End cap assembly, battery cell, battery pack, and device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an end cover assembly, a battery monomer, a battery pack and a device, and relates to the field of batteries, and is used for optimizing the structure of the end cover assembly. The end cover assembly comprises a cover assembly, a terminal assembly, a sealing element and a first communication flow channel. The cover assembly has a mounting through hole which penetrates the cover assembly along its own axial direction; the terminal assembly is mounted in the mounting through hole; the sealing element is used for sealing the mounting through hole; and the first communication flow channel is arranged in at least one of the terminal assembly and the cover assembly, and the first communication flow channel is configured to communicate the inside and the outside of the shell through the mounting through hole when the sealing element fails. The above technical solution improves the quality and performance of the end cover assembly.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application No. 202080049965.3, with an international filing date of September 30, 2020, entitled "End Cap Assembly, Battery Cell, Battery Pack and Device".

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to CN application number 202010275768.5, filed on April 9, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of batteries, specifically to an end cap assembly, a battery cell, a battery pack, and a device. Background Technology

[0004] Rechargeable batteries are widely used in electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptops due to their high energy density and environmental friendliness. In recent years, to address environmental issues, gasoline prices, and energy storage challenges, the application of rechargeable batteries has rapidly expanded to hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems.

[0005] To allow electrical energy to be drawn from the internal components of the secondary battery to the external environment, a mounting hole is provided in the battery top cover. Since the secondary battery contains electrolyte, a sealant is used to seal the mounting hole to prevent electrolyte leakage and potential safety hazards. After the secondary battery is assembled, the sealing performance of the sealant is tested using testing instruments.

[0006] The inventors discovered that the relevant technology has at least the following problems: even when the sealing performance is qualified by the testing instrument, the secondary battery still leaks air or liquid after a period of use, thus affecting the safety performance of the secondary battery. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure provides an end cap assembly, a battery cell, a battery pack, and a device for optimizing the structure of the end cap assembly.

[0008] This disclosure provides an end cap assembly, including:

[0009] A cover assembly having a mounting through hole that extends through the cover assembly axially.

[0010] Terminal assembly, mounted in mounting through hole;

[0011] The seal is configured to seal the mounting through-hole; and

[0012] A first connecting channel is disposed in at least one of the terminal assembly and the cover assembly; one end of the first connecting channel is connected to a mounting through hole, and the other end is connected to the outside.

[0013] In some embodiments, the terminal assembly includes:

[0014] The terminal body passes through the mounting through hole;

[0015] The terminal extension extends outward from the outer periphery of the terminal body and is fixed to one side of the cover assembly along the axial direction.

[0016] In some embodiments, the seal is located between the terminal body and the inner wall of the mounting through hole, and the terminal body and the inner wall of the mounting through hole together compress the seal to seal the mounting through hole.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first connecting channel is disposed on the surface of the terminal extension near the cover assembly and is configured as a recessed groove.

[0018] In some embodiments, one end of the first communication channel is connected to the mounting through hole, and the other end of the first communication channel extends to the edge of the terminal extension.

[0019] In some embodiments, the cover assembly includes:

[0020] Cover plate; and

[0021] The first insulating member fits against the cover plate and is located between the terminal extension and the cover plate; the mounting through hole penetrates the cover plate and the first insulating member along its own axial direction;

[0022] The first connecting channel is disposed on the surface of the cover plate near the terminal extension and is configured as a recessed groove; and / or, the first connecting channel is disposed on the surface of the first insulating member and is configured as a recessed groove.

[0023] In some embodiments, one end of the first communicating channel communicates with the mounting through hole and extends in a direction away from the mounting through hole to the outside of the terminal extension.

[0024] In some embodiments, there are two terminal extensions, each including a first terminal extension and a second terminal extension, which are located on opposite sides of the cover assembly along the axial direction.

[0025] The seal is at least partially located outside the mounting through-hole and between the first terminal extension and the cover assembly, the first terminal extension and the cover assembly together pressing the seal to seal the mounting through-hole.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first connecting channel is disposed on the surface of the second terminal extension near the cover assembly and is configured as a recessed groove.

[0027] In some embodiments, one end of the first communication channel is connected to the mounting through hole, and the other end of the first communication channel extends to the edge of the second terminal extension.

[0028] In some embodiments, the cover assembly includes:

[0029] The cover plate has a through hole that extends through it along its own axial direction.

[0030] The first connecting channel is disposed on the surface of the cover plate near the second terminal extension and is constructed as a recessed groove.

[0031] In some embodiments, one end of the first communication channel is connected to the mounting through hole, and the other end of the first communication channel extends to the outside of the second terminal extension.

[0032] This disclosure also provides a battery cell, including the end cap assembly provided by any of the technical solutions in this disclosure.

[0033] This disclosure also provides a battery pack, including a battery cell provided by any of the technical solutions in this disclosure, wherein the battery cell provides electrical energy.

[0034] This disclosure also provides an apparatus that uses a battery pack as a power source, including the battery pack provided by any of the technical solutions in this disclosure.

[0035] When the end cap assembly is in use, one side of the end cap assembly along the axial direction of the mounting through hole is the interior of the battery cell, and the other side along the axial direction is the exterior of the battery cell. The end cap assembly provided by the above technical solution is equipped with a first connecting flow channel. When the seal fails, the first connecting flow channel connects both sides of the end cap assembly along the axial direction of the mounting through hole, thus connecting the interior of the battery cell with the exterior of the battery cell. In other words, the above technical solution provides a detection flow channel on the battery cell. Through this flow channel, it is possible to identify whether a false seal occurs in the battery cell when the seal fails, thereby improving the quality and performance of the battery cell.

[0036] This disclosure provides an end cap assembly for sealing the housing of a battery cell, comprising:

[0037] The cover assembly has a mounting through hole that extends through the cover assembly along its own axial direction.

[0038] Terminal assembly, mounted in through hole;

[0039] Seals for sealing mounting through holes; and

[0040] A first connecting channel is disposed in at least one of the terminal assembly and the cover assembly, and the first connecting channel is configured such that when the seal fails, the first connecting channel allows the interior and exterior of the housing to communicate through a mounting through-hole.

[0041] When the end cap assembly is in use, one side of the end cap assembly along the axial direction of the mounting through hole is the interior of the housing, and the other side along the axial direction is the exterior of the housing. The end cap assembly provided by the above technical solution is equipped with a first connecting channel. When the seal fails, the first connecting channel and the mounting through hole are connected; the first connecting channel itself is also connected, and the mounting through hole itself is also connected. Therefore, the interior of the battery cell is connected to the exterior of the battery cell. It is evident that the above technical solution provides a first connecting channel on the battery cell that enables detection. Through this first connecting channel, when the seal fails, the false seal phenomenon of the battery cell can be broken, thereby improving the quality and performance of the battery cell.

[0042] In some embodiments, the terminal assembly includes a terminal body and a first terminal extension, the terminal body passing through the mounting through hole; the first terminal extension extends outward from the outer periphery of the terminal body and is fixed to the outer side of the cover assembly along the axial direction;

[0043] The cover assembly includes a cover plate and a first insulating member, wherein at least a portion of the first insulating member is located between the first terminal extension and the cover plate;

[0044] The mounting through hole includes a first hole segment and a second hole segment. The first hole segment penetrates the cover plate along the axial direction, and the second hole segment communicates with the first hole segment and penetrates the first insulating member along the axial direction.

[0045] The end cap assembly with the above structure is more compact and reliable.

[0046] In some embodiments, the seal is located between the terminal body and the wall of the first hole segment, and the terminal body and the wall of the first hole segment together press the seal to seal the mounting through hole. This structure effectively secures the seal.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first connecting channel is located between the first insulating member and the cover plate. The above technical solution can effectively break the false seal formed between the first insulating member and the cover plate.

