Energy storage device and electric device

Abstract

The application discloses an energy storage device and an electric equipment, and relates to the technical field of energy storage. The energy storage device comprises a shell, an electrode assembly, and a battery top cover. The shell comprises a containing cavity with an opening. The electrode assembly is contained in the containing cavity and forms a gas flow gap with the inner wall of the shell. The battery top cover comprises a cover plate and an insulating piece. The insulating piece is located between the opening end of the containing cavity and the cover plate. The insulating piece has a convex part opposite to the gas flow gap. The convex part has a limiting hole. The gas suction structure is in a columnar structure. The first end of the gas suction structure has a limiting structure and is limited in the limiting hole. The second end of the gas suction structure is located in the gas flow gap. The gas suction structure further has a cavity and a gas flow channel. The gas flow channel is connected with the cavity and the containing cavity. The cavity is filled with a gas suction agent. In the application, the gas suction agent filled in the gas suction structure can absorb the gas generated by the energy storage device, thereby reducing the expansion problem of the energy storage device, reducing the performance deterioration problem of the energy storage device, and improving the safety performance of the energy storage device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of energy storage technology, and more specifically, to an energy storage device and electrical equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Lithium-ion batteries, as a new energy source, have many advantages such as high energy density, long cycle life, good safety, and environmental friendliness, and have been widely used. As the demand for lithium-ion batteries gradually increases, people are also placing higher demands on their performance in various aspects, especially on cycle performance and safety.

[0003] In related technologies, lithium batteries typically consist of a battery top cover, electrode assembly, and casing. The actual production process involves fabricating the battery top cover, electrode assembly, and casing separately. Then, metal adapters are used to weld the electrode posts of the battery top cover and the tabs of the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly is then placed inside the casing, and the battery top cover is used to close the opening of the casing and weld it sealed, forming the basic structure of a lithium battery. Afterward, electrolyte is manually injected through injection holes located on the battery top cover, and these injection holes are then welded and sealed.

[0004] During the cycling process of lithium batteries, various factors such as electrolyte decomposition and excessive moisture in the casing can generate gas, resulting in a decrease in cycle life and rate performance. Furthermore, as the amount of gas in the casing increases, it can also lead to excessive free lithium ions on the surface of the electrode components, which over time form dendritic crystals. When the dendrites grow to a certain length, they can easily pierce the separator, causing a short circuit inside the lithium battery and greatly reducing its safety performance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A primary objective of this application is to provide an energy storage device and electrical equipment that avoids the impact of generated gases on cycle life and rate performance.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] According to one aspect of this application, an energy storage device is provided, comprising:

[0008] The housing includes a receiving cavity with an opening;

[0009] The electrode assembly is housed within the receiving cavity and forms an air gap with the inner wall of the housing;

[0010] A battery top cover includes a cover plate and an insulating member. The cover plate covers and seals the opening of the receiving cavity. The insulating member is located between the opening end of the receiving cavity and the cover plate, and the insulating member has a protrusion facing the air gap. The protrusion has a limiting hole.

[0011] The suction structure is columnar. The first end of the suction structure has a limiting structure, which limits the suction structure within the limiting hole. The second end of the suction structure is located within the air passage gap. The suction structure also has a cavity and an air passage channel, which connects the cavity and the receiving cavity. The cavity is filled with a getter, which is used to absorb gas.

[0012] In this embodiment, the getter filled in the cavity of the gas-absorbing structure absorbs the gas generated by the energy storage device, ensuring the contact effect between the positive and negative electrode plates and the separator of the electrode assembly. This reduces the problem of expansion of the energy storage device due to gas generation, and also reduces the degradation of cycle life and rate performance of the energy storage device. Furthermore, it reduces the problem of excessive lithium ions on the surface of the electrode plates caused by gas accumulation in the cavity, which could lead to short circuits in the electrode assembly, thus improving the safety performance of the energy storage device. In addition, because the gas-absorbing structure is limited by the limiting hole of the insulating component, the gas-absorbing structure is in a suspended state. This avoids contact between the bottom of the gas-absorbing structure and the bottom of the casing, thereby effectively reducing the possibility of long-term contact and deterioration of the getter in the cavity away from the battery top cover with the electrolyte, thus effectively improving the overall gas-absorbing effect of the getter.

[0013] According to one embodiment of this application, the sidewall of the first end of the air intake structure is provided with an annular groove, and the portion of the annular groove between the groove wall near the cover plate and the end face of the first end of the air intake structure forms the limiting structure, and the hole wall of the limiting hole has a limiting surface facing the cover plate.

[0014] The annular groove wall near the cover plate abuts against the limiting surface, and the annular groove wall away from the cover plate abuts against the surface of the protrusion opposite to the cover plate.

