Battery cell, battery, electric device, and method and apparatus for manufacturing battery cell

Abstract

The embodiment of the application provides a battery monomer, a battery, a power consumption equipment, a manufacturing method and equipment of the battery monomer, and belongs to the technical field of batteries. The battery monomer comprises a shell, an electrode assembly, an end cover and a current collecting member. The electrode assembly has a tab. The shell has an opening, and the shell is used for accommodating the electrode assembly. The end cover is used for covering the opening and is in sealing connection with the shell. The current collecting member is located in the shell, and the current collecting member is used for connecting the tab and the shell to realize electrical connection of the tab and the shell. The inner side surface of the shell is provided with a first limiting part, and the current collecting member is in abutment with one side of the first limiting part facing the electrode assembly. The first limiting part limits the current collecting member, limits the movement of the current collecting member to the electrode assembly, reduces the displacement amount of the movement of the electrode assembly in the shell along the direction of the end cover, reduces the risk that the connection between the tab and the current collecting member is invalid due to the excessive displacement amount of the electrode assembly, and thus reduces the risk that the electrical connection between the battery assembly and the shell is invalid.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The batteries most commonly used in vehicles are lithium-ion batteries. As a type of rechargeable battery, lithium-ion batteries have advantages such as small size, high energy density, high power density, many cycles, and long storage time.

[0003] A typical battery cell consists of a casing and an electrode assembly. The casing houses the electrode assembly and electrolyte. Electrical energy is generated by the movement of metal ions (such as lithium ions) between the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly. For a typical battery cell, the electrode assembly needs to be electrically connected to the casing so that the casing serves as either the positive or negative output electrode of the battery cell. Currently, the electrical connection between the electrode assembly and the casing is prone to failure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a battery cell, a battery, an electrical device, and a method and apparatus for manufacturing the battery cell, which can reduce the risk of electrical connection failure between the battery assembly and the casing.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a battery cell, comprising: an electrode assembly having tabs; a housing having an opening for accommodating the electrode assembly; an end cap for covering the opening and sealingly connecting it to the housing; and a current collector for being housed within the housing and located on the side of the electrode assembly facing the end cap, the current collector for connecting the tabs and the housing to achieve electrical connection between the tabs and the housing; wherein, a first limiting portion is protruding from the inner side of the housing, the first limiting portion for restricting the end cap from moving towards the electrode assembly, and the current collector abuts against the side of the first limiting portion facing the electrode assembly.

[0006] In the above technical solution, the current collector is used to achieve electrical connection between the tab and the housing. The current collector abuts against the side of the first limiting part facing the electrode assembly, ensuring good current flow between the current collector and the housing. The first limiting part not only limits the end cover but also limits the current collector, thus restricting the movement of the electrode assembly. This reduces the displacement of the electrode assembly within the housing along the direction of the end cover, lowering the risk of connection failure between the tab and the current collector due to excessive displacement, thereby reducing the risk of electrical connection failure between the battery assembly and the housing.

[0007] In some embodiments, the current collector includes: a body portion located on the side of the first limiting portion facing the electrode assembly, the body portion being used to connect the tab; and an elastic portion connected to the body portion, the elastic portion being used to abut against the first limiting portion in a direction away from the electrode assembly.

[0008] In the above technical solution, the elastic part abuts against the first limiting part in the direction away from the electrode assembly. The elastic part has elastic deformation capability and can elastically deform according to the change in distance between the body part and the first limiting part. This allows the elastic part to play a good buffering role for the electrode assembly, reducing the risk of damage caused by rigid impact between the electrode assembly and the current collector. In addition, the elastic part will always remain in abutting state against the first limiting part when the battery assembly moves within the casing due to vibration of the battery cells, reducing the risk of electrical connection failure between the current collector and the casing caused by vibration of the battery cells.

[0009] In some embodiments, the elastic portion is a spring sheet bent and arranged on the body portion.

[0010] In the above technical solution, the elastic part is a spring sheet that is bent and arranged in the body part. It has a simple structure, is easy to form, and has a good deformation ability.

[0011] In some embodiments, the elastic portion includes: a first bending portion for abutting against the first limiting portion; and a second bending portion for connecting the first bending portion and the body portion; wherein, in the thickness direction of the end cap, the portion of the body portion opposite to the first bending portion is spaced apart from the first bending portion.

[0012] In the above technical solution, the elastic part includes a first bent part and a second bent part that are connected to each other. The first bent part and the second bent part can be formed by bending, which is simple to form. The part of the main body that is opposite to the first bent part is spaced apart from the first bent part. The gap between the main body and the first bent part can provide deformation space for the first bent part, so that the first bent part can not only deform in the direction away from the main body, but also deform in the direction closer to the main body. This allows the elastic part to play a good buffering role for the electrode assembly when the electrode assembly moves towards the end cap, reducing the risk of damage caused by rigid impact between the electrode assembly and the current collector.

[0013] In some embodiments, the battery cell further includes an elastic layer supported between the body portion and the first bending portion.

[0014] In the above technical solution, the elastic layer is supported between the main body and the first bending part. The elastic layer can play a good elastic support role for the first bending part, enhance the buffering effect of the elastic part on the electrode assembly, and improve the ability of the first bending part to recover deformation after deforming in the direction closer to the main body.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second bend is connected to the edge of the body portion, and the first bend is arranged to bend toward the body portion relative to the second bend.

[0016] In the above technical solution, the second bending portion is connected to the edge of the main body, giving it excellent deformation capability relative to the main body. The first bending portion is bent towards the main body relative to the second bending portion, giving it excellent deformation capability relative to the second bending portion, thus giving the entire elastic portion excellent deformation capability. Furthermore, because the second bending portion is connected to the edge of the main body, it is closer to the inner surface of the shell, allowing more of the first bending portion to abut against the first limiting portion, increasing the contact area between the first bending portion and the first limiting portion, and increasing the flow area between the current collecting member and the shell.

[0017] In some embodiments, the body portion has an outer surface facing the end cap, and the outer surface is provided with a first receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of the elastic portion.

[0018] In the above technical solution, the outer surface of the main body is provided with a first receiving portion, which can provide receiving space for the elastic portion, thereby reducing the size of the elastic portion protruding from the outer surface of the main body, reducing the space occupied by the elastic portion in the internal space of the housing, freeing up more space for the electrode assembly, and helping to improve the energy density of the battery cell.