[0048] In some embodiments, one end of the first connecting channel is connected to the first orifice, and the other end is connected to the outside of the housing. The above technical solution can effectively eliminate the false sealing phenomenon.

[0049] In some embodiments, the first connecting channel is located between the first insulating member and the first terminal extension. The above technical solution can effectively eliminate the false seal formed between the member and the first terminal extension.

[0050] In some embodiments, one end of the first connecting channel is connected to the second hole segment, and the other end is connected to the outside of the housing. The above technical solution features a rationally structured first connecting channel that can effectively eliminate false sealing phenomena.

[0051] In some embodiments, the end cap assembly further includes:

[0052] A first through-structure is disposed between the first insulating member and the terminal body, and a first connecting channel is connected to the first hole section through the first through-structure. This technical solution effectively eliminates the false seal phenomenon between the first insulating member and the terminal body.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first through structure extends axially through the wall of the second hole segment and is configured as a recessed portion moving away from the terminal body. The first through structure is easy to manufacture.

[0054] In some embodiments, the first connecting channel is configured as a groove or a rough surface. The above technical solution facilitates processing.

[0055] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the seal is located between the terminal body and the wall of the second hole segment, and the first terminal extension and the cover plate axially press together the portion of the seal located between the terminal body and the wall of the second hole segment. This technical solution achieves effective installation and fixation of the seal.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first connecting channel is located between the first insulating member and the cover plate; and / or, the first connecting channel is located between the first insulating member and the first terminal extension. The above technical solutions, depending on the location of the first connecting channel, effectively eliminate the false seal between the first insulating member and the cover plate, and the false seal between the first insulating member and the first terminal extension.

[0057] In some embodiments, one end of the first connecting channel is connected to the second hole segment, and the other end is connected to the outside of the housing. The above technical solution has a reasonable structure for the first connecting channel.

[0058] In some embodiments, the terminal assembly further includes a second terminal extension extending outward from the outer periphery of the terminal body, the second terminal extension being fixed to the inner side of the cover plate along the axial direction;

[0059] The cover assembly further includes a second insulating member, at least partially located between the second terminal extension and the cover plate;

[0060] The mounting through hole further includes a third hole segment, which communicates with the first hole segment and penetrates the second insulating member along the axial direction. The above technical solution results in a more complex structure and superior performance for the end cap assembly.

[0061] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the seal is located between the terminal body and the wall of the third hole segment, and the second terminal extension and the cover plate together press the portion of the seal located between the terminal body and the wall of the third hole segment along the axial direction. This technical solution achieves effective installation and fixation of the seal.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first connecting channel is located between the first insulating member and the cover plate. The above technical solution provides a more reasonable arrangement of the first connecting channel.

[0063] In some embodiments, one end of the first communicating channel is connected to the third hole segment, and the other end is connected to the interior of the housing.

[0064] In some embodiments, the seal is located between the terminal body and the wall of the first bore; the end cap assembly further includes:

[0065] The second connecting channel is disposed in at least one of the second terminal extension and the second insulating member, or disposed between the second insulating member and the cover plate;

[0066] The second connecting channel is configured such that the interior of the housing is connected to the third orifice.

[0067] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the seal is located between the second terminal extension and the wall of the third bore; the end cap assembly further includes:

[0068] A second connecting channel is provided in at least one of the second terminal extension and the second insulating member to break the seal between the second terminal extension and the second insulating member, so that the interior of the housing communicates with the third hole segment.

[0069] In some embodiments, the end cap assembly further includes a second through structure disposed between the second insulating member and the terminal body to break the seal between the second insulating member and the terminal body.

[0070] In some embodiments, the end cap assembly, wherein the second through structure extends along the axial direction through the wall of the third hole segment and is configured to recess toward a portion that is recessed away from the terminal body.

[0071] This disclosure also provides a battery cell, including a housing and an end cap assembly provided by any of the technical solutions in this disclosure, wherein the housing has an opening and the end cap assembly closes the opening.

[0072] This disclosure provides another battery pack, including the battery cells provided by any of the technical solutions in this disclosure.

[0073] This disclosure also provides an electrical device, including a battery pack provided by any of the technical solutions in this disclosure.

[0074] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for manufacturing a single battery cell, comprising:

[0075] Housing providing module, configured to provide a housing having an opening; and

[0076] An end cap providing module is configured to provide an end cap assembly that closes an opening; wherein the end cap assembly includes:

[0077] The cover assembly has a mounting through hole that extends through the cover assembly along its own axial direction.

[0078] Terminal assembly, mounted in mounting through hole;

[0079] Seals for sealing mounting through holes; and

[0080] A first connecting channel is provided in the terminal assembly and / or cover assembly, and the first connecting channel is configured such that when the seal fails, the first connecting channel allows the interior and exterior of the housing to communicate through the mounting through hole.

[0081] This disclosure further provides a method for manufacturing a single battery cell, comprising the following steps:

[0082] Provide a housing with an opening;

[0083] An end cap assembly is provided, which closes an opening; wherein the end cap assembly includes:

[0084] The cover assembly has a mounting through hole that extends through the cover assembly along its own axial direction.

[0085] Terminal assembly, mounted in mounting through hole;

[0086] Seals for sealing mounting through holes; and

[0087] A first connecting channel is provided in the terminal assembly and / or cover assembly, and the first connecting channel is configured such that when the seal fails, the first connecting channel allows the interior and exterior of the housing to communicate through the mounting through hole. Attached Figure Description

[0088] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a car provided for some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0089] Figure 2 This is an exploded schematic diagram of a battery pack provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0090] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0091] Figure 4 This is an exploded schematic diagram of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0092] Figure 5 This is a top view schematic diagram of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0093] Figure 6 for Figure 5 AA sectional view;

[0094] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the stacked electrode assembly.

[0095] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a wound electrode assembly;

[0096] Figure 9 An exploded view of an end cap assembly with a first connecting flow channel disposed on a cover plate, as provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0097] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A top view of the end cap assembly as shown;

[0098] Figure 11 for Figure 10 BB cross-sectional diagram;

[0099] Figure 12 for Figure 9 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the first insulating component;

[0100] Figure 13 A perspective view of an end cap assembly in which the first connecting channel is an arc-shaped groove, provided for some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0101] Figure 14 An exploded view of an end cap assembly with a first connecting flow channel disposed on a first insulating member, according to another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0102] Figure 15 for Figure 14 A top view of the end cap assembly shown in the diagram;

[0103] Figure 16 for Figure 15 CC cross-sectional view;

[0104] Figure 17 Exploded view of end cap assembly provided in other embodiments of this disclosure;

[0105] Figure 18 for Figure 17 A schematic cross-sectional view of the end cap assembly shown.

