Battery cell and method of manufacturing the same, manufacturing apparatus, battery, electric device

Abstract

This application provides a battery cell and its manufacturing method, manufacturing apparatus, battery, and power-consuming device. The battery cell includes: a housing with a first opening at one end along a first direction; a first end cap for closing the first opening, the first end cap including an end cap body and a first electrode terminal disposed on the end cap body; an electrode assembly disposed within the housing, the electrode assembly including a main body and a first electrode tab extending from the main body; and a first adapter including a first part, a second part, and a third part. The first part is located on the side of the main body from which the first electrode tab extends and is electrically connected to the first electrode tab. The second part is located on the side of the main body near the first end cap and is connected to the first part. The first end of the third part along a second direction is connected to the side end of the second part along the second direction. At least a portion of the third part is located between the second part and the end cap body and is electrically connected to the first electrode terminal. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery cell and its manufacturing method, manufacturing apparatus, battery, and electrical device. Background Technology

[0002] Due to the advantages of lithium-ion batteries, such as high energy density, high power density, high cycle life, and long storage time, they have been widely used in electric vehicles.

[0003] However, optimizing the assembly process of batteries in electric vehicles has always been a challenge for the industry. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to improve the battery assembly process.

[0005] According to a first aspect of this application, a battery cell is provided, comprising:

[0006] The housing has a first opening at one end along a first direction;

[0007] A first end cap is used to close a first opening. The first end cap includes an end cap body and a first electrode terminal disposed on the end cap body.

[0008] An electrode assembly, disposed within a housing, includes a main body and a first electrode tab extending from the main body; and

[0009] The first adapter includes a first part, a second part, and a third part. The first part is located on the side of the main body from which the first electrode tab is led out and is electrically connected to the first electrode tab. The second part is located on the side of the main body near the first end cap and is connected to the first part. The first end of the third part along the second direction is connected to the side end of the second part along the second direction. At least a portion of the third part is located between the second part and the end cap body and is electrically connected to the first electrode terminal. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0010] In this embodiment, the first adapter extends a third portion from the second portion. This creates an angle between the third and second portions when the third portion is electrically connected to the first electrode terminal. The area of ​​this angle forms an operating space for connecting the third portion and the first electrode terminal, improving assembly convenience and electrical connection reliability. After the third portion is electrically connected to the first electrode terminal, bending the third portion along with the first end cap around the pivot towards the second portion closes the first opening. Thus, this structure cleverly achieves both the electrical connection between the third portion and the first electrode terminal and the assembly of the first end cap.

[0011] Moreover, installing the electrode assembly into the housing first and then installing the first end cap makes it easier to ensure the fitting accuracy between the first end cap and the first opening, prevents large forces between the first end cap and the housing, and between the electrode assembly and the housing, optimizes assembly performance, and thus improves the performance and operational reliability of the battery cell.

[0012] Furthermore, if the battery cell has a second opening at the other end along the first direction, and this second opening is closed by a second end cap, the first end cap can be installed last during assembly. This solves the problem of not being able to simultaneously achieve electrical connection between the third part and the first electrode terminal, as well as the assembly of the first end cap. Therefore, this assembly method is applicable to battery cells with different structures, requiring no special matching of the battery cell structure and assembly process, and thus has strong versatility.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second direction is aligned with the thickness direction of the electrode assembly.

[0014] This embodiment enables the first end cover to rotate around its longer side to close the first opening when the third part and the first end cover bend around the axis toward the direction closer to the second part. This reduces the rotation radius of the first end cover, reduces misalignment and wobbling during rotation, ensures accurate matching of the first end cover with the first opening, and guarantees the consistency of the gap between the first end cover and the first opening in the entire circumferential direction, thereby improving the welding effect between the first end cover and the shell.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first electrode tab extends from the body portion along a third direction, which is perpendicular to the first and second directions.

[0016] In this embodiment, the first electrode tab is located on the side adjacent to the first end cap of the main body. When the first electrode tab and the first electrode terminal are electrically connected to the first adapter, there is an independent operating space, which facilitates assembly and helps ensure the reliability of the electrical connection. Moreover, the first part and the second part are located on two adjacent sides of the main body, forming an L-shaped structure; and before assembly, the third part and the second part have an included angle, for example, they are perpendicular to each other. The third part is located on the side end of the second part along the second direction, which can improve the overall rigidity of the first adapter. During the placement, transfer or assembly of parts, the second part is not easy to deform.

[0017] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly further includes a second electrode tab extending from the body portion, the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab having opposite polarities and extending from the same side end of the body portion.

[0018] This embodiment can reduce the space occupied by individual battery cells in the third direction and increase the energy density of individual battery cells.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second end of the third part along the second direction is a free end, and the third part is configured to bend toward the second part together with the first end cap connected thereto, so that the first end cap closes the first opening.

[0020] This embodiment, through an assembly method that bends the third part, enables the electrical connection between the third part and the first electrode terminal, as well as the assembly of the first end cap. During assembly, the electrode assembly can be installed into the housing first, followed by the installation of the first end cap, which easily ensures the fitting accuracy between the first end cap and the first opening, facilitates welding of the first end cap to the first opening, and optimizes assembly performance. Moreover, for battery cells with end caps at both ends, the first end cap can be installed last during assembly, solving the problem of not being able to simultaneously achieve the electrical connection between the third part and the first electrode terminal, as well as the assembly of the first end cap, thus making the assembly process highly versatile for battery cells with different structures.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first part, the second part, and the third part are all plate-like structures, with the first part and the second part arranged vertically and the second part and the third part arranged parallel to each other.

[0022] In this embodiment, the first part and the second part are arranged vertically. After the first part is electrically connected to the first electrode ear, the second part can be arranged parallel to the side of the main body facing the first end cap, so as to reduce the space occupied by the second part in the first direction. Moreover, after the third part is bent to the first end cap to close the first opening, the second part and the third part are arranged parallel to each other. For example, they can contact or maintain a small gap, which can further reduce the space occupied by the second part in the first direction.

[0023] In some embodiments, the position of the second part connecting to the third part is retracted by a predetermined distance relative to the outer side of the second part along the second direction.

[0024] This embodiment retracts the root position of the third part by a predetermined distance relative to the outer edge of the second part, which prevents the third part from extending beyond the outer edge of the second part along the second direction and contacting the housing after bending, thus ensuring the gap between the electrode assembly and the housing, as well as the gap between the first end cap and the housing after assembly.

[0025] In some embodiments, a weak zone is provided at the connection between the third part and the second part.

[0026] This embodiment provides a weak area at the connection between the third part and the second part. After the third part is electrically connected to the first electrode terminal, it is easy to bend the third part together with the first end cap toward the direction closer to the second part. During the bending process, it can prevent additional force from affecting the connection between the first part and the first electrode tab, and also prevent the first adapter from deforming due to large bending force. This makes the bending position of the third part relative to the second part accurate, improves the positioning accuracy after the first end cap closes the first opening, makes the gap between the first end cap and the first opening uniform in the circumferential direction, and improves the welding effect.