[0019] In some embodiments, the elastic portion has an abutting surface facing the end cap, the abutting surface being used to abut against the first limiting portion, and the abutting surface being flush with the outer surface.

[0020] In the above technical solution, the abutting surface is flush with the outer surface of the main body, so that the outer surface of the main body can also abut against the first limiting part, thereby increasing the contact area between the current collecting member and the first limiting part, and further increasing the flow area between the current collecting member and the shell.

[0021] In some embodiments, the area of ​​the body portion where the first receiving portion is located is provided with a through hole.

[0022] In the above technical solution, the main body is provided with a through hole, and the discharge inside the battery cell located on the side of the main body facing the electrode assembly can flow through the through hole to the side of the main body facing the end cap. This is beneficial for the discharge of the discharge inside the battery cell to the outside of the battery cell in the event of thermal runaway, thereby improving the safety of the battery cell.

[0023] In some embodiments, the body portion is provided with a plurality of elastic portions distributed at circumferential intervals along the body portion.

[0024] In the above technical solution, multiple elastic portions distributed circumferentially along the body can all abut against the first limiting portion, increasing the contact area between the current collecting member and the first limiting portion, thereby increasing the flow area between the current collecting member and the housing, and realizing large-area flow. In addition, multiple elastic portions distributed circumferentially along the body can all buffer the electrode assembly, further reducing the risk of the electrode assembly being damaged by impact.

[0025] In some embodiments, the body portion has a plurality of welding zones spaced apart circumferentially, the welding zones being used for welding with the tabs, and at least one elastic portion is provided between two adjacent welding zones in the circumferential direction of the body portion.

[0026] In the above technical solution, at least one elastic part is provided between two adjacent welding areas in the circumferential direction of the body, so that the elastic part and the welding area of ​​the body for welding with the electrode tab are misaligned in the circumferential direction of the body. The weld mark formed by welding the welding area and the electrode tab is not easily affected by the elastic part, so that the size of the weld mark in the radial direction of the current collector is as large as possible, reducing the risk of polarization of the electrode assembly and improving the service life of the battery cell.

[0027] In some embodiments, the body portion has an inner surface facing away from the end cap, and the inner surface is provided with a second receiving portion located in the welding area, the second receiving portion being used to receive at least a portion of the electrode tab.

[0028] In the above technical solution, the inner surface of the main body is provided with a second receiving part located in the welding area. The second receiving part can accommodate at least a part of the electrode tab, thereby reducing the space occupied by the electrode tab in the internal space of the housing, so as to free up more space for the main body of the electrode assembly, which is conducive to improving the energy density of the battery cell.

[0029] In some embodiments, the current collecting member includes: a body portion located on the side of the first limiting portion facing the electrode assembly, the body portion being used to connect the electrode tab; and a hook portion connected to the body portion, the hook portion being used to hook and engage with the first limiting portion to restrict the movement of the body portion toward or away from the end cap.

[0030] In the above technical solution, the hook part of the current collector and the first limiting part are hooked together, which can restrict the movement of the main body towards or away from the end cover, and can always maintain close contact between the current collector and the first limiting part, thereby enhancing the stability of the electrical connection between the current collector and the housing and ensuring the flow area between the current collector and the housing.

[0031] In some embodiments, the hook portion includes: a first connecting portion connected to the body portion, the first connecting portion abutting against one side of the electrode assembly facing the first limiting portion; a second connecting portion abutting against the side of the first limiting portion away from the electrode assembly; and a third connecting portion connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

[0032] In the above technical solution, the first connecting part and the second connecting part of the hook part abut against the two sides of the first limiting part, so that the hook part and the first limiting part have a large contact area, thereby increasing the flow area between the current collecting component and the shell.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion, the third connecting portion, and the second connecting portion are sequentially connected and together define a limiting groove, the limiting groove being used to accommodate at least a portion of the first limiting portion. This type of hook part has a simple structure and is easy to mold.

[0034] In some embodiments, the battery cell further includes a conductive layer for connecting the first limiting portion and the third connecting portion.

[0035] In the above technical solution, the first limiting part and the third connecting part are connected by a conductive layer to realize the electrical connection between the first limiting part and the third connecting part, which further increases the flow area between the current collecting component and the shell.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first limiting portion is an annular structure extending circumferentially along the housing.

[0037] In the above technical solution, the first limiting part is a ring structure, which is easy to mold and manufacture. The first limiting part can restrict the end cover throughout the entire circumference, thus ensuring the limiting ability of the first limiting part on the end cover and the current collection component.

[0038] In some embodiments, a roller groove is provided on the outer side of the housing at a position corresponding to the first limiting portion.

[0039] In the above technical solution, the outer side of the shell is provided with a roller groove. During the forming process of the roller groove, the shell will form a first limiting part at the position corresponding to the roller groove, thereby restricting the current collector and electrode assembly inside the shell. The forming of the first limiting part is simple, making the assembly of the battery cell simpler and having good economic efficiency.

[0040] In some embodiments, the housing has a second limiting portion, and at least a portion of the end cap is located between the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion in the thickness direction of the end cap. The first limiting portion and the second limiting portion are used to jointly restrict the movement of the end cap in the thickness direction of the end cap.

[0041] In the above technical solution, the second limiting part can work with the first limiting part to restrict the movement of the end cap in the thickness direction of the end cap, so that the end cap cannot move relative to the shell, thus ensuring the firmness of the connection between the end cap and the shell.

[0042] In some embodiments, the battery cell further includes a seal for sealing the end cap and the housing, the seal being located on the side of the first limiting portion opposite to the electrode assembly.

[0043] In the above technical solution, a sealing element is used to achieve a sealed connection between the end cap and the housing, thereby ensuring the sealing performance of the end cap and the housing. The sealing element is located on the side of the first limiting part away from the electrode assembly, so the current collecting component is less likely to affect the arrangement of the sealing element, thus improving the sealing performance between the end cap and the housing.

[0044] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a battery, including multiple battery cells provided in any one of the embodiments of the first aspect.

[0045] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide an electrical device including the battery provided in any one of the embodiments of the second aspect.

