Battery cells, batteries, electrical devices, and manufacturing methods and equipment for battery cells.

Abstract

This application provides a battery cell, a battery, an electrical device, and a method and apparatus for manufacturing the battery cell, belonging to the field of battery technology. The battery cell includes a housing, an electrode assembly, an end cap, and electrode terminals. The housing has an opening. The electrode assembly is housed within the housing and includes a main body and a first and a second electrode with opposite polarities located on the same side of the main body. The end cap is used to cover the opening and is electrically connected to the first electrode. The electrode terminals are insulated from the end cap and have a first recess and a first connecting portion. In the thickness direction of the end cap, the first connecting portion is located between the first recess and the second electrode, and the first connecting portion is used to connect to the second electrode, thereby achieving electrical connection between the electrode terminal and the second electrode. This battery cell structure achieves same-side electrode tabs, saving internal space within the battery cell. The housing can provide more space for the main body, which is beneficial for improving the energy density of the battery cell.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Energy conservation and emission reduction are key to the sustainable development of the automotive industry, and electric vehicles, due to their energy-saving and environmentally friendly advantages, have become an important component of this sustainable development. For electric vehicles, battery technology is a crucial factor in their development.

[0003] In battery technology, both the safety and performance of individual battery cells need to be considered, as the energy density of a single cell directly impacts battery performance. Therefore, improving the energy density of individual battery cells is a pressing technical challenge in battery technology. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a battery cell, a battery, an electrical device, and a method and apparatus for manufacturing a battery cell, which is beneficial for improving the energy density of the battery cell.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a battery cell, comprising: a housing having an opening; an electrode assembly for being housed within the housing, the electrode assembly including a main body portion, a first tab and a second tab, the first tab and the second tab having opposite polarities and being disposed on the same side of the main body portion; an end cap for covering the opening and being electrically connected to the first tab; and an electrode terminal insulated from the end cap, the electrode terminal having a first recess, the first recess being recessed from the side of the electrode terminal away from the main body portion toward the main body portion, the electrode terminal having a first connecting portion, the first connecting portion being located between the first recess and the second tab in the thickness direction of the end cap, the first connecting portion being used to connect the second tab to achieve electrical connection between the electrode terminal and the second tab.

[0006] In the above technical solution, the electrode terminal is provided with a first recess, and the first connecting part between the electrode terminal and the second tab is connected to the second tab to realize the electrical connection between the electrode terminal and the first tab. Since the second tab is electrically connected to the end cover and the second tab and the first tab are located on the same side of the main body, the tabs on the same side of the main body are realized, which saves the internal space of the battery cell. The casing can provide more space for the main body, which is conducive to improving the energy density of the battery cell.

[0007] In some embodiments, the electrode terminal has an abutting surface facing the body portion in the thickness direction, the abutting surface being used to abut against the second electrode tab, and the electrode terminal forming the first connecting portion between the bottom surface of the first recess and the abutting surface.

[0008] In the above technical solution, the contact surface of the electrode terminal abuts against the second electrode tab. On the one hand, this ensures a large current flow area between the electrode terminal and the second electrode tab. On the other hand, it allows the electrode terminal and the second electrode tab to be directly connected without the need for a current collector to achieve electrical connection between the electrode terminal and the second electrode tab. This frees up more space for the main body and is beneficial for improving the energy density of the battery cell.

[0009] In some embodiments, the end cap has an inner surface facing the body in the thickness direction, and the abutting surface is flush with the inner surface.

[0010] In the above technical solution, the contact surface of the electrode terminal is flush with the inner surface of the end cover, which reduces the space occupied by the electrode terminal in the housing, freeing up more space for the main body and helping to improve the energy density of the battery cell.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion is provided with an injection hole, which communicates with the first recess and the interior of the housing.

[0012] In the above technical solution, the first connecting part is provided with a liquid injection hole, through which electrolyte can be injected into the housing, eliminating the need for a liquid injection hole on the end cap and enhancing the strength of the end cap. Furthermore, the first connecting part is formed after the electrode terminal has a first recess, resulting in a thinner first connecting part that facilitates the placement of the liquid injection hole.

[0013] In some embodiments, the electrode terminal includes: a terminal body, wherein the first connection portion is formed on the terminal body; and a limiting structure disposed on the terminal body for limiting the movement of the terminal body relative to the end cap in the thickness direction.

[0014] In the above technical solution, the limiting structure plays a limiting role on the terminal body, restricting the terminal body from moving relative to the end cover in the thickness direction of the end cover, improving the firmness of the electrode terminal connection to the end cover, ensuring the stability of the electrical connection between the first connection part and the electrode tab, and reducing the risk of failure of the electrical connection between the first connection part and the second electrode tab due to the movement of the electrode terminal relative to the end cover.

[0015] In some embodiments, the limiting structure includes a first limiting portion and a second limiting portion, both of which protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the terminal body; the end cap has a stop portion, the stop portion having a through hole, the terminal body passing through the through hole, and in the thickness direction, the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion are respectively located on both sides of the stop portion to restrict the terminal body from moving relative to the stop portion in the thickness direction.

[0016] In the above technical solution, the terminal body is inserted into the through hole of the stop portion, and the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion are located on both sides of the stop portion, which not only restricts the movement of the terminal body in the axial direction (thickness direction of the end cover) but also restricts the movement of the terminal body in the radial direction, thereby achieving the limiting of the electrode terminal and ensuring the stability of the electrical connection between the first connecting portion of the electrode terminal and the tab.

[0017] In some embodiments, the battery cell further includes an insulating member, which is at least partially located between the first tab and the second tab to separate the first tab and the second tab.

[0018] In the above technical solution, the insulating component is at least partially located between the first tab and the second tab, and the insulating component separates the first tab and the second tab, thereby reducing the risk of short circuit caused by contact between the first tab and the second tab. The insulating component can also reduce the movement space of the main body within the housing, reducing the risk of failure of the electrical connection between the end cover and the first tab, and the electrical connection between the first connecting part and the second tab.

[0019] In some embodiments, the insulating member includes: a first insulating portion, at least partially located between the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab, to separate the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab; and a second insulating portion, at least partially located between the electrode terminal and the end cap, to separate the electrode terminal and the end cap, thereby achieving an insulated connection between the electrode terminal and the end cap.

[0020] In the above technical solution, the first insulating part of the insulating component serves to separate the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab, and the second insulating part of the insulating component serves to separate the electrode terminal and the end cap. In other words, the insulating component serves to separate the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab, as well as the electrode terminal and the end cap. The insulating component achieves insulation between the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab, and also achieves insulation between the electrode terminal and the end cap.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first insulating portion and the second insulating portion are integrally formed. This gives the insulating component excellent integrity and facilitates installation. Furthermore, since the electrode terminals and end caps are insulated from each other by the second insulating portion, the first insulating portion is less prone to displacement within the housing when the second insulating portion is jointly restrained by the electrode terminals and end caps, ensuring that the first insulating portion always remains in the position separating the first and second electrodes.

[0022] In some embodiments, in the thickness direction, the first insulating portion abuts against the end cap and the main body portion.

[0023] In the above technical solution, the first insulating part abuts against the end cover and the main body in the thickness direction of the end cover. While the first insulating part separates the first tab and the second tab, it also provides a good limiting effect on the main body, restricting the movement of the main body in the housing along the thickness direction of the end cover, and further reducing the risk of failure of the electrical connection between the end cover and the first tab and the electrical connection between the first connecting part and the second tab.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first electrode tab is located on the outer periphery of the second electrode tab, and a gap is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the first electrode tab and the outer peripheral surface of the second electrode tab.