[0027] In some embodiments, the weak region includes at least one of a thickness reduction portion and a through groove extending along a third direction, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first adapter is formed by stacking multiple layers.

[0029] In this embodiment, since each layer structure is relatively thin, the first adapter formed by stacking multiple layers can reduce the stiffness at the connection between the second and third parts, making the third part easier to bend.

[0030] In some embodiments, the housing has a second opening at the other end along the first direction, the electrode assembly further includes a second tab extending from the main body, and the battery cell further includes:

[0031] A second end cap, used to close the second opening, includes an end cap body and a second electrode terminal disposed on the end cap body; and

[0032] The second adapter includes a first part and a second part. The first part is located on the side of the main body from which the second electrode tab extends and is electrically connected to the second electrode tab. The second part is located on the side of the main body near the second end cap and is connected to the first part. The second part is electrically connected to the second electrode terminal.

[0033] In this embodiment, when the battery cell has both a first end cap and a second end cap, the second electrode terminal is first electrically connected to the second part of the second adapter. Then, the first parts of the first and second adapters are electrically connected to the first and second tabs, respectively. Next, the electrode assembly, along with the second end cap, is inserted into the housing through the second opening, and the second end cap closes the second opening. Finally, the first electrode terminal is electrically connected to the third part, and the first end cap closes the first opening by bending. This structure enables the assembly of battery cells with end caps at both ends and simplifies the structure of the second adapter.

[0034] According to a second aspect of this application, a battery is provided, comprising the battery cell of the above embodiments.

[0035] According to a third aspect of this application, an electrical device is provided, including the battery of the above embodiment, the battery being used to provide electrical energy to the electrical device.

[0036] According to a fourth aspect of this application, a method for manufacturing a battery cell is provided, comprising:

[0037] Provided are parts to be assembled, including: a housing, an electrode assembly, a first end cap, and a first adapter. The housing has a first opening at one end along a first direction. The first end cap includes an end cap body and a first electrode terminal disposed on the end cap body. The electrode assembly includes a main body and a first electrode tab extending from the main body. The first adapter includes a first part, a second part, and a third part. The second part is connected to the first part. The first end of the third part along a second direction is connected to the side end of the second part along the second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0038] The first adapter is placed on the side where the first electrode tab is led out from the main body, and the second part is located on the side of the main body near the first end cap, and the first part of the first adapter is electrically connected to the first electrode tab.

[0039] Place the electrode assembly into the housing;

[0040] The third part of the first adapter is electrically connected to the first electrode terminal;

[0041] The third part is positioned at least partially between the second part and the first end cap, and the first end cap closes the first opening.

[0042] In some embodiments, when the first electrode terminal is electrically connected to the third part, there is a preset angle between the third part and the second part; wherein, positioning at least a portion of the third part between the second part and the first end cap, and closing the first end cap to seal the first opening includes:

[0043] The third part, together with the first end cap connected to it, is bent toward the second part until the first end cap closes the first opening.

[0044] According to a fifth aspect of this application, an apparatus for manufacturing a single battery cell is provided, comprising:

[0045] The component provides a housing, an electrode assembly, a first end cap, and a first adapter. The housing has a first opening at one end along a first direction. The first end cap includes an end cap body and a first electrode terminal disposed on the end cap body. The electrode assembly includes a main body and a first electrode tab extending from the main body. The first adapter includes a first part, a second part, and a third part. The second part is connected to the first part, and the first end of the third part along a second direction is connected to the side end of the second part along the second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0046] The electrode connection component is configured to place a first adapter on the side where the first electrode leads out of the main body, and a second part on the side of the main body near the first end cap, and electrically connect the first part of the first adapter to the first electrode.

[0047] An electrode mounting component is configured to insert an electrode assembly into the housing through a first opening;

[0048] A terminal connection component is configured to electrically connect the third part of the first adapter to the first electrode terminal; and

[0049] An end cap sealing component is configured such that at least a portion of the third part is located between the second part and the first end cap, and the first end cap closes the first opening. Attached Figure Description

[0050] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without creative effort.

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of some embodiments of the battery installation in a vehicle according to this application.

[0052] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of some embodiments of the battery in this application.

[0053] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of some embodiments of the battery cell of this application.

[0054] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of some embodiments of the battery cell of this application.

[0055] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of some embodiments of the battery cell of this application.

[0056] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of some embodiments of the first adapter in the battery cell of this application.

[0057] Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C The diagram shows three different types of weak points set on the first adapter.

[0058] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of some other embodiments of the first adapter in the battery cell of this application.

[0059] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Enlarged view of point A in the image.

[0060] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second part of the first adapter in an unbent state after being electrically connected to the first electrode terminal.

[0061] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure after the second part of the first adapter is bent together with the first end cap.

[0062] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of some embodiments of the battery cell manufacturing method of this application.

[0063] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the module composition of some embodiments of the battery cell manufacturing apparatus of this application.

[0064] The accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0065] Marker explanation:

[0066] 200. Vehicle; 201. Axle; 202. Wheel; 203. Motor; 204. Controller;

[0067] 100, Battery; 100', Battery Cell; 101, Housing Assembly; 101A, Housing; 101B, Cover; 102, Thermal Management Components; 1021, Base Plate; 1022, Heat Exchanger Tube; 1022A, Inlet; 1022B, Outlet;

[0068] 10. Battery cell; 1. Housing; 11. First opening; 11'. Second opening; 2. End cap; 21. End cap body; 22. First electrode terminal; 2'. Second end cap; 22'. Second electrode terminal; 3. Electrode assembly; 31. Main body; 32. First tab; 32'. Second tab; 4. First adapter; 4'. Second adapter; 41. First part; 411. Positioning groove; 42. Second part; 421. Groove; 43. Third part; 44. Thickness reduction part; 45. Through groove; 46. Layer structure;

[0069] x, first direction; y, second direction; z, third direction; S1, flat surface; S2, arc surface. Detailed Implementation

[0070] The embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The detailed description of the following embodiments and the accompanying drawings are used to illustrate the principles of this application by way of example, but should not be used to limit the scope of this application, that is, this application is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0071] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more; the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", etc., indicating orientation or positional relationship are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0072] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. "Vertical" does not mean strictly vertical, but rather within the permissible range of error. "Parallel" does not mean strictly parallel, but rather within the permissible range of error. The directional terms appearing in the following description refer to the directions shown in the figures and are not intended to limit the specific structure of this application.

[0073] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application depending on the specific circumstances.

[0074] 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 some of the embodiments 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.

[0075] 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).

[0076] This application uses terms such as "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "inner," and "outer" to indicate orientation or positional relationships. This is only for the convenience of describing this application and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0077] The battery mentioned in the embodiments of this application refers to a single physical module comprising multiple 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, etc.

[0078] The battery cells mentioned in the embodiments of this application 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. Battery cells may be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited to these shapes either. Battery cells are generally classified 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 types either.