[0015] In this embodiment, an annular groove is formed on the side wall of the first end of the suction structure. The groove wall near the cover plate and the groove wall away from the cover plate respectively abut against the limiting surface in the limiting hole and the surface of the protrusion away from the cover plate, thereby ensuring the stability of the first end of the suction structure suspended on the insulating part and avoiding the suction structure from swaying in its own length direction.

[0016] According to one embodiment of this application, the air passage includes a plurality of first air passage holes located on the sidewall of the air intake structure.

[0017] In this embodiment, the cavity and the air gap of the air intake structure are connected by multiple first air outlet holes, thereby achieving communication between the cavity and the receiving cavity, so as to absorb the generated gas and ensure the air intake effect.

[0018] According to one embodiment of this application, the air passage includes a plurality of first air passage holes, the plurality of first air passage holes being distributed along the length direction of the air intake structure, and the first air passage holes included in each group being distributed along the circumference of the air intake structure.

[0019] In this embodiment, by setting multiple sets of first vent holes, the contact area between the gas and the getter in the vent gap can be increased, thereby improving the gas intake effect. Since the multiple sets of first vent holes are distributed along the length of the gas intake structure, that is, the multiple sets of first vent holes are distributed along the rising direction of the gas, the getter can effectively absorb the generated gas at different heights as the gas rises along the vent gap, thereby improving the gas intake effect.

[0020] According to one embodiment of this application, each group of first vent holes includes a first vent hole with its opening facing the wide side of the housing and a first vent hole with its opening facing the long side of the housing.

[0021] In this embodiment, by setting the orifice orientation of each first vent hole in each group, the first vent hole is prevented from being blocked by the electrode assembly, thereby ensuring the reliability of the getter filled in the cavity of the air intake structure.

[0022] According to one embodiment of this application, in two adjacent sets of the first air vents along the length of the air intake structure, the minimum circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the first air vents in the set closer to the battery top cover is greater than the minimum circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the first air vents in the set farther from the battery top cover.

[0023] In this embodiment, since the battery top cover faces upwards after the energy storage device is placed vertically, the gas in the venting gap will also flow toward the battery top cover. This results in a larger minimum circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the first venting hole in areas with higher gas concentrations, which facilitates the effective absorption of gas by the getter along the first venting hole and improves the gas absorption effect.

[0024] According to one embodiment of this application, the first vent contains a solid inert plugging agent, or the cavity contains a liquid inert plugging agent.

[0025] In this embodiment, the inert plugging agent contained in the first vent can prevent the getter from absorbing the generated gas during the formation stage, while ensuring that the generated gas is absorbed during the charge and discharge stage, thereby improving the reliability of the getter.

[0026] According to one embodiment of this application, the melting temperature of the inert plugging agent is ≥46 degrees Celsius and ≤58 degrees Celsius.

[0027] In this embodiment, by limiting the melting temperature of the inert plugging agent, it is ensured that the inert plugging agent in the first vent hole can be in the solid phase during the formation stage of the energy storage device, and in the liquid phase during the charge and discharge stage and flow out of the first vent hole.

[0028] According to one embodiment of this application, the wall of the first vent hole includes a bottom plane away from the battery top cover, and one end of the bottom plane away from the cavity is inclined in a direction away from the battery top cover.

[0029] In this embodiment, the slope formed by the bottom plane of the first vent hole facilitates the flow of the inert sealing agent into the vent gap after it melts into a liquid phase, and it is deposited in the receiving cavity, thus avoiding affecting the flow of gas in the vent gap. In addition, when the gas in the vent gap rises, it is easier for it to be absorbed by the getter filled in the cavity along the first vent hole.

[0030] According to one embodiment of this application, the air passage further includes a second air outlet located at the second end of the air intake structure and penetrating the end face of the second end, the second air outlet communicating with the cavity and the receiving cavity.

[0031] In this embodiment, the second air outlet located at the second end of the air intake structure can absorb gas from the bottom of the receiving cavity, thus achieving all-round absorption of gas, improving the air intake effect, and reducing the impact of gas.

[0032] According to one embodiment of this application, the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity along the length direction of the air intake structure increases in the direction toward the battery top cover.

[0033] In this embodiment, the amount of getter filling the cavity increases in the direction towards the battery top cover. When the energy storage device is placed vertically with the battery top cover facing upwards, the gas in the gas venting gap also flows towards the battery top cover. At this time, the area with higher gas concentration will have more getter, which facilitates the effective absorption of gas by the getter and ensures the gas absorption effect.

[0034] According to one embodiment of this application, the getter comprises activated carbon particles.

[0035] In this embodiment, the area ratio is increased by utilizing the gaps between activated carbon particles and the gaps within the activated carbon particles themselves, thereby improving the absorption effect of gases.

[0036] According to one aspect of this application, an electrical device is provided, the electrical device including the energy storage device described in the above aspect, the energy storage device supplying power to the electrical device.

[0037] In this embodiment of the application, combined with the energy storage device described above, the electrical equipment of this application can improve the stability of the electrical equipment during use and reduce the safety hazards during the operation of the electrical equipment.