[0106] Figure 19 An exploded view of a single-pole end cap assembly with a first connecting flow channel disposed on a cover plate is provided for some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0107] Figure 20 for Figure 19 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the central sealing component;

[0108] Figure 21 for Figure 19 A magnified schematic diagram of part D;

[0109] Figure 22 for Figure 19 A top view of the end cap assembly as shown;

[0110] Figure 23 for Figure 22 EE sectional view;

[0111] Figure 24 for Figure 23 Enlarged schematic diagram of the F end;

[0112] Figure 25 for Figure 23 A magnified schematic diagram of the G-terminal;

[0113] Figure 26 An exploded view of an end cap assembly with a first communicating flow channel disposed in a first terminal extension, as provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0114] Figure 27 for Figure 26 A top view of the end cap assembly shown;

[0115] Figure 28 for Figure 27 Schematic diagram of HH cross-section;

[0116] Figure 29 An exploded view of a monopole end cap assembly with a first connecting flow channel disposed in a first terminal extension, as provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0117] Figure 30 for Figure 29 A top view of the end cap assembly shown;

[0118] Figure 31 for Figure 30Schematic diagram of section II;

[0119] Figure 32 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of an end cap assembly in which the sealing element is a T-shaped sealing ring, as provided in another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0120] Figure 33 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of an end cap assembly in which the sealing element is a T-shaped sealing ring, provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0121] Figure 34 This is a perspective view of an end cap assembly provided in yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0122] Figure 35 This is a schematic diagram of an end cap assembly structure provided in another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0123] Figure 36 This is a schematic diagram of the end cap assembly structure provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0124] The following is combined Figures 1 to 36 The technical solutions provided in this disclosure will be described in more detail.

[0125] To more clearly describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, in Figure 2 A coordinate system was established, and subsequent descriptions of the various orientations of battery pack 100 will be based on this coordinate system. See [link / reference]. Figure 2 The X-axis represents the length of the battery pack 100. The Y-axis is perpendicular to the X-axis in the horizontal plane and represents the width of the battery pack 100. The Z-axis is perpendicular to the plane formed by the X and Y axes and represents the height of the battery module. In the description of this disclosure, the terms "upper" and "lower" are relative to the Z-axis direction. The length of the housing 20 is consistent with the length of the battery pack 100, the width of the housing 20 is consistent with the width of the battery pack 100, and the height of the housing 20 is consistent with the height of the battery pack 100.

[0126] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure depending on the specific circumstances.

[0127] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the terms "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this disclosure 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0128] See Figures 2 to 4 In related technologies, the battery cell 10 is filled with electrolyte. The inventors discovered that there are multiple locations where leakage may occur in the battery cell 10. One location is where leakage may occur at the injection hole, and another is where leakage may occur at the gap between the cover plate 513 and the terminal body 521. Related technologies only analyze the cause and solution for leakage at the injection hole. In actual product use, another phenomenon occurs: the product passes the sealing test requirements at the factory, but leakage occurs after a period of use. Through long-term creative work, the inventors discovered that when the seal 53 between the cover plate 513 and the terminal body 521 fails to seal or is missing, because some parts of the end cap assembly 5 of the battery cell 10 are made of plastic, and plastic has a certain amount of compression deformation, this compression deformation can cause a false seal in the battery cell 10. That is, the parts of the battery cell 10 that need to be sealed are not actually sealed, but the deformation of the plastic makes the entire battery cell 10 appear sealed, i.e., a false seal. During factory testing, since the battery cell 10 is not under actual use conditions, the aforementioned false sealing phenomenon means that the battery cell 10 can meet the sealing test requirements at the time of shipment, but cannot meet the normal use requirements of the product. The technical solution provided in this disclosure can identify whether the end cap assembly 5 of the battery cell 10 has a false sealing phenomenon, thus greatly reducing the occurrence of the above situation and improving the performance of the battery cell 10.

[0129] The technical solutions of the various embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below.

[0130] See Figure 1 This disclosure provides some embodiments of a device that uses a battery pack 100 as a power source. The device includes the battery pack 100. Examples of such devices include new energy vehicles, ships, and smart appliance cabinets. The battery pack 100 serves as a power supply component, providing the necessary electrical energy to various electrical components of the device.

[0131] See Figure 2 In some embodiments, the battery pack 100 includes one or more battery modules. The battery modules are electrically connected, such as in series, parallel, or a combination thereof, to achieve the desired electrical performance parameters of the battery pack 100.

[0132] See still Figure 2 Each battery module includes one or more battery cells 10. Multiple battery cells 10 are arranged in rows; one or more rows of battery cells 10 can be configured as needed. The individual battery cells 10 are electrically connected, such as in parallel, series, or a combination thereof, to achieve the required electrical performance parameters.

[0133] See Figure 2 The following describes the arrangement of the individual battery cells 10 in the battery pack 100.

[0134] In some embodiments, the individual battery cells 10 of the battery pack 100 are arranged along the length direction X of the housing 20. Six rows of battery cell assemblies are arranged along the width direction of the battery pack 100, i.e., the Y-axis direction. In practical applications, other numbers of rows can also be used. Depending on the needs, the battery cells 100 can also be arranged along the height direction, i.e. Figure 2 One or more battery cells can be set along the Z-axis direction.

[0135] See Figures 3 to 8 The following describes some implementation methods of the battery cell 10.

[0136] This disclosure provides a battery cell 10, including a housing 1, an electrode assembly 4, a positive terminal cover assembly 2, and a negative terminal cover assembly 3.

[0137] See Figures 4 to 6 The housing 1 has a cavity 11. Both ends of the housing 1 are open. The electrode assembly 4 is installed in the cavity of the housing 1. The positive terminal cap assembly 2 is disposed at one end of the housing 1 to close the opening at one end of the housing 1, and the positive terminal cap assembly 2 is electrically connected to the positive electrode tab of the electrode assembly 4. The negative terminal cap assembly 3 is disposed at the other end of the housing 1 to close the opening at the other end of the housing 1, and the negative terminal cap assembly 3 is electrically connected to the negative electrode tab of the electrode assembly 4.

[0138] The electrode assembly 4 can be fabricated using either a stacked or wound method. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the stacked electrode assembly 4 is constructed by cutting the positive electrode 41, negative electrode 42, and separator 43 to a specified size, and then stacking the positive electrode 41, separator 43, and negative electrode 42 to form the electrode assembly 4. Figure 8 As shown, the wound electrode assembly 4 is formed by winding the positive electrode 41, the negative electrode 42, and the separator 43. In some embodiments described later, the battery cell 10 uses the wound electrode assembly 4 as an example, and the housing 1 is also cylindrical. The end cap assemblies 5 are generally circular to match the open shapes at both ends of the housing 1.

[0139] At least one of the positive end cap assembly 2 and the negative end cap assembly 3 adopts the implementation method of the end cap assembly 5 described below, that is, the end cap assembly 5 is provided with a first connecting flow channel 54. The following describes in detail the different situations according to the different positions of the first connecting flow channel 54.

[0140] See Figures 9 to 12 This disclosure provides an end cap assembly 5, including a cap assembly 51, a terminal assembly 52, a seal 53, and a first connecting channel 54. The first connecting channel 54 is disposed in at least one of the terminal assembly 52 and the cap assembly 51. One end of the first connecting channel 54 communicates with a mounting through hole 512, and the other end communicates with the outside. The so-called outside refers to the area outside the battery cell 10 after the end cap assembly 5 is used.

[0141] In some embodiments, with Figure 9 Taking the indicated direction as an example, the cover assembly 51 includes a first insulating member 514, a cover plate 513 located below the first insulating member 514, and a second insulating member 516 located below the cover plate 513. The cover assembly 51 has a mounting through hole 512 that penetrates the cover assembly 51 along its axial direction. That is, the mounting through hole 512 penetrates the first insulating member 514, the cover plate 513, and the second insulating member 516.

[0142] See Figures 9 to 12 In some embodiments, the mounting through hole 512 includes three interconnected segments: a second segment 512a, a first segment 512b, and a third segment 512c. The second segment 512a is disposed on the first insulating member 514, the first segment 512b is disposed on the cover plate 513, and the third segment 512c is disposed on the second insulating member 516.