[0079] Current battery cells typically consist of a casing and an electrode assembly housed within the casing, with an electrolyte filled inside. The electrode assembly is mainly formed by stacking or winding a first electrode and a second electrode with opposite polarities, and a separator is usually provided between the first and second electrodes. The portions of the first and second electrodes coated with active material constitute the main body of the electrode assembly, while the portions of the first and second electrodes not coated with active material constitute the first tab and the second tab, respectively. In lithium-ion batteries, the first electrode can be a first electrode sheet, including a positive current collector and positive active material layers disposed on both sides of the positive current collector. The material of the positive current collector can be, for example, aluminum, and the positive active material can be, for example, lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganese oxide, etc.; the second electrode can be a second electrode sheet, including a negative current collector and negative active material layers disposed on both sides of the negative current collector. The material of the negative current collector can be, for example, copper, and the negative active material can be, for example, graphite or silicon, etc. The first tab and the second tab can be located together at one end of the main body or at opposite ends of the main body. During the charging and discharging process of a single battery cell, the positive and negative active materials react with the electrolyte, and the tabs connect to the terminals to form a current loop.

[0080] In practice, the inventors discovered that most of the current rectangular battery cells have end caps located on one end face of the casing. The end cap includes the end cap body and two electrode terminals located on the end cap body. During assembly, an adapter is first welded to each electrode terminal, and then the two adapters are welded to the first tab and the second tab respectively, thereby making the end cap and the electrode assembly form an integral structure. Then, the integral structure is installed into the casing.

[0081] However, in the actual assembly process, it was found that when the integral structure formed by the end cap and the electrode assembly was installed into the housing, the gaps between the electrode assembly and the housing, as well as between the end cap and the housing, were small, and assembly errors were inevitable. Moreover, these errors were not easy to adjust, which affected the assembly effect and assembly efficiency.

[0082] Moreover, for a battery cell with end caps at both ends of the casing, each end cap has an electrode terminal. If the electrode terminal on one end cap is first connected to the electrode assembly as a whole structure through an adapter and then placed into the casing to seal the end cap, it is impossible to simultaneously assemble the other end cap and weld its electrode terminal to the corresponding adapter.

[0083] Based on the above findings, the inventors intend to improve the battery cell to further enhance its assembly performance and make this assembly method more versatile for different battery cells.

[0084] The battery of this application can be used in electrical devices to provide electrical energy to these devices, which can be mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, electric vehicles, electric cars, ships, spacecraft, electric toys, and power tools, etc. For example, spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc. Electric toys include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. Power tools include metal cutting power tools, grinding power tools, assembly power tools, and railway power tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, impact drills, concrete vibrators, and electric planers.

[0085] like Figure 1 As shown, the electrical device can be a vehicle 200, such as a new energy vehicle, which can be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, or a range-extended electric vehicle; or the electrical device can be a drone or a ship. Specifically, the vehicle 200 may include an axle 201, wheels 202 connected to the axle 201, a motor 203, a controller 204, and a battery 100. The motor 203 is used to drive the axle 201 to rotate, the controller 204 is used to control the operation of the motor 203, and the battery 100 may be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 200 to provide power for the operation of the motor 203 and other components in the vehicle.

[0086] like Figure 2 As shown, in order to meet different power needs, the battery 100 may include multiple battery cells 10, wherein the multiple battery cells 10 may be connected in series, in parallel or in a mixed manner, and the mixed manner refers to a combination of series and parallel connection.

[0087] Figure 2 The diagram below shows the structure of some embodiments of the battery 100 of this application. The battery 100 may include a housing assembly 101 and at least one battery cell 100'. The housing assembly 101 has a hollow structure inside, and at least one battery cell 100' is housed within the housing assembly 101.

[0088] For example, the outer casing assembly 101 may include two parts, referred to here as housing 101A and cover 101B, respectively. Housing 101A and cover 101B are fastened together. For example, both housing 101A and cover 101B can be hollow cuboids with only one open side each. The openings of housing 101A and cover 101B are opposite to each other, and housing 101A and cover 101B are fastened together to form a housing with a closed chamber. Alternatively, housing 101A can be an open cuboid while cover 101B is plate-shaped, or cover 101B can be an open cuboid while housing 101A is plate-shaped. Housing 101A and cover 101B are opposite to each other and fastened together to form a housing with a closed chamber. Multiple battery cells 10 are connected in parallel, series, or mixed configurations and placed within the closed chamber formed by the fastened housing 101A and cover 101B.

[0089] like Figure 3 As shown, each battery cell 100' may include multiple battery cells 10 arranged side by side and electrically connected to each other. For example, multiple battery cells 10 may be arranged side by side along the second direction y.

[0090] like Figure 4 As shown, the battery cell 10 includes a housing 1 and a first end cap 2 and a second end cap 2' respectively disposed at both ends of the housing 1 along a first direction x, which is perpendicular to the second direction y. The angle in the figure only indicates the first end cap 2. The first end cap 2 includes an end cap body 21 and a first electrode terminal 22 disposed on the end cap body 21. The second end cap 2 includes an end cap body 21 and a second electrode terminal 22' disposed on the end cap body 21. The first electrode terminal 22 and the second electrode terminal 22' have opposite polarities. Optionally, the housing 1 has a first end cap 2 only at one end along the first direction x, and the end cap simultaneously has the first electrode terminal 22 and the second electrode terminal 22'.

[0091] Since the battery cell 100' does not have a first electrode terminal 22 and a second electrode terminal 22' in a plane perpendicular to the third direction z, and the third direction z is perpendicular to the first direction x and the second direction y, thermal management components 102 can be provided on both sides of the battery cell 100' along the third direction y. This allows for simultaneous temperature regulation through the two opposite sides of the battery cell 100', thereby improving temperature regulation efficiency. For example, when the battery 100 operates for a long time, this structure can improve the heat dissipation performance of the battery 100 and prevent heat dissipation bottlenecks during long-term high-power operation.

[0092] In some embodiments, the thermal management component 102 is used to contain fluid to regulate the temperature of the battery cell 100'. The fluid can be a liquid or a gas, and temperature regulation refers to heating or cooling multiple battery cells. When cooling or lowering the temperature of the battery cell 100', the thermal management component 102 is used to contain cooling fluid to lower the temperature of multiple battery cells. In this case, the thermal management component 102 can also be referred to as a cooling component, cooling system, or cooling plate, etc., and the fluid it contains can also be referred to as a cooling medium or cooling fluid, more specifically, as a coolant or cooling gas. Alternatively, the thermal management component 102 can also be used to heat to raise the temperature of multiple battery cells; this embodiment is not limited to this. Optionally, the fluid can be circulating to achieve better temperature regulation. Optionally, the fluid can be water, a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, or air, etc.

[0093] Specifically, the thermal management component 102 may include: a substrate 1021 and a heat exchange tube 1022 disposed on the substrate 1021. The heat exchange tube 1022 covers the entire surface of the battery cell 100' in a continuous S-shape or other extending path to achieve a better heat exchange effect. A channel for fluid flow is formed within the heat exchange tube 1022, and the two ends of the heat exchange tube 1022 serve as the inlet 1022A and outlet 1022B of the heat exchange fluid, respectively. Alternatively, the thermal management component 102 may include: a substrate 1021, with a heat exchange channel for fluid flow provided within the substrate 1021.