[0025] In the above technical solution, since the first electrode tab is located on the outer periphery of the second electrode tab and the first electrode tab is connected to the end cover, and the first connecting part of the electrode terminal is connected to the second electrode tab, the electrode terminal can be installed in the middle position of the end cover, which facilitates the connection of the electrode terminal to external components.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first tab and / or the second tab is a ring structure.

[0027] In the above technical solution, the first electrode tab has a ring structure, which facilitates its forming and helps to achieve large-area current flow between the first electrode tab and the end cap. The second electrode tab has a ring structure, which facilitates its forming and helps to achieve large-area current flow between the second electrode tab and the electrode terminal.

[0028] In some embodiments, the end cap has a second recess, which is recessed from the side of the end cap away from the main body towards the main body; the end cap has a second connecting portion, which is located between the second recess and the first tab in the thickness direction of the end cap, and the second connecting portion is used to connect the first tab.

[0029] In the above technical solution, the end cap is located between the second recess and the first electrode tab to form a second connecting part that connects to the first electrode tab. The part of the end cap at the bottom of the second recess is the second connecting part. The area where the end cap connects to the first electrode tab can be determined through the second recess, which makes it easy to accurately connect the end cap to the first electrode tab.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion is welded to the second electrode tab; and / or, the end cap is welded to the first electrode tab.

[0031] In the above technical solution, the first connecting part is welded to the second tab, so that the electrode terminal is stably connected to the first tab, ensuring stable overcurrent between the electrode terminal and the second tab. At the same time, it realizes direct connection between the electrode terminal and the second tab, eliminating the need for a current collector to achieve electrical connection between the electrode terminal and the second tab, thus freeing up more space for the main body.

[0032] The end cap is welded to the first electrode tab, ensuring a stable connection between them and guaranteeing stable current flow. This also allows for a direct connection between the end cap and the first electrode tab, eliminating the need for a current collector to facilitate electrical connection and freeing up more space in the main body.

[0033] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a battery, including: a battery cell provided in any one of the embodiments of the first aspect; and a housing for accommodating the battery cell.

[0034] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide an electrical device including the battery provided in any one of the embodiments of the second aspect.

[0035] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a method for manufacturing a battery cell, the method comprising: providing a housing having an opening; providing an electrode assembly including a main body and a first tab and a second tab, the first tab and the second tab having opposite polarities and being disposed on the same side of the main body; providing an end cap and an electrode terminal, the electrode terminal being insulated from the end cap, the electrode terminal having a first recess and a first connecting portion; accommodating the electrode assembly within the housing; covering the opening with the end cap such that the first recess is recessed from the side of the electrode terminal away from the main body toward the main body, such that the first connecting portion is located between the first recess and the second tab; connecting the end cap to the first tab to achieve electrical connection between the end cap and the first tab; and connecting the first connecting portion to the second tab to achieve electrical connection between the electrode terminal and the second tab.

[0036] Fifthly, embodiments of this application also provide a manufacturing apparatus for a battery cell, the manufacturing apparatus comprising: a first providing device for providing a housing having an opening; a second providing device for providing an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly including a main body and a first tab and a second tab, the first tab and the second tab having opposite polarities and being disposed on the same side of the main body; a third providing device for providing an end cap and an electrode terminal, the electrode terminal being insulated from the end cap, the electrode terminal having a first recess and a first connecting portion; an assembly device for accommodating the electrode assembly within the housing; further comprising for covering the opening with the end cap, such that the first recess is recessed from the side of the electrode terminal away from the main body toward the main body, such that the first connecting portion is located between the first recess and the second tab; further comprising for connecting the end cap to the first tab to achieve an electrical connection between the end cap and the first tab; and further comprising for connecting the first connecting portion to the second tab to achieve an electrical connection between the electrode terminal and the second tab. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 This application provides structural schematic diagrams of vehicles for some embodiments;

[0039] Figure 2 This application provides schematic diagrams of the battery structure for some embodiments.

[0040] Figure 3 Exploded views of a single battery cell provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0041] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the battery cell shown;

[0042] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partial view of the battery cell shown;

[0043] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of cell A shown in the diagram;

[0044] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a single battery cell according to some embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell manufacturing apparatus provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0046] Icons: 10-Box; 11-First part; 12-Second part; 20-Battery cell; 21-Housing shell; 22-Electrode assembly; 221-Main body; 222-First tab; 223-Second tab; 23-End cap; 231-Inner surface; 232-Stop; 233-Second recess; 234-Second connection; 24-Electrode terminal; 241-First recess; 2411-Bottom surface; 242-First connection; 243-Abutting surface; 244-Injection hole; 2 45 - Terminal body; 246 - First limiting part; 247 - Second limiting part; 25 - Insulating component; 251 - First insulating part; 2511 - First surface; 2512 - Second surface; 252 - Second insulating part; 100 - Battery; 200 - Controller; 300 - Motor; 1000 - Vehicle; 2000 - Manufacturing equipment; 2100 - First supplying device; 2200 - Second supplying device; 2300 - Third supplying device; 2400 - Assembly device; Z - Thickness direction. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0048] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0049] In this application, the reference to "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 in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0050] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0051] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0052] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals denote the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components are omitted in different embodiments. It should be understood that the thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of various components in the embodiments of this application shown in the accompanying drawings, as well as the overall thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the integrated device, are merely illustrative and should not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0053] In this application, "multiple" means two or more (including two).

[0054] In this application, the battery cell may 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 the embodiments of this application are not limited to these. The battery cell may be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited to these. Battery cells are generally divided into three types according to their packaging method: cylindrical battery cells, square battery cells, and pouch battery cells, and the embodiments of this application are not limited to these.

[0055] 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 encapsulating one or more battery cells. The housing prevents liquids or other foreign matter from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells.

[0056] A battery cell includes an electrode assembly and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly consists of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. The battery cell primarily functions by the movement of metal ions between the positive and negative electrodes. The positive electrode includes a positive current collector and a positive active material layer. The positive active material layer is coated on the surface of the positive current collector, and the uncoated positive current collector protrudes beyond the coated one, serving as the positive electrode tab. Taking a lithium-ion battery as an example, the positive current collector can be made of aluminum, and the positive active material can be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganese oxide, etc. The negative electrode includes a negative current collector and a negative active material layer. The negative active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative current collector, and the uncoated negative current collector protrudes beyond the coated one, serving as the negative electrode tab. The negative electrode current collector can be made of copper, and the negative electrode active material can be carbon or silicon, etc. To ensure that a large current can pass through without melting, there are multiple positive electrode tabs stacked together, and there are multiple negative electrode tabs stacked together. The separator can be made of PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene), etc. In addition, the electrode assembly can be a wound structure or a stacked structure, and the embodiments of this application are not limited to these.

[0057] In a battery cell, a battery cell generally includes a casing, an electrode assembly, and an end cap. The electrode assembly is located inside the casing, and the end cap is closed to the casing to provide a sealed space for the electrode assembly and the electrolyte. The battery cell generates electrical energy by the movement of metal ions (such as lithium ions) between the positive and negative electrode plates of the electrode assembly.

