End cap assembly, battery cell, battery and electrical device

Abstract

This application provides an end cap assembly, a battery cell, a battery, and an electrical device. The end cap assembly includes: an end cap with an electrode lead-out hole; an electrode terminal including a terminal plate located on one side of the end cap and covering the electrode lead-out hole, with the outer peripheral surface of the terminal plate protruding from the inner wall of the electrode lead-out hole; a sealing member, at least partially disposed between the electrode terminal and the end cap; a first fixing member configured to connect to the end cap and surround the terminal plate to fix the electrode terminal to the end cap, the first fixing member including a first flange extending in a direction close to the axis of the electrode lead-out hole and located on the side of the terminal plate away from the end cap; and a heat-resistant member, at least partially located between the first flange and the electrode terminal along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole. The end cap assembly provided by this application improves the sealing reliability between the electrode terminal and the end cap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to an end cap assembly, a battery cell, a battery, and an electrical device. Background Technology

[0002] This section provides only background information relevant to this application and is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] A battery cell, as the smallest unit comprising a battery, includes an end cap, a housing, electrode assemblies, and other functional components. The end cap closes to the opening in the housing to isolate the internal environment of the battery cell from the external environment. Functional components such as electrode terminals may be located on the end cap. These electrode terminals typically pass through through-holes in the end cap and are electrically connected to the electrode assemblies. Since the battery cell also contains electrolyte, a sealant is needed between the end cap and the electrode terminals to prevent electrolyte leakage. The seal between the end cap and the electrode terminals is crucial for ensuring battery safety. Therefore, in some related technologies, solidified plastic is often used to fix the electrode terminals and the end cap, maintaining a certain amount of compression on the sealant between them, thereby achieving a better sealing effect. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide an end cap assembly, a battery cell, a battery, and an electrical device to improve the sealing reliability between the electrode terminals and the end cap. The specific technical solution is as follows:

[0005] An embodiment of the first aspect of this application provides an end cap assembly, comprising: an end cap having an electrode lead-out hole; an electrode terminal including a terminal plate located on one side of the end cap and covering the electrode lead-out hole, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the terminal plate protrudes from the inner wall of the electrode lead-out hole; a sealing member at least partially disposed between the electrode terminal and the end cap; a first fixing member configured to connect to the end cap and surround the terminal plate to fix the electrode terminal on the end cap, the first fixing member including a first flange extending in a direction close to the axis of the electrode lead-out hole, the first flange being located on the side of the terminal plate away from the end cap; and a heat-resistant member along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole, at least a portion of the heat-resistant member being located between the first flange and the electrode terminal.

[0006] According to the embodiment of the first aspect of this application, an end cap assembly is provided with a sealing element between the end cap and the electrode terminal to seal the adjacent mating surfaces of the end cap and the electrode terminal. The end cap is connected to a first fixing member that surrounds the terminal plate to fix the electrode terminal to the end cap. The first fixing member includes a first flange located on the side of the terminal plate away from the end cap, and a heat-resistant element is provided between the first flange and the electrode terminal along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole. Since the heat-resistant element is not easily damaged under heating conditions below its maximum heat resistance temperature, its shape and size change are small. The position of the first fixing member is fixed after being connected to the end cap. Therefore, there is always at least a gap of the thickness of the heat-resistant element between the first flange and the terminal plate. In other words, the heat-resistant element restricts the distance the terminal plate can move towards the first flange, thus keeping the mating position between the electrode terminal and the end cap as constant as possible. This makes the fixing effect of the first fixing member on the electrode terminal and the end cap more reliable, reduces the change in the compression of the sealing element, and thereby improves the sealing reliability between the electrode terminal and the end cap.

[0007] In some embodiments of this application, the heat-resistant component is designed to withstand temperatures of at least 300°C without deformation. Generally, when heat is generated during welding and formation processes, the surface temperature of the electrode terminal and its surrounding environment is between 200°C and 300°C. Using a heat-resistant component that can withstand temperatures of at least 300°C without deformation can better limit the distance the terminal plate moves towards the first flange, resulting in higher reliability and further ensuring the seal between the electrode terminal and the end cap.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, the material of the heat-resistant component includes at least one or more of the following materials: ceramic, polybenzimidazole, and polyimide. Regardless of whether the material of the heat-resistant component includes any one or more of ceramic, polybenzimidazole, and polyimide, it can meet the application requirement of small deformation of the heat-resistant component in scenarios with rising temperatures. This is used to limit the distance the terminal plate moves towards the first flange when positioned between the first flange and the terminal plate, thereby reducing the impact of temperature rise on the position of the electrode terminal, reducing the change in the compression of the seal, and thus improving the sealing reliability between the electrode terminal and the end cap. At the same time, it can also play an insulating role to avoid safety hazards caused by electrical conduction between the electrode terminal and the first flange.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the end cap assembly further includes a second fixing member, which at least partially surrounds the terminal plate, and the first fixing member is spaced apart from the electrode terminal by the second fixing member. By providing the second fixing member, which at least partially surrounds the terminal plate and separates the first fixing member from the electrode terminal, the first fixing member and the electrode terminal can be connected to form a whole, making them less prone to separation or loosening, thereby further strengthening the fixing effect between the electrode terminal and the end cap and improving the connection stability between the electrode terminal and the end cap.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the second fixing member is the heat-resistant member. In this case, the distance between the first fixing member and the electrode terminal is more stable, and the electrode terminal can move a smaller distance towards the first fixing member, thus better ensuring the sealing reliability between the electrode terminal and the end cap.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the heat-resistant component and the second fixing component are separately disposed. The heat-resistant component is disposed between the first flange and the electrode terminal, and the second fixing component surrounds the heat-resistant component. Since the movable direction of the electrode terminal is along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole, the key to limiting the movement distance of the electrode terminal relative to the first flange is to place the heat-resistant component between the first flange and the electrode terminal. In this case, the heat-resistant component and the second fixing component are separately disposed, the second fixing component has a wider range of material selection, and it is easier to realize the connection of each component. Furthermore, the second fixing component is arranged in a form that surrounds the terminal plate and the heat-resistant component, and separates the first fixing component and the electrode terminal from each other. The first fixing component, the heat-resistant component, and the electrode terminal are connected to form a whole, making it difficult for them to separate or loosen. This further strengthens the fixing effect of the electrode terminal and the end cap, improves the connection stability between the electrode terminal and the end cap, and can better ensure the sealing reliability between the electrode terminal and the end cap.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the portion of the second fixing member located between the first flange and the terminal plate is provided with a receiving groove, and at least a portion of the heat-resistant component is embedded in the receiving groove. By providing a receiving groove in the portion of the second fixing member located between the first flange and the terminal plate, at least a portion of the heat-resistant component is embedded in the receiving groove, making it easier to surround at least a portion of the heat-resistant component with the second fixing member. This enhances the connection stability between the heat-resistant component and the first flange and the terminal plate, and prevents the heat-resistant component from shifting or shaking between the first flange and the terminal plate, thus affecting the overall structural stability.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole, the receiving groove penetrates the portion of the second fixing member located between the first flange and the terminal plate, so that both ends of the heat-resistant member abut against the first flange and the terminal plate respectively. By setting the receiving groove as a through hole penetrating the portion of the second fixing member located between the first flange and the terminal plate, so that both ends of the heat-resistant member abut against the first flange and the terminal plate respectively, the movable distance of the electrode terminal relative to the first flange can be further reduced, thereby better ensuring the fit between the electrode terminal and the end cap and improving the sealing reliability between the electrode terminal and the end cap.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the heat-resistant component is a ring-shaped structure. By setting the heat-resistant component as a ring-shaped structure, the movable distance of the electrode terminals relative to the first flange can be made the same, avoiding the axial offset of the electrode terminals, which can better ensure the fit between the electrode terminals and the end cap and improve the sealing reliability between the electrode terminals and the end cap.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the number of heat-resistant components is multiple, and the multiple heat-resistant components are spaced apart along the axis surrounding the electrode terminal. By spaced apart multiple heat-resistant components along the axis surrounding the electrode terminal, on the one hand, it is possible to ensure that the movable distance of the entire electrode terminal relative to the first flange is the same, avoiding the axial offset of the electrode terminal, thereby better ensuring the fit between the electrode terminal and the end cap and improving the sealing reliability between the electrode terminal and the end cap; on the other hand, it can also reduce the material used for heat-resistant components, thereby saving economic costs in manufacturing heat-resistant components.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the first fixing member further includes a connecting portion extending away from the terminal plate, the connecting portion being welded to the end cap; the end cap assembly further includes a patch, the patch covering the weld formed by welding the connecting portion and the end cap. On the one hand, providing a connecting portion to connect the first fixing member to the end cap by welding the connecting portion to the end cap makes it easier to fix the position of the first fixing member; on the other hand, providing a patch on the weld formed by welding the connecting portion and the end cap can prevent the weld from being exposed on the surface of the battery cell, thereby improving the aesthetics of the overall structure.