[0094] Alternatively, the thermal management component 102 can also regulate the temperature by controlling the conductive components.

[0095] Figure 5 The following is an exploded view of some embodiments of the battery cell 10 of this application. The battery cell 10 includes: a housing 1, a first end cap 2, an electrode assembly 3, and a first adapter 4.

[0096] The housing 1 has a first opening 11 at one end along the first direction x. A first end cap 2 is used to close the first opening 11. The first end cap 2 includes an end cap body 21 and a first electrode terminal 22 disposed on the end cap body 21. An electrode assembly 3 is disposed inside the housing 1. The electrode assembly 3 includes a main body 31 and a first electrode tab 32 extending from the main body 31.

[0097] The first adapter 4 includes a first part 41, a second part 42, and a third part 43. The first part 41 is located on the side of the main body 31 from which the first electrode tab 32 is led out and is electrically connected to the first electrode tab 32. The second part 42 is located on the side of the main body 31 near the first end cap 2 and is connected to the first part 41. The first end of the third part 43 along the second direction y is connected to the side end of the second part 42 along the second direction y. At least a portion of the third part 43 is located between the second part 42 and the end cap body 21 and is electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 22. The second direction y is perpendicular to the first direction x.

[0098] The housing 1 is a component used to house the electrode assembly 3. The housing 1 can be a hollow structure with a first opening 11 at one end, closed by a first end cap 2; or the housing 1 can be a hollow structure with a first opening 11 and a second opening 11' at each end, in which case the first opening 11 is closed by the first end cap 2, and the second opening 11' is closed by the second end cap 2'. The housing 1 can be made of various materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, steel, or aluminum alloy. The housing 1 can be rectangular, etc.

[0099] The first end cap 2 is a component that covers the first opening 11 of the housing 1 to isolate the internal environment of the battery cell 10 from the external environment. The shape of the first end cap 2 can be adapted to the shape of the housing 1. For example, if the housing 1 is a cuboid structure, the first end cap 2 can be a rectangular plate structure adapted to the housing 1. The material of the first end cap 2 can also be various, such as copper, iron, aluminum, steel, aluminum alloy, etc. The material of the first end cap 2 can be the same as or different from the material of the housing 1.

[0100] Electrode assembly 3 is the component in the battery cell 10 where the electrochemical reaction occurs. Electrode assembly 3 can be a cuboid or the like. Electrode assembly 3 can include a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator. Electrode assembly 3 can be a wound structure formed by winding the first electrode, separator, and second electrode. The wound structure can include two flat surfaces S1 and two arc surfaces S2. The two flat surfaces S1 are arranged opposite each other along the second direction y, and the flat surfaces S1 are perpendicular to the second direction y. The two ends of the arc surfaces S2 are respectively connected to the ends of the two flat surfaces S1 located on the same side. Optionally, electrode assembly 3 can also be a stacked structure formed by stacking the first electrode, separator, and second electrode.

[0101] For example, the first electrode can be a positive electrode, including a positive current collector and positive active material layers coated on opposite sides of the positive current collector. The portion of the first electrode not coated with the positive active material layer forms a first tab 32. The second electrode can be a negative electrode, including a negative current collector and negative active material layers coated on opposite sides of the negative current collector. The portion of the second electrode not coated with the negative active material layer forms a second tab 32'. The first tab 32 and the second tab 32' have opposite polarities. The portion of the first electrode excluding the first tab 32 and the portion of the second electrode excluding the second tab 32' are wound or stacked to form a main body 31.

[0102] The first adapter 4 is used to electrically connect the first tab 32 to the first electrode terminal 22. It is made of conductive material and can be formed by cutting and bending a thin plate. The first part 41 is located on the side of the main body 31 from which the first tab 32 extends and is electrically connected to the first tab 32, for example, by welding. The second part 42 is located on the side of the main body 31 near the first end cap 2. Specifically, the second part 42 is arranged perpendicular to the first direction x and is connected to the first part 41.

[0103] The first end of the third part 43 along the second direction y is connected to the side end of the second part 42 along the second direction y. Figure 5 In this configuration, the side end of the second part 42 that connects to the first part 41 and the side end that connects to the third part 43 are adjacent to each other. Optionally, the side ends of the second part 42 that connect to the first part 41 and the third part 43 may also be arranged opposite each other. For example, the first part 41, the second part 42, and the third part 43 may all be rectangular in structure. Before the first end cap 2 closes the first opening 11, the third part 43 is configured to be bendable relative to the second part 42 under external force, with the connecting edge of the third part 43 and the second part 42 serving as a pivot.

[0104] In this embodiment, the first adapter 4 extends a third part 43 from the second part 42. When the third part 43 is electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 22, an angle is formed between the third part 43 and the second part 42. The area of ​​this angle forms an operating space for connecting the third part 43 and the first electrode terminal 22, improving assembly convenience and electrical connection reliability. After the third part 43 is electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 22, the third part 43, together with the first end cap 2, can be bent around the axis towards the direction closer to the second part 42, thus closing the first opening 11 with the first end cap 2. Therefore, this structure cleverly achieves both the electrical connection of the third part 43 to the first electrode terminal 22 and the assembly of the first end cap 2.

[0105] Moreover, installing the electrode assembly 3 into the housing 1 first and then installing the first end cap 2 makes it easier to ensure the fitting accuracy between the first end cap 2 and the first opening 11, prevents large forces between the first end cap 2 and the housing 1, and between the electrode assembly 3 and the housing 1, optimizes assembly performance, and thus improves the performance and operational reliability of the battery cell 10.

[0106] Furthermore, if the battery cell 10 has a second opening 11' at the other end along the first direction x, and the second opening 11' is closed by the second end cap 2', the first end cap 2 can be installed last during assembly. This solves the problem that the third part 43 cannot be electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 22 and the first end cap 2 cannot be assembled simultaneously. Therefore, this assembly method is applicable to battery cells 10 with different structures, without requiring special matching of the battery cell 10 structure and assembly process, and has strong versatility.

[0107] For a battery cell 10 with a large ratio of x-dimensional dimension to z-dimensional dimension in the third direction, and an extremely long and short shape, placing the first end cap 2 at the end of the housing 1 along the first direction can prevent the first electrode terminal 22 from occupying additional space in the z-dimensional direction, thereby improving the utilization rate of the battery cell 10 in the z-dimensional direction and increasing the energy density of the battery cell 10.

[0108] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the second direction y is consistent with the thickness direction of the electrode assembly 3.

[0109] Specifically, for the wound electrode assembly 3, its thickness direction is perpendicular to the flat surface S1; for the stacked electrode assembly 3, its thickness direction is the stacking direction of the first electrode and the second electrode. One electrode assembly 3 can be provided; or multiple electrode assemblies can be stacked along the second direction y. To achieve the positioning of the first adapter 4 along the second direction y, a positioning groove 411 is provided at the middle position of the first part 41 along the second direction y.