[0038] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The above and other features and advantages of this application will become more apparent from a detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of an energy storage device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a top view schematic diagram of an energy storage device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0042] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the energy storage device along line AA.

[0043] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The diagram shown is a partially enlarged structural schematic of the cross-section.

[0044] Figure 5 This is a front view structural schematic diagram of an energy storage device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0045] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The diagram shows a cross-sectional structure of an energy storage device along line BB.

[0046] Figure 7 It is another type of energy storage device along Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of line BB shown.

[0047] Figure 8 This is an axial side structural schematic diagram of an air intake structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0048] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of an air intake structure along the CC line.

[0049] Figure 10 yes Figure 6 The cross-sectional view shown is an enlarged structural diagram of region O1.

[0050] Figure 11 yes Figure 7A magnified schematic diagram of the O2 region of the energy storage device shown.

[0051] Figure 12 yes Figure 7 A magnified schematic diagram of the O3 region of the energy storage device shown.

[0052] Figure 13 It is another type of intake structure along Figure 8 The diagram shows a cross-sectional structure of the CC line.

[0053] Figure 14 It is another type of intake structure along Figure 8 The diagram shows a cross-sectional structure of the CC line.

[0054] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0055] 100. Energy storage devices;

[0056] 10. Housing; 20. Electrode assembly; 30. Air intake structure; 40. Battery top cover;

[0057] 11. Receiving cavity; 12. Opening;

[0058] 21. Radius region; 22. Air gap;

[0059] 31. Cavity; 32. Limiting structure; 33. Annular groove; 34. Injection hole;

[0060] 321. First vent hole; 322. Second vent hole; 323. First guide groove; 324. Second guide groove; 325. Bottom plane;

[0061] 41. Cover plate; 42. Insulating component; 43. Protrusion; 431. Limiting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0062] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore their detailed description will be omitted.

[0063] This application provides an energy storage device 100, which may be, but is not limited to, a single battery cell, a battery module, a battery pack, or a battery system. The single battery cell may be a lithium-ion secondary battery, a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-lithium-ion battery, a sodium-ion battery, a magnesium-ion battery, etc., and may be cylindrical, prismatic, or similar in shape.

[0064] The following section will take the energy storage device 100 as an example of a single battery cell and explain the energy storage device 100 in detail.

[0065] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating the structure of an energy storage device 100 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the energy storage device 100 includes a housing 10, an electrode assembly 20, and a battery top cover 40. The housing 10 includes a receiving cavity 11 with an opening 12; the electrode assembly 20 is received in the receiving cavity; and the battery top cover 40 covers and seals the opening 12 of the receiving cavity 11.

[0066] The housing 10 can be a cylindrical structure (round or square) with one end open. In this case, the energy storage device 100 includes a battery top cover 40 to seal one opening 12 of the housing 10. Alternatively, the housing 10 can be a cylindrical structure with both ends open. In this case, the energy storage device 100 includes a battery top cover 40 and an end cover, or includes two battery top covers 40, which can seal the two openings 12 of the housing 10 respectively.

[0067] The battery top cover 40 includes a cover plate 41 and an insulating member 42. The cover plate 41 covers and seals the opening 12 of the receiving cavity 11. The insulating member 42 is located between the opening end of the receiving cavity 11 and the cover plate 41. In this way, the electrode assembly 20 and the cover plate 41 are insulated by the setting of the insulating member 42, so as to ensure the safety of the energy storage device 100.

[0068] The cover plate 41 is provided with electrode terminals (one electrode terminal or two electrode terminals (positive terminal and negative terminal)). The electrode terminals pass through the cover plate 41 and the insulating member 42, with one end connected to the electrode assembly 20 and the other end exposed outside the housing 10, serving as an output terminal of the energy storage device 100. The cover plate 41 is also provided with an explosion-proof valve and / or a liquid injection hole. The explosion-proof valve is used to discharge gas from the containment cavity 11 to improve the safety of the energy storage device 100, and the liquid injection hole is used to inject electrolyte into the containment cavity 11 of the energy storage device 100.

[0069] The electrode assembly 20 includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator stacked together, with the separator located between the positive and negative electrode. The ends of the positive and negative electrode are provided with tabs to form the positive and negative tabs of the energy storage device 100. The positive and negative tabs can be located at the same end of the electrode assembly 20 or at different ends of the electrode assembly 20. When the positive and negative tabs are located at the same end of the electrode assembly 20, the positive and negative tabs are connected to the positive and negative terminals of the battery top cover 40, respectively, so as to realize the output of electrical energy of the electrode assembly 20 through the positive and negative terminals. When the positive and negative tabs are located at both ends of the electrode assembly 20, one of the positive and negative tabs is connected to the electrode terminal of the battery top cover 40, and the other is connected to the bottom of the housing 10 or the electrode terminal of another battery top cover 40, so as to realize the output of electrical energy of the electrode assembly 20 through the electrode terminal of the battery top cover 40 and the bottom of the housing 10, or through the electrode terminals of the two battery top covers 40.