[0046] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a method for manufacturing a battery cell, comprising: providing a housing having an opening; providing an electrode assembly having tabs; providing an end cap; providing a current collector; connecting the current collector to the tabs; accommodating the electrode assembly and the current collector within the housing; performing a grooving process on the housing such that a first limiting portion protruding from the inner side of the housing is formed at the grooving location; covering the opening with the end cap and sealing the end cap to the housing; wherein the first limiting portion restricts the end cap from moving towards the electrode assembly, the current collector is located on the side of the electrode assembly facing the end cap, and the current collector abuts against the side of the first limiting portion facing the electrode assembly.

[0047] In some embodiments, the current collector includes a body portion and an elastic portion, the body portion being connected to the electrode tab and the elastic portion being connected to the body portion; during the grooving process of the housing, the portion of the housing forming the grooves presses the elastic portion, causing the elastic portion to bend relative to the body portion, so that the elastic portion abuts against the first limiting portion in a direction away from the electrode assembly.

[0048] In the above technical solution, during the process of grooving the casing, the part of the casing that forms the grooves squeezes the elastic part of the current collector, causing the elastic part to bend relative to the main body and maintain elastic contact with the first limiting part. In other words, after the casing is grooved, the elastic part of the current collector naturally and elastically contacts the first limiting part, which improves the assembly efficiency of the battery cell.

[0049] In some embodiments, after the end cap is closed onto the opening, the manufacturing method further includes: flanging the housing to form a second limiting portion, so that the second limiting portion and the first limiting portion together restrict the movement of the end cap in the thickness direction of the end cap.

[0050] In the above technical solution, the second limiting part that limits the end cap is formed by flanging the shell. The forming method of the second limiting part is simple and the forming efficiency is high.

[0051] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a manufacturing apparatus for a battery cell, comprising: a first providing device for providing a housing having an opening; a second providing device for providing an electrode assembly having tabs; a third providing device for providing an end cap; a fourth providing device for providing a current collector; an assembly device for connecting the current collector to the tabs; further comprising for accommodating the electrode assembly and the current collector within the housing; further comprising for performing a grooving process on the housing such that a first limiting portion protruding from the inner side surface of the housing is formed at the grooving portion; further comprising for covering the opening with the end cap and sealing the end cap to the housing; the first limiting portion restricting the end cap from moving towards the electrode assembly, the current collector being located on the side of the electrode assembly facing the end cap, and the current collector abutting against the side of the first limiting portion facing the electrode assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0052] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0053] Figure 1 This application provides structural schematic diagrams of vehicles for some embodiments;

[0054] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the battery structure provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0055] Figure 3 Exploded views of a single battery cell provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0056] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the battery cell shown;

[0057] Figure 5 Partial views of a battery cell provided for some embodiments of this application;

[0058] Figure 6 Partial views of a battery cell provided for other embodiments of this application;

[0059] Figure 7 for Figure 5 and Figure 6 The diagram shows the structure of the current collection component;

[0060] Figure 8 A partial view of a battery cell provided for some embodiments of this application;

[0061] Figure 9 A partial view of a battery cell provided for some embodiments of this application;

[0062] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a single battery cell according to some embodiments of this application;

[0063] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the roller grooving process performed on the housing according to some embodiments of this application;

[0064] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the flanging process of the housing according to some embodiments of this application;

[0065] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell manufacturing apparatus provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0066] Icons: 10-Battery cell; 11-Housing; 111-Inner side; 112-First limiting part; 113-Outer side; 114-Roller groove; 115-Second limiting part; 12-Electrode assembly; 121-Main body; 122-Electrode tab; 13-End cap; 14-Current collector; 141-Body body; 1411-Outer surface; 1412-First receiving part; 1413-Through hole; 1414-Welding area; 1415-Inner surface; 1416-Second receiving part; 142-Elastic part; 1421-First bending part; 1422-Second bending part; 1423-Abutting surface; 14 4-Hook and latch part; 1441-First connecting part; 1442-Second connecting part; 1443-Third connecting part; 1444-Limiting groove; 15-Seal; 16-Electrode terminal; 17-Elastic layer; 18-Conductive layer; 20-Box; 21-First part; 22-Second part; 100-Battery; 200-Controller; 300-Motor; 1000-Vehicle; 2000-Manufacturing equipment; 2100-First supply device; 2200-Second supply device; 2300-Third supply device; 2400-Fourth supply device; 2500-Assembly device; Z-Thickness direction. Detailed Implementation

[0067] need

[0068] During assembly

[0069] In some

[0070] In

[0071] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0072] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0073] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0074] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0075] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals denote the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components are omitted in different embodiments. It should be understood that the thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of various components in the embodiments of this application shown in the accompanying drawings, as well as the overall thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the integrated device, are merely illustrative and should not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0076] In this application, "multiple" means two or more (including two).

[0077] In this application, the battery cell may include lithium-ion secondary batteries, lithium-ion primary batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, sodium-lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, or magnesium-ion batteries, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited to these. The battery cell may be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited to these. Battery cells are generally divided into three types according to their packaging method: cylindrical battery cells, square battery cells, and pouch battery cells, and the embodiments of this application are not limited to these.

[0078] The battery mentioned in the embodiments of this application refers to a single physical module comprising one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery mentioned in this application may include a battery module or a battery pack. A battery generally includes a housing for encapsulating one or more battery cells. The housing prevents liquids or other foreign matter from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells.

[0079] A battery cell includes an electrode assembly and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly consists of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. The battery cell primarily functions by the movement of metal ions between the positive and negative electrodes. The positive electrode includes a positive current collector and a positive active material layer. The positive active material layer is coated on the surface of the positive current collector, and the uncoated positive current collector protrudes beyond the coated one, serving as the positive electrode tab. Taking a lithium-ion battery as an example, the positive current collector can be made of aluminum, and the positive active material can be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganese oxide, etc. The negative electrode includes a negative current collector and a negative active material layer. The negative active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative current collector, and the uncoated negative current collector protrudes beyond the coated one, serving as the negative electrode tab. The negative electrode current collector can be made of copper, and the negative electrode active material can be carbon or silicon, etc. To ensure that a large current can pass through without melting, there are multiple positive electrode tabs stacked together, and there are multiple negative electrode tabs stacked together. The separator can be made of PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene), etc. In addition, the electrode assembly can be a wound structure or a stacked structure, and the embodiments of this application are not limited to these.

[0080] For a typical battery cell, the electrode assembly needs to be electrically connected to the casing so that the casing serves as the positive or negative output terminal of the battery cell. Currently, the electrical connection between the electrode assembly and the casing is prone to failure.