[0143] The number of mounting through holes 512 is the same as the number of terminal bodies 521 of the terminal assembly 52, which will be described in detail later. In some embodiments, the terminal assembly 52 may include one terminal body 521 or more terminal bodies 521. If the end cap assembly 5 is used as a positive terminal cap assembly 2, then the end cap assembly 5 includes two positive terminal bodies 521. If the end cap assembly 5 is used as a negative terminal cap assembly 3, then the end cap assembly 5 includes two negative terminal bodies 521. Figures 9 to 11 The illustration shows how the two terminal bodies 521 are implemented. In these implementations, the electrode assembly 4 is formed by a winding method. With the structure of two terminal bodies 521, the two mounting through holes 512 can be arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically with respect to the center of the first insulating member 514. The structure of two terminal bodies 521 for the terminal assembly 52 can prevent phenomena such as rotation relative to the housing 1 after the end cap assembly 5 is installed.

[0144] See Figures 9 to 12Terminal assembly 52 is mounted in mounting through hole 512. Terminal assembly 52 includes terminal body 521 and terminal extension 522. Terminal body 521 passes through mounting through hole 512. There can be two terminal extensions 522, located at opposite ends of terminal body 521 along the axial direction. The connection between the two terminal extensions 522 and terminal body 521 is independent and does not affect each other. For example, one terminal extension 522 may be integral with terminal body 521, while the other terminal extension 522 may be fixedly connected to terminal body 521 by riveting or other means. Each terminal extension 522 extends outward from the outer periphery of terminal body 521, meaning the radial dimension of terminal extension 522 is greater than the radial dimension of terminal body 521. Each terminal extension 522 is fixed to one side of cover assembly 51 along the axial direction. Figure 11 Taking the indicated direction as an example, the lower terminal extension 522 is integral with the terminal body 521, and this terminal extension is also called the second terminal extension 522b. The upper terminal extension 522 is a terminal pressure plate, which is fixedly connected to the terminal body 521 by riveting. The terminal pressure plate is also called the first terminal extension 522a. The terminal pressure plate can be made of a conductive metal material, such as aluminum.

[0145] See also Figures 9 to 12 The second terminal extension 522b is electrically connected to the tab of the electrode assembly 4, and the first terminal extension 522a is used for electrical connection with other components such as other battery cells 10.

[0146] See Figures 9 to 12 The first insulating member 514 has a rectangular thin plate structure. A second hole segment 512a is provided within the first insulating member 514. Figures 9 to 11 In the illustrated embodiments, the first insulating member 514 is not provided with the first connecting channel 54. It is understood that the first connecting channel 54 may also be provided on at least one of the two surfaces of the first insulating member 514.

[0147] The first insulating component 514 can be made of materials such as polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), polytetrafluoroethylene (PFA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), and polyester terephthalate (PET), which are insulating and resistant to electrolytes.

[0148] See Figures 9 to 12The cover plate 513 is located between the first insulating member 514 and the second insulating member 516, which together clamp the cover plate 513. The second insulating member 516 is located on the side of the cover plate 513 facing the electrode assembly 4, and the first insulating member 514 is located on the side of the cover plate 513 away from the electrode assembly 4. The cover plate 513 is constructed as a circular thin plate. The cover plate 513 is provided with a first hole segment 512b for mounting through holes 512, in which a sealing member 53 is installed. The second insulating member 516, the first insulating member 514, and the sealing member 53 cooperate to insulate and isolate the cover plate 513 and the terminal body 521, prevent short circuits between the positive and negative terminals, and ensure the secure installation of the terminal body 521.

[0149] See also Figures 9 to 12 The seal 53 is configured to seal the mounting through-hole 512. In some embodiments, the seal 53 is located between the terminal body 521 and the inner wall of the first hole segment 512b of the mounting through-hole 512, and the terminal body 521 and the inner wall of the first hole segment 512b of the mounting through-hole 512 jointly compress the seal 53 to seal the mounting through-hole 512. The inner wall of the first hole segment 512b of the mounting through-hole 512 has a first inclined surface R1, and the terminal body 521 has a second inclined surface R2, with the first inclined surface R1 and the second inclined surface R2 disposed opposite to each other. The seal 53 is located between the first inclined surface R1 and the second inclined surface R2, such that the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface compress the seal 53. The sealing effect of the seal 53 is achieved by the joint compression of the first inclined surface R1 and the second inclined surface R2.

[0150] The seal 53 uses an O-ring, which is installed in the mounting through hole 512 located in the first hole section 512b of the cover plate 513. The O-ring is located between the terminal body 521 and the cover plate 513 to prevent electrolyte leakage from inside the battery cell 10 through the mounting through hole 512. A hole is provided in the middle of the seal 53. The terminal body 521 passes through the aforementioned third hole section 512c and the hole in the seal 53, and then passes through the second hole section 512a of the first insulating member 514.

[0151] As described above, if the seal 53 is not installed properly, fails, or is missing, the first insulating member 514 will cause a false seal in the battery cell 10. The falsely sealed battery cell 10 may meet the factory sealing test requirements, but leakage will occur during actual use. To identify this phenomenon, in some embodiments, the cover plate 513 is provided with a first connecting channel 54. The first connecting channel 54 connects both sides of the cover assembly 51 along the axial direction. When the end cover assembly 5 is in use, one side of the cover assembly 51 along the axial direction is the interior of the battery cell 10, and the other side along the axial direction is the exterior of the battery cell 10. The first connecting channel 54 connects both sides of the cover assembly 51 along the axial direction, thus connecting the interior of the battery cell 10 with the exterior of the battery cell 10. In other words, the above technical solution provides a detection channel on the battery cell 10, which is used to identify the false seal phenomenon in the battery cell 10 when the seal 53 fails. The sealing failure of seal 53 includes the following situations: seal 53 is not installed, seal 53 is not installed properly, seal 53 is aged and fails, etc.

[0152] Under normal circumstances, if the seal 53 is properly installed and functions correctly, with the first connecting channel 54 provided in the cover plate 513, the seal 53 will block the second end of the mounting through hole 512 from the first end, thus preventing the first and second ends of the mounting through hole 512 from communicating. In this case, although the first end of the mounting through hole 512 is directly connected to the outside or connected to the outside under certain pressure, the second end of the mounting through hole 512 will not be connected to the outside. However, if the false sealing phenomenon caused by the failure of the seal 53 occurs as described above, although the first insulating member 514 makes the end cover appear to be in a false sealing state, the first connecting channel 54 provided in the cover plate 513 connects the inside of the battery cell 10 to the outside. In this case, when performing a sealing test on the battery cell 10, leakage in the battery cell 10 can be detected through the first connecting channel 54, thus effectively identifying whether the end cover assembly 5 of the battery cell 10 has a false sealing phenomenon. The aforementioned inspection operations can be implemented during the production of end cap assembly 5. This allows for the identification of defective end cap assemblies 5 during the production stage, eliminating the need for sealing inspection of battery cells 10 during subsequent assembly processes and optimizing the production process of battery cells 10. Furthermore, it reduces the various drawbacks caused by defective end cap assemblies 5 entering subsequent processes.

[0153] There are various ways to configure the first connecting channel 54. In some embodiments, the first connecting channel 54 is constructed as a straight groove or an arc-shaped groove. Figures 9 to 12In some of the illustrated embodiments, the first connecting channel 54 is configured as a straight groove. Figure 13 In some of the embodiments shown, the first connecting channel 54 is configured as an arcuate groove.

[0154] In some embodiments, the depth of the first connecting channel 54 is 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm, such as 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, or 0.5 mm.

[0155] In some embodiments, the depth of the first connecting channel 54 is 0.3 mm to 1 mm. For example, 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.9 mm, or 1 mm.

[0156] In some embodiments, one end of the first connecting channel 54 is connected to the mounting through hole 512, and the other end of the first connecting channel 54 extends toward the edge of the cover plate 513, for example, to the edge of the vertical projection area of ​​the second terminal extension 522b.