[0058] A battery cell typically has two output terminals with opposite polarities to output its electrical energy. Currently, the casing and the electrode terminals located on the end cap serve as the two output terminals of the battery cell, and the two tabs with opposite polarities of the electrode assembly are electrically connected to the casing and the tabs, respectively. The inventors discovered that the two tabs with opposite polarities of the electrode assembly are located at opposite ends of the main body of the electrode assembly. One tab is electrically connected to the electrode terminal, and the other tab is electrically connected to the end of the casing opposite to the end cap. Both tabs occupy a portion of the internal space of the casing, reducing the space available for the main body of the electrode assembly and thus reducing the energy density of the battery cell.

[0059] Therefore, this application provides a battery cell, which includes a housing, an electrode assembly, an end cap, and electrode terminals. The housing has an opening. The electrode assembly is housed within the housing and includes a main body, a first tab, and a second tab. The first tab and the second tab have opposite polarities and are disposed on the same side of the main body. The end cap is used to cover the opening and is electrically connected to the first tab. The electrode terminal is insulated from the end cap and has a first recess. The first recess is recessed from the side of the electrode terminal away from the main body towards the main body. The electrode terminal has a first connecting portion. In the thickness direction of the end cap, the first connecting portion is located between the first recess and the second tab, and the first connecting portion is used to connect the second tab to achieve electrical connection between the electrode terminal and the second tab.

[0060] In such a battery cell, the electrode terminal is provided with a first recess, and the first connecting part between the electrode terminal and the second tab is connected to the second tab to realize the electrical connection between the electrode terminal and the first tab. Since the second tab is electrically connected to the end cover and the second tab and the first tab are located on the same side of the main body, the tabs of the main body are connected on the same side, which saves the internal space of the battery cell. The casing can provide more space for the main body, which is conducive to improving the energy density of the battery cell.

[0061] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application are applicable to batteries and electrical devices that use batteries.

[0062] Electrical equipment can include vehicles, mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, ships, spacecraft, electric toys, and power tools, etc. Vehicles can be gasoline-powered cars, natural gas-powered cars, or new energy vehicles; new energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles, etc. 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, etc. This application does not impose any special limitations on the above-mentioned electrical equipment.

[0063] For ease of explanation, the following embodiments use a vehicle as an example of electrical equipment.

[0064] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1The diagram below illustrates the structure of a vehicle 1000 according to some embodiments of this application. A battery 100 is disposed inside the vehicle 1000, and the battery 100 may be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 can be used to power the vehicle 1000; for example, the battery 100 can serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000.

[0065] The vehicle 1000 may also include a controller 200 and a motor 300. The controller 200 is used to control the battery 100 to supply power to the motor 300, for example, for the power needs of the vehicle 1000 during startup, navigation and driving.

[0066] In some embodiments of this application, the battery 100 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.

[0067] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 The present invention provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery 100 according to some embodiments. The battery 100 includes a housing 10 and a battery cell 20. The housing 10 is used to house the battery cell 20.

[0068] The housing 10 is a component that houses the battery cell 20, providing a space for the battery cell 20. The housing 10 can adopt various structures. In some embodiments, the housing 10 may include a first part 11 and a second part 12, which overlap each other to define a space for accommodating the battery cell 20. The first part 11 and the second part 12 can have various shapes, such as a cuboid or a cylinder. The first part 11 can be a hollow structure open on one side, and the second part 12 can also be a hollow structure open on one side, with the open side of the second part 12 overlapping the open side of the first part 11, thus forming a housing 10 with a accommodating space. Alternatively, the first part 11 can be a hollow structure open on one side, and the second part 12 can be a plate-like structure, with the second part 12 overlapping the open side of the first part 11, thus forming a housing 10 with a accommodating space. The first part 11 and the second part 12 can be sealed using a sealing element, such as a sealing ring or sealant.

[0069] In battery 100, there can be one or more battery cells 20. If there are multiple battery cells 20, they can be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner. A mixed connection means that multiple battery cells 20 are connected in both series and parallel. Alternatively, multiple battery cells 20 can be first connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a battery module, and then multiple battery modules can be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a whole, which is then housed within the housing 10. Another option is that all battery cells 20 can be directly connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner, and then the whole consisting of all battery cells 20 is housed within the housing 10.

[0070] In some embodiments, the battery 100 may further include a busbar component, through which multiple battery cells 20 can be electrically connected to each other, enabling series, parallel, or mixed connection of the multiple battery cells 20. The busbar component may be a metallic conductor, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, etc.

[0071] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 The exploded view of a battery cell 20 provided in some embodiments of this application shows that the battery cell 20 may include a housing 21, an electrode assembly 22, an end cap 23, and an electrode terminal 24.

[0072] The housing 21 is a component used to house the electrode assembly 22. The housing 21 can be a hollow structure with an opening at one end, or it can be a hollow structure with openings at both ends. The housing 21 can be made of various materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, steel, or aluminum alloy. The housing 21 can also be in various shapes, such as a cylinder or a cuboid. For example, in... Figure 3 In the middle, the shell 21 is a cylinder.

[0073] Electrode assembly 22 is the component in the battery cell 20 where the electrochemical reaction occurs. Electrode assembly 22 may include a main body 221 and a first tab 222 and a second tab 223 of opposite polarity. Both the first tab 222 and the second tab 223 protrude from the main body 221 and may be located on the same side of the main body 221. One of the first tab 222 and the second tab 223 is a positive electrode tab, and the other is a negative electrode tab. The main body 221 may include a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator. The main body 221 may be a wound structure formed by winding the positive electrode sheet, the separator, and the negative electrode sheet. The main body 221 may also be a stacked structure formed by arranging the positive electrode sheet, the separator, and the negative electrode sheet in layers. The main body 221 may be the part corresponding to the area of ​​the electrode assembly 22 and the area of ​​the electrode plate coated with the active material layer. The positive electrode tab may be the part of the positive electrode plate that is not coated with the active material layer, and the negative electrode tab may be the part of the negative electrode plate that is not coated with the active material layer.

[0074] End cap 23 is a component that closes onto the opening of housing 21 to isolate the internal environment of battery cell 20 from the external environment. End cap 23 closes onto the opening of housing 21, and end cap 23 and housing 21 together define a sealed space for accommodating electrode assembly 22 and electrolyte. End cap 23 can form a sealed connection with housing 21 through a sealing element. The shape of end cap 23 can be adapted to the shape of housing 21. For example, if housing 21 is a cuboid structure, end cap 23 can be a rectangular plate structure adapted to housing 21; or if housing 21 is a cylindrical structure, end cap 23 can be a circular plate structure adapted to housing 21. The material of end cap 23 can also be various. For example, end cap 23 can be made of metal, such as copper, iron, aluminum, steel, aluminum alloy, etc.

[0075] In the battery cell 20, there can be one or two end caps 23. If the housing 21 is a hollow structure with an opening at one end, one end cap 23 is provided accordingly; if the housing 21 is a hollow structure with openings at both ends, two end caps 23 are provided accordingly, and the two end caps 23 respectively cover the two openings of the housing 21.

[0076] Electrode terminals 24 are components of the battery cell 20 used for connection to external components (such as busbars) to output electrical energy. In embodiments where the first tab 222 and the second tab 223 are located on the same side of the main body 221, the end cap 23 may be electrically connected to the first tab 222, and the electrode terminal 24 on the end cap 23 may be electrically connected to the second tab 223, thereby making the end cap 23 and the electrode terminal 24, located on the same side of the housing 21, serve as output terminals of opposite polarity for the battery cell 20. In this case, the end cap 23 and the first tab 222 can be insulated from each other, reducing the risk of short circuit between the positive and negative terminals. It should be noted that in embodiments where there are two end caps 23 in the battery cell 20, one end cap 23 may have the electrode terminal 24, while the other end cap 23 may not have the electrode terminal 24.