[0081] In a single battery cell, the casing is a hollow structure with an opening at one end. The casing has a bottom wall arranged opposite to the opening. The electrode assembly's tabs are electrically connected to the casing via a current collector, which is welded to the bottom wall of the casing so that the casing serves as one output terminal (positive or negative) of the battery cell. The inventors discovered that the electrode assembly has considerable movement space within the casing. Because the current collector is welded to the bottom wall of the casing, when the battery cell is in a vibration environment, the electrode assembly will undergo significant displacement relative to the casing. This could lead to connection failure between the electrode assembly's tabs and the current collector, posing a risk of electrical connection failure between the electrode assembly and the casing.

[0082] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a battery cell, which includes an electrode assembly, a housing, an end cap, and a current collector. The electrode assembly has tabs. The housing has an opening. The housing is used to accommodate the electrode assembly. The end cap is used to close the opening and is sealed to the housing. The current collector is located inside the housing and is used to connect the tabs and the housing to achieve electrical connection between the tabs and the housing. A first limiting portion protrudes from the inner side of the housing, which restricts the end cap from moving towards the electrode assembly. The current collector abuts against the side of the first limiting portion facing the electrode assembly.

[0083] In this type of battery cell, the tabs are electrically connected to the casing via a current collector. The current collector abuts against the side of the first limiting part facing the electrode assembly, ensuring good current flow between the current collector and the casing. The first limiting part not only limits the end cap but also limits the current collector, thus restricting the movement of the electrode assembly. This reduces the displacement of the electrode assembly within the casing along the end cap direction, lowering the risk of connection failure between the tabs and the current collector due to excessive displacement, and consequently reducing the risk of electrical connection failure between the battery assembly and the casing.

[0084] In addition, since the current collector abuts against the side of the first limiting part facing the electrode assembly, the first limiting part can separate the current collector and the end cover. On the one hand, it reduces the impact of the current collector on the end cover and improves the sealing between the end cover and the housing. On the other hand, it makes the current collector and the end cover farther apart, reducing the risk of the end cover becoming electrified.

[0085] The battery cells described in the embodiments of this application are applicable to batteries and electrical devices that use batteries.

[0086] Electrical equipment can include vehicles, mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, ships, spacecraft, electric toys, and power tools, etc. Vehicles can be gasoline-powered cars, natural gas-powered cars, or new energy vehicles; new energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles, etc. Spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc. Electric toys include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. Power tools include metal cutting power tools, grinding power tools, assembly power tools, and railway power tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, impact drills, concrete vibrators, and electric planers, etc. This application does not impose any special limitations on the above-mentioned electrical equipment.

[0087] For ease of explanation, the following embodiments use a vehicle as an example of electrical equipment.

[0088] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1The diagram below illustrates the structure of a vehicle 1000 according to some embodiments of this application. A battery 100 is disposed inside the vehicle 1000, and the battery 100 may be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 can be used to power the vehicle 1000; for example, the battery 100 can serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000.

[0089] The vehicle 1000 may also include a controller 200 and a motor 300. The controller 200 is used to control the battery 100 to supply power to the motor 300, for example, for the power needs of the vehicle 1000 during startup, navigation and driving.

[0090] In some embodiments of this application, the battery 100 can not only serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000, but also as the driving power source for the vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1000.

[0091] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 The diagram below illustrates the structure of a battery 100 according to some embodiments of this application. The battery 100 includes multiple battery cells 10. The multiple battery cells 10 can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed configuration. A mixed configuration means that some of the multiple battery cells 10 are connected in series and others in parallel.

[0092] In some embodiments, the battery 100 may further include a busbar component, through which multiple battery cells 10 can be electrically connected to each other to achieve series, parallel, or mixed connection of multiple battery cells 10.

[0093] Busbar components can be metallic conductors, such as copper, iron, aluminum, steel, aluminum alloys, etc.

[0094] In some embodiments, the battery cell 10 may further include a housing 20 for accommodating the battery cell 10. The housing 20 may include a first portion 21 and a second portion 22, which overlap each other to define a receiving space for accommodating the battery cell 10. Of course, the connection between the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 may be sealed using a sealing element, such as a sealing ring, sealant, etc.

[0095] The first part 21 and the second part 22 can be of various shapes, such as cuboids or cylinders. The first part 21 can be a hollow structure with one open side, and the second part 22 can also be a hollow structure with one open side. The open side of the second part 22 covers the open side of the first part 21, thus forming a box 20 with a storage space. Alternatively, the first part 21 can be a hollow structure with one open side, and the second part 22 can be a plate-like structure. The second part 22 covers the open side of the first part 21, thus forming a box 20 with a storage space.

[0096] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 The exploded view of a battery cell 10 provided in some embodiments of this application shows that the battery cell 10 may include a housing 11, an electrode assembly 12, an end cap 13, a current collector 14, and a seal 15.

[0097] The housing 11 is a component used to house the electrode assembly 12. The housing 11 can be a hollow structure with an opening at one end, or it can be a hollow structure with openings at both ends. The housing 11 can be made of various materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, steel, or aluminum alloy. The housing 11 can also be in various shapes, such as a cylinder or a cuboid. For example, in... Figure 3 In the middle, the shell 11 is a cylinder.

[0098] Electrode assembly 12 is a component in the battery cell 10 where electrochemical reactions occur. Electrode assembly 12 may include a main body 121 and tabs 122, with the tabs 122 protruding from the end of the main body 121. The main body 121 may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. The main body 121 may be a wound structure formed by winding the positive electrode, separator, and negative electrode. Alternatively, the main body 121 may be a stacked structure formed by arranging the positive electrode, separator, and negative electrode in layers.

[0099] The positive electrode includes a positive current collector and positive active material layers coated on opposite sides of the positive current collector. The negative electrode includes a negative current collector and negative active material layers coated on opposite sides of the negative current collector. The main body 121 is the portion of the electrode assembly 12 corresponding to the area of ​​the electrode coated with the active material layer, and the tab 122 is the portion of the electrode not coated with the active material layer. The tab 122 can be divided into a positive tab and a negative tab, which protrude from both ends of the main body 121, respectively.

