the first extension piece 41 and the second extension piece 42 are folded to complete the folding of the insulating member 102.

[0146] like Figure 6a As shown, this is a battery cell 101 and an end cap assembly 202; Figure 6b , Figure 6c and Figure 6d As shown, the insulating component 102 covers a battery cell 101.

[0147] like Figure 7a As shown, this includes two battery cells 101 and an end cap assembly 202; Figure 7b , Figure 7c and Figure 7d As shown, the insulating component 102 covers two battery cells 101.

[0148] like Figure 8a As shown, this consists of four battery cells 101 and an end cap assembly 202; Figure 8b , Figure 8c and Figure 8d As shown, the insulating component 102 covers four battery cells 101.

[0149] Although this application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made thereto and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of this application. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner, provided there is no structural conflict. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An insulator for a battery cell, characterized by, Comprising: a middle flap (3) provided with a positioning hole (31); a first flap (1) connected with the middle flap (3) at a first fold line (51), the first flap (1) comprising a first main flap (11) and a side flap (12) connected with the first main flap (11) at a third fold line (53) perpendicular to the first fold line (51); an extension flap (4) connected with the side flap (12) at a fourth fold line (54) perpendicular to the third fold line (53) near one end of the side flap (12) close to the middle flap (3); and a second flap (2) connected with the middle flap (3) at a second fold line (52) parallel to the first fold line (51); wherein the middle flap (3) is configured to cover the bottom of the battery cell (101), the first flap (1) and the second flap (2) are configured to cover the circumferential side of the battery cell (101) after folding, and the extension flap (4) is configured to cover the positioning hole (31) completely after folding; and the width of the extension flap (4) is less than the distance between the first fold line (51) and the second fold line (52). The distance between the first fold line (51) and the second fold line (52) in the width direction of the middle flap (3) after folding the extension flap (4) along the fourth fold line (54) is greater than 2mm.

2. The insulator of claim 1, wherein The extension flap (4) is configured to cover at least part of the lengthwise end of the battery cell (101) after folding along the fourth fold line (54).

3. The insulator of claim 1, wherein The number of battery cells (101) is multiple, and the extension flap (4) is configured to cover at least part of the lengthwise end of each battery cell (101) after folding along the fourth fold line (54).

4. The insulator of claim 1, wherein The length direction of the extension flap (4) is defined as perpendicular to the fourth fold line (54), and the length of the extension flap (4) is defined as L, which is not greater than the distance between the first fold line (51) and the second fold line (52).

5. The insulator of claim 1, wherein The length L of the extension flap (4) is greater than s+d+x, wherein s is the minimum distance between the positioning hole (31) and the fourth fold line (54) after folding the extension flap (4) along the fourth fold line (54), d is the diameter of the positioning hole (31), and x is not less than 2mm.

6. The insulator of claim 5, wherein The side flap (12) comprises a first side flap (12a) and a second side flap (12b), and the first side and the second side of the first main flap (11) both have a third fold line (53); 7. The insulator of claim 1, wherein The first side flap (12a) is connected with the first main flap (11) at the third fold line (53) on the first side of the first main flap (11); The second side flap (12b) is connected with the first main flap (11) at the third fold line (53) on the second side of the first main flap (11); ​ The extending piece (4) comprises a first extending piece (41) and a second extending piece (42), and the first side flap (12a) and the second side flap (12b) are each provided with a fourth fold line (54) near one end of the middle flap; The first extending piece (41) is connected with the first side flap (12a) at the fourth fold line (54) on the first side flap (12a); The second extending piece (42) is connected with the second side flap (12b) at the fourth fold line (54) on the second side flap (12b); The positioning hole (31) comprises a first positioning hole (31a) and a second positioning hole (31b), and the battery cell comprises a first side, a second side and a bottom; The first extending piece (41) is configured to wrap at least part of the corner of the first side and the bottom of the battery cell after being folded, and completely cover the first positioning hole (31a); The second extending piece (42) is configured to wrap at least part of the corner of the second side and the bottom of the battery cell after being folded, and completely cover the second positioning hole (31b).

8. The insulator of claim 1, wherein The second flap (2) comprises a second main flap (21) and a lap piece (22) connected with the second main flap (21) at a fifth fold line (55), the lap piece (22) and the side flap (12) are configured to lap with each other after being folded, and the fifth fold line (55) is perpendicular to the second fold line (52).

9. An electrode assembly characterized by, The battery cell (101) comprises at least one battery cell (101), and the insulating piece (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is folded to wrap at least part of the surface of the at least one battery cell (101).

10. A battery cell characterized by, The electrode assembly (100) according to claim 9 is arranged in the shell (201).

11. A battery, characterized by The battery monomer (200) according to claim 10 is arranged in the box (301).

12. An electrical device, characterized by The battery (300) according to claim 11 is provided.

13. A method of assembling an electrode assembly, characterized by, The method comprises the following steps: providing at least one battery cell (101); providing the insulating piece (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the insulating piece (102) comprising: a middle flap (3) provided with a positioning hole (31); a first flap (1) connected with the middle flap (3) at a first fold line (51), the first flap (1) comprising a first main flap (11) and a side flap (12) connected with the first main flap (11) at a third fold line (53), the third fold line (53) being perpendicular to the first fold line (51); an extending piece (4) connected to one end of the side flap (12) near the middle flap (3) at a fourth fold line (54), the fourth fold line (54) being perpendicular to the third fold line (53); and a second flap (2) connected with the middle flap (3) at a second fold line (52), the second fold line (52) being parallel to the first fold line (51); The at least one battery cell (101) is placed on the middle fold (3) and arranged in sequence along the direction between the first fold line (51) and the second fold line (52), so that the middle fold (3) covers the bottom of the at least one battery cell (101); and The first fold (1) and the second fold (2) are folded to cover the circumferential side of the at least one battery cell (101), and the extension (4) is folded to completely cover the positioning hole (31).

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