[0077] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 for Figure 3The cross-sectional view of the battery cell 20 shown in this application embodiment provides a battery cell 20, which includes a housing 21, an electrode assembly 22, an end cap 23, and electrode terminals 24. The housing 21 has an opening. The electrode assembly 22 is housed within the housing 21 and includes a main body 221, a first tab 222, and a second tab 223. The first tab 222 and the second tab 223 have opposite polarities and are disposed on the same side of the main body 221. The end cap 23 covers the opening and is electrically connected to the first tab 222. The electrode terminals 24 are insulated from the end cap 23 and have a first recess 241. The first recess 241 is recessed from the side of the electrode terminal 24 away from the main body 221 towards the main body 221, and the electrode terminal 24 has a first connecting portion 242. In the thickness direction Z of the end cap 23, the first connecting part 242 is located between the first recess 241 and the second electrode tab 223. The first connecting part 242 is used to connect the second electrode tab 223 to realize the electrical connection between the electrode terminal 24 and the second electrode tab 223.

[0078] The first tab 222 and the second tab 223 have opposite polarities. The first tab 222 can be the positive tab and the second tab 223 the negative tab, or vice versa. In the thickness direction Z of the end cap 23, the first tab 222 and the second tab 223 protrude from the same end of the main body 221. The first tab 222 and the second tab 223 can be a closed structure extending circumferentially along the shell 21. The first tab 222 can be located on the outer periphery of the second tab 223, or the second tab 223 can be located on the outer periphery of the first tab 222. For example, the first tab 222 and the second tab 223 can be a ring structure, with the first tab 222 located on the outer periphery of the second tab 223, such that the first tab 222 and the second tab 223 are arranged as large and small rings. Of course, the first electrode 222 and the second electrode 223 can also be strip-shaped structures, with the first electrode 222 and the second electrode 223 arranged at intervals at the same end of the main body 221.

[0079] The electrode terminal 24 is insulated from the end cap 23, meaning that after the electrode terminal and the end cap 23 are connected, they are insulated from each other, and charge cannot move from one to the other. The end cap 23 is electrically connected to the first tab 222, meaning that the end cap 23 and the first tab 222 are in a connected state where charge can move from one to the other. The end cap 23 and the first tab 222 can be directly connected to achieve the electrical connection, such as by abutting or welding the end cap 23 and the first tab 222; or they can be indirectly connected, such as by connecting the end cap 23 and the first tab 222 through a current collector or conductive adhesive. The electrode terminal 24 is electrically connected to the second tab 223, meaning that the electrode terminal 24 and the second tab 223 are in a connected state where charge can move from one to the other. The first connecting part 242 and the second tab 223 can be directly connected, such as by abutting or welding the first connecting part 242 and the second tab 223. The first connecting part 242 and the second electrode 223 can also be indirectly connected, for example, the first connecting part 242 and the second electrode 223 can be connected through a current collector or conductive adhesive. The current collector referred to here is a conductor with conductivity, which can be a disc-shaped current collector or a sheet-shaped adapter plate.

[0080] The first recess 241 on the electrode terminal 24 can be a groove that is recessed from the end of the electrode terminal 24 away from the main body 221 toward the main body 221, and the depth direction of the first recess 241 is consistent with the thickness direction Z of the end cap 23. The first recess 241 can be a straight groove structure whose dimension in the perpendicular direction of the depth direction remains unchanged along the depth direction, such as a cylindrical groove; or the first recess 241 can be a stepped structure whose dimension in the perpendicular direction of the depth direction gradually decreases along the depth direction, such as a stepped groove that is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom.

[0081] The first connecting part 242 is the part where the electrode terminal 24 is connected to the second tab 223. The part of the electrode terminal 24 located at the bottom of the first recess 241 is the first connecting part 242. It can also be understood that after the first recess 241 is provided on the electrode terminal 24, the remaining part of the electrode terminal 24 at the position corresponding to the first recess 241 is the first connecting part 242.

[0082] For example, the housing 21 is a cylindrical structure with one end open, the end cap 23 is a circular structure, and the electrode terminal 24 is located at the center of the end cap 23.

[0083] In this embodiment, the electrode terminal 24 is provided with a first recess 241. The first connecting portion 242 of the electrode terminal 24 located between the first recess 241 and the second tab 223 is connected to the second tab 223, realizing the electrical connection between the electrode terminal 24 and the first tab 222. Since the second tab 223 is electrically connected to the end cap 23, and the second tab 223 and the first tab 222 are located on the same side of the main body 221, the tabs of the main body 221 are realized on the same side, saving the internal space of the battery cell 20. The housing 21 can provide more space for the main body 221, which is beneficial to improving the energy density of the battery cell 20.

[0084] Furthermore, the electrode terminal 24 is located between the first recess 241 and the second tab 223 to form a first connection portion 242. The portion of the electrode terminal 24 at the bottom of the first recess 241 is the first connection portion 242. The area where the electrode terminal 24 is connected to the second tab 223 can be determined through the first recess 241, which makes it easy to accurately connect the electrode terminal 24 to the second tab 223.

[0085] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 for Figure 4 The partial view of the battery cell 20 shown shows that the electrode terminal 24 has an abutting surface 243 facing the main body portion 221 in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 23. The abutting surface 243 is used to abut against the second tab 223. The electrode terminal 24 forms a first connecting portion 242 between the bottom surface 2411 of the first recess 241 and the abutting surface 243.

[0086] The abutment surface 243 is the surface of the electrode terminal 24 facing the main body 221 in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 23 and abutting against the second electrode tab 223. The abutment surface 243 can be the end face of the electrode terminal 24 facing the main body 221, and the abutment surface 243 is used to abut against the end of the second electrode tab 223 away from the main body 221. The abutment surface 243 abutting against the second electrode tab 223 means that the abutment surface 243 and the second electrode tab 223 are in contact. The first connecting part 242 and the second electrode tab 223 can be electrically connected by the abutment surface 243 abutting against the second electrode tab 223, or the first connecting part 242 and the second electrode tab 223 can be fixed together when the abutment surface 243 and the second electrode tab 223 are abutting, for example, by welding the first connecting part 242 and the second electrode tab 223.

[0087] The bottom surface 2411 of the first recess 241 refers to the surface of the first recess 241 that is closest to the main body 221 in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 23. The first connecting portion 242 is the portion of the electrode terminal 24 between the abutting surface 243 and the bottom surface 2411 of the first recess 241. The abutting surface 243 and the bottom surface 2411 of the first recess 241 are the two surfaces of the first connecting portion 242 in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 23, respectively.

[0088] In this embodiment, the abutting surface 243 of the electrode terminal 24 abuts against the second tab 223. On the one hand, this ensures that there is a large current flow area between the electrode terminal 24 and the second tab 223. On the other hand, it allows the electrode terminal 24 and the second tab 223 to be directly connected without the need to set up a current collector to realize the electrical connection between the electrode terminal 24 and the second tab 223. This frees up more space for the main body 221 and is beneficial to improving the energy density of the battery cell 20.