[0017] An embodiment of the second aspect of this application provides a battery cell, comprising: a housing having an opening; an electrode assembly housed within the housing; and an end cap assembly according to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the end cap assembly covering the opening.

[0018] According to the battery cell provided in the second aspect of this application, a sealing element is provided between the end cap and the electrode terminal of the end cap assembly to seal the adjacent mating surfaces of the end cap and the electrode terminal. The end cap is connected to a first fixing member surrounding the terminal plate to fix the electrode terminal 1 to the end cap. The first fixing member includes a first flange located on the side of the terminal plate away from the end cap, and a heat-resistant element is provided between the first flange and the electrode terminal along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole. Since the heat-resistant element is not easily damaged under heating conditions below its maximum heat resistance temperature, its shape and size change are small. The position of the first fixing member is fixed after being connected to the end cap. Therefore, there is always at least the thickness of the heat-resistant element between the first flange and the terminal plate. This means the heat-resistant element limits the distance the terminal plate can move towards the first flange, thus keeping the mating position between the electrode terminal and the end cap as constant as possible. This makes the fixing effect of the first fixing member between the electrode terminal and the end cap more reliable, reduces the change in the compression of the sealing element, thereby improving the sealing reliability between the electrode terminal and the end cap, and thus better ensuring the safety of the battery cell.

[0019] An embodiment of the third aspect of this application provides a battery, including the battery cell provided in the embodiment of the second aspect of this application.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the third aspect of this application, in the end cap assembly of the battery cell, a sealing member is provided between the end cap and the electrode terminal to seal the adjacent mating surfaces of the end cap and the electrode terminal, and the end cap is connected to a first fixing member surrounding the terminal plate to fix the electrode terminal on the end cap; the first fixing member includes a first flange located on the side of the terminal plate away from the end cap, and a heat-resistant member is provided between the first flange and the electrode terminal along the axial direction of the electrode lead hole. Because the structure of the heat-resistant component is not easily damaged under heating conditions below its maximum heat resistance temperature, its shape and size change little. Since the position of the first fixing component is fixed after it is connected to the end cover, there is always at least the thickness of the heat-resistant component between the first flange and the terminal plate. In other words, the heat-resistant component restricts the distance that the terminal plate can move towards the first flange. This allows the mating position between the electrode terminal and the end cover to remain unchanged as much as possible, making the fixing effect of the first fixing component between the electrode terminal and the end cover more reliable. It also reduces the change in the compression of the sealing component, which makes the sealing reliability between the electrode terminal and the end cover of the battery cell higher, thus better ensuring the safety of the battery.

[0021] An embodiment of the fourth aspect of this application provides an electrical device including a battery cell provided in the embodiment of the second aspect of this application, the battery cell being used to provide electrical energy.

[0022] According to the embodiments of the fourth aspect of this application, the electrical device includes a battery cell end cap assembly in which a sealing member is provided between the end cap and the electrode terminal to seal the adjacent mating surfaces of the end cap and the electrode terminal, and the end cap is connected to a first fixing member surrounding the terminal plate to fix the electrode terminal on the end cap; the first fixing member includes a first flange located on the side of the terminal plate away from the end cap, and a heat-resistant member is provided between the first flange and the electrode terminal along the axial direction of the electrode lead hole. Because the structure of the heat-resistant component is not easily damaged under heating conditions below its maximum heat resistance temperature, its shape and size change little. Since the position of the first fixing component is fixed after it is connected to the end cover, there is always at least the thickness of the heat-resistant component between the first flange and the terminal plate. In other words, the heat-resistant component restricts the distance that the terminal plate can move towards the first flange. This allows the mating position between the electrode terminal and the end cover to remain unchanged as much as possible, making the fixing effect of the first fixing component between the electrode terminal and the end cover more reliable. It also reduces the change in the compression of the sealing component, which makes the sealing reliability between the electrode terminal and the end cover of the battery cell higher, thus better ensuring the safety of the electrical device. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art 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 these drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 This application provides structural schematic diagrams of vehicles for some embodiments;

[0025] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the battery structure provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the structure of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an end cap assembly provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0028] Figure 5 Another structural schematic diagram of the end cap assembly provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0029] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the end cap assembly provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0030] The reference numerals in the detailed embodiments are as follows:

[0031] Vehicle 1000; Battery cell 700; Controller 200; Motor 300;

[0032] Battery 7000; Case 80; Part 1 81; Part 2 82;

[0033] Electrode assembly 1100; Housing 900;

[0034] End cap assembly 100;

[0035] End cap 2;

[0036] Electrode terminal 1, terminal plate 12;

[0037] Seal 3;

[0038] First fixing member 4, first flange 41, connecting part 42, and fitting through hole 401;

[0039] Heat-resistant component 5;

[0040] Second fastener 6, receiving groove 61;

[0041] Weld 400;

[0042] Patch 7;

[0043] Insulating component 8. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The embodiments of the technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application and are therefore merely examples, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0046] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0047] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0048] In the description of the embodiments 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, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0049] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more (including two sets), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two pieces).