[0110] The third part 43 can be positioned directly opposite the first electrode terminal 22 along the first direction x. The extension length of the second part 42 along the third direction z can be designed according to the setting position of the third part 43. The end of the second part 42 away from the first part 41 can be flush with or extend beyond the third part 43.

[0111] This embodiment enables the first end cover 2 to rotate around its longer side to close the first opening 11 when the third part 43 and the first end cover 2 are bent around the axis toward the direction closer to the second part 42. This reduces the rotation radius of the first end cover 2, reduces misalignment and shaking during rotation, ensures that the first end cover 2 accurately matches the first opening 11, and guarantees the consistency of the gap between the first end cover 2 and the first opening 11 in the entire circumferential direction, thereby improving the welding effect between the first end cover 2 and the shell 1.

[0112] Furthermore, the electrode assembly 3 has a relatively small thickness, and the second part 42 also has a correspondingly small dimension along the second direction y, making it less likely for the second part 42 to deform when the third part 43 is bent. In addition, this structure allows for flexible design of the position where the third part 43 connects to the side end of the second part 42 to accommodate the position of the first electrode terminal 22.

[0113] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first electrode 32 extends from the side end of the main body 31 along the third direction z, which is perpendicular to the first direction x and the second direction y.

[0114] In order to facilitate the connection of the first tab 32 to the first part 41 and reduce the length of the first part 41, the first tab 32 is located at one end of the main body part 31 along the first direction x. The first tab 32 extends from the side end of the main body part 31 along the third direction z. For the wound electrode assembly 3, the winding axis is set along the third direction. This structure allows the entire end of the electrode assembly 3 along the winding axis to be immersed in the electrolyte, so that the first electrode and the second electrode are uniformly wetted with electrolyte along the entire extension length, ensuring the electrochemical performance of the electrode assembly 3 and thus improving the performance of the battery cell 10.

[0115] In this embodiment, the first tab 32 is located on the side adjacent to the first end cap 2 of the main body 31. When the first tab 32 and the first electrode terminal 22 are electrically connected to the first adapter 4, there is an independent operating space, which facilitates assembly and helps to ensure the reliability of the electrical connection. Moreover, the first part 41 and the second part 42 are located on two adjacent sides of the main body 31, forming an L-shaped structure. Before assembly, the third part 43 and the second part 42 have an included angle, for example, they are perpendicular to each other. The third part 43 is located at the side end of the second part 42 along the second direction y, which can improve the overall rigidity of the first adapter 4. During the placement, transfer or assembly of parts, the second part 42 is not easy to deform.

[0116] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 3 further includes a second electrode tab 32' extending from the main body portion 31, wherein the first electrode tab 32 and the second electrode tab 32' have opposite polarities and extend from the same side end of the main body portion 31.

[0117] This embodiment can reduce the space occupied by the battery cell 10 in the third direction z and improve the energy density of the battery cell 10.

[0118] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the second end of the third part 43 along the second direction y is a free end. The third part 43 is configured to bend toward the second part 42 together with the first end cap 2 connected thereto, so that the first end cap 2 closes the first opening 11.

[0119] Among them, such as Figure 6 As shown, before bending, the third part 43 forms an angle with the second part 42 so that the third part 43 can be electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 22 in the area of ​​the angle, for example, by welding. After the third part 43 is electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 22, the third part 43 is bent around the connection edge with the second part 42 until the first end cap 2 closes the first opening 11. After bending, if the projection of the third part 43 onto the plane perpendicular to the first direction x is inside the second part 42, then the entire third part 43 is located between the second part 42 and the first end cap 2; if the projection of the third part 43 onto the plane perpendicular to the first direction x extends beyond the edge of the second part 42, then a portion of the third part 43 is located between the second part 42 and the first end cap 2.

[0120] This embodiment achieves electrical connection between the third part 43 and the first electrode terminal 22, as well as assembly of the first end cap 2, through an assembly method that bends the third part 43. During assembly, the electrode assembly 3 can be installed into the housing 1 first, followed by the first end cap 2. This facilitates ensuring the fitting accuracy between the first end cap 2 and the first opening 11, and makes welding the first end cap 2 to the first opening 11 easier, thus optimizing assembly performance. Moreover, for battery cells 10 with end caps at both ends, the first end cap 2 can be installed last during assembly, solving the problem of not being able to simultaneously achieve electrical connection between the third part 43 and the first electrode terminal 22, as well as assembly of the first end cap 2. This makes the assembly process highly versatile for battery cells 10 with different structures.

[0121] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first part 41, the second part 42 and the third part 43 are all plate-shaped structures. The first part 41 and the second part 42 are arranged perpendicularly, and the second part 42 and the third part 43 are arranged parallel to each other and are both perpendicular to the first direction x.

[0122] In this embodiment, the first part 41 and the second part 42 are arranged vertically. After the first part 41 is electrically connected to the first electrode 32, the second part 42 can be arranged parallel to the side of the main body 31 facing the first end cap 2, so as to reduce the space occupied by the second part 42 in the first direction x. Moreover, after the third part 43 is bent to the first end cap 2 to close the first opening 11, the second part 42 and the third part 43 are arranged parallel to each other. For example, they can contact or maintain a small gap, which can further reduce the space occupied by the second part 42 in the first direction x.

[0123] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the position where the second part 42 connects to the third part 43 is retracted by a predetermined distance relative to the outer edge of the second part 42 along the second direction y.

[0124] This embodiment causes the root position of the third part 43 to be retracted by a predetermined distance relative to the outer edge of the second part 42, which can prevent the third part 43 from exceeding the outer edge of the second part 42 along the second direction y after bending and contacting the housing 1, thus ensuring the gap between the electrode assembly 3 and the housing 1 after assembly, as well as the gap between the first end cap 2 and the housing 1.

[0125] In some embodiments, such as Figures 7A to 7C A weak zone is provided at the connection between the third part 43 and the second part 42. The weak zone is a structural feature that weakens the strength of the connection between the third part 43 and the second part 42, making it more conducive to deformation.

[0126] This embodiment provides a weak area at the connection between the third part 43 and the second part 42. After the third part 43 is electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 22, it is easy to bend the third part 43 together with the first end cap 2 toward the direction closer to the second part 42. During the bending process, it can prevent additional force from affecting the connection between the first part 41 and the first electrode tab 32, and also prevent the first adapter 4 from deforming due to large bending force. This makes the bending position of the third part 43 relative to the second part 42 accurate, improves the positioning accuracy of the first end cap 2 after closing the first opening 11, and makes the gap between the first end cap 2 and the first opening 11 uniform in the circumferential direction, thus improving the welding effect.

[0127] For example, the weak region includes at least one of a thickness reduction portion 44 and a through groove 45 extending along a third direction z, which is perpendicular to the first direction x and the second direction y. Three configurations of the weak region are given below.