[0157] For the same mounting through hole 512, the number of first connecting channels 54 communicating with it can be one or more, and each first connecting channel 54 is arranged at circumferential intervals along the mounting through hole 512. Figure 9 as well as Figure 13 In the illustrated embodiments, two first connecting channels 54 are provided, and the two first connecting channels 54 are arranged approximately 180° apart. The length of each first connecting channel 54 does not exceed the projection area of ​​the second terminal extension 522b in the vertical direction of the battery, i.e., the Z-direction.

[0158] See Figures 9 to 12 The second insulating member 516 can adopt a ring structure. A third hole segment 512c is disposed on the second insulating member 516. The second insulating member 516 includes an insulating substrate 516b, which is circular. A limiting member is fixed to the edge of the first surface of the insulating substrate 516b, and the limiting member is in the shape of a semi-circular ring. The first surface of the insulating substrate 516b faces the electrode assembly 4, and the second surface of the insulating substrate 516b faces the cover plate 513. The second surface and the first surface are parallel and are both the maximum extension surfaces of the insulating substrate 516b. A support member 516d is also disposed on the first surface of the insulating substrate 516b, and the support member 516d is constructed in an arc shape. The support member 516d, the insulating substrate 516b, and the limiting ring are all concentrically disposed. The limiting member of the second insulating member 516 abuts against the electrode assembly 4. The support member 516d of the second insulating member 516 abuts against the adapter piece 517. The adapter piece 517 is used to electrically connect the tabs and terminal body 521 of the electrode assembly.

[0159] The material of the second insulating member 516 can be the same as that of the first insulating member 514.

[0160] See Figures 14 to 16 In other embodiments, the location of the first connecting channel 54 differs from the location described above. In these embodiments, the first connecting channel 54 is disposed on the first insulating member 514. The first connecting channel 54 is disposed on the surface of the first insulating member 514 away from the cover plate 513, that is, the first connecting channel 54 is disposed on the upper surface of the first insulating member 514. Figures 14 to 16 This is an illustrated scenario. Alternatively, the first connecting channel 54 may be disposed on the surface of the first insulating member 514 facing the cover plate 513, that is, on the lower surface of the first insulating member 514. Alternatively, the first connecting channel 54 may be disposed on both the upper and lower surfaces of the first insulating member 514. It should be noted that when the first insulating member 514 is provided with the first connecting channel 54, the cover plate 513 may or may not be provided with the first connecting channel 54.

[0161] The first connecting channel 54 provided on the first insulating member 514 is constructed as a straight groove or an arc-shaped groove. The structure of the straight groove can be found above. Figures 9 to 12 The schematic structure is shown. The structure of the arc-shaped groove can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 13 The structure shown.

[0162] The first insulating member 514 may have one or more first connecting channels 54, all of which are connected to the same mounting through hole 512. Each first connecting channel 54 is spaced circumferentially along the mounting through hole 512.

[0163] The length, width, and depth of the first connecting channel 54 described above also apply to this embodiment, so they will not be repeated here.

[0164] See Figure 17 and Figure 18 The following describes the configuration of the first connecting channel 54 when the cover assembly 51 adopts other structural forms.

[0165] In some embodiments, the cover assembly 51 includes a cover plate 513, which is made of an insulating material. Therefore, the first communicating channel 54 can be disposed on the upper or lower surface of the cover plate 513. Figure 17 and Figure 18 In the illustrated embodiments, the first connecting channel 54 is provided on the lower surface of the cover plate 513 as an example.

[0166] For the same mounting through hole 512, the number of first connecting channels 54 connected to it can be one or more. Each first connecting channel 54 is arranged at circumferential intervals along the mounting through hole 512.

[0167] The length, width, and depth of the first connecting channel 54 described above also apply to this embodiment, so they will not be repeated here.

[0168] See Figures 19 to 25 This disclosure also provides end cap assemblies 5 with single poles in some embodiments. A single pole end cap assembly 5 refers to an end cap assembly 5 that includes one terminal body 521.

[0169] See Figures 19 to 25 The end cap assembly 5 includes a cap assembly 51, a terminal assembly 52, a seal 53, and a first connecting channel 54.

[0170] The mounting through-hole 512 comprises three interconnected segments: a second segment 512a, a first segment 512b, and a third segment 512c. The second segment 512a is located on the first insulating member 514, the first segment 512b is located on the cover plate 513, and the third segment 512c is located on the second insulating member 516. There is only one mounting through-hole 512, corresponding to the single-pole structure of the terminal assembly 52.

[0171] See also Figures 19 to 25 The second terminal extension 522b is electrically connected to the tab of the electrode assembly 4, and the first terminal extension 522a is used for electrical connection with other components, such as other battery cells 10. The first terminal extension 522a has a rectangular plate structure.

[0172] See still Figures 19 to 25 The first insulating member 514 adopts a rectangular thin plate structure. A second hole segment 512a is disposed within the first insulating member 514. It can be understood that... Figures 19 to 25 In the illustrated embodiments, the first insulating member 514 does not have a first connecting channel 54. However, in other embodiments, the first insulating member 514 may have a first connecting channel 54. The first connecting channel 54 is located on the surface of the first insulating member 514 facing the second terminal extension 522b (i.e., Figure 19 The upper surface shown is indicated; or, the first connecting channel 54 is located on the surface of the first insulating member 514 facing the cover plate 513 (i.e., the upper surface shown is indicated); Figure 19 (as shown on the lower surface); or, the upper and lower surfaces of the first insulating member 514 are provided with a first connecting channel 54.

[0173] See Figures 19 to 25The cover plate 513 is located between the first insulating member 514 and the second insulating member 516, which together clamp the cover plate 513. The second insulating member 516 is located on the side of the cover plate 513 facing the electrode assembly 4, and the first insulating member 514 is located on the side of the cover plate 513 away from the electrode assembly 4. The cover plate 513 is constructed as a rectangular thin plate. The cover plate 513 is provided with a first hole section 512b for mounting through holes 512, which is used to mount the seal 53 and the terminal body 521.

[0174] See Figure 20 , Figure 24 and Figure 25 In these embodiments, the seal 53 employs a T-shaped sealing ring. The seal 53 includes an annular portion 531 and a sealing portion 532, which are sealed together. The annular portion 531 is located within the first hole segment 512b of the mounting through hole 512, and the sealing portion 532 is located outside the mounting through hole 512, and is pressed against the first terminal extension 522a of the terminal assembly 52 and the cover plate 513. The sealing portion 532 can be flat or stepped, and serves a sealing function. A certain gap may exist between the annular portion 531 and the inner wall of the first hole segment 512b of the mounting through hole 512, and the outer wall of the terminal body 521. The first terminal extension 522a and the cover assembly 51 together compress the seal 53 to seal the mounting through hole 512.

[0175] The second insulating member 516, the first insulating member 514, and the sealing member 53 work together to insulate and isolate the cover plate 513 and the terminal body 521, prevent short circuits between the terminal body 521 and the cover plate 513, and ensure that the terminal body 521 is securely installed.

[0176] See Figures 19 to 25 The first connecting channel 54 can be disposed on the surface of the cover plate 513 facing the first insulating member 514, that is, on the upper surface of the cover plate 513. When using a T-shaped sealing ring, the first connecting channel 54 is not disposed on the lower surface of the cover plate 513, but on the upper surface of the cover plate 513. The above-mentioned arrangement can enable the T-shaped sealing ring to perform its sealing effect normally, and can also realize the detection function through the first connecting channel 54 as described above.