[0070] It should be noted that the energy storage device 100 also includes a connector, which can be used to connect the tabs of the electrode assembly 20 to the electrode terminals of the battery top cover 40, thereby ensuring the stability of the connection between the electrode assembly 20 and the electrode terminals.

[0071] During the use of the energy storage device 100, gas will inevitably be generated due to various reasons such as electrolyte decomposition and excessive moisture inside the casing 10, resulting in a decrease in battery cycle life and rate performance. To avoid damage to the energy storage device 100 caused by the generated gas, this application provides an energy storage device 100, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the energy storage device 100 includes, in addition to the aforementioned housing 10, electrode assembly 20, and battery top cover 40, an air intake structure 30. The electrode assembly 20 and the inner wall of the housing 10 form an air passage gap 22. The insulating member 42 has a protrusion 43 facing the air passage gap 22, and the protrusion 43 has a limiting hole 431. The air intake structure 30 has a columnar structure. The first end of the air intake structure 30 has a limiting structure 32, and the limiting structure 32 is limited within the limiting hole 431. The second end of the air intake structure 30 is located within the air passage gap 22. The air intake structure 30 also has a cavity 31 and an air passage channel (not shown in the figure). The air passage channel connects the cavity 31 and the receiving cavity 11. The cavity 31 is filled with a getter (not shown in the figure), which is used to absorb gas.

[0072] Thus, the getter filled in the cavity 31 of the getter structure 30 absorbs the gas generated by the energy storage device 100, ensuring the contact effect between the positive and negative electrode plates of the electrode assembly 20 and the separator. This reduces the problem of expansion of the energy storage device 100 due to gas generation, and also reduces the degradation of the cycle life and rate performance of the energy storage device 100. Furthermore, it also reduces the problem of excessive lithium ions on the surface of the electrode assembly 20 caused by gas accumulation in the containment cavity 11, which could lead to a short circuit in the electrode assembly 20, thereby improving the safety performance of the energy storage device 100. In addition, since the getter structure 30 is limited and connected to the limiting hole 431 of the insulating component 42, the getter structure 30 is in a suspended state. This avoids the bottom of the getter structure 30 from contacting the bottom of the housing 10, thereby effectively reducing the possibility of long-term contact and deterioration of the getter in the cavity 31 that is far from the battery top cover 40 with the electrolyte, thus effectively improving the overall getter effect.

[0073] Among them, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first end of the suction structure 30 has an end face that extends through the first end and communicates with the cavity 31 through an injection hole 34, so as to inject getter into the cavity 31 of the suction structure 30 along the injection hole 34.

[0074] Additionally, the limiting structure 32 at the first end of the inhalation structure 30 can be as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the sidewall of the first end of the suction structure 30 is provided with an annular groove 33. The portion of the annular groove 33 between the groove wall near the cover plate 41 and the end face of the first end of the suction structure 30 forms a limiting structure 32. The wall of the limiting hole 431 has a limiting surface facing the cover plate 41. The groove wall of the annular groove 33 near the cover plate 41 abuts against the limiting surface of the limiting hole 431, and the groove wall of the annular groove 33 away from the cover plate 41 abuts against the surface of the protrusion 43 away from the cover plate 41.

[0075] Thus, by forming an annular groove 33 on the side wall of the first end of the suction structure 30, the groove wall of the annular groove 33 near the cover plate 41 and the groove wall away from the cover plate 41 respectively abut against the limiting surface in the limiting hole 431 and the surface of the protrusion 43 away from the cover plate 41, thereby ensuring the stability of the first end of the suction structure 30 suspended on the insulating member 42 and preventing the suction structure 30 from swaying in its own length direction.

[0076] Of course, in the embodiments of this application, a radially extending structure may also be provided on the end face of the side wall of the suction structure 30 near the first end to form a limiting structure 32 (at this time, the limiting structure 32 may be a ring structure or a plurality of protrusions distributed circumferentially along the suction structure 30). The embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0077] When the limiting structure 32 is a radially extending structure, in order to avoid the suction structure 30 from swaying in its own length direction and to ensure the stability of the first end of the suction structure 30 suspended on the insulating member 42, the end face of the first end of the suction structure 30 can abut against the surface of the cover plate 41 facing the insulating member 42.

[0078] The getter can be granular. During the charging and discharging process of the energy storage device 100, most of the gas generated by the side reaction of the electrolyte is carbon dioxide. To avoid side reactions between the getter and the electrolyte in the energy storage device 100, the getter may optionally include activated carbon particles. In this way, the activated carbon particles can absorb the generated gas while avoiding the negative impact of the activated carbon particles on the energy storage device 100.