[0128] In the first structure, such as Figure 7A As shown, the weak area includes a thickness-reduced portion 44 extending along the third direction z. The thickness-reduced portion 44 extends along the entire length of the third portion 43 along the third direction z, or one or more thickness-reduced portions 44 can be provided on the third portion 43 extending along a portion of its length. This structure allows control over the external force required to bend the third portion 43 by controlling the thickness of the thickness-reduced portion 44.

[0129] The thickness reduction portion 44 can be provided on the inner side where the third part 43 connects to the second part 42, making it easier to fold back, and after bending, the third part 43 is closer to the second part 42, reducing the space occupied by the third part 43 in the first direction x.

[0130] In the second structure, such as Figure 7B As shown, the weak area includes a through groove 45 extending along the third direction z. The through groove 45 can be an elongated groove, extending along the third direction z at a portion of the length of the third part 43. The through groove 45 can be located at the middle position of the third part 43 along the third direction z. This structure is easier to manufacture and does not require precise control of the thinning thickness.

[0131] In the third structure, such as Figure 7C As shown, the weak area includes multiple through slots 45 extending at intervals along the third direction z. For example, three through slots 45 can be provided, with one through slot 45 located at the middle position of the third part 43 along the third direction z, and the other two through slots 45 located in the upper and lower regions of the third part 43 along the third direction z, respectively. The outer ends of these two through slots 45 can be closed or have openings. This structure, while facilitating processing, can better weaken the strength of the connection between the second part 42 and the third part 43 by providing multiple through slots 45 at intervals, thus facilitating the bending of the third part 43.

[0132] In some embodiments, the first adapter 4 can be formed by bending a single-layer thin plate. This first adapter 4 has a simple structure, is easy to process, and has a low cost.

[0133] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 and 9 As shown, the first adapter 4 is formed by stacking multiple layered structures 46. Since each layered structure 46 is relatively thin, the first adapter 4 formed by stacking multiple layered structures 46 can reduce the stiffness at the connection between the second part 42 and the third part 43, making the third part 43 easier to bend.

[0134] In some embodiments, the housing 1 has a second opening 11' at the other end along the first direction x, the electrode assembly 3 further includes a second tab 32' extending from the main body 31, and the battery cell 10 further includes a second end cap 2' and a second adapter 4'. The second end cap 2' is used to close the second opening 12, and the second end cap 2' includes an end cap body 21 and a second electrode terminal 22' disposed on the end cap body 21. The second adapter 4' includes a first part 41 and a second part 42. The first part 41 is located on the side of the main body 31 from which the second tab 32' extends and is electrically connected to the second tab 32'. The second part 42 is located on the side of the main body 31 near the second end cap 2' and is connected to the first part 41, and the second part 42 is electrically connected to the second electrode terminal 22'.

[0135] The second part 42 has multiple grooves 421 on the side away from the second electrode terminal 22'. The multiple grooves 421 are densely distributed in the area corresponding to the second electrode terminal 22'. When welding the second part 42 and the second electrode terminal 22' from the side away from the second end cover 2' of the second part 42, the multiple grooves 421 can absorb excess laser light, reduce laser reflection, and ensure welding effect.

[0136] In this embodiment, when the battery cell 10 has both a first end cap 2 and a second end cap 2', the second electrode terminal 22' is first electrically connected to the second part 42 of the second adapter 4'. Then, the first parts 41 of the first adapter 4 and the second adapter 4' are electrically connected to the first tab 32 and the second tab 32', respectively. Next, the electrode assembly 3, together with the second end cap 2', is inserted into the housing 1 through the second opening 11', and the second end cap 2' closes the second opening 11'. Finally, the first electrode terminal 22 is electrically connected to the third part 43, and the first end cap 2 is closed by bending. This structure enables the assembly of the battery cell 10 with end caps at both ends and simplifies the structure of the second adapter 4'.

[0137] Optionally, the second adapter 4' can also adopt the same structure as the first adapter 4, and the assembly method of the second end cap 2' is the same as that of the first end cap 2. This structure only requires one adapter, which can reduce the number of parts, simplify the structure of the battery cell 10, and reduce the number of assembly processes.

[0138] The following will be based on Figure 5 For example, a specific embodiment of the battery cell 10 of this application is given.

[0139] The battery cell 10 includes: a housing 1, a first end cap 2, a second end cap 2', an electrode assembly 3, a first adapter 4, and a second adapter 4'.

[0140] The housing 1 has a first opening 11 and a second opening 11' at both ends along the first direction x. A first end cap 2 is used to close the first opening 11. The first end cap 2 includes an end cap body 21 and a first electrode terminal 22 disposed on the end cap body 21. A second end cap 2' includes an end cap body 21 and a second electrode terminal 22' disposed on the end cap body 21. An electrode assembly 3 is disposed inside the housing 1. The electrode assembly 3 includes a main body 31 and a first electrode tab 32 and a second electrode tab 32' extending from the same end of the main body 31 along the third direction z.

[0141] The first adapter 4 includes a first part 41, a second part 42, and a third part 43. The first part 41 is located on the side of the main body 31 from which the first electrode tab 32 is led out and is electrically connected to the first electrode tab 32. The second part 42 is located on the side of the main body 31 near the first end cap 2 and is connected to the first part 41. The first end of the third part 43 along the second direction y is connected to the side end of the second part 42 along the second direction y. The third part 43 is bendable with its connection side with the second part 42 as a pivot. At least a portion of the third part 43 is located between the second part 42 and the end cap body 21 and is electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 22. The second direction y is perpendicular to the first direction x and is consistent with the thickness direction of the electrode assembly 3.

[0142] The second adapter 4' includes a first part 41 and a second part 42. The first part 41 is located on the side of the main body 31 from which the second electrode 32' is led out and is electrically connected to the second electrode 32'. The second part 42 is located on the side of the main body 31 near the second end cap 2' and is connected to the first part 41. The second part 42 is also electrically connected to the second electrode terminal 22'.

[0143] The following steps are used when assembling this type of battery cell 10:

[0144] 1. Connect the second part 42 of the second adapter 4' to the second electrode terminal 22' electrically. For example, the second part 42 can be soldered away from the second electrode terminal 22', and the first part 41 of the second adapter 4' is located on the side from which the second electrode tab 32' is led out of the main body 31. Connect the first part 41 of the second adapter 4' to the second electrode tab 32' electrically.

[0145] 2. Place the first adapter 4 on the side where the first part 41 is located on the main body 31 and the first electrode 32 is led out, and place the second part 42 on the side of the main body 31 near the first end cap 2, and electrically connect the first part 41 of the first adapter 4 to the first electrode 32.

[0146] 3. Insert the electrode assembly 3, along with the second end cap 2', the second adapter 4', and the first adapter 4', into the housing 1 through the second opening 11', and close the second opening 11' with the second end cap 2'. Figure 10 As shown, at this time, the third part 43 and the second part 42 of the first adapter 4 can be in an angled state.

[0147] 4. Operate from the space between the second part 42 and the third part 43 of the first adapter 4 to electrically connect the third part 43 to the first electrode terminal 22.