[0177] Alternatively, the first connecting channel 54 can be provided on the surface of the cover plate 513 facing the second insulating member 516, that is, the lower surface of the cover plate 513. Alternatively, the first connecting channel 54 can be provided on both the upper and lower surfaces of the cover plate 513.

[0178] Alternatively, the first connecting channel 54 may be disposed on the surface of the first insulating member 514 facing the second terminal extension 522b and constructed as a groove, i.e., the first connecting channel 54 may be disposed on the upper surface of the first insulating member 514. Alternatively, the first connecting channel 54 may be disposed on the surface of the first insulating member 514 facing the cover plate 513 and constructed as a groove or a rough surface, i.e., the first connecting channel 54 may be disposed on the lower surface of the first insulating member 514. Alternatively, the first connecting channel 54 may be disposed on both the upper and lower surfaces of the first insulating member 514. A rough surface refers to a surface with a roughness greater than a set value, which can be planar or non-planar. For example, the set value may be set to a roughness Ra greater than or equal to 0.8 μm. Magnified observation of the rough surface will reveal that it is an uneven surface.

[0179] It should be noted that the first connecting channels 54 on the first insulating member 514 and the cover plate 513 are independent and do not affect each other. The first connecting channels 54 can be provided on both the first insulating member 514 and the cover plate 513 at the same time, or they can be provided on only one of them. The first connecting channels 54 are all located downstream of the sealing position of the sealing part 532.

[0180] In these embodiments where the seal 53 employs a T-shaped sealing ring, the length, width, and depth of the first connecting channel 54 are as described above, and therefore will not be repeated here.

[0181] In the above technical solution, the first connecting channel 54 is connected to the mounting through hole 512, and the first connecting channel 54 is disposed in at least one of the terminal assembly 52 and the cover assembly 51. When the seal 53 fails to seal, the first connecting channel 54 allows the two sides of the end cover assembly 5 to be connected along the axial direction through the mounting through hole 512, thus effectively identifying the false seal phenomenon.

[0182] The following describes how the first connecting channel 54 is set in the terminal assembly 52.

[0183] First, we will introduce how the terminal assembly 52 includes two terminal bodies. See [link / reference]. Figures 26 to 28 In some embodiments, the end cap assembly 5 includes a cap assembly 51, a terminal assembly 52, a seal 53, and a first communication channel 54. The terminal assembly 52 includes two terminal bodies 521.

[0184] In some embodiments, with Figure 26 Taking the indicated direction as an example, the cover assembly 51 includes a first insulating member 514, a cover plate 513 located above the first insulating member 514, and a second insulating member 516 located above the cover plate 513. The cover assembly 51 has a mounting through hole 512, which penetrates the cover assembly 51 along its axial direction. That is, the mounting through hole 512 penetrates the first insulating member 514, the cover plate 513, and the second insulating member 516.

[0185] See Figures 26 to 28 In some embodiments, the mounting through hole 512 includes three interconnected segments: a second segment 512a, a first segment 512b, and a third segment 512c. The second segment 512a is disposed on the first insulating member 514, the first segment 512b is disposed on the cover plate 513, and the third segment 512c is disposed on the second insulating member 516.

[0186] In some embodiments, there are two mounting through holes 512, each corresponding to a terminal body 521 of the terminal assembly 52. ​​The terminal assembly 52 includes a terminal body 521 and a terminal extension 522. The terminal body 521 passes through the mounting through hole 512. There may be two terminal extensions 522, each located at one end of the terminal body 521 along the axial direction, i.e., the first terminal extension 522a and the second terminal extension 522b are located on opposite sides of the cover assembly 51 along the axial direction.

[0187] See Figure 26 and Figure 28 The first connecting channel 54 is provided on the surface of the first terminal extension 522a facing the first insulating member 514. The first connecting channel 54 is constructed as a groove, that is, the first connecting channel 54 faces the cover plate 513, and the inward direction of the first connecting channel 54 is recessed in a direction away from the cover plate 513.

[0188] In some embodiments, one end of the first connecting channel 54 is connected to the mounting through hole 512 and extends in a direction away from the mounting through hole 512 to the edge of the first terminal extension 522a.

[0189] In other embodiments, the surface of the cover plate 513 facing the first terminal extension 522a and the two side surfaces of the first insulating member 514 may be provided with first connecting channels 54 in any number or all of them. One end of the first connecting channel 54 communicates with the mounting through hole 512 and extends away from the mounting through hole 512 to the edge or outside of the first terminal extension 522a.

[0190] In these embodiments where the first connecting channel 54 is provided in the first terminal extension 522a, the number, arrangement, length, width and depth of the first connecting channel 54 are as described above. As long as there is no contradiction, they are all applicable, so they will not be repeated here.

[0191] In other embodiments, the cover assembly 51 includes a cover plate 513, but does not include a first insulating member 514 and a second insulating member 516. In these embodiments, the surface of the cover plate 513 facing the second terminal extension 522b is provided with a first communicating channel 54.

[0192] The following describes how terminal assembly 52 is implemented as a single pole.

[0193] See Figures 29 to 31 In some embodiments, the end cap assembly 5 includes a cap assembly 51, a terminal assembly 52, a seal 53, and a first communication channel 54. The terminal assembly 52 includes a terminal body 521, and is therefore a single-pole end cap assembly 5. See also Figure 29 In this embodiment, the electrode assembly 4 corresponding to the end cap assembly 5 is a stacked electrode assembly 4.

[0194] The cover plate 513 and the second insulating member 516 of the positive terminal assembly 52 and the negative terminal assembly 52 are connected as a single unit. The structures of the other parts of the positive terminal assembly 52 and the negative terminal assembly 52 are similar. The structures of the positive terminal assembly 52 and the negative terminal assembly 52 are described herein with reference to the end cap assembly 5.

[0195] See Figures 29 to 31 The end cap assembly 5 includes a cap assembly 51, a terminal assembly 52, a seal 53, and a first connecting channel 54.

[0196] by Figure 29 Taking the indicated direction as an example, the cover assembly 51 includes a first insulating member 514, a cover plate 513 located below the first insulating member 514, and a second insulating member 516 located below the cover plate 513. The cover assembly 51 has a mounting through hole 512 that penetrates the cover assembly 51 along its axial direction. That is, the mounting through hole 512 penetrates the first insulating member 514, the cover plate 513, and the second insulating member 516.

[0197] See still Figure 29 The mounting through hole 512 comprises three interconnected segments: a second segment 512a, a first segment 512b, and a third segment 512c. The second segment 512a is located on the first insulating member 514, the first segment 512b is located on the cover plate 513, and the third segment 512c is located on the second insulating member 516. There is only one mounting through hole 512, corresponding to the single-pole structure of the terminal assembly 52.

[0198] See Figures 29 to 31 The first insulating member 514 adopts a rectangular thin plate structure. A second hole segment 512a is disposed within the first insulating member 514. It can be understood that... Figures 29 to 31 In the illustrated embodiments, the first insulating member 514 does not have a first connecting channel 54. However, in other embodiments, the first insulating member 514 may have a first connecting channel 54. The first connecting channel 54 is located on the surface of the first insulating member 514 facing the second terminal extension 522b. Figure 29The upper surface shown; or, the first connecting channel 54 is located on the surface of the first insulating member 514 away from the cover plate 513. Figure 29 The lower surface shown; or, the upper and lower surfaces of the first insulating member 514 are provided with a first connecting channel 54.

[0199] See Figures 29 to 31 The cover plate 513 is located between the first insulating member 514 and the second insulating member 516, which together clamp the cover plate 513. The second insulating member 516 is located on the side of the cover plate 513 facing the electrode assembly 4, and the first insulating member 514 is located on the side of the cover plate 513 away from the electrode assembly 4. The cover plate 513 is constructed as a rectangular thin plate. The cover plate 513 is provided with a first hole section 512b for mounting through holes 512, which is used to mount the seal 53 and the terminal body 521.