[0089] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 5 The end cap 23 has an inner surface 231 facing the main body 221 in its thickness direction Z, and the abutment surface 243 is flush with the inner surface 231.

[0090] The inner surface 231 is the surface of the end cap 23 facing the main body 221 in the thickness direction Z and being closest to the main body 221. The abutment surface 243 is flush with the inner surface 231, that is, the abutment surface 243 and the inner surface 231 are coplanar.

[0091] In this embodiment, the abutting surface 243 of the electrode terminal 24 is flush with the inner surface 231 of the end cover 23, which reduces the space occupied by the electrode terminal 24 in the housing 21, so as to free up more space for the main body 221 and improve the energy density of the battery cell 20.

[0092] In other embodiments, the abutment surface 243 may be closer to the main body portion 221 than the inner surface 231 in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 23, or the abutment surface 243 may be farther away from the main body portion 221 than the inner surface 231 in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 23.

[0093] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 5 The first connecting part 242 is provided with a liquid injection hole 244, which connects the first recess 241 and the interior of the housing 21.

[0094] The injection hole 244 is an injection channel for injecting electrolyte into the housing 21. The injection hole 244 penetrates the bottom surface 2411 of the first recess 241 and the abutment surface 243 of the electrode terminal 24, thereby connecting the first recess 241 and the interior of the housing 21. The injection hole 244 occupies a portion of the bottom surface 2411 of the first recess 241. For example, the injection hole 244 is located at the center of the bottom surface 2411 of the first recess 241, and is positioned opposite to the central hole of the electrode assembly 22. The injection hole 244 can be of various shapes, such as circular or square.

[0095] Electrolyte can be injected into the housing 21 through the injection hole 244, eliminating the need for the injection hole 244 on the end cap 23 and enhancing the strength of the end cap 23. Furthermore, the first connecting portion 242 is formed after the first recess 241 is provided on the electrode terminal 24, resulting in a smaller thickness and facilitating the arrangement of the injection hole 244.

[0096] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 for Figure 4 The enlarged view of the battery cell 20 shows that the electrode terminal 24 includes a terminal body 245 and a limiting structure. A first connecting portion 242 is formed on the terminal body 245. The limiting structure is provided on the terminal body 245 and is used to restrict the movement of the terminal body 245 relative to the end cover 23 in the thickness direction Z of the end cover 23.

[0097] The terminal body 245 is the main body of the electrode terminal 24, and the first connecting part 242 is a part of the terminal body 245. The terminal body 245 can be a cuboid, a cylinder, etc. The limiting structure is the part that cooperates with the end cap 23 to limit the movement of the terminal body 245 along the thickness direction Z of the end cap 23.

[0098] The limiting structure limits the terminal body 245, restricting the terminal body 245 from moving relative to the end cover 23 in the thickness direction Z of the end cover 23. This improves the firmness of the connection between the electrode terminal 24 and the end cover 23, ensures the stability of the electrical connection between the first connection part 242 and the electrode tab, and reduces the risk of electrical connection failure between the first connection part 242 and the second electrode tab 223 caused by the movement of the electrode terminal 24 relative to the end cover 23.

[0099] In some embodiments, the limiting structure includes a first limiting portion 246 and a second limiting portion 247, both of which protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the terminal body 245. The end cap 23 has a stop portion 232 with a through hole, through which the terminal body 245 passes. In the thickness direction Z of the end cap 23, the first limiting portion 246 and the second limiting portion 247 are located on both sides of the stop portion 232 to restrict the terminal body 245 from moving relative to the stop portion 232 in the thickness direction Z.

[0100] The first limiting portion 246 and the second limiting portion 247 are the parts that cooperate with the end cap 23 to limit the terminal body 245. The stop portion 232 is the part of the end cap 23 located between the first limiting portion 246 and the second limiting portion 247 in the thickness direction Z. Taking the first limiting portion 246 located on the side of the stop portion 232 away from the main body 221 and the second limiting portion 247 located on the side of the stop portion 232 facing the main body 221 as an example, in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 23, the first limiting portion 246 is used to restrict the terminal body 245 from moving towards the main body 221 relative to the stop portion 232, and the second limiting portion 247 is used to restrict the terminal body 245 from moving away from the main body 221 relative to the stop portion 232. Both the first limiting part 246 and the second limiting part 247 can directly abut against the stop part 232, or indirectly abut against the stop part 232 through an intermediate part, so as to restrict the terminal body 245 from moving relative to the stop part 232 in the thickness direction Z.

[0101] The first limiting part 246, the terminal body 245, and the second limiting part 247 together define a limiting groove, and the stop part 232 is engaged in the limiting groove, thereby limiting the electrode terminal 24. Taking the terminal body 245 as a cylinder as an example, the first limiting part 246 and the second limiting part 247 can be an annular structure extending along the circumference of the terminal body 245, and the first limiting part 246, the terminal body 245, and the second limiting part 247 together define an annular limiting groove.

[0102] The first limiting part 246 and the terminal body 245 can be integrally formed or separately formed and then connected together. The second limiting part 247 and the terminal body 245 can also be integrally formed or separately formed and then connected together. Depending on the different structures of the electrode terminal 24, different methods can be used to install the electrode terminal 24 onto the end cover 23. For example, if the first limiting part 246 and the terminal body 245 are separately formed, and the second limiting part 247 and the terminal body 245 are integrally formed, when installing the electrode terminal 24, the terminal body 245 can be inserted into the through hole of the stop part 232 first, and then the second limiting part 247 can be connected (e.g., welded) to the terminal body 245, thereby installing the electrode terminal 24 onto the end cover 23; or, if both the first limiting part 246 and the second limiting part 247 are integrally formed with the terminal body 245, the electrode terminal 24 can be installed onto the end cover 23 by riveting.

[0103] The outer peripheral surface of the terminal body 245 refers to the outer surface of the terminal body 245 that is parallel to the thickness direction Z of the end cap 23. Taking the terminal body 245 as a cylinder as an example, the outer peripheral surface of the terminal body 245 is the cylindrical outer surface of the terminal body 245.

[0104] In this embodiment, the terminal body 245 passes through the through hole of the stop portion 232. The first limiting portion 246 and the second limiting portion 247 are located on both sides of the stop portion 232, which not only restricts the movement of the terminal body 245 in the axial direction (thickness direction Z of the end cover 23) but also restricts the movement of the terminal body 245 in the radial direction, thereby limiting the electrode terminal 24 and ensuring the stability of the electrical connection between the first connecting portion 242 of the electrode terminal 24 and the tab.

[0105] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the limiting structure in the electrode terminal 24 is not limited to the above-mentioned structure. For example, the limiting structure includes a protrusion that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the terminal body 245. The protrusion engages with a slot on the wall of the through hole provided on the stop portion 232, thereby achieving the purpose of restricting the terminal body 245 from moving along the thickness direction Z of the end cover 23.

[0106] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 6 The battery cell 20 may also include an insulating member 25, which is at least partially located between the first tab 222 and the second tab 223 to separate the first tab 222 and the second tab 223.

[0107] The insulating member 25 is a component that separates the first tab 222 and the second tab 223, insulating and isolating the first tab 222 and the second tab 223. The insulating member 25 can be made of various materials, such as rubber or plastic. The insulating member 25 is at least partially located between the first tab 222 and the second tab 223. It can be understood that the insulating member 25 can be entirely located between the first tab 222 and the second tab 223, or it can be partially located between the first tab 222 and the second tab 223.