[0050] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "height," "up," "down," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0051] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0052] Electrode terminals typically pass through through holes in the end cap, while the battery cell contains electrolyte. To prevent electrolyte leakage, a seal is needed between the end cap and the electrode terminals. The seal between the end cap and the electrode terminals is crucial for ensuring battery safety. Therefore, in some related technologies, solidified plastic is often used to fix the electrode terminals and the end cap, maintaining a certain amount of compression on the seal between them, thereby achieving a better sealing effect.

[0053] The inventors discovered that batteries leak fluid at the sealing point. Analysis revealed that the leakage was caused by insufficient compression of the sealing element. The root cause was found to be deformation of the plastic, which reduced the pressure of the plastic on the sealing element, resulting in insufficient compression. Heat is generated during plastic injection molding, electrode terminal welding, and formation processes, making the plastic prone to thermal deformation. This causes changes in the relative position between the electrode terminals and the end cap, leading to seal failure due to insufficient compression. This is especially true during battery transportation, vibration, and charging / discharging, when the electrode terminals are more likely to loosen, causing seal failure and electrolyte leakage, posing a battery safety hazard.

[0054] Based on the above considerations, in order to solve the problem of low sealing reliability between the electrode terminal and the end cap, the inventors, after in-depth research, proposed an end cap assembly. This assembly includes a fixing member connected to the end cap for fixing the electrode terminal to the end cap, and a heat-resistant member between the fixing member and the electrode terminal. Because the heat-resistant member has a small coefficient of thermal expansion (the relative change in length or volume of a solid when the temperature increases by 1°C), when the electrode terminal generates heat during welding and forming processes, the heat-resistant member can reduce the movement of the electrode terminal relative to the fixing member. Since the fixing member is connected to the end cap, the positional distance between the electrode terminal and the end cap can be kept as constant as possible, thus making the fixing effect of the fixing member on the electrode terminal and the end cap more reliable, thereby improving the sealing reliability between the electrode terminal and the end cap.

[0055] This application provides an electrical device that uses a single battery cell as a power source. This device can be, but is not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, electric toys, power tools, electric vehicles, electric cars, ships, spacecraft, etc. Electric toys can include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. Spacecraft can include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc.

[0056] For ease of explanation, the following embodiments will be described using a vehicle 1000 as an example of an electrical device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle 1000 provided in some embodiments of this application. The vehicle 1000 can be a gasoline-powered vehicle, a natural gas-powered vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. New energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles, etc. A battery cell 700 is disposed inside the vehicle 1000, and the battery cell 700 can be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 1000. The battery cell 700 can be used to power the vehicle 1000; for example, the battery cell 700 can serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000. The vehicle 1000 may also include a controller 200 and a motor 300. The controller 200 is used to control the battery cell 700 to supply power to the motor 300, for example, to meet the power needs of the vehicle 1000 during starting, navigation, and driving.

[0058] In some embodiments of this application, the battery cell 700 can not only serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000, but also as the driving power source for the vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1000.

[0059] 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.

[0060] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a battery 7000 provided in some embodiments of this application. The battery 7000 includes a housing 80 and a battery cell 700, with the battery cell 700 housed within the housing 80. The housing 80 provides a space for the battery cell 700 and can have various structures. In some embodiments, the housing 80 may include a first portion 81 and a second portion 82, which overlap each other, jointly defining a space for accommodating the battery cell 700. The second portion 82 may be a hollow structure with one open end, and the first portion 81 may be a plate-like structure, covering the open side of the second portion 82 so that the first portion 81 and the second portion 82 jointly define the space; alternatively, the first portion 81 and the second portion 82 may both be hollow structures with one open side, with the open side of the first portion 81 covering the open side of the second portion 82. Of course, the housing 80 formed by the first portion 81 and the second portion 82 can have various shapes, such as a cylinder, a cuboid, etc.

[0061] In battery 7000, there can be multiple battery cells 700, which can be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner. A mixed connection means that multiple battery cells 700 are connected in both series and parallel configurations. Multiple battery cells 700 can be directly connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner, and then the entire assembly of the multiple battery cells 700 is housed within a casing 80. Alternatively, battery 7000 can also consist of multiple battery cells 700 first connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a battery module, and then multiple battery modules are connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a whole, which is also housed within casing 80. Battery 7000 may also include other structures; for example, it may include a busbar component for electrical connection between multiple battery cells 700.

[0062] Each battery cell 700 can be a secondary battery or a primary battery; it can also be a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-ion battery, or a magnesium-ion battery, but is not limited to these. The battery cell 700 can be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes.

[0063] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the structure of a battery cell 700 provided in some embodiments of this application. The battery cell 700 refers to the smallest unit that makes up a battery. Figure 3 As shown, the battery cell 700 includes an end cap 2, a housing 900, and an electrode assembly 1100.

[0064] End cap 2 refers to a component that covers the opening of housing 900 to isolate the internal environment of battery cell 700 from the external environment. The shape of end cap 2 can be adapted to the shape of housing 900 to fit the housing 900. Optionally, end cap 2 can be made of a material with a certain hardness and strength (such as aluminum alloy), so that end cap 2 is less prone to deformation under pressure and impact, allowing battery cell 700 to have higher structural strength and improved safety performance. In some embodiments, functional components such as electrode terminals can be provided on end cap 2. Electrode terminals can be used to electrically connect to electrode assembly 1100 for outputting or inputting electrical energy into battery cell 700. In some embodiments, end cap 2 can also be provided with a pressure relief mechanism for releasing internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of battery cell 700 reaches a threshold. The material of end cap assembly 100 can also be various, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and this application embodiment does not impose special limitations on this. In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, an insulating element 8 may also be provided on the inner side of the end cap 2. The insulating element 8 can be used to isolate the electrical connection components inside the housing 900 from the end cap 2 to reduce the risk of short circuit. For example, the insulating element 8 can be made of plastic, rubber, etc.