[0100] End cap 13 is a component that closes onto the opening of housing 11 to isolate the internal environment of battery cell 10 from the external environment. End cap 13 closes onto the opening of housing 11, and end cap 13 and housing 11 together define a sealed space for accommodating electrode assembly 12, electrolyte, and current collector 14. The shape of end cap 13 can be adapted to the shape of housing 11. For example, if housing 11 is a cuboid structure, end cap 13 can be a rectangular plate structure adapted to housing 11; or if housing 11 is a cylindrical structure, end cap 13 can be a circular plate structure adapted to housing 11. The material of end cap 13 can also be various. For example, end cap 13 can be made of metal, such as copper, iron, aluminum, steel, aluminum alloy, etc. The material of end cap 13 can be the same as or different from the material of housing 11.

[0101] In the battery cell 10, there can be one or two end caps 13. If the housing 11 is a hollow structure with an opening at one end, one end cap 13 is provided accordingly; if the housing 11 is a hollow structure with openings at both ends, two end caps 13 are provided accordingly. The two end caps 13 respectively cover the two openings of the housing 11. One of the positive and negative electrode tabs of the electrode assembly 12 is electrically connected to one end cap 13, and the other is electrically connected to the housing 11. In the embodiment where the housing 11 is a hollow structure with an opening at one end, an electrode terminal 16 can be provided at the end of the housing 11 opposite to the end cap 13. Figure 3 (Not shown), the electrode terminal 16 is insulated from the housing 11, and one of the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly 12 is electrically connected to the housing 11, and the other is electrically connected to the electrode terminal 16.

[0102] The current collector 14 is a component located inside the housing 11 and connecting the housing 11 and the electrode assembly 12 to achieve electrical connection between the electrode assembly 12 and the housing 11, so that the housing 11 serves as an output terminal of the battery cell 10. The current collector 14 can be a disc-shaped component disposed between the end cap 13 and the electrode assembly 12; for example, the housing 11 is a cylinder, and the current collector 14 has a disc structure. The current collector 14 can be a metallic conductor, such as copper, iron, aluminum, steel, or aluminum alloy.

[0103] The seal 15 is a component disposed between the end cap 13 and the housing 11 to achieve a sealed connection between the end cap 13 and the housing 11. The seal 15 can be made of various materials, such as rubber or plastic.

[0104] In some embodiments, the battery cell 10 may further include a pressure relief mechanism, which is actuated when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 10 reaches a threshold to release the internal pressure of the battery cell 10.

[0105] The pressure relief mechanism can be a separate component mounted on the end cover 13. For example, the pressure relief mechanism can be a component such as an explosion-proof valve, explosion-proof disc, air valve, pressure relief valve, or safety valve mounted on the end cover 13. The pressure relief mechanism can also be part of the end cover 13. For example, the end cover 13 has a groove, and the area defined by the groove forms the pressure relief mechanism.

[0106] "Actuation" refers to the activation of the pressure relief mechanism to a certain state, thereby releasing the internal pressure and temperature of the battery cell 10. The actions of the pressure relief mechanism may include, but are not limited to, at least a portion of the mechanism rupturing, breaking, tearing, or opening. When the pressure relief mechanism is actuated, the high-temperature, high-pressure substances inside the battery cell 10 are discharged outwards from the actuated portion. This method allows for pressure and temperature relief of the battery cell 10 under controllable pressure or temperature, thus preventing potentially more serious accidents.

[0107] The emissions from the battery cell 10 mentioned in this application include, but are not limited to: electrolyte, dissolved or split positive and negative electrode plates, fragments of the separator, high-temperature and high-pressure gases generated by the reaction, flames, etc.

[0108] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 for Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the battery cell 10 shown in this application embodiment provides a battery cell 10, including a housing 11, an electrode assembly 12, an end cap 13, and a current collector 14. The electrode assembly 12 has tabs 122. The housing 11 has an opening and is used to accommodate the electrode assembly 12. The end cap 13 is used to close the opening and is sealed to the housing 11. The current collector 14 is accommodated within the housing 11 and is located on the side of the electrode assembly 12 facing the end cap 13. The current collector 14 is used to connect the tabs 122 and the housing 11 to achieve electrical connection between the tabs 122 and the housing 11. A first limiting portion 112 protrudes from the inner side 111 of the housing 11. The first limiting portion 112 is used to restrict the end cap 13 from moving closer to the electrode assembly 12. The current collector 14 abuts against the side of the first limiting portion 112 facing the electrode assembly 12.

[0109] The current collector 14 is a component that enables the electrical connection between the housing 11 and the tab 122. The current collector 14 and the tab 122 can be fixedly connected, for example, the current collector 14 can be welded to the tab 122. The tab 122 referred to here can be either the positive or negative tab of the electrode assembly 12; that is, the current collector 14 can be connected to either the positive or negative tab 122. For example, in… Figure 4In the middle, an electrode terminal 16 can be provided at one end of the housing 11 away from the end cover 13. The electrode terminal 16 is insulated from the housing 11. The negative electrode tab of the electrode assembly 12 is connected to the current collector 14, and the positive electrode tab of the electrode assembly 12 is connected to the electrode terminal 16.

[0110] The current collector 14 abuts against the side of the first limiting portion 112 facing the electrode assembly 12, so that the current collector 14 and the first limiting portion 112 are in contact with each other, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the current collector 14 and the housing 11. The current collector 14 and the first limiting portion 112 may simply maintain abutment relationship, or they may abut each other and then be fixed together, for example, the current collector 14 and the first limiting portion 112 may abut each other and be welded together. The current collector 14 abuts against the side of the first limiting portion 112 facing the electrode assembly 12, and the current collector 14 may occupy the space between the electrode assembly 12 and the first limiting portion 112, thereby reducing the space for the electrode assembly 12 to move within the housing 11.

[0111] The inner surface 111 of the housing 11 refers to the inner surface of the sidewall of the housing 11 extending along the thickness direction Z of the end cap 13. Understandably, the inner surface 111 extends substantially along the thickness direction Z of the end cap 13. In embodiments where the housing 11 is cylindrical, the inner surface 111 is a cylindrical surface. In embodiments where the housing 11 is cuboid, the inner surface 111 comprises four sides located in different orientations and connected end-to-end.