[0200] See Figures 29 to 31 The seal 53 uses a T-shaped sealing ring. The seal 53 includes an annular portion 531 and a sealing portion 532, which are connected in a sealing manner. The annular portion 531 is located in the first hole segment 512b of the mounting through hole 512, and the sealing portion 532 is located outside the mounting through hole 512, and is pressed against the second terminal extension 522b of the terminal assembly 52 and the cover plate 513. The sealing portion 532 can be flat or stepped, and serves a sealing function. There can be a certain gap between the annular portion 531 and the inner wall of the first hole segment 512b of the mounting through hole 512 and the outer wall of the terminal body 521. The first terminal extension 522b and the cover assembly 51 together compress the seal 53 to seal the mounting through hole 512.

[0201] The second insulating member 516, the first insulating member 514, and the sealing member 53 work together to insulate and isolate the cover plate 513 and the terminal body 521, prevent short circuits between the terminal body 521 and the cover plate 513, and ensure that the terminal body 521 is securely installed.

[0202] See Figures 29 to 31 The first connecting channel 54 can be disposed on the surface of the cover plate 513 facing the first insulating member 514, that is, the upper surface of the cover plate 513. Alternatively, the first connecting channel 54 can be disposed on the surface of the cover plate 513 facing the second insulating member 516, that is, the lower surface of the cover plate 513. Alternatively, the first connecting channel 54 can be disposed on both the upper and lower surfaces of the cover plate 513.

[0203] Alternatively, the first connecting channel 54 may be disposed on the surface of the first insulating member 514 facing the first terminal extension 522a and configured as a groove, i.e., the first connecting channel 54 may be disposed on the upper surface of the first insulating member 514. Alternatively, the first connecting channel 54 may be disposed on the surface of the first insulating member 514 facing the cover plate 513 and configured as a groove, i.e., the first connecting channel 54 may be disposed on the lower surface of the first insulating member 514. Alternatively, the first connecting channel 54 may be disposed on both the upper and lower surfaces of the first insulating member 514.

[0204] It should be noted that the first connecting channels 54 on the first insulating member 514 and the cover plate 513 are independent and do not affect each other. The first connecting channels 54 can be provided on both the first insulating member 514 and the cover plate 513 at the same time, or the first connecting channels 54 can be provided on only one of them.

[0205] In these embodiments where the seal 53 uses a T-shaped sealing ring, the number, arrangement, length, width, and depth of the first connecting flow channel 54 are as described above, so they will not be repeated here.

[0206] In other embodiments, the cover assembly 51 includes a cover plate 513, but does not include a first insulating member 514 and a second insulating member 516. In these embodiments, a first communicating channel 54 is provided on the surface of the cover plate 513 facing the second terminal extension 522b. The first communicating channel 54 is provided on the surface of the cover plate 513 near the second terminal extension 522b and is configured as a recessed groove. Furthermore, the first communicating channel 54 may or may not be provided on the second terminal extension 522b.

[0207] In some embodiments, one end of the first connecting channel 54 is connected to the mounting through hole 512, and the other end of the first connecting channel 54 extends to the outside of the first terminal extension 522a.

[0208] It should be noted that in the various embodiments described above, the schemes of setting the first connecting flow channel 54 in the terminal assembly 52 and the schemes of setting the first connecting flow channel 54 in the cover assembly 51 can be arbitrarily superimposed and combined, as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0209] See Figures 33 to 34In some embodiments, the seal 53 is located between the terminal body 521 and the wall of the first hole segment 512b. That is, the seal 53 is an O-ring. The end cap assembly also includes a second communication channel 55. The second communication channel 55 is disposed between at least one of the second terminal extension 522b and the second insulating member 516, or between the second insulating member 516 and the cover plate 513. The second communication channel 55 is configured such that the interior of the housing 1 communicates with the third hole segment 512c. In a battery cell, there may be two main types of false seals: one is a false seal that prevents the mounting through hole 512 from communicating with the external environment of the battery cell, and the other is a false seal that prevents the mounting through hole 512 from communicating with the internal cavity of the battery cell. The second connecting channel 55 can eliminate any false seals that may exist at various contact points between the mounting through hole 512 and the inner cavity of the battery cell. False seals may form on the mating surfaces of various parts of the cover assembly 51 and on the mating surfaces of the cover assembly 51 and the second terminal extension 522b located inside the battery casing. The second connecting channel 55 can be provided at these locations. In other words, the second connecting channel 55 can be provided at any location inside the battery cell casing where a false seal may form due to contact mating.

[0210] See Figures 35 to 36 In some embodiments, the seal 53 is a T-shaped sealing ring. At least a portion of the seal 53 is located between the second terminal extension 522b and the wall of the third hole segment 512c. The end cap assembly also includes a second communication channel 55, which is disposed at least one of the second terminal extension 522b and the second insulating member 516 to break the seal between the second terminal extension 522b and the second insulating member 516, thereby allowing communication between the interior of the housing 1 and the third hole segment 512c. The structure of the second communication channel 55 is configured as needed, and its dimensions are determined by the structure of the battery cell.

[0211] See Figure 33 and Figure 34 In various embodiments where the second connecting channel 55 is provided, the end cap assembly further includes a second through structure 519 disposed between the second insulating member 516 and the terminal body 521 to break the seal between the second insulating member 516 and the terminal body 521. Alternatively, the first through structure 518 is a through hole with a diameter slightly larger than that of the third hole segment 512c.

[0212] The second through structure 519 increases the gap between the second insulating member 516 and the terminal body 521, making it difficult for a false seal to be formed between them.

[0213] In some embodiments, the second through structure 519 extends axially through the wall of the third hole segment 512c and is configured as a recess recessed away from the terminal body 521. The number of recesses can be one or more. The shape and size of the recesses can be set as needed. Multiple recesses can be connected together or arranged at intervals.

[0214] In the embodiments described above, the terminal body 521 is electrically connected to the electrode assembly 4 via an adapter piece 517. The implementation of the adapter piece 517 described herein is applicable to the embodiments described above. The adapter piece 517 includes a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, and a third connecting portion. The first connecting portion and the third connecting portion are connected together via the second connecting portion. The first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, and the third connecting portion can be integral or fixed together. The third connecting portion is fixed together with the terminal body 521. After the battery cell 10 is installed, the first connecting portion of the adapter piece 517 is in a bent state, bent to a position approximately parallel to the third connecting portion. The first connecting portion is electrically connected to the tab of the electrode assembly 4.

[0215] The above describes end cap assembly 5, which is applicable to both positive and negative electrode terminals. Furthermore, the implementation methods of positive end cap assembly 2 and negative end cap assembly 3 are independent and do not affect each other. For example, positive end cap assembly 2 may have a first connecting channel 54, while negative end cap assembly 3 may not; or the location, number, and arrangement of the first connecting channels 54 in positive end cap assembly 2 and negative end cap assembly 3 may be the same or different.

[0216] See Figure 32 In some embodiments, the seal 53 is a T-shaped sealing ring. The cover plate 513 is provided with a first connecting channel 54. In the absence of the seal 53 or in the event of a failure of the seal 53, the first connecting channel 54 allows the interior of the battery cell 10 to communicate with the outside. In this case, when the battery cell 10 is tested for sealing, leakage in the battery cell 10 can be detected through the first connecting channel 54, thus avoiding subsequent potential problems caused by false sealing of the end cap assembly 5 of the battery cell 10.