[0079] In addition, the gases produced by the side reactions of the electrolyte also include saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbon gases. At this time, the large surface area of ​​the activated carbon particles can remove saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbon gases to maximize gas absorption and further reduce the impact of the gases produced by the energy storage device 100.

[0080] Of course, in addition to using activated carbon particles to absorb carbon dioxide gas, alkali metal and / or alkaline earth metal hydroxide particles can also be used to absorb carbon dioxide. In this case, in order to avoid side reactions between the alkali metal and / or alkaline earth metal hydroxide particles and the electrolyte in the energy storage device 100, activated carbon particles can be used to wrap the alkali metal and / or alkaline earth metal hydroxide particles. At this time, the electrolyte and other substances cannot penetrate the protective layer formed by the activated carbon particles due to their own viscosity, while the gas generated by the energy storage device 100 can pass smoothly through the gaps between the activated carbon particles and be absorbed by the alkali metal and / or alkaline earth metal hydroxide particles, thereby improving the gas absorption effect of the getter.

[0081] In this embodiment of the application, for the rectangular energy storage device 100, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 ,or Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the electrode assembly 20 has an R-angle region 21, which forms a large air gap 22 with the inner wall of the housing 10. Therefore, a protrusion 43 can be provided on the insulating member 42, directly opposite the R-angle region 21 of the electrode assembly 20 forming a large air gap 22 with the inner wall of the housing 10. This ensures that after the first end of the columnar suction structure 30 is limited and connected to the limiting hole 431 on the protrusion 43, the second end of the suction structure 30 can extend into the R-angle region 21 of the electrode assembly 20, forming a large air gap 22 with the inner wall of the housing 10.

[0082] Additionally, the housing 10 of the square-shaped energy storage device 100 typically contains two electrode assemblies 20, forming six rounded corner regions 21. These six rounded corner regions 21 and the inner wall of the housing 10 form six air passage gaps 22. The insulating member 42 is provided with six protrusions 43 facing the six air passage gaps 22. These six protrusions 43 can be divided into two groups, with each group consisting of three protrusions 43 forming a single, integrated structure. Furthermore, an air intake structure 30 is suspended on at least one of the six protrusions 43. For example, as... Figure 6 or Figure 7 As shown, each of the six air passage gaps 22 is provided with an air intake structure 30 extending into the corresponding air passage gap 22, so as to improve the air intake effect through more air intake structures 30.

[0083] The gas intake structure 30 is columnar, so that after being suspended on the insulating member 42, the end away from the insulating member 42 can extend into the gas passage gap 22 between the R-angle region 21 of the electrode assembly 20 and the inner wall of the housing 10. At the same time, for the columnar gas intake structure 30, the gas generated by the energy storage device 100 will rise along the gas passage gap 22, thereby extending the contact time between the gas and the getter in the cavity 31 and improving the gas intake effect.

[0084] Regarding the cavity 31 of the intake structure 30, in some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the cross-sectional area of ​​cavity 31, perpendicular to the length of the suction structure 30, increases in the direction X toward the battery top cover 40. Thus, the amount of getter filling cavity 31 increases in the direction X toward the battery top cover 40. When the energy storage device 100 is placed vertically with the battery top cover 40 facing upwards, the gas in the gas passage gap 22 also flows toward the battery top cover 40. In this case, the area with higher gas concentration will have a larger amount of getter, facilitating effective absorption of the gas by the getter and ensuring a good suction effect.

[0085] Optionally, the cavity 31 can be an inverted frustum or an inverted cone (both defined with the battery top cover 40 facing upwards when the energy storage device 100 is placed vertically). Compared to the cone-shaped cavity 31, the frustum-shaped cavity 31 can be filled with a larger amount of getter, thereby increasing the amount of gas that can be absorbed and extending the service life of the energy storage device 100.

[0086] Of course, in the embodiments of this application, the cavity 31 of the air intake structure 30 can be an inverted frustum-shaped structure, an inverted cone-shaped structure, or other shapes, such as a pyramid-shaped structure, a frustum-shaped structure, etc.

[0087] In this embodiment of the application, the energy storage device 100 will generate gas during the formation stage and during the charging and discharging process from manufacturing to use. For the gas generated during the formation stage, a corresponding gas suction device is usually used to suck it up along the liquid injection hole. Thus, only the gas generated during the charging and discharging process will affect the performance of the energy storage device 100.

[0088] During the formation stage, the getter structure 30 is assembled in the gas passage gap 22 between the electrode assembly 20 and the inner wall of the housing 10. In order to prevent the getter filled in the cavity 31 of the getter structure 30 from absorbing the generated gas during the formation stage, in some embodiments, the gas passage contains a solid inert sealant, or the cavity 11 contains a liquid inert sealant.

[0089] Optionally, the melting temperature of the inert plugging agent is ≥46 degrees Celsius and ≤58 degrees Celsius. For example, the melting temperatures of the inert plugging agent are 46 degrees Celsius, 50 degrees Celsius, 54 degrees Celsius, and 58 degrees Celsius.