[0112] A first limiting portion 112 protrudes from the inner surface 111 of the housing 11. Understandably, the first limiting portion 112 protrudes from the inner surface 111. The first limiting portion 112 is a structure that restricts the end cap 13 from moving closer to the electrode assembly 12. A current collector 14 abuts against the side of the first limiting portion 112 facing the electrode assembly 12, and the current collector 14 is located on the side of the electrode assembly 12 facing the end cap 13. Understandably, in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 13, the first limiting portion 112 is located between the electrode assembly 12 and the end cap 13. The first limiting portion 112 and the housing 11 can be an integrally formed structure, or they can be separately formed and then connected together, for example, the first limiting portion 112 can be welded to the housing 11. The first limiting portion 112 can have various structures; for example, the first limiting portion 112 can be a boss protruding from the inner surface 111 of the housing 11, or it can be a ring-shaped structure extending circumferentially along the housing 11.

[0113] The current collector 14 enables electrical connection between the tab 122 and the housing 11. The current collector 14 abuts against the side of the first limiting part 112 facing the electrode assembly 12, ensuring good current flow between the current collector 14 and the housing 11. The first limiting part 112 not only limits the end cap 13 but also limits the current collector 14, thus restricting the movement of the electrode assembly 12. This reduces the displacement of the electrode assembly 12 within the housing 11 along the direction of the end cap 13, lowering the risk of connection failure between the tab 122 and the current collector 14 due to excessive displacement, thereby reducing the risk of electrical connection failure between the battery assembly 100 and the housing 11.

[0114] Furthermore, since the current collector 14 abuts against the side of the first limiting part 112 facing the electrode assembly 12, the first limiting part 112 can separate the current collector 14 and the end cover 13. On the one hand, it reduces the influence of the current collector 14 on the end cover 13 and improves the sealing performance between the end cover 13 and the housing 11. On the other hand, it makes the current collector 14 and the end cover 13 far apart, reducing the risk of the end cover 13 becoming electrified.

[0115] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a partial view of a battery cell 10 provided in some embodiments of this application. The current collector 14 includes a body portion 141 and an elastic portion 142. The body portion 141 is located on the side of the first limiting portion 112 facing the electrode assembly 12, and the body portion 141 is used to connect the tab 122. The elastic portion 142 is connected to the body portion 141, and the elastic portion 142 is used to abut against the first limiting portion 112 in a direction away from the electrode assembly 12.

[0116] The body portion 141 is the part that connects the current collector 14 to the tab 122 to achieve electrical connection between the current collector 14 and the electrode assembly 12. For example, the body portion 141 is welded to the tab 122. Taking the housing 11 as a cylinder as an example, the body portion 141 can be a disc structure located inside the housing 11.

[0117] The elastic portion 142 is the part of the current collector 14 that abuts against the first limiting portion 112 and has elastic deformation capability. The elastic portion 142 abuts against the first limiting portion 112 in a direction away from the electrode assembly 12; that is, the elastic portion 142 abuts against the side of the first limiting portion 112 facing the electrode assembly 12. The elastic portion 142 is located on the side of the body portion 141 facing the first limiting portion 112. The elastic portion 142 and the body portion 141 can be integrally formed, or they can be separately formed and then connected together. The elastic portion 142 can have various structures; for example, the elastic portion 142 can be a spring sheet, or it can be a spring. There can be one or more elastic portions 142 connected to the body portion 141.

[0118] The elastic portion 142 abuts against the first limiting portion 112 in a direction away from the electrode assembly 12. The elastic portion 142 has elastic deformation capability and can elastically deform according to the change in distance between the body portion 141 and the first limiting portion 112. This allows the elastic portion 142 to play a good buffering role for the electrode assembly 12, reducing the risk of damage caused by rigid impact between the electrode assembly 12 and the current collector 14. In addition, the elastic portion 142 will always remain in abutting state against the first limiting portion 112 when the battery 100 assembly moves within the housing 11 due to the vibration of the battery cell 10, reducing the risk of electrical connection failure between the current collector 14 and the housing 11 caused by the vibration of the battery cell 10.

[0119] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 5 The elastic part 142 is a spring piece that is bent and arranged on the body part 141.

[0120] A spring is a flexible sheet that can be made of metal, such as copper or aluminum.

[0121] The spring sheet is bent and arranged in the body part 141. Understandably, the spring sheet is in a bent state, thus giving it the ability to elastically deform. Before the spring sheet is formed, it can be in a straight structure. After the spring sheet is bent and formed, it becomes a zigzag structure, giving it the ability to elastically deform.

[0122] In this embodiment, the elastic part 142 is a spring sheet bent and arranged in the body part 141. It has a simple structure, is easy to form, and has good deformation ability. In addition, the spring sheet can form a large-area contact with the protrusion, which is beneficial for flow.

[0123] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 5 The elastic portion 142 includes a first bending portion 1421 and a second bending portion 1422. The first bending portion 1421 abuts against the first limiting portion 112, and the second bending portion 1422 connects the first bending portion 1421 and the body portion 141. In the thickness direction Z of the end cap 13, the portion of the body portion 141 opposite to the first bending portion 1421 is spaced apart from the first bending portion 1421.

[0124] The first bending portion 1421 is the part that abuts against the elastic portion 142 and the first limiting portion 112. After the first bending portion 1421 abuts against the first limiting portion 112, the first bending portion 1421 and the first limiting portion 112 can be stacked together in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 13. The first bending portion 1421 can be a flat sheet.

[0125] The second bending portion 1422 is the part where the elastic portion 142 connects the first bending portion 1421 and the main body portion 141. The second bending portion 1422 is arranged bent relative to the first bending portion 1421, and a crease is formed at the connection between the second bending portion 1422 and the first bending portion 1421. The second bending portion 1422 may also be a flat sheet.

[0126] In the thickness direction Z of the end cap 13, the part of the body portion 141 opposite to the first bent portion 1421 is the part of the body portion 141 covered by the projection of the first bent portion 1421.

[0127] In this embodiment, the elastic portion 142 includes a first bent portion 1421 and a second bent portion 1422 connected to each other. The first bent portion 1421 and the second bent portion 1422 can be formed by bending, which is simple to form. The portion of the main body portion 141 opposite to the first bent portion 1421 is spaced apart from the first bent portion 1421. The gap between the main body portion 141 and the first bent portion 1421 can provide deformation space for the first bent portion 1421, so that the first bent portion 1421 has the ability to deform not only in the direction away from the main body portion 141, but also in the direction closer to the main body portion 141. This allows the elastic portion 142 to play a good buffering role for the electrode assembly 12 when it moves towards the end cap 13, reducing the risk of damage caused by the rigid impact between the electrode assembly 12 and the current collector 14.