[0108] In this embodiment, the insulating member 25 is at least partially located between the first tab 222 and the second tab 223. The insulating member 25 separates the first tab 222 and the second tab 223, thereby reducing the risk of short circuit caused by contact between the first tab 222 and the second tab 223. The insulating member 25 can also reduce the movement space of the main body 221 within the housing 21, reducing the risk of electrical connection failure between the end cap 23 and the first tab 222, and between the first connecting portion 242 and the second tab 223.

[0109] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 6The insulating member 25 includes a first insulating portion 251 and a second insulating portion 252. The first insulating portion 251 is at least partially located between the first electrode tab 222 and the second electrode tab 223 to separate the first electrode tab 222 and the second electrode tab 223. The second insulating portion 252 is at least partially located between the electrode terminal 24 and the end cap 23 to separate the electrode terminal 24 and the end cap 23 to achieve an insulated connection between the electrode terminal 24 and the end cap 23.

[0110] The first insulating portion 251 is the part of the insulating member 25 that separates the first electrode tab 222 from the second electrode tab 223, thereby insulating and isolating the first electrode tab 222 from the second electrode tab 223. The second insulating portion 252 is the part of the insulating member 25 that separates the electrode terminal 24 from the end cap 23, thereby achieving an insulated connection between the electrode terminal 24 and the end cap 23. The first insulating portion 251 and the second insulating portion 252 can be independent of each other and have no connection relationship, or they can be connected to form a whole. For example, the second insulating portion 252 is configured to seal the electrode terminal 24 and the end cap 23. The second insulating portion 252 achieves both an insulated connection between the electrode terminal 24 and the end cap 23 and a sealed connection between the electrode terminal 24 and the end cap 23.

[0111] Both the first insulating portion 251 and the second insulating portion 252 can be annular structures extending circumferentially along the electrode terminal 24, such that the insulating member 25 is disposed around the electrode terminal 24. When the first insulating portion 251 and the second insulating portion 252 are connected to each other, the insulating member 25 can also separate the second electrode tab 223 and the end cap 23, reducing the risk of short circuit between the positive and negative electrodes caused by the contact between the second electrode tab 223 and the end cap 23.

[0112] Taking the limiting structure of electrode terminal 24, including a first limiting part 246 and a second limiting part 247, as an example, the second insulating part 252 can be folded around the stop part 232 of the end cover 23. The stop part 232 plays a good limiting role for the second insulating part 252, restricting the movement of the second insulating part 252 in the thickness direction Z of the end cover 23. For example, in Figure 6 In the thickness direction Z of the end cap 23, a portion of the second insulating portion 252 is located between the first limiting portion 246 and the stop portion 232; in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 23, a portion of the second insulating portion 252 is located between the second limiting portion 247 and the stop portion 232; a portion of the insulating member 25 is located between the hole wall surface of the through hole on the stop portion 232 and the outer peripheral surface of the terminal body 245. This achieves good insulation and sealing between the electrode terminal 24 and the end cap 23. Furthermore, by way of example, in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 23, the second limiting portion 247 is closer to the body portion 221 than the first limiting portion 246, and a portion of the second insulating portion 252 also covers the outer peripheral surface of the first limiting portion 246, further improving the insulation performance between the electrode terminal 24 and the end cap 23.

[0113] In this embodiment, the first insulating portion 251 of the insulating member 25 serves to separate the first electrode tab 222 and the second electrode tab 223, and the second insulating portion 252 of the insulating member 25 serves to separate the electrode terminal 24 and the end cap 23. That is to say, the insulating member 25 serves to separate the first electrode tab 222 and the second electrode tab 223, and also serves to separate the electrode terminal 24 and the end cap 23. The insulating member 25 achieves insulation between the first electrode tab 222 and the second electrode tab 223, and also achieves insulation between the electrode terminal 24 and the end cap 23.

[0114] In some embodiments, the first insulating portion 251 and the second insulating portion 252 are integrally formed. It is understood that the first insulating portion 251 and the second insulating portion 252 are integrally formed, for example, by casting.

[0115] In this embodiment, the insulating member 25 has good integrity and is easy to install. Since the electrode terminal 24 and the end cap 23 are insulatedly connected through the second insulating part 252, the first insulating part 251 is not easy to be displaced within the housing 21 when the second insulating part 252 is jointly limited by the electrode terminal 24 and the end cap 23, so that the first insulating part 251 is always kept in the position that separates the first electrode tab 222 and the second electrode tab 223.

[0116] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 6 In the thickness direction Z of the end cap 23, the first insulating part 251 abuts against the end cap 23 and the main body part 221.

[0117] The first insulating part 251 abuts against the end cap 23 and the main body part 221. The first insulating part 251 is in contact with both the end cap 23 and the main body part 221, so that the first insulating part 251 is supported between the end cap 23 and the main body part 221 in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 23.

[0118] For example, the first insulating portion 251 has a first surface 2511 and a second surface 2512 opposite to each other in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 23, and the first surface 2511 and the second surface 2512 respectively abut against the end cap 23 and the main body portion 221.

[0119] In this embodiment, the first insulating part 251 not only separates the first tab 222 and the second tab 223, but also effectively limits the main body part 221, restricting the main body part 221 from moving within the housing 21 along the thickness direction Z of the end cover 23, thereby further reducing the risk of electrical connection failure between the end cover 23 and the first tab 222, and between the first connecting part 242 and the second tab 223.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first electrode 222 is located on the outer periphery of the second electrode 223, and the inner peripheral surface of the first electrode 222 is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the second electrode 223.

[0121] The first tab 222 is located on the outer periphery of the second tab 223, that is, in the thickness direction Z perpendicular to the end cap 23, the first tab 222 is closer to the housing 21 than the second tab 223. Figure 5 The sidewalls (shown in the diagram) of housing 21 refer to the walls of housing 21 that are parallel to the thickness direction Z of end cap 23. The inner peripheral surface of the first tab 222 refers to the inner surface of the first tab 222 that is parallel to the thickness direction Z of end cap 23, and the outer peripheral surface of the second tab 223 refers to the outer surface of the second tab 223 that is parallel to the thickness direction Z of end cap 23. A gap is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the first tab 222 and the outer peripheral surface of the second tab 223, i.e., there is a gap between the inner peripheral surface of the first tab 222 and the outer peripheral surface of the second tab 223. In embodiments where the first tab 222 and the second tab 223 are insulated from each other by an insulating member 25, at least a portion of the insulating member 25 is arranged within the gap between the first tab 222 and the second tab 223 to separate the first tab 222 and the second tab 223. For example, a first insulating portion 251 of the insulating member 25 is partially arranged between the first tab 222 and the second tab 223.

[0122] Both the first electrode tab 222 and the second electrode tab 223 are closed structures that extend circumferentially along the electrode terminal 24 and are connected at both ends, such as a ring structure or a square structure.

[0123] Since the first tab 222 is located on the outer periphery of the second tab 223 and the first tab 222 is connected to the end cap 23, and the first connecting part 242 of the electrode terminal 24 is connected to the second tab 223, the electrode terminal 24 can be installed in the middle position of the end cap 23, which facilitates the connection of the electrode terminal 24 to external components (such as busbar components).

[0124] In some embodiments, the first tab 222 and / or the second tab 223 are annular structures.