[0065] The housing 900 is a component used to cooperate with the end cap 2 to form the internal environment of the battery cell 700. This internal environment can accommodate the electrode assembly 1100, electrolyte, and other components. The housing 900 and the end cap 2 can be independent components. An opening can be provided on the housing 900, and the end cap 2 can be used to close the opening to form the internal environment of the battery cell 700. Alternatively, the end cap 2 and the housing 900 can be integrated. Specifically, the end cap 2 and the housing 900 can form a common connecting surface before other components are inserted into the housing. When it is necessary to encapsulate the interior of the housing 900, the end cap 2 closes the housing 900. The housing 900 can have various shapes and sizes, such as cuboid, cylindrical, hexagonal prism, etc. Specifically, the shape of the housing 900 can be determined according to the specific shape and size of the electrode assembly 1100. The material of the housing 900 can be various, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc. This application embodiment does not impose any special limitations on this.

[0066] Electrode assembly 1100 is the component in the battery cell 100 where electrochemical reactions occur. The housing 900 may contain one or more electrode assemblies 1100. The electrode assembly 1100 is mainly formed by winding or stacking positive and negative electrode sheets, and typically a separator is provided between the positive and negative electrode sheets. The portions of the positive and negative electrode sheets containing active material constitute the main body of the electrode assembly, while the portions of the positive and negative electrode sheets without active material each constitute a tab. The positive and negative tabs may be located together at one end of the main body or separately at both ends of the main body. During the charging and discharging process of the battery, the positive and negative active materials react with the electrolyte, and the tabs connect to the electrode terminals to form a current loop. Typically, the tabs are connected to the electrode terminals via electrical connection components.

[0067] The end cap assembly disclosed in this application can be applied to the assembly of any battery cell, such as cylindrical, cuboid, or pouch battery cells. This application does not limit the packaging method of the battery cell; the battery cell can be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes, and this application does not impose any special limitations on this. The battery cells in this application can be used, but are not limited to, in electrical devices such as vehicles, ships, or aircraft. Applying the end cap assembly disclosed in this application isolates the internal environment of the battery cell from the external environment, better ensuring the sealing of the battery cell and preventing electrolyte leakage, thereby improving battery safety.

[0068] like Figures 4 to 6As shown, an embodiment of the first aspect of this application provides an end cap assembly 100, including an end cap 2, an electrode terminal 1, a sealing member 3, a first fixing member 4, and a heat-resistant member 5. The end cap 2 is provided with an electrode lead-out hole; the electrode terminal 1 includes a terminal plate 12, which is located on one side of the end cap 2 and covers the electrode lead-out hole, with the outer peripheral surface of the terminal plate 12 protruding from the inner wall of the electrode lead-out hole; the sealing member 3 is at least partially disposed between the electrode terminal 1 and the end cap 2; the first fixing member 4 is configured to connect to the end cap 2 and surround the terminal plate 12 to fix the electrode terminal 1 to the end cap 2, the first fixing member 4 including a first flange 41 extending in a direction close to the axis of the electrode lead-out hole, the first flange 41 being located on the side of the terminal plate 12 away from the end cap 2; along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole, at least a portion of the heat-resistant member 5 is located between the first flange 41 and the electrode terminal 1.

[0069] End cap 2 can be understood as a structure that covers the opening of the battery cell's casing and is adapted to the shape of the casing to form a space that can accommodate and restrict the electrode assembly.

[0070] The electrode lead-out hole can be understood as a through hole that runs through the end cap 2, facing the inside of the battery cell and on the other side away from the inside of the battery cell.

[0071] Electrode terminal 1 can be understood as a structure in which one end is electrically connected to the electrode assembly and the other end is configured to be connected to a conductor outside the battery cell, so as to output or input electrical energy of the battery cell.

[0072] The terminal plate 12 can be understood as an electronic component protruding from the interior of the battery cell for achieving electrical connection. In one case, the electrode terminal 1 may further include a cylindrical structure passing through the electrode lead-out hole to restrict the radial movement of the electrode terminal 1 along the electrode lead-out hole, while facilitating electrical connection with the electrode assembly inside the battery cell. The outer peripheral surface of the terminal plate 12 can be understood as the edge periphery of the largest dimension portion of the terminal plate 12 along the direction perpendicular to the axis of the electrode lead-out hole.

[0073] The seal 3 can be understood as a material or part used to prevent fluid or solid particles from leaking between adjacent mating surfaces and to prevent external impurities such as dust and moisture from entering the battery cell. For example, the adjacent mating surfaces between the electrode terminal 1 and the end cap 2 may include the two opposing surfaces between the terminal plate 12 and the end cap 2, as well as the two surfaces of the outer wall of the cylindrical structure and the inner wall of the electrode lead-out hole. Typically, the seal 3 is made of an elastic material, such as rubber or silicone. To ensure a tight fit between adjacent mating surfaces, the seal 3 is placed between them, maintaining a certain amount of compression. This minimizes the gap between the seal 3 and the adjacent mating surface, thereby improving the sealing effect between the adjacent mating surfaces.

[0074] The first fixing member 4 can be understood as a structure with a certain hardness and rigidity that can press against the terminal plate 12 and the end cover 2. The position of the first fixing member 4 is fixed after it is connected to the end cover 2.

[0075] The first flange 41 can be understood as the portion of the first fixing member 4 that extends from the outer peripheral surface of the terminal plate 12 toward the center of the terminal plate 12, opposite to one end of the connecting end cap 2. Alternatively, it can be understood as the portion of the first fixing member 4 that provides a force to press the terminal plate 12 against the end cap 2 along the direction of the electrode lead-out hole toward the end cap 2. For example, the first fixing member 4 can be a metal ring structure including a body adapted to the outer peripheral surface of the terminal plate 12. Accordingly, the first flange 41 can be understood as a structure extending from the end face of the body away from the end cap 2 toward the axis of the electrode lead-out hole.

[0076] The heat-resistant component 5 can be understood as a material or part that can maintain its excellent physical and mechanical properties under heated conditions. Its heat resistance is usually characterized by the highest heat resistance temperature of the material. Under heated conditions below the highest heat resistance temperature, the structure of the heat-resistant component 5 is not easily damaged, and its shape and size change is small.

[0077] According to the embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the end cap assembly 100 has a sealing member 3 between the end cap 2 and the electrode terminal 1 to seal the adjacent mating surfaces of the end cap 2 and the electrode terminal 1, and the end cap 2 is connected to a first fixing member 4 surrounding the terminal plate 12 to fix the electrode terminal 1 on the end cap 2; the first fixing member 4 includes a first flange 41 located on the side of the terminal plate 12 away from the end cap 2, and a heat-resistant member 5 is provided between the first flange 41 and the electrode terminal 1 along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole. Since the structure of the heat-resistant component 5 is not easily damaged under heating conditions below its maximum heat resistance temperature, its shape and size change little. And the position of the first fixing component 4 is fixed after it is connected to the end cover 2. Therefore, there is always at least a gap of the thickness of the heat-resistant component 5 between the first flange 41 and the terminal plate 12. That is, the heat-resistant component 5 restricts the distance that the terminal plate 12 can move towards the first flange 41. This can keep the mating position between the electrode terminal 1 and the end cover 2 as unchanged as possible, so that the fixing effect of the first fixing component 4 on the electrode terminal 1 and the end cover 2 is more reliable, and the change in the compression of the sealing component 3 is reduced, thereby improving the sealing reliability between the electrode terminal 1 and the end cover 2.