[0148] 5. Bend the third part 43 together with the first end cap 2 connected to it toward the second part 42 until the first end cap 2 closes the first opening 11, as shown. Figure 11 The state shown.

[0149] 6. Weld the first end cap 2 and the second end cap 2' to the housing 1.

[0150] Secondly, this application also provides a method for manufacturing a battery cell 10, such as... Figure 12 As shown, it includes:

[0151] S110. Provide parts to be assembled, including: housing 1, electrode assembly 3, first end cap 2 and first adapter 4, wherein the housing 1 has a first opening 11 at one end along the first direction x, the first end cap 2 includes an end cap body 21 and a first electrode terminal 22 provided on the end cap body 21, the electrode assembly 3 includes a main body 31 and a first electrode tab 32 extending from the main body 31, the first adapter 4 includes a first part 41, a second part 42 and a third part 43, the second part 42 is connected to the first part 41, and the first end of the third part 43 along the second direction y is connected to the side end of the second part 42 along the second direction y, the second direction y is perpendicular to the first direction x;

[0152] S120. Place the first adapter 4 on the side where the first part 41 is located on the main body 31 and the first electrode 32 is led out, and the second part 42 is located on the side of the main body 31 near the first end cap 2, and electrically connect the first part 41 of the first adapter 4 to the first electrode 32.

[0153] S130. Place the electrode assembly 3 into the housing 1;

[0154] S140. Electrically connect the third part 43 of the first adapter 4 to the first electrode terminal 22;

[0155] S150, at least a portion of the third part 43 is located between the second part 42 and the first end cap 2, and the first end cap 2 closes the first opening 11.

[0156] S110-S150 are executed sequentially. In S130, if the second adapter 4' also has a third part 43, the electrode assembly 3 can be installed from the first opening 11 or the second opening 11'; if the second adapter 4' does not have a third part 43, the electrode assembly 3, together with the second end cap 2', needs to be installed into the housing 1 from the second opening 11'. In S140, before the third part 43 is electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 22, the first end cap 2 needs to be positioned to ensure that the gap between the first end cap 2 and the inner wall of the housing 1 is uniform after the first end cap 2 closes the first opening 11.

[0157] In this embodiment, the first adapter 4 extends a third part 43 from the second part 42. When the third part 43 is electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 22, an angle is formed between the third part 43 and the second part 42. The area of ​​this angle forms an operating space for connecting the third part 43 and the first electrode terminal 22, improving assembly convenience and electrical connection reliability. After the third part 43 is electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 22, the third part 43, together with the first end cap 2, can be bent around the axis towards the direction closer to the second part 42, thus closing the first opening 11 with the first end cap 2. Therefore, this structure cleverly achieves both the electrical connection of the third part 43 to the first electrode terminal 22 and the assembly of the first end cap 2.

[0158] Moreover, installing the electrode assembly 3 into the housing 1 first and then installing the first end cap 2 makes it easier to ensure the fitting accuracy between the first end cap 2 and the first opening 11, prevents large forces between the first end cap 2 and the housing 1, and between the electrode assembly 3 and the housing 1, optimizes assembly performance, and thus improves the performance and operational reliability of the battery cell 10.

[0159] In some embodiments, when the first electrode terminal 22 is electrically connected to the third part 43, the third part 43 and the second part 42 have a preset included angle, for example, a right angle or other angles; wherein, S150, which places at least a portion of the third part 43 between the second part 42 and the first end cap 2, and which closes the first opening 11 with the first end cap 2, includes:

[0160] The third part 43, together with the first end cap 2 connected to it, is bent toward the second part 42 until the first end cap 2 closes the first opening 11.

[0161] In this embodiment, the third part 43 is flexibly arranged relative to the second part 42. During electrical connection, the third part 43 and the second part 42 have a preset angle to provide operating space for the electrical connection (e.g., welding) between the third part 43 and the first electrode terminal 22. After the electrical connection, by applying external force to the first end cap 2, the third part 43 is bent around its connection edge with the second part 42 until the first end cap 2 closes the first opening 11. Thus, this embodiment can achieve the electrical connection between the third part 43 and the first electrode terminal 22 and the assembly of the first end cap 2 by bending the third part 43.

[0162] In some embodiments, the housing 1 has a second opening 11' at the other end along the first direction x, the electrode assembly 3 further includes a second electrode tab 32' extending from the main body 31, and the battery cell 10 further includes a second end cap 2' and a second adapter 4'. The second end cap 2' is used to close the second opening 12, and the second end cap 2' includes an end cap body 21 and a second electrode terminal 22' disposed on the end cap body 21. The second adapter 4' includes a first part 41 and a second part 42; the manufacturing method of this application further includes:

[0163] S115. Connect the second part 42 of the second adapter 4' to the second electrode terminal 22', and place the first part 41 of the second adapter 4' on the side where the second electrode tab 32' is led out from the main body 31, and connect the first part 41 of the second adapter 4' to the second electrode tab 32'.

[0164] S130 inserting the electrode assembly 3 into the housing 1 includes: inserting the electrode assembly 3 together with the second end cap 2', the second adapter 4', and the first adapter 4 into the housing 1 through the second opening 11', and closing the second opening 11' with the second end cap 2'.

[0165] S115 is not shown in the figure, and it is performed between S110 and S120. In S115, if welding is used to electrically connect the second part 42 to the second electrode terminal 22', welding can be performed from the side of the first part 41 of the second adapter 4' away from the second electrode terminal 22'.

[0166] Finally, this application provides a manufacturing apparatus 300 for a battery cell 10, in some embodiments, such as Figure 13 The manufacturing apparatus 300 includes:

[0167] The component 310 is configured to provide a housing 1, an electrode assembly 3, a first end cap 2, and a first adapter 4. The housing 1 has a first opening 11 at one end along a first direction x. The first end cap 2 includes an end cap body 21 and a first electrode terminal 22 provided on the end cap body 21. The electrode assembly 3 includes a main body 31 and a first electrode tab 32 extending from the main body 31. The first adapter 4 includes a first part 41, a second part 42, and a third part 43. The second part 42 is connected to the first part 41. The first end of the third part 43 along a second direction y is connected to the side end of the second part 42 along the second direction y, where the second direction y is perpendicular to the first direction x.

[0168] The electrode connection component 320 is configured to place the first adapter 4 on the side where the first part 41 is located on the main body 31 from which the first electrode 32 is led out, and the second part 42 is located on the side of the main body 31 near the first end cap 2, and to electrically connect the first part 41 of the first adapter 4 to the first electrode 32.

[0169] The electrode mounting component 330 is configured to insert the electrode assembly 3 into the housing 1 through the first opening 11;

[0170] Terminal connection component 340 is configured to electrically connect the third part 43 of the first adapter 4 to the first electrode terminal 22; and

[0171] The end cap sealing component 350 is configured such that at least a portion of the third part 43 is located between the second part 42 and the first end cap 2, and the first end cap 2 closes the first opening 11.