[0125] When both the first electrode tab 222 and the second electrode tab 223 are annular structures, the first electrode tab 222 and the second electrode tab 223 can be coaxially arranged. If the first electrode tab 222 is located on the outer periphery of the second electrode tab 223, the first electrode tab 222 forms an outer annular electrode tab, and the second electrode tab 223 forms an inner annular electrode tab.

[0126] The first tab 222 has a ring-shaped structure, which facilitates its molding and enables large-area current flow between the first tab 222 and the end cap 23. The second tab 223 has a ring-shaped structure, which facilitates its molding and enables large-area current flow between the second tab 223 and the electrode terminal 24.

[0127] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 6 The end cap 23 is provided with a second recess 233, which is recessed from the side of the end cap 23 away from the main body 221 toward the main body 221. The end cap 23 has a second connecting portion 234, which is located between the second recess 233 and the first electrode tab 222 in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 23, and is used to connect the first electrode tab 222.

[0128] The second recess 233 on the end cap 23 can be a groove recessed from one end of the end cap 23 away from the main body 221 toward the main body 221, and the depth direction of the second recess 233 is consistent with the thickness direction Z of the end cap 23. The second recess 233 on the end cap 23 can be a single one, for example, the second recess 233 can be an annular groove distributed around the electrode terminal 24; the second recess 233 on the end cap 23 can be multiple, for example, multiple second recesses 233 are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the electrode terminal 24.

[0129] The second connecting part 234 is the part where the end cap 23 connects to the first electrode tab 222. The part of the end cap 23 located at the bottom of the second recess 233 is the second connecting part 234. It can also be understood that after the second recess 233 is provided on the end cap 23, the remaining part of the end cap 23 at the corresponding position of the second recess 233 is the second connecting part 234.

[0130] The end cap 23 is located between the second recess 233 and the first electrode tab 222, forming a second connecting portion 234 that connects to the first electrode tab 222. The part of the end cap 23 at the bottom of the second recess 233 is the second connecting portion 234. The area where the end cap 23 connects to the first electrode tab 222 can be determined through the second recess 233, making it easy to accurately connect the end cap 23 to the first electrode tab 222.

[0131] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion 242 is welded to the second electrode tab 223; and / or, the end cap 23 is welded to the first electrode tab 222.

[0132] The first connecting part 242 can be welded to the second electrode tab 223 by through welding, and the end cap 23 can also be welded to the first electrode tab 222 by through welding.

[0133] The first connecting part 242 is welded to the second electrode tab 223, so that the electrode terminal 24 is stably connected to the first electrode tab 222, ensuring stable overcurrent between the electrode terminal 24 and the second electrode tab 223. At the same time, the electrode terminal 24 and the second electrode tab 223 are directly connected, and there is no need to set a current collector between the electrode terminal 24 and the second electrode tab 223 to achieve electrical connection, which can free up more space for the main body 221.

[0134] Because the electrode terminal 24 has a first recess 241, the thickness of the first connecting portion 242 for welding to the second tab 223 is relatively smaller than the thickness of other parts of the electrode terminal 24. This facilitates welding the first connecting portion 242 to the second tab 223 via through-welding, ensuring the strong bond between the electrode terminal 24 and the second tab 223. Furthermore, the portion of the solder mark formed by welding the first connecting portion 242 and the second tab 223 that protrudes from the first connecting portion 242 can be accommodated within the first recess 241, preventing the solder mark from affecting the connection between the electrode terminal 24 and external components (such as busbar components).

[0135] The end cap 23 is welded to the first electrode tab 222, ensuring a stable connection between the end cap 23 and the first electrode tab 222 and guaranteeing stable current flow between them. This also allows for a direct connection between the end cap 23 and the first electrode tab 222, eliminating the need for current collectors between them and freeing up more space for the main body 221.

[0136] In embodiments where the end cap 23 has a second recess 233, the thickness of the second connecting portion 234 for welding to the first electrode tab 222 is relatively smaller than the thickness of other parts of the end cap 23. This facilitates welding the second connecting portion 234 to the first electrode tab 222 via through-welding, ensuring the robustness of the weld between the end cap 23 and the first electrode tab 222. Furthermore, the portion of the weld mark formed by welding the second connecting portion 234 to the first electrode tab 222 that protrudes from the second connecting portion 234 can be accommodated within the first recess 241, preventing the weld mark from affecting the connection between the end cap 23 and external components (such as a busbar component).

[0137] This application provides a battery 100, including a housing 10 and a battery cell 20 provided in any of the above embodiments, wherein the housing 10 is used to accommodate the battery cell 20.

[0138] This application provides an electrical device, including the battery 100 provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0139] The electrical equipment can be any of the devices that use battery 100 as described above.

[0140] In addition, please refer to Figure 5This application provides a cylindrical battery, including a casing 21, an electrode assembly 22, an end cap 23, electrode terminals 24, and an insulating member 25. The end cap 23 is welded to a first tab 222 of the electrode assembly 22 to achieve an electrical connection between the end cap 23 and the first tab 222. A first connecting portion 242 of the electrode terminal 24 is welded to a second tab 223 to achieve an electrical connection between the electrode terminal 24 and the second tab 223. The insulating member 25 includes a first insulating portion 251 and a second insulating portion 252. The first insulating portion 251 is at least partially located between the first tab 222 and the second tab 223 to separate the first tab 222 and the second tab 223, thereby insulatingly isolating the first tab 222 and the second tab 223. The second insulating portion 252 is connected to the first insulating portion 251 and is at least partially located between the electrode terminal 24 and the end cap 23 to separate the electrode terminal 24 and the end cap 23, thereby achieving an insulated connection between the electrode terminal 24 and the end cap 23.

[0141] In this cylindrical battery, the same-side tabs save space inside the battery cell 20, and the casing 21 provides more space for the main body 221, which is beneficial to improving the energy density of the cylindrical battery. The insulating component 25 not only achieves the insulated connection between the electrode terminal 24 and the end cover 23, but also achieves the insulated isolation between the first tab 222 and the second tab 223, reducing the risk of short circuit between the positive and negative electrodes of the cylindrical battery.

[0142] Please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery cell 20 according to some embodiments of this application. The embodiments of this application provide a method for manufacturing a battery cell 20, the method comprising:

[0143] S100: A housing 21 is provided, the housing 21 having an opening;

[0144] S200: Provide an electrode assembly 22, which includes a main body 221 and a first electrode tab 222 and a second electrode tab 223. The first electrode tab 222 and the second electrode tab 223 have opposite polarities and are disposed on the same side of the main body 221.

[0145] S300: Provides an end cap 23 and an electrode terminal 24, the electrode terminal 24 being insulated from the end cap 23, the electrode terminal 24 having a first recess 241, and the electrode terminal 24 having a first connecting portion 242.

[0146] S400: The electrode assembly 22 is housed within the housing 21;

[0147] S500: The end cap 23 is closed onto the opening of the housing 21, such that the first recess 241 is recessed from the side of the electrode terminal 24 away from the main body 221 toward the main body 221, such that the first connecting portion 242 is located between the first recess 241 and the second tab 223.

[0148] S600: Connect the end cap 23 to the first tab 222 of the electrode assembly 22 to achieve electrical connection between the end cap 23 and the first tab 222;

[0149] S700: The first connecting portion 242 of the electrode terminal 24 is connected to the second tab 223 of the electrode assembly 22 to achieve electrical connection between the electrode terminal 24 and the second tab 223.

[0150] In the above method, the order of steps S100, S200 and S300 is not restricted. For example, step S300 can be executed first, then step S200, and then step S100.