[0078] In some embodiments of this application, the heat-resistant component 5 can withstand temperatures of at least 300°C without deformation.

[0079] That is, the maximum heat resistance temperature of the heat-resistant component 5 is greater than 300℃. Under heating conditions below 300℃, the structure of the heat-resistant component 5 will not be damaged, and its shape and size will remain unchanged.

[0080] Under normal circumstances, if the electrode terminal 1 generates heat during welding and formation, the surface temperature of the electrode terminal 1 and its surrounding environment is between 200°C and 300°C. Selecting a heat-resistant component 5 that can withstand temperatures of at least 300°C without deformation can better limit the distance that the terminal plate 12 moves toward the first flange 41, resulting in higher reliability and further ensuring the sealing between the electrode terminal 1 and the end cover 2.

[0081] In some embodiments of this application, the material of the heat-resistant component 5 includes at least one or more of the following materials: ceramic, polybenzimidazole, and polyimide.

[0082] Ceramics are materials or products made primarily from inorganic non-metallic minerals such as clay and various natural minerals through crushing, mixing, molding, and calcination. They possess good heat resistance, with a maximum heat resistance temperature exceeding 1000℃. Furthermore, ceramics exhibit good insulation properties, remaining non-conductive under permissible voltage. Using ceramics as the material for heat-resistant components 5 ensures that they do not deform under heat during processes such as welding and formation of electrode terminals 1, while also preventing safety hazards caused by electrical conduction between electrode terminals 1 and the first flange 41.

[0083] Polybenzimidazole is a rigid-chain benzo5-membered heterocyclic polymer containing two nitrogen atoms, typically formed by the condensation and cyclization of aromatic tetraamines and diphenyl phthalate. The most prominent advantage of polybenzimidazole is its good heat resistance. For example, fibers spun from polybenzimidazole can withstand temperatures up to 300°C without deformation when used to reinforce plastics, and also possess insulating properties, making it suitable as a material for manufacturing heat-resistant components.

[0084] Polyimide is a type of polymer containing imide rings in its main chain. It is one of the organic polymer materials with excellent heat resistance, with a heat resistance temperature exceeding 400℃. It also possesses superior insulation and heat insulation properties, capable of hindering or blocking the conduction of current and the transfer of heat. Using polyimide as the material for the heat-resistant component 5 can further reduce the impact of temperature rise on the position of the electrode terminal 1, thereby improving the sealing reliability between the electrode terminal 1 and the end cap 2.

[0085] It is evident that regardless of whether the material of the heat-resistant component 5 includes ceramic, polybenzimidazole, or polyimide, it can meet the application requirements of small deformation in scenarios with rising temperatures. This allows it to be positioned between the first flange 41 and the terminal plate 12 to limit the distance the terminal plate 12 moves towards the first flange 41, thereby reducing the impact of temperature rise on the position of the electrode terminal 1, reducing the change in the compression of the seal 3, and thus improving the sealing reliability between the electrode terminal 1 and the end cap 2. At the same time, it can also serve as insulation to avoid safety hazards caused by electrical conduction between the electrode terminal 1 and the first flange 41.

[0086] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 4 As shown, the end cap assembly 100 also includes a second fastener 6, which at least partially surrounds the terminal plate 12, and the first fastener 4 is separated from the electrode terminal 1 by the second fastener 6.

[0087] The second fastener 6 can be understood as filling the gap between at least two parts to connect the at least two parts into a single structure. For example, in one case, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, a through hole 401 can be provided on the first fixing member 4, which extends through the first side of the first fixing member 4 near the terminal plate 12 and the second side away from the terminal plate 12. A part of the second fixing member 6 is embedded in the through hole 401. By connecting the second fixing member 6 and the through hole 401 included in the first fixing member 4 in a mutually interlocking manner, the connection strength between the first fixing member 4 and the second fixing member 6 can be improved, thereby making it less likely for the connection between the first fixing member 4 and the second fixing member 6 to separate or loosen, and further ensuring the connection stability between the terminal plate 12 and the end cover 2. In this case, the second fixing member 6 can be made of plastic. Plastic is mainly composed of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen and other organic or inorganic elements. Its finished product is solid, but it is a molten liquid during the manufacturing process. Taking advantage of the fusibility and plasticity of plastic, it can be heated to melt it first, and then the molten liquid plastic can be injected from the end away from the terminal plate 12 of the insertion hole 401. Its fluidity allows it to penetrate into the first side of the first fixing member 4 near the terminal plate 12 and the end cap 2, that is, to fill the gap between the first fixing member 4 and the end cap 2 (including the gap between the first fixing member 4 and the terminal plate, the gap between the terminal plate 12 and the end cap 2, etc.). In this way, after the molten liquid plastic cools and solidifies, a solid structure that can connect the first fixing member 4, the electrode terminal 1 and the end cap 2 can be formed. The second fixing component 6 is made of plastic by integral injection molding, which makes it easier to connect the second fixing component 6 with the first fixing component 4, the electrode terminal 1, and the end cap 2. In addition, the plastic has good insulation properties, which can also avoid the safety hazards caused by electrical conduction between the electrode terminal 1 and the first fixing component 4.

[0088] By setting the second fixing member 6, the second fixing member 6 at least partially surrounds the terminal plate 12 and separates the first fixing member 4 from the electrode terminal 1. This allows the first fixing member 4 and the electrode terminal 1 to be connected together to form a whole, making it difficult for them to separate or loosen. This further strengthens the fixing effect on the electrode terminal 1 and the end cover 2 and improves the connection stability between the electrode terminal 1 and the end cover 2.

[0089] In some embodiments of this application, the second fastener 6 is a heat-resistant component 5.

[0090] In other words, it can be understood that the second fixing member 6 and the heat-resistant member 5 are integrally formed structures. The second fixing member 6 has the characteristic that the heat-resistant member 5 can still maintain its excellent physical and mechanical properties under heat conditions. The second fixing member 6 at least partially surrounds the terminal plate 12 and separates the first fixing member 4 and the electrode terminal 1 from each other.

[0091] In this case, the distance between the first fixing member 4 and the electrode terminal 1 is more stable, and the electrode terminal 1 can move a smaller distance towards the first fixing member 4, which better ensures the sealing reliability between the electrode terminal 1 and the end cover 2.

[0092] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 4 As shown, the heat-resistant component 5 and the second fixing component 6 are separately arranged. The heat-resistant component 5 is disposed between the first flange 41 and the electrode terminal 1, and the second fixing component 6 surrounds the heat-resistant component 5.