[0090] Since the temperature of the energy storage device 100 during the formation stage is approximately 45 degrees Celsius (less than 46 degrees Celsius), the inert plugging agent contained in the gas passage is in a solid phase at this time, thus sealing the gas passage and preventing the gas generated during the formation stage from being absorbed by the getter. However, the temperature of the energy storage device 100 during charging and discharging is approximately 60 degrees Celsius (greater than 58 degrees Celsius). At this time, the inert plugging agent contained in the gas passage melts into a liquid phase, flows out of the gas passage, and deposits at the bottom of the receiving cavity 11, ensuring that the gas generated during the charging and discharging stage can be absorbed by the getter along the gas passage. In this way, the inert plugging agent can seal the gas passage during the formation stage to prevent the getter from absorbing the generated gas, and simultaneously melts and flows out of the gas passage during the charging and discharging stage to absorb the generated gas, thereby improving the reliability of the getter.

[0091] During the charging and discharging phases of the energy storage device 100, the inert plugging agent does not react with the electrolyte, water, or other substances within the energy storage device 100, thus avoiding any negative impact on the energy storage device 100. For example, the inert plugging agent can be an inert phase change material such as paraffin wax, waxy acid, or polyethylene wax. The case of a solid-phase inert plugging agent sealing within the gas passage will be explained in detail below in conjunction with the specific structure of the gas passage.

[0092] In some implementations, such as Figure 8 or Figure 9As shown, the air passage includes a plurality of first air passage holes 321 located on the side wall of the air intake structure 30. Thus, the plurality of first air passage holes 321 connect the cavity 31 of the air intake structure 30 and the air passage gap 22, realizing the connection between the cavity 31 and the receiving cavity 11, so that the gas generated by the energy storage device 100 can be absorbed through the getter filled in the cavity 31.

[0093] Optionally, such as Figure 8 or Figure 9 As shown, the gas passage includes multiple sets of first gas passage holes 321, which are distributed along the length of the gas intake structure 30, and each set includes first gas passage holes 321 distributed circumferentially along the gas intake structure 30. Thus, by providing multiple sets of first gas passage holes 321, the contact area between the gas and the getter within the gas passage gap 22 can be increased, thereby improving the gas intake effect. Furthermore, since the multiple sets of first gas passage holes 321 are distributed along the length of the gas intake structure 30, i.e., along the upward direction of the gas, the getter can effectively absorb the gas generated by the energy storage device 100 at different heights as the gas rises along the gas passage gap 22, further improving the gas intake effect.

[0094] The number of first air vents 321 in each group can be one, or it can be as follows: Figure 8 As shown, there are multiple (e.g., two). When there are multiple first air vents 321 in each group, the gas in the air gap 22 can be absorbed from multiple directions through the multiple first air vents 321 in each group, thereby improving the air intake effect.

[0095] Optionally, when the number of first vent holes 321 in each group is one, the openings of the first vent holes 321 in each group all face the wide side W of the housing 10, or all face the long side L of the housing 10. For example, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the opening of each group's first vent 321 faces the wide side W of the housing 10. When the number of first vent 321s in each group is two, as shown... Figure 11 As shown, the openings of the two first vent holes 321 in each group face the wide side W and the long side L of the housing 10, respectively. That is, each group of two first vent holes 321 includes a first vent hole 321 with its opening facing the wide side of the housing 10 and a first vent hole 321 with its opening facing the long side of the housing 10. This arrangement of the opening orientation of the first vent holes 321 avoids the first vent holes 321 being blocked by the electrode assembly 20, thereby ensuring the reliability of the getter filled in the cavity 31 of the getter structure 30.

[0096] It should be noted that, for the case where there are two first air vents 321 in each group, when the intake structure 30 is located in the air vent gap 22 between the R-angle regions 21 of the two electrode assemblies 20, then as follows... Figure 12As shown, the openings of the two first vent holes 321 in each group face the long side L of the housing 10; of course, the openings of the two first vent holes 321 in each group also face the wide side W of the housing 10, and this embodiment does not limit this. Further, the suction structure 30 located in the vent gap 22 between the R-angle regions 21 of the two electrode assemblies 20 can also have three first vent holes 321 in each group. In this case, the openings of the two first vent holes 321 in each group face the long side L of the housing 10, and the opening of one first vent hole 321 faces the wide side W of the housing 10.

[0097] Optionally, in two adjacent sets of first vent holes 321 along the length of the intake structure 30, the minimum circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the first vent holes 321 in the set closer to the battery top cover 40 is greater than that in the set farther from the battery top cover 40. Since the battery top cover 40 faces upwards when the energy storage device 100 is placed vertically, the gas in the vent gap 22 will also flow towards the battery top cover 40. This results in a larger minimum circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the first vent hole 321 in areas with higher gas concentrations, thereby facilitating the effective absorption of gas by the getter along the first vent hole 321 and improving the intake effect.