[0151] In the above method, the order of steps S600 and S700 is not limited. For example, step S700 can be executed first, followed by step S600. That is, the end cap 23 can be connected to the first electrode tab 222 first, and then the first connecting part 242 can be connected to the second electrode tab 223, or the first connecting part 242 can be connected to the second electrode tab 223 first, and then the end cap 23 can be connected to the first electrode tab 222.

[0152] It should be noted that the relevant structure of the battery cell 20 manufactured by the manufacturing method provided in the above embodiments can be found in the battery cell 20 provided in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0153] Please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell 20 manufacturing equipment 2000 provided in some embodiments of this application. This application also provides a battery cell 2000 manufacturing equipment 2000, which includes a first providing device 2100, a second providing device 2200, a third providing device 2300 and an assembly device 2400.

[0154] A first providing device 2100 provides a housing 21 having an opening. A second providing device 2200 provides an electrode assembly 22, which includes a main body 221 and a first tab 222 and a second tab 223. The first tab 222 and the second tab 223 have opposite polarities and are located on the same side of the main body 221. A third providing device 2300 provides an end cap 23 and an electrode terminal 24, which is insulated from the end cap 23. The electrode terminal 24 has a first recess 241 and a first connecting portion 242. Assembly device 2400 is used to accommodate electrode assembly 22 within housing 21; it is also used to close end cap 23 to the opening, such that first recess 241 is recessed from the side of electrode terminal 24 away from main body portion 221 toward the direction of main body portion 221, such that first connecting portion 242 is located between first recess 241 and second tab 223; it is also used to connect end cap 23 to first tab 222 to achieve electrical connection between end cap 23 and first tab 222; it is also used to connect first connecting portion 242 to second tab 223 to achieve electrical connection between electrode terminal 24 and second tab 223.

[0155] It should be noted that the relevant structure of the battery cell 20 manufactured by the manufacturing equipment 2000 provided in the above embodiments can be found in the battery cell 20 provided in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0156] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0157] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit this application. For those skilled in the art, this application can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A battery cell, characterized in that, include: A shell having an opening, the shell being a cylindrical structure; An electrode assembly is provided for housing within the housing. The electrode assembly includes a main body, a first electrode tab, and a second electrode tab, wherein the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab are of opposite polarities and are disposed on the same side of the main body. An end cap is used to cover the opening and is electrically connected to the first electrode tab. The end cap is a circular plate structure adapted to the housing. An electrode terminal is insulated from the end cap and disposed at the center of the end cap. The electrode terminal has a first recess, which is recessed from the side of the electrode terminal away from the main body towards the main body. The electrode terminal has a first connecting portion, which is located between the first recess and the second tab in the thickness direction of the end cap. The first connecting portion is used to connect the second tab to realize the electrical connection between the electrode terminal and the second tab. The end cap has a second recess, which is recessed from the side of the end cap away from the main body towards the main body; the end cap has a second connecting portion, which is located between the second recess and the first electrode tab in the thickness direction of the end cap, and the second connecting portion is used to connect the first electrode tab.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode terminal has a contact surface facing the main body in the thickness direction, the contact surface being used to abut against the second electrode tab, and the electrode terminal forming the first connection portion between the bottom surface of the first recess and the contact surface.

3. The battery cell according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end cap has an inner surface facing the main body in the thickness direction, and the abutting surface is flush with the inner surface.

4. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connecting part is provided with a liquid injection hole, which connects the first recess and the interior of the shell.

5. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode terminals include: Terminal body, wherein the first connecting portion is formed in the terminal body; A limiting structure is provided on the terminal body to restrict the movement of the terminal body relative to the end cap in the thickness direction.

6. The battery cell according to claim 5, characterized in that, The limiting structure includes a first limiting part and a second limiting part, both of which protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the terminal body; The end cap has a stop portion with a through hole. The terminal body passes through the through hole. In the thickness direction, the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion are located on both sides of the stop portion to restrict the movement of the terminal body relative to the stop portion in the thickness direction.

7. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery cell also includes: An insulating element, at least partially located between the first tab and the second tab, to separate the first tab and the second tab.

8. The battery cell according to claim 7, characterized in that, The insulating component includes: A first insulating portion is located at least partially between the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab to separate the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab; A second insulating portion, at least partially located between the electrode terminal and the end cap, separates the electrode terminal and the end cap to achieve an insulated connection between the electrode terminal and the end cap.

9. The battery cell according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first insulating part and the second insulating part are integrally formed.

10. The battery cell according to claim 8, characterized in that, In the thickness direction, the first insulating portion abuts against the end cap and the main body portion.

11. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The first electrode is located on the outer periphery of the second electrode, and a gap is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the first electrode and the outer peripheral surface of the second electrode.

12. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The first electrode tab and / or the second electrode tab are ring structures.

13. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The first connecting portion is welded to the second electrode tab; and / or, the electrode terminal is welded to the first electrode tab.

14. A battery, characterized in that, include: The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-13; as well as The housing is used to house the individual battery cells.

15. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, Includes the battery according to claim 14.

16. A method for manufacturing a single battery cell, characterized in that, The manufacturing method includes: A housing is provided, the housing having an opening, the housing being a cylindrical structure; An electrode assembly is provided, the electrode assembly including a main body and a first electrode tab and a second electrode tab, the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab having opposite polarities and being disposed on the same side of the main body; An end cap and an electrode terminal are provided. The end cap is a circular plate structure adapted to the housing. The electrode terminal is insulated from the end cap and is disposed at the center of the end cap. The electrode terminal has a first recess and a first connecting portion. The electrode assembly is housed within the housing; The end cap is closed onto the opening, such that the first recess is recessed from the side of the electrode terminal away from the main body towards the main body, such that the first connecting portion is located between the first recess and the second tab; The end cap is connected to the first electrode tab to achieve electrical connection between the end cap and the first electrode tab; The first connecting part is connected to the second electrode tab to achieve electrical connection between the electrode terminal and the second electrode tab; The end cap has a second recess, which is recessed from the side of the end cap away from the main body towards the main body; the end cap has a second connecting portion, which is located between the second recess and the first electrode tab in the thickness direction of the end cap, and the second connecting portion is used to connect the first electrode tab.

17. A manufacturing apparatus for a single battery cell, characterized in that, The manufacturing equipment includes: A first providing device is used to provide a housing having an opening and having a cylindrical structure; A second providing device is used to provide an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly including a main body and a first electrode tab and a second electrode tab, the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab having opposite polarities and being disposed on the same side of the main body; A third providing device is used to provide an end cap and an electrode terminal. The end cap is a circular plate structure adapted to the housing. The electrode terminal is insulated from the end cap and is disposed at the center of the end cap. The electrode terminal has a first recess and a first connecting portion. An assembly device is used to house the electrode assembly within the housing; it is also used to close the end cap onto the opening, such that the first recess is recessed from the side of the electrode terminal away from the main body towards the main body, such that the first connecting portion is located between the first recess and the second tab; it is also used to connect the end cap to the first tab to achieve electrical connection between the end cap and the first tab; and it is also used to connect the first connecting portion to the second tab to achieve electrical connection between the electrode terminal and the second tab. The end cap has a second recess, which is recessed from the side of the end cap away from the main body towards the main body; the end cap has a second connecting portion, which is located between the second recess and the first electrode tab in the thickness direction of the end cap, and the second connecting portion is used to connect the first electrode tab.

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