[0093] Since the movable direction of electrode terminal 1 is along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole, the key to limiting the movement distance of electrode terminal 1 relative to the first flange 41 is to place the heat-resistant component 5 between the first flange 41 and electrode terminal 1. In this case, the heat-resistant component 5 and the second fixing component 6 are separately set. The second fixing component 6 has a wider range of material selection and is easier to connect the components. The second fixing component 6 is set in the form of surrounding the terminal plate 12 and the heat-resistant component 5 and separating the first fixing component 4 and electrode terminal 1 from each other. The first fixing component 4, the heat-resistant component 5 and the electrode terminal 1 are connected to form a whole, making it difficult for them to separate or loosen. This further strengthens the fixing effect of electrode terminal 1 and end cover 2, improves the connection stability between electrode terminal 1 and end cover 2, and can better ensure the sealing reliability between electrode terminal 1 and end cover 2.

[0094] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 4 As shown, the portion of the second fixing member 6 located between the first flange 41 and the terminal plate 12 is provided with a receiving groove 61, and at least a portion of the heat-resistant member 5 is embedded in the receiving groove 61.

[0095] The receiving groove 61 can be understood as a cavity, hole, or groove used to accommodate and install connecting parts.

[0096] By providing a receiving groove 61 in the portion of the second fixing member 6 located between the first flange 41 and the terminal plate 12, at least a portion of the heat-resistant component 5 is embedded in the receiving groove 61. This makes it easier to surround at least a portion of the heat-resistant component 5 with the second fixing member 6, thereby enhancing the connection stability between the heat-resistant component 5 and the first flange 41 and the terminal plate 12, and preventing the heat-resistant component 5 from shifting or shaking between the first flange 41 and the terminal plate 12, which would affect the overall structural stability.

[0097] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 4 As shown, along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole, the receiving groove 61 penetrates the portion of the second fixing member 6 located between the first flange 41 and the terminal plate 12, so that the two ends of the heat-resistant member 5 respectively abut against the first flange 41 and the terminal plate 12.

[0098] By setting the receiving groove 61 as a through hole that passes through the portion of the second fixing member 6 located between the first flange 41 and the terminal plate 12, the two ends of the heat-resistant member 5 abut against the first flange 41 and the terminal plate 12 respectively. This can further reduce the movable distance of the electrode terminal 1 relative to the first flange 41, thereby better ensuring the fit between the electrode terminal 1 and the end cover 2 and improving the sealing reliability between the electrode terminal 1 and the end cover 2.

[0099] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 6 As shown, the heat-resistant component 5 has a ring-shaped structure.

[0100] A ring structure can be understood as a closed structure formed around the perimeter of a part. For example, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the side of the terminal plate 12 facing away from the end cover 2 is provided with a boss that protrudes away from the end cover 2 along the axis of the electrode lead hole, so as to facilitate a smoother electrical connection with the conductor outside the battery cell through the boss. In the direction perpendicular to the axis of the electrode lead hole, the peripheral edge of the boss is closer to the axis of the electrode lead hole than the outer peripheral surface of the terminal plate 12. In this case, the heat-resistant member 5 can be set as a closed structure formed around the peripheral edge of the boss, that is, an annular structure provided on the side of the terminal plate 12 facing away from the end cover 2 and adapted to the boss.

[0101] By setting the heat-resistant component 5 as a ring structure, the movable distance of the electrode terminal 1 relative to the first flange 41 can be the same, avoiding the axial offset of the electrode terminal 1, which can better ensure the fit between the electrode terminal 1 and the end cover 2 and improve the sealing reliability between the electrode terminal 1 and the end cover 2.

[0102] In some embodiments of this application, there are multiple heat-resistant components 5, and the multiple heat-resistant components 5 are spaced apart along the axis surrounding the electrode terminal 1.

[0103] By arranging multiple heat-resistant components 5 at intervals along the axis surrounding the electrode terminal 1, on the one hand, it is possible to ensure that the movable distance of the electrode terminal 1 relative to the first flange 41 is the same, thus avoiding the axial displacement of the electrode terminal 1 and better ensuring the fit between the electrode terminal 1 and the end cover 2, thereby improving the sealing reliability between the electrode terminal 1 and the end cover 2; on the other hand, it can also reduce the amount of material used for the heat-resistant components 5, thereby saving the economic cost of manufacturing the heat-resistant components 5.

[0104] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first fixing member 4 also includes a connecting portion 42 extending in a direction away from the terminal plate 12, the connecting portion 42 being welded to the end cap 2; the end cap assembly 100 also includes a patch 7, the patch 7 covering the weld 400 formed by welding the connecting portion 42 and the end cap 2.

[0105] The connecting portion 42 can be understood as one end of the first fixing member 4 for connecting the end cap 2. As in the example given when introducing the first flange 41 above, the first fixing member 4 can be a metal ring structure including a body adapted to the outer peripheral surface of the terminal plate 12. Accordingly, the first flange 41 can be understood as a structure extending from the end face of the body away from the end cap 2 toward the axis close to the electrode lead-out hole, and the connecting portion 42 can be understood as a structure extending from the end face of the body close to the end cap 2 toward the direction away from the terminal plate 12.

[0106] Weld 400 refers to a ridge or protrusion formed by melting and connecting the metal at the connection between the connecting part 42 and the end cap 2 using the heat of the welding heat source. Due to the metal material at the connection between the connecting part 42 and the end cap 2, and the human characteristics during the welding operation, the structural shape of weld 400 is not fixed.

[0107] The patch 7 can be understood as a thin sheet structure that can be attached to the surface of a component. In the embodiments of this application, since the patch 7 covers the weld 400 formed by welding the connecting part 42 and the end cap 2, the patch 7 can be made of an insulating material (such as silicone, rubber, plastic, etc.) to avoid the safety hazard caused by electrical conduction between the connecting part 42 and the end cap 2 and the external environment of the battery cell when leakage occurs.

[0108] On the one hand, the connection part 42 is provided to connect the first fixing member 4 and the end cover 2 by welding the connection part 42 and the end cover 2, which makes it easier to fix the position of the first fixing member 4. On the other hand, the patch 7 is provided on the weld 400 formed by welding the connection part 42 and the end cover 2, which can prevent the weld 400 from being exposed on the surface of the battery cell, thereby improving the aesthetics of the overall structure.