[0098] In other implementations, such as Figure 9 As shown, the air passage also includes a second air outlet 322 located at the second end of the air intake structure 30 and penetrating the end face of the second end. The second air outlet 322 connects the cavity 31 and the receiving cavity 11. Thus, the second air outlet 322 located at the second end of the air intake structure 30 allows for gas absorption from the bottom of the energy storage device 100, improving the air intake effect and reducing the impact of the gas on the energy storage device 100.

[0099] Optionally, when the second end of the suction structure 30 has a second vent 322, to prevent the getter from leaking along the second vent 322, the cavity 31 of the suction structure 30 can be configured as an inverted frustum-shaped structure. In this way, the cavity 31 has a minimum cross-sectional area perpendicular to the length direction of the suction structure 30 at the end connecting to the second vent 322, resulting in better compression of the getter at the end of the cavity 31 connecting to the second vent 322, thereby reducing getter leakage.

[0100] In addition to providing a first air outlet 321 on the side wall of the suction structure 30, or providing a second air outlet 322 at the end of the second end of the suction structure 30, it is also possible to... Figure 9 As shown, a first air outlet 321 is provided on the side wall of the air intake structure 30, and a second air outlet 322 is provided at the second end of the air intake structure 30. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the embodiment.

[0101] In this embodiment of the application, in conjunction with the above-described case where the gas venting channel contains a solid inert plugging agent, when the gas venting channel 32 includes a first gas vent 321, the first gas vent 321 contains a solid inert plugging agent; when the gas venting channel includes a second gas vent 322, the second gas vent 322 contains a solid inert plugging agent; when the gas venting channel includes both a first gas vent 321 and a second gas vent 322, both the first gas vent 321 and the second gas vent 322 contain a solid inert plugging agent.

[0102] When the first vent 321 contains a solid inert plugging agent, to prevent the solid inert plugging agent from sliding out of the first vent 321, the wall of the first vent 321 may have a certain roughness. This increases the friction between the solid inert plugging agent and the wall of the first vent 321, thus preventing the solid inert plugging agent from sliding out. For example, the wall of the first vent 321 may have a protruding structure.

[0103] Of course, in addition to setting the roughness of the hole wall of the first vent hole 321, the circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the first vent hole 321 can also be set to increase in the direction close to the cavity 31, so as to confine the solid phase inert plugging agent within the first vent hole 321 and prevent the solid phase inert plugging agent from sliding out of the first vent hole 321.

[0104] In order to ensure that the inert sealing agent can flow out from the first vent 321 after melting into a liquid phase, taking the circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the first vent 321 increasing in the direction close to the cavity 31 as an example, in some embodiments, such as... Figure 13 As shown, the wall of the first vent 321 includes a bottom plane 325 away from the battery top cover 40, and the end of the bottom plane 325 facing away from the cavity 31 is inclined in the direction Y away from the battery top cover 40. Thus, the slope formed by the bottom plane 325 of the first vent 321 facilitates the outflow of the inert sealing agent after it melts into a liquid phase, along the bottom plane 325 to the vent gap 22, and deposits it at the bottom of the receiving cavity 11, avoiding affecting the flow of gas within the vent gap 22; furthermore, when the gas rises within the vent gap 22, it easily enters the cavity 31 along the bottom plane 325 of the first vent 321 and is absorbed by the getter within the cavity 31. For example, as... Figure 13 As shown, the angle R between the bottom plane 325 of the first vent 321 and the center line O of the cavity 31 in the direction X toward the battery top cover 40 is 95 degrees, 105 degrees, 115 degrees, etc.

[0105] In other implementations, such as Figure 14As shown, the air intake structure 30 has a first guide groove 323 corresponding to the first air outlet 321. The first guide groove 323 is located on the side of the corresponding first air outlet 321 away from the direction Y of the battery top cover 40, and connects the large-diameter end of the first air outlet 321 and the air gap 22. In this way, after the inert sealant melts into a liquid phase, it flows to the large-diameter end of the first air outlet 321, and then flows out along the first guide groove 323 to the air gap 22, and is deposited at the bottom of the receiving cavity 11, so as to avoid affecting the flow of gas in the air gap 22. In addition, after the liquid phase of the inert sealant flows out along the first guide groove 323, the first guide groove 323 can also form an air passage, improving the air intake effect.

[0106] In this design, one end of the first guide channel 323 connected to the first vent 321 is closer to the battery top cover 40, while the other end connected to the vent gap 22 is farther from the battery top cover 40, to ensure that the liquid-phase inert sealing agent can flow smoothly out of the first guide channel 323. Optionally, such as Figure 14 As shown, the first guide channel 323 has a straight structure to shorten the length of the first guide channel 323 and ensure that the liquid phase inert plugging agent can flow out quickly to the gas passage gap 22.