[0217] See Figure 34In some embodiments, the end cap assembly further includes a first through structure 518, which is disposed between the first insulating member 514 and the terminal body 521. The first connecting channel 54 communicates with the first hole segment 512b through the first through structure 518. The first through structure 518 is used to break the false seal between the first insulating member 514 and the terminal body 521. The first through structure 518 is used to break the false seal between the end cap assembly 51 and the terminal body 521. This type of false seal is mainly caused by the use of a plastic material in the end cap assembly 51. During assembly, a false seal may occur if an interference fit is formed between the mounting through hole 512 of the end cap assembly 51 and the terminal body 521, or in some areas. The first through structure 518 increases the mounting gap between the end cap assembly 51 and the terminal body 521.

[0218] The first through structure 518 can be implemented in various ways. In some embodiments, the first through structure 518 extends axially through the wall of the second hole segment 512a, and the first through structure 518 is configured as a recessed portion away from the terminal body 521. Multiple first through structures 518 can be provided along the circumference of the first hole segment 512b, with equal or slightly different spacing between each first through structure 518. The width of the first through structure 518 is adapted to the size of the second hole segment 512a of the first insulating member 514. Alternatively, the first through structure 518 can be a through hole with a diameter slightly larger than that of the second hole segment 512a.

[0219] This disclosure also provides a battery cell manufacturing apparatus, including a housing providing module and an end cap providing module. The housing providing module is configured to provide a housing 1 having an opening; the end cap providing module is configured to provide an end cap assembly that closes the opening. The end cap assembly includes a cover assembly 51, a terminal assembly 52, a seal 53, and a first connecting channel 54. The cover assembly 51 has a mounting through hole 512 extending through it along its axial direction. The terminal assembly 52 is mounted in the mounting through hole 512; the seal 53 seals the mounting through hole 512. The first connecting channel 54 is disposed in the terminal assembly 52 and / or the cover assembly 51. The first connecting channel 54 is configured such that when the seal 53 fails, the first connecting channel 54 allows communication between the interior and exterior of the housing 1 through the mounting through hole 512. For a detailed description of the end cap assembly, please refer to the above description; further details will not be repeated here.

[0220] Another embodiment of this disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a battery cell, used to manufacture the battery cell described above. The method includes the following steps:

[0221] First, a housing 1 is provided. The housing 1 has an opening.

[0222] Next, an end cap assembly is provided. The end cap assembly closes the opening of the housing 1. The end cap assembly includes a cap assembly 51, a terminal assembly 52, a seal 53, and a first communication channel 54. The cap assembly 51 has a mounting through-hole 512 extending through it axially. The terminal assembly 52 is mounted in the mounting through-hole 512. The seal 53 seals the mounting through-hole 512. The first communication channel 54 is provided in the terminal assembly 52 and / or the cap assembly 51. The first communication channel 54 is configured such that when the seal 53 fails, the first communication channel 54 allows communication between the interior and exterior of the housing 1 through the mounting through-hole 512.

[0223] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0224] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this disclosure and not to limit them; although this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the specific implementation of this disclosure or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the spirit of the technical solutions of this disclosure, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the technical solutions claimed in this disclosure.

Claims

1. An end cap assembly for closing a housing (1) of a battery cell, characterized in that include: The cover assembly (51) has a mounting through hole (512) that extends through the cover assembly (51) along its own axial direction. Terminal assembly (52) is mounted in the mounting through hole (512); Seal (53) for sealing the mounting through hole (512); and A first connecting channel (54) is disposed in at least one of the terminal assembly (52) and the cover assembly (51), the first connecting channel (54) extending radially along the mounting through hole (512), the first connecting channel (54) being configured such that when the seal (53) fails to seal, the first connecting channel (54) allows the interior and exterior of the housing (1) to communicate through the mounting through hole (512); The terminal assembly (52) includes a terminal body (521) and a first terminal extension (522a). The terminal body (521) passes through the mounting through hole (512). The first terminal extension (522a) extends outward from the outer periphery of the terminal body (521) and is fixed to the outer side of the cover assembly (51) along the axial direction. The cover assembly (51) includes a cover plate (513) and a first insulating member (514), at least a portion of which is located between the first terminal extension (522a) and the cover plate (513); The mounting through hole (512) includes a first hole segment (512b) and a second hole segment (512a). The first hole segment (512b) penetrates the cover plate (513) along the axial direction, and the second hole segment (512a) communicates with the first hole segment (512b) and penetrates the first insulating member (514) along the axial direction. The first connecting channel (54) is located between the first insulating member (514) and the first terminal extension (522a).

2. The end cap assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connecting channel (54) is provided on the surface of the first terminal extension (522a) facing the first insulating member (514); and / or The first connecting channel (54) is provided on the surface of the first insulating member (514) facing the first terminal extension (522a); and / or One end of the first connecting channel (54) is connected to the mounting through hole (512) and extends in a direction away from the mounting through hole (512) to the edge or outside of the first terminal extension (522a).

3. The end cap assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The seal (53) is located between the terminal body (521) and the hole wall of the first hole segment (512b), and the terminal body (521) and the hole wall of the first hole segment (512b) together press the seal (53) to seal the mounting through hole (512).

4. The end cap assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the first connecting channel (54) is connected to the second hole section (512a), and the other end is connected to the outside of the housing (1).

5. The end cap assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The first through structure (518) is disposed between the first insulating member (514) and the terminal body (521), and the first connecting channel (54) is connected to the first hole segment (512b) through the first through structure (518).

6. The end cap assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first through structure (518) extends through the hole wall of the second hole segment (512a) along the axial direction and is configured as a recessed portion toward the terminal body (521).

7. The end cap assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connecting channel (54) is constructed as a groove or a rough surface.

8. The end cap assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the seal (53) is located between the terminal body (521) and the hole wall of the second hole segment (512a), and the first terminal extension (522a) and the cover plate (513) together press the portion of the seal (53) located between the terminal body (521) and the hole wall of the second hole segment (512a) along the axial direction.

9. The end cap assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The terminal assembly (52) further includes a second terminal extension (522b) extending outward from the outer periphery of the terminal body (521), the second terminal extension (522b) being fixed to the inner side of the cover plate (513) along the axial direction; The cover assembly (51) further includes a second insulating member (516), which is at least partially located between the second terminal extension (522b) and the cover plate (513); The mounting through hole (512) further includes a third hole segment (512c), which communicates with the first hole segment (512b) and penetrates the second insulating member (516) along the axial direction.

10. The end cap assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, At least a portion of the seal (53) is located between the terminal body (521) and the hole wall of the third hole segment (512c), and the second terminal extension (522b) and the cover plate (513) together press the portion of the seal (53) located between the terminal body (521) and the hole wall of the third hole segment (512c) along the axial direction.

11. The end cap assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The end cap assembly also includes: The second connecting channel (55) is disposed in at least one of the second terminal extension (522b) and the second insulating member (516), or disposed between the second insulating member (516) and the cover plate (513); The second connecting channel (55) is configured such that the interior of the housing (1) is connected to the third hole segment (512c).

12. The end cap assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: A second through structure (519) is disposed between the second insulating member (516) and the terminal body (521) to break the seal between the second insulating member (516) and the terminal body (521).

13. The end cap assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second through structure (519) extends through the hole wall of the third hole segment (512c) along the axial direction and is configured as a recessed portion toward the terminal body (521).

14. A single battery cell, characterized in that, The device includes a housing (1) and an end cap assembly according to any one of claims 1-13, the housing (1) having an opening and the end cap assembly closing the opening.

15. A battery pack, characterized in that, Includes the battery cell (10) as described in claim 14.

16. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, Includes the battery pack (100) as described in claim 15.

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