[0109] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figures 4 to 6As shown, the end cap assembly 100 includes an end cap 2, an electrode terminal 1, a sealing member 3, a first fixing member 4, a heat-resistant member 5, and a second fixing member 6. The end cap 2 has an electrode lead-out hole; the electrode terminal 1 includes a terminal plate 12 located on one side of the end cap 2 and covering the electrode lead-out hole, with the outer peripheral surface of the terminal plate 12 protruding from the inner wall of the electrode lead-out hole; the sealing member 3 is at least partially disposed between the electrode terminal 1 and the end cap 2; the first fixing member 4 is configured to connect to the end cap 2 and surround the terminal plate 12 to fix the electrode terminal 1 to the end cap 2, the first fixing member 4 includes a first flange 41 extending in a direction close to the axis of the electrode lead-out hole, and the first flange 41 is located on the side of the terminal plate 12 away from the end cap 2; the heat-resistant member 5 is made of at least one of the following materials. Multiple materials may be used, such as ceramic, polybenzimidazole, and polyimide. Along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole, at least a portion of the heat-resistant component 5 is located between the first flange 41 and the electrode terminal 1. The second fixing member 6 at least partially surrounds the terminal plate 12 and surrounds the heat-resistant component 5. The first fixing member 4 is separated from the electrode terminal 1 by the second fixing member 6. The portion of the second fixing member 6 located between the first flange 41 and the terminal plate 12 is provided with a receiving groove 61. At least a portion of the heat-resistant component 5 is embedded in the receiving groove 61. The receiving groove 61 penetrates the portion of the second fixing member 6 located between the first flange 41 and the terminal plate 12, so that both ends of the heat-resistant component 5 abut against the first flange 41 and the terminal plate 12, respectively.

[0110] According to the embodiment of this application, the end cap assembly 100 has a sealing member 3 between the end cap 2 and the electrode terminal 1 to seal the adjacent mating surfaces of the end cap 2 and the electrode terminal 1, and the end cap 2 is connected to a first fixing member 4 surrounding the terminal plate 12 to fix the electrode terminal 1 on the end cap 2; the first fixing member 4 includes a first flange 41 located on the side of the terminal plate 12 away from the end cap 2, and a heat-resistant member 5 is provided between the first flange 41 and the electrode terminal 1 along the axial direction of the electrode lead hole; the second fixing member 6 at least partially surrounds the terminal plate 12 and surrounds the heat-resistant member 5, and the two ends of the heat-resistant member 5 abut against the first flange 41 and the terminal plate 12 respectively. Because the structure of the heat-resistant component 5 is not easily damaged under heating conditions below its maximum heat resistance temperature, its shape and size change is small. Since the position of the first fixing component 4 is fixed after connection with the end cap 2, the thickness of the heat-resistant component 5 always exists between the first flange 41 and the terminal plate 12. This means the heat-resistant component 5 restricts the distance the terminal plate 12 can move towards the first flange 41, thus ensuring that the mating position between the electrode terminal 1 and the end cap 2 remains as constant as possible. This makes the fixing effect of the first fixing component 4 on the electrode terminal 1 and the end cap 2 more reliable, reducing the change in the compression of the sealing component 3, thereby improving the sealing reliability between the electrode terminal 1 and the end cap 2. Furthermore, regardless of whether the material of the heat-resistant component 5 includes ceramic, polybenzimidazole, or polyimide, it can meet the requirement of small deformation of the heat-resistant component 5 in scenarios with rising temperatures. The first fixing member 4 is positioned between the first flange 41 and the terminal plate 12 to limit the distance the terminal plate 12 moves towards the first flange 41, thereby reducing the impact of temperature rise on the position of the electrode terminal 1, reducing the change in the compression of the sealing member 3, and thus improving the sealing reliability between the electrode terminal 1 and the end cap 2. At the same time, it can also play an insulating role to avoid the safety hazard caused by electrical conduction between the electrode terminal 1 and the first flange 41. The second fixing member 6 is set in the form of surrounding the terminal plate 12 and the heat-resistant member 5, separating the first fixing member 4 from the electrode terminal 1. It connects the first fixing member 4, the heat-resistant member 5 and the electrode terminal 1 to form a whole, making it difficult for them to separate or loosen. It can also further strengthen the fixing effect of the electrode terminal 1 and the end cap 2, thereby better ensuring the sealing reliability between the electrode terminal 1 and the end cap 2.

[0111] like Figure 3 As shown, an embodiment of the second aspect of this application provides a battery cell including a housing 900, an electrode assembly 1100, and an end cap assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application. The housing 900 has an opening, the electrode assembly 1100 is housed within the housing 900, and the end cap assembly 100 covers the opening.

[0112] The housing 900 can be understood as a component used to cooperate with the end cap assembly 100 to form the internal environment of the battery cell, wherein the formed internal environment can accommodate the electrode assembly 1100, electrolyte, and other components. The housing 900 can have various shapes and sizes, such as cuboid, cylindrical, hexagonal prism, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this. For example, in one case, the shape of the housing 900 can be determined according to the shape and size of the electrode assembly 1100. The material of the housing 900 can be one or more of copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and this application embodiment does not impose any special limitations on this.

[0113] The electrode assembly 1100 is the component in the battery cell where the electrochemical reaction takes place. It is mainly formed by winding or stacking positive and negative electrode plates, and a separator is usually provided between the positive and negative electrode plates. The housing 900 may contain one or more electrode assemblies 1100.

[0114] The battery cell disclosed in this application can be used, but is not limited to, in equipment or systems such as vehicles, ships, or aircraft. The battery cell can be a secondary battery or a primary battery; it can also be a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-ion battery, or a magnesium-ion battery, but is not limited thereto. The battery cell can include lithium-ion secondary batteries, lithium-ion primary batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, sodium-lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, or magnesium-ion batteries, etc., and this application does not limit its specific type. The shape of the battery cell can be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes, and this application also does not limit its specific shape.

[0115] According to the embodiment of the second aspect of this application, the battery cell has a sealing member 3 between the end cap 2 and the electrode terminal 1 of the end cap assembly 100 to seal the adjacent mating surfaces of the end cap 2 and the electrode terminal 1, and the end cap 2 is connected to a first fixing member 4 surrounding the terminal plate 12 to fix the electrode terminal 1 on the end cap 2; the first fixing member 4 includes a first flange 41 located on the side of the terminal plate 12 away from the end cap 2, and a heat-resistant member 5 is provided between the first flange 41 and the electrode terminal 1 along the axial direction of the electrode lead hole. Since the structure of the heat-resistant component 5 is not easily damaged under heating conditions below its maximum heat resistance temperature, its shape and size change little. And the position of the first fixing component 4 is fixed after it is connected to the end cover 2. Therefore, there is always at least a gap of the thickness of the heat-resistant component 5 between the first flange 41 and the terminal plate 12. That is, the heat-resistant component 5 restricts the distance that the terminal plate 12 can move towards the first flange 41. This can keep the mating position between the electrode terminal 1 and the end cover 2 as unchanged as possible. This makes the fixing effect of the first fixing component 4 on the electrode terminal 1 and the end cover 2 more reliable, reduces the change in the compression of the sealing component 3, thereby improving the sealing reliability between the electrode terminal 1 and the end cover 2, and thus better ensuring the safety of the battery cell.