[0128] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a partial view of a battery cell 10 provided in some other embodiments of this application. The battery cell 10 also includes an elastic layer 17, which is supported between the body portion 141 and the first bending portion 1421.

[0129] The elastic layer 17 is an elastic component that supports the main body 141 and the first bent portion 1421. The elastic layer 17 can be a spring, elastic rubber, or other similar components.

[0130] The elastic layer 17 provides good elastic support for the first bending portion 1421, enhances the buffering effect of the elastic portion 142 on the electrode assembly 12, and improves the ability of the first bending portion 1421 to recover its deformation after deforming in the direction closer to the body portion 141.

[0131] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The second bending portion 1422 is connected to the edge of the main body portion 141, and the first bending portion 1421 is bent relative to the second bending portion 1422 in a direction closer to the main body portion 141.

[0132] The edge of the body portion 141 refers to the edge position where the outer peripheral surface of the body portion 141 is located. Before the elastic portion 142 is formed, assuming that the second bending portion 1422 and the first bending portion 1421 are coplanar, bending the second bending portion 1422 relative to the first bending portion 1421 towards the body portion 141 will allow the first bending portion 1421 and the second bending portion 1422 to be located in different planes, thus achieving the bending arrangement of the first bending portion 1421 relative to the second bending portion 1422 towards the body portion 141.

[0133] For example, taking the body portion 141 as a disc-shaped structure, in the radial direction of the body portion 141, the end of the second bent portion 1422 that is away from the first bent portion 1421 extends beyond the first limiting portion 112.

[0134] The second bending portion 1422 is connected to the edge of the main body portion 141, giving it a good ability to deform relative to the main body portion 141. The first bending portion 1421 is bent towards the main body portion 141 relative to the second bending portion 1422, giving it a good ability to deform relative to the second bending portion 1422, thus giving the entire elastic portion 142 a good ability to deform. Furthermore, since the second bending portion 1422 is connected to the edge of the main body portion 141, it is closer to the inner surface 111 of the housing 11, allowing more of the first bending portion 1421 to abut against the first limiting portion 112, increasing the contact area between the first bending portion 1421 and the first limiting portion 112, and increasing the flow area between the current collecting member 14 and the housing 11.

[0135] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 5-7 , Figure 7 for Figure 5 and Figure 6 The schematic diagram of the flow collector 14 shown shows that the body part 141 has an outer surface 1411 facing the end cap 13, and the outer surface 1411 of the body part 141 is provided with a first receiving part 1412, which is used to receive at least a portion of the elastic part 142.

[0136] The outer surface 1411 of the body portion 141 refers to the surface of the body portion 141 facing the end cap 13 and closest to the end cap 13. The outer surface 1411 is provided with a first receiving portion 1412, which is understood to be recessed from the outer surface 1411 of the body portion 141 towards the electrode assembly 12.

[0137] The first receiving portion 1412 may be a groove structure provided on the outer surface 1411 of the body portion 141. The first receiving portion 1412 serves to receive the elastic portion 142. The elastic portion 142 may be completely received within the first receiving portion 1412, or the elastic portion 142 may be partially received within the first receiving portion 1412. There may be one or more first receiving portions 1412. For example, if there is one elastic portion 142 in the current collecting member 14, then there may be one first receiving portion 1412. As another example, if there are multiple elastic portions 142 in the current collecting member 14, then there may be multiple first receiving portions 1412, with each first receiving portion 1412 receiving at least one first elastic portion 142.

[0138] Taking the elastic portion 142, which includes a first bent portion 1421 and a second bent portion 1422, as an example, both the first bent portion 1421 and the second bent portion 1422 can be accommodated within the first accommodating portion 1412, so that the elastic portion 142 is completely accommodated within the first accommodating portion 1412; alternatively, the first bent portion 1421 can be accommodated within the first accommodating portion 1412, and the second bent portion 1422 can be at least partially located outside the first accommodating portion 1412, so that the elastic portion 142 is partially accommodated within the first accommodating portion 1412. In an embodiment where the portion of the body portion 141 opposite to the first bent portion 1421 is spaced apart from the first bent portion 1421, the bottom surface of the first bent portion 1421 is disposed opposite to the bottom surface of the first accommodating portion 1412 in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 13.

[0139] The outer surface 1411 of the main body 141 is provided with a first receiving portion 1412. The first receiving portion 1412 can provide receiving space for the elastic portion 142, thereby reducing the size of the elastic portion 142 protruding from the outer surface 1411 of the main body 141, reducing the space occupied by the elastic portion 142 in the internal space of the housing 11, freeing up more space for the electrode assembly 12, which is beneficial to improving the energy density of the battery cell 10.

[0140] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figures 5-7 The elastic part 142 has a contact surface 1423 facing the end cap 13, the contact surface 1423 is used to abut against the first limiting part 112, and the contact surface 1423 is flush with the outer surface 1411.

[0141] The abutting surface 1423 refers to the surface of the elastic part 142 that abuts against the first limiting part 112. The abutting surface 1423 is flush with the outer surface 1411, that is, the abutting surface 1423 and the outer surface 1411 are coplanar. Both the abutting surface 1423 and the outer surface 1411 are planes.

[0142] The abutting surface 1423 is flush with the outer surface 1411 of the main body 141, so that the outer surface 1411 of the main body 141 can also abut against the first limiting part 112, thereby increasing the contact area between the current collecting member 14 and the first limiting part 112, and further increasing the flow area between the current collecting member 14 and the housing 11.

[0143] In some embodiments, a through hole 1413 is provided in the area of ​​the body portion 141 where the first receiving portion 1412 is provided.

[0144] A through hole 1413 is provided in the area of ​​the body portion 141 where the first receiving portion 1412 is provided; in other words, a through hole 1413 is provided on the bottom surface of the first receiving portion 1412. The through hole 1413 on the body portion 141 forms a discharge channel for discharging emissions from inside the battery cell 10. The body portion 141 has an inner surface 1415 facing the electrode assembly 12, and the inner surface 1415 of the body portion 141 is the surface of the body portion 141 facing the electrode assembly 12 and closest to the electrode assembly 12. The through hole 1413 can simultaneously penetrate the bottom surface of the first receiving portion 1412 and the inner surface 1415 of the body portion 141 to form a discharge channel.