[0172] Although this application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made thereto and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of this application. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner, provided there is no structural conflict. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A battery cell (10), comprising: The shell (1) has a first opening (11) at one end along the first direction (x); A first end cap (2) is used to close the first opening (11). The first end cap (2) includes an end cap body (21) and a first electrode terminal (22) disposed on the end cap body (21). An electrode assembly (3) is disposed within the housing (1), the electrode assembly (3) comprising a main body (31) and a first tab (32) extending from the main body (31); and The first adapter (4) includes a first part (41), a second part (42), and a third part (43). The first part (41) is located on the side of the main body (31) from which the first electrode (32) extends and is electrically connected to the first electrode (32). The second part (42) is located on the side of the main body (31) near the first end cap (2) and is connected to the first part (41). The first end of the third part (43) along the second direction (y) is connected to the side end of the second part (42) along the second direction (y). At least a portion of the third part (43) is located between the second part (42) and the end cap body (21) and is connected to the first electrode. Terminal (22) is electrically connected, wherein the second direction (y) is perpendicular to the first direction (x), the first tab (32) is led out from the side end of the main body (31) along the third direction (z), the third direction (z) is perpendicular to the first direction (x) and the second direction (y), the second direction (y) is consistent with the thickness direction of the electrode assembly (3), the second end of the third part (43) along the second direction (y) is a free end, the third part (43) is configured to bend toward the second part (42) together with the first end cap (2) connected thereto, so that the first end cap (2) closes the first opening (11).

2. The battery cell (10) according to claim 1, wherein The electrode assembly (3) further includes a second tab (32') extending from the main body (31), wherein the first tab (32) and the second tab (32') have opposite polarities and are extended from the same side end of the main body (31).

3. The battery cell (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The first part (41), the second part (42) and the third part (43) are all plate-shaped structures. The first part (41) and the second part (42) are arranged vertically, and the second part (42) and the third part (43) are arranged parallel to each other.

4. The battery cell (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The position of the second part (42) connecting the third part (43) is retracted by a predetermined distance relative to the outer side of the second part (42) along the second direction (y).

5. The battery cell (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The connection between the third part (43) and the second part (42) is provided with a weak area.

6. The battery cell (10) according to claim 5, wherein, The weak area includes at least one of a thickness reduction portion (44) and a through groove (45) extending along a third direction (z), the third direction (z) being perpendicular to the first direction (x) and the second direction (y).

7. The battery cell (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The first adapter (4) is formed by stacking multiple layer structures (46).

8. The battery cell (10) according to claim 1, wherein the housing (1) has a second opening (11') at the other end along the first direction (x), the electrode assembly (3) further includes a second tab (32') extending from the main body (31), and the battery cell (10) further includes: A second end cap (2') is used to close the second opening (11'). The second end cap (2') includes an end cap body (21) and a second electrode terminal (22') disposed on the end cap body (21). The second adapter (4') includes a first part (41) and a second part (42). The first part (41) is located on the side of the main body (31) from which the second electrode tab (32') is extended and is electrically connected to the second electrode tab (32'). The second part (42) is located on the side of the main body (31) near the second end cap (2') and is connected to the first part (41). The second part (42) is electrically connected to the second electrode terminal (22').

9. A battery (100) comprising a battery cell (10) as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. An electrical device comprising the battery (100) of claim 9, the battery (100) being used to provide electrical energy to the electrical device.

11. A method for manufacturing a battery cell (10), comprising: The assembly provides parts to be assembled, including: a housing (1), an electrode assembly (3), a first end cap (2), and a first adapter (4), wherein the housing (1) has a first opening (11) at one end along a first direction (x), the first end cap (2) includes an end cap body (21) and a first electrode terminal (22) provided on the end cap body (21), the electrode assembly (3) includes a main body (31) and a first electrode tab (32) extending from the main body (31), the first adapter (4) includes a first part (41), a second part (42), and a third part (43), the second part (42) being connected to the first part (41), and the third part (43) extending along a second direction (y) with a first opening (11). One end is connected to the side end of the second part (42) along the second direction (y), the second direction (y) being perpendicular to the first direction (x). The first tab (32) extends from the side end of the main body (31) along the third direction (z), the third direction (z) being perpendicular to the first direction (x) and the second direction (y). The second direction (y) is consistent with the thickness direction of the electrode assembly (3). The second end of the third part (43) along the second direction (y) is a free end. The third part (43) is configured to bend toward the second part (42) together with the first end cap (2) connected thereto, so that the first end cap (2) closes the first opening (11). The first adapter (4) is placed on the side where the first part (41) leads out the first electrode (32) from the main body (31), and the second part (42) is located on the side of the main body (31) near the first end cap (2), and the first part (41) of the first adapter (4) is electrically connected to the first electrode (32). Place the electrode assembly (3) into the housing (1); The third part (43) of the first adapter (4) is electrically connected to the first electrode terminal (22); At least a portion of the third part (43) is positioned between the second part (42) and the first end cap (2), and the first end cap (2) closes the first opening (11).

12. The manufacturing method according to claim 11, wherein, When the first electrode terminal (22) is electrically connected to the third part (43), there is a preset angle between the third part (43) and the second part (42); The step of positioning at least a portion of the third part (43) between the second part (42) and the first end cap (2), and closing the first opening (11) with the first end cap (2) includes: The third part (43) together with the first end cap (2) connected to it is bent toward the second part (42) until the first end cap (2) closes the first opening (11).

13. An apparatus (300) for manufacturing a battery cell (10), comprising: A component providing parts (310) is configured to provide a housing (1), an electrode assembly (3), a first end cap (2), and a first adapter (4), wherein the housing (1) has a first opening (11) at one end along a first direction (x), the first end cap (2) includes an end cap body (21) and a first electrode terminal (22) provided on the end cap body (21), the electrode assembly (3) includes a main body (31) and a first electrode tab (32) extending from the main body (31), and the first adapter (4) includes a first part (41), a second part (42), and a third part (43), the second part (42) being connected to the first part (41), and the third part (43) extending along a second direction (y). The first end of the third part (43) is connected to the side end of the second part (42) along the second direction (y), which is perpendicular to the first direction (x). The first tab (32) extends from the side end of the main body (31) along the third direction (z), which is perpendicular to the first direction (x) and the second direction (y). The second direction (y) is consistent with the thickness direction of the electrode assembly (3). The second end of the third part (43) along the second direction (y) is a free end. The third part (43) is configured to bend toward the second part (42) together with the first end cap (2) connected thereto, so that the first end cap (2) closes the first opening (11). The electrode connection component (320) is configured to place the first adapter (4) on the side where the first part (41) leads out of the first electrode (32) on the main body (31), and the second part (42) is located on the side of the main body (31) near the first end cap (2), and electrically connect the first part (41) of the first adapter (4) to the first electrode (32); The electrode mounting component (330) is configured to insert the electrode assembly (3) into the housing (1) through the first opening (11); The terminal connection component (340) is configured to electrically connect the third part (43) of the first adapter (4) to the first electrode terminal (22); and The end cap sealing component (350) is configured to place at least a portion of the third part (43) between the second part (42) and the first end cap (2), and to close the first opening (11) with the first end cap (2).

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