[0116] An embodiment of the third aspect of this application provides a battery, including a battery cell provided according to an embodiment of the second aspect of this application.

[0117] The battery disclosed in this application is a single physical module comprising one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. For example, if the battery contains multiple battery cells, these cells can be connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof, and then the entire assembly of the multiple battery cells can be housed in a casing. Here, a combination thereof means that the multiple battery cells are connected in both series and parallel configurations. Alternatively, the battery can be composed of multiple battery cells first connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof to form a battery module, and then multiple battery modules are connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof to form a whole, which is then housed in a casing.

[0118] According to the embodiments of the third aspect of this application, in the battery included in the end cap assembly 100 of the battery cell, a sealing member 3 is provided between the end cap 2 and the electrode terminal 1 to seal the adjacent mating surfaces of the end cap 2 and the electrode terminal 1, and the end cap 2 is connected to a first fixing member 4 surrounding the terminal plate 12 to fix the electrode terminal 1 on the end cap 2; the first fixing member 4 includes a first flange 41 located on the side of the terminal plate 12 away from the end cap 2, and a heat-resistant member 5 is provided between the first flange 41 and the electrode terminal 1 along the axial direction of the electrode lead hole. Since the structure of the heat-resistant component 5 is not easily damaged under heating conditions below its maximum heat resistance temperature, its shape and size change little. And the position of the first fixing component 4 is fixed after it is connected to the end cover 2. Therefore, there is always at least a gap of the thickness of the heat-resistant component 5 between the first flange 41 and the terminal plate 12. That is, the heat-resistant component 5 restricts the distance that the terminal plate 12 can move towards the first flange 41. This can keep the mating position between the electrode terminal 1 and the end cover 2 as unchanged as possible. This makes the fixing effect of the first fixing component 4 on the electrode terminal 1 and the end cover 2 more reliable, reduces the change in the compression of the sealing component 3, and makes the sealing reliability between the electrode terminal 1 and the end cover 2 of the battery cell higher, thus better ensuring the safety of the battery.

[0119] An embodiment of the fourth aspect of this application provides an electrical device including a battery cell provided according to an embodiment of the second aspect of this application, the battery cell being used to provide electrical energy.

[0120] The electrical device can be any of the aforementioned devices or systems that utilize individual battery cells.

[0121] According to the embodiment of the fourth aspect of this application, the electrical device includes a battery cell end cap assembly 100 in which a sealing member 3 is provided between the end cap 2 and the electrode terminal 1 to seal the adjacent mating surfaces of the end cap 2 and the electrode terminal 1, and the end cap 2 is connected to a first fixing member 4 surrounding the terminal plate 12 to fix the electrode terminal 1 on the end cap 2; the first fixing member 4 includes a first flange 41 located on the side of the terminal plate 12 away from the end cap 2, and a heat-resistant member 5 is provided between the first flange 41 and the electrode terminal 1 along the axial direction of the electrode lead hole. Since the structure of the heat-resistant component 5 is not easily damaged under heating conditions below its maximum heat resistance temperature, its shape and size change little. And the position of the first fixing component 4 is fixed after it is connected to the end cover 2. Therefore, there is always at least a gap of the thickness of the heat-resistant component 5 between the first flange 41 and the terminal plate 12. That is, the heat-resistant component 5 restricts the distance that the terminal plate 12 can move towards the first flange 41. This can keep the mating position between the electrode terminal 1 and the end cover 2 as unchanged as possible. This makes the fixing effect of the first fixing component 4 on the electrode terminal 1 and the end cover 2 more reliable, reduces the change in the compression of the sealing component 3, and makes the sealing reliability between the electrode terminal 1 and the end cover 2 of the battery cell higher, thereby better ensuring the safety of the electrical device.

[0122] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

[0123] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0124] All embodiments of this application are described in a related manner. For the same or similar parts between the embodiments, refer to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.

[0125] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application are included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An end cap assembly (100), comprising: End cap (2) is provided with electrode lead-out holes; Electrode terminal (1), the electrode terminal (1) includes a terminal plate (12), the terminal plate (12) is located on one side of the end cap (2) and covers the electrode lead-out hole, and the outer peripheral surface of the terminal plate (12) protrudes from the inner wall of the electrode lead-out hole; A sealing element (3) is at least partially disposed between the electrode terminal (1) and the end cap (2); A first fixing member (4) is configured to connect to the end cap (2) and surround the terminal plate (12) to fix the electrode terminal (1) on the end cap (2). The first fixing member (4) includes a first flange (41) extending toward the axis of the electrode lead-out hole. The first flange (41) is located on the side of the terminal plate (12) away from the end cap (2). The heat-resistant component (5) is located at least partly between the first flange (41) and the electrode terminal (1) along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole. The end cap assembly (100) further includes a second fastener (6) that at least partially surrounds the terminal plate (12), and the first fastener (4) is separated from the electrode terminal (1) by the second fastener (6); The second fixing member (6) is provided with a receiving groove (61) in the portion between the first flange (41) and the terminal plate (12), and at least part of the heat-resistant member (5) is embedded in the receiving groove (61); along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole, the receiving groove (61) penetrates the portion of the second fixing member (6) between the first flange (41) and the terminal plate (12), so that the two ends of the heat-resistant member (5) abut against the first flange (41) and the terminal plate (12) respectively.

2. The end cap assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The heat-resistant component (5) shall withstand a temperature of at least 300°C without deformation.

3. The end cap assembly (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The heat-resistant component (5) is made of at least one or more of the following materials: ceramic, polybenzimidazole, and polyimide.

4. The end cap assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The second fastener (6) is integrally formed with the heat-resistant component (5).

5. The end cap assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The heat-resistant component (5) and the second fixing component (6) are separately disposed. The heat-resistant component (5) is disposed between the first flange (41) and the electrode terminal (1), and the second fixing component (6) surrounds the heat-resistant component (5).

6. The end cap assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The heat-resistant component (5) has a ring structure.

7. The end cap assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The number of heat-resistant components (5) is multiple, and the multiple heat-resistant components (5) are spaced apart along the axis surrounding the electrode terminal (1).

8. The end cap assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The first fastener (4) further includes a connecting portion (42) extending in a direction away from the terminal plate (12), the connecting portion (42) being welded to the end cap (2); the end cap assembly (100) further includes a patch (7) covering the weld (400) formed by welding the connecting portion (42) and the end cap (2).

9. A single battery cell, comprising: The housing (900) has an opening; The electrode assembly (1100) is housed within the housing (900); The end cap assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the end cap assembly (100) covers the opening.

10. A battery comprising a battery cell according to claim 9.

11. An electrical device comprising a battery cell according to claim 9, the battery cell being used to provide electrical energy.

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