[0145] The through hole 1413 in the area where the first receiving portion 1412 is provided on the body portion 141 can be one or more. For example, in... Figure 7 In the middle, the area of ​​the main body 141 where the first receiving part 1412 is provided is provided with a plurality of through holes 1413.

[0146] In an embodiment where the end cap 13 has a pressure relief mechanism, the discharge flow inside the battery cell 10 passes through the through hole 1413 and is finally discharged to the outside of the battery cell 10 through the pressure relief mechanism.

[0147] The main body 141 is provided with a through hole 1413, and the discharge inside the battery cell 10 located on the side of the main body 141 facing the electrode assembly 12 can flow through the through hole 1413 to the side of the main body 141 facing the end cap 13. This is beneficial for the discharge of the discharge inside the battery cell 10 to the outside of the battery cell 10 in the event of thermal runaway, thereby improving the safety of the battery cell 10.

[0148] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 7 The main body 141 is provided with a plurality of elastic parts 142 distributed at intervals along the circumference of the main body 141.

[0149] In an embodiment where a first receiving portion 1412 for accommodating an elastic portion 142 is provided on the body portion 141, one first receiving portion 1412 may correspond to at least one elastic portion 142, that is, one first receiving portion 1412 may accommodate one elastic portion 142, or one first receiving portion 1412 may accommodate multiple elastic portions 142. For example, in... Figure 7In the body portion 141, a first receiving portion 1412 is used to receive an elastic portion 142. The first receiving portion 1412 is generally fan-shaped, and multiple first receiving portions 1412 converge at the center of the body portion 141. A central channel is provided at the center of the body portion 141 for being disposed opposite to the central hole of the electrode assembly 12.

[0150] Multiple elastic portions 142, spaced circumferentially along the body portion 141, can all abut against the first limiting portion 112, increasing the contact area between the current collecting member 14 and the first limiting portion 112, thereby increasing the flow area between the current collecting member 14 and the housing 11 and achieving large-area flow. Furthermore, the multiple elastic portions 142, spaced circumferentially along the body portion 141, can all buffer the electrode assembly 12, further reducing the risk of damage to the electrode assembly 12 due to impact.

[0151] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 7 The body portion 141 has a plurality of welding areas 1414 spaced apart in a circumferential direction. The welding areas 1414 are used for welding with the tabs 122. In the circumferential direction of the body portion 141, at least one elastic portion 142 is provided between two adjacent welding areas 1414.

[0152] The welding area 1414 is the part where the body portion 141 and the electrode tab 122 are welded. In the circumferential direction of the body portion 141, at least one elastic portion 142 is provided between two adjacent welding areas 1414; that is, one elastic portion 142 or multiple elastic portions 142 can be provided between two adjacent welding areas 1414. For example, in… Figure 7 In the middle, an elastic part 142 is provided between two adjacent welding areas 1414, so that the elastic part 142 and the welding area 1414 are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the body part 141.

[0153] In an embodiment where a first receiving portion 1412 for accommodating an elastic portion 142 is provided on the body portion 141, a welding area 1414 may be formed between two adjacent first receiving portions 1412 in the circumferential direction of the body portion 141, such that the first receiving portions 1412 and the welding area 1414 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction of the body portion 141. For example, both the welding area 1414 and the first receiving portion 1412 are generally fan-shaped, and there are three elastic portions 142, three first receiving portions 1412, and three welding areas 1414 on the body portion 141.

[0154] In this embodiment, at least one elastic portion 142 is provided between two adjacent welding areas 1414 in the circumferential direction of the body portion 141, such that the elastic portion 142 and the welding area 1414 of the body portion 141 for welding with the tab 122 are misaligned in the circumferential direction of the body portion 141. The weld mark formed by welding the welding area 1414 and the tab 122 is not easily affected by the elastic portion 142, so that the size of the weld mark in the radial direction of the current collector 14 is as large as possible, reducing the risk of polarization of the electrode assembly 12 and improving the service life of the battery cell 10.

[0155] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The body portion 141 has an inner surface 1415 facing away from the end cap 13. The inner surface 1415 of the body portion 141 is provided with a second receiving portion 1416 located in the welding area 1414. The second receiving portion 1416 is used to receive at least a portion of the tab 122.

[0156] The inner surface 1415 of the body portion 141 is the surface of the body portion 141 facing the electrode assembly 12 and closest to the electrode assembly 12. The inner surface 1415 of the body portion 141 is provided with a second receiving portion 1416 located in the welding area 1414. It can be understood that the second receiving portion 1416 is recessed from the inner surface 1415 of the body portion 141 in a direction away from the electrode assembly 12, and the second receiving portion 1416 is located in the welding area 1414.

[0157] Taking the formation of a welding area 1414 between two adjacent first receiving portions 1412 in the circumferential direction of the body portion 141 as an example, the second receiving portion 1416 and the first receiving portion 1412 can be arranged alternately in the circumferential direction of the body portion 141.

[0158] The second receiving portion 1416 can accommodate at least a portion of the tab 122, thereby reducing the space occupied by the tab 122 within the housing 11 and freeing up more space for the main body 121 of the electrode assembly 12, which is beneficial for improving the energy density of the battery cell 10. Furthermore, the portion of the welding area 1414 where the second receiving portion 1416 is located is thinner, facilitating the welding and fixing of the welding area 1414 and the tab 122, ensuring the strength of the welded area 1414 and the tab 122. Taking the welding of the welding area 1414 and the tab 122 by through-welding as an example, because the portion of the welding area 1414 where the second receiving portion 1416 is located is thinner, it is easy to penetrate the welding area 1414 and the tab to achieve welding, ensuring the strength of the welded parts.

[0159] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8This is a partial view of a battery cell 10 provided in some embodiments of this application. The current collector 14 includes a body portion 141 and a hook portion 144. The body portion 141 is located on the side of the first limiting portion 112 facing the electrode assembly 12. The body portion 141 is used to connect the tab 122. The hook portion 144 is connected to the body portion 141 and is used to hook and cooperate with the first limiting portion 112 to restrict the body portion 141 from moving towards or away from the end cap 13.

[0160] The body portion 141 is the part that connects the current collector 14 to the tab 122 to achieve electrical connection between the current collector 14 and the electrode assembly 12. For example, the body portion 141 is welded to the tab 122. Taking the housing 11 as a cylinder as an example, the body portion 141 can be a disc structure located inside the housing 11.

[0161] The hook-and-loop part 144 is the portion of the current-collecting member 14 that forms a hook-and