[0107] The distance between the end of the first guide channel 323 and the battery top cover 40 described above can be specifically referred to the above embodiments. That is, when the energy storage device 100 includes one battery top cover 40, the distance between the end of the first guide channel 323 and the battery top cover 40 can be directly determined; when the energy storage device 100 includes two battery top covers 40, the distance between the end of the first guide channel 323 and the battery top cover 40 equipped with an explosion-proof valve can be determined.

[0108] When the second vent 322 contains a solid inert plugging agent, since the second vent 322 is connected to the receiving cavity 11 at the end face of the second end of the suction structure 30, the inert plugging agent can flow directly into the receiving cavity 11 after melting into a liquid phase.

[0109] The cross-sectional area of ​​the second vent 322, perpendicular to the length of the suction structure 30, gradually increases towards the cover plate 41 to prevent leakage of the solid inert sealing agent contained in the second vent 322. For example, the second vent 322 can be an inverted frustum or an inverted truncated pyramid structure; this embodiment is not limited to either.

[0110] This application also provides an electrical device, which can be an energy storage device, a vehicle, an energy storage container, etc. This electrical device includes the energy storage device 100 described in the above embodiments, and the energy storage device 100 supplies power to the electrical device. Thus, by incorporating the energy storage device 100, the electrical device of this application can improve the stability of its operation and reduce safety hazards during operation.

[0111] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; the term "multiple" refers to two or more unless otherwise expressly defined. The terms "install," "connect," "link," and "fix" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connect" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; "link" can be 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 the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0112] In the description of the embodiments of the application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or unit referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of the application.

[0113] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the claims. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0114] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the application examples and are not intended to limit the application examples. For those skilled in the art, the application examples can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the application examples should be included within the protection scope of the application examples.

Claims

1. An energy storage device, characterized in that, include: The housing (10) includes a receiving cavity (11) with an opening (12); The electrode assembly (20) is housed in the receiving cavity (11) and forms an air gap (22) with the inner wall of the housing (10). The battery top cover (40) includes a cover plate (41) and an insulating member (42). The cover plate (41) covers and seals the opening (12) of the receiving cavity (11). The insulating member (42) is located between the opening end of the receiving cavity (11) and the cover plate (41). The insulating member (42) has a protrusion (43) facing the air gap (22). The protrusion (43) has a limiting hole (431). The suction structure (30) is columnar. The first end of the suction structure (30) has a limiting structure (32), and the limiting structure (32) is limited within the limiting hole (431). The second end of the suction structure (30) is located within the air passage gap (22). The suction structure (30) also has a cavity (31) and an air passage channel. The air passage channel connects the cavity (31) and the receiving cavity (11). The cavity (31) is filled with a getter, which is used to absorb gas. The air passage includes a plurality of first air passage holes (321) located on the side wall of the air intake structure (30), the first air passage holes (321) containing a solid inert plugging agent, the melting temperature of the inert plugging agent being ≥46 degrees Celsius and ≤58 degrees Celsius.

2. The energy storage device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sidewall of the first end of the air intake structure (30) is provided with an annular groove (33). The portion of the annular groove (33) between the groove wall of the cover plate (41) and the end face of the first end of the air intake structure (30) forms the limiting structure (32). The wall of the limiting hole (431) has a limiting surface facing the cover plate (41). The annular groove (33) near the cover plate (41) abuts against the limiting surface, and the annular groove (33) away from the cover plate (41) abuts against the surface of the protrusion (43) away from the cover plate (41).

3. The energy storage device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The air passage includes multiple sets of first air passage holes (321), which are distributed along the length of the air intake structure (30), and the first air passage holes (321) included in each set are distributed along the circumference of the air intake structure (30).

4. The energy storage device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Each group of first vent holes (321) includes a first vent hole (321) with its opening facing the wide side of the housing (10) and a first vent hole (321) with its opening facing the long side of the housing (10).

5. The energy storage device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, In the two adjacent sets of first air vents (321) along the length of the air intake structure (30), the minimum circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the first air vents (321) in the set closer to the battery top cover (40) is greater than the minimum circumferential cross-sectional area of ​​the first air vents (321) in the set farther from the battery top cover (40).

6. The energy storage device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The wall of the first vent (321) includes a bottom plane (325) away from the battery top cover (40), and the bottom plane (325) is inclined in a direction away from the cavity (31) at one end.

7. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The air passage also includes a second air outlet (322) located at the second end of the air intake structure (30) and penetrating the end face of the second end. The second air outlet (322) connects the cavity (31) and the receiving cavity (11).

8. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity (31) along the length direction of the air intake structure (30) increases in the direction toward the battery top cover (40).

9. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The getter includes activated carbon particles.

10. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, The electrical equipment includes the energy storage device according to any one of claims 1-9, and the energy storage device supplies power to the electrical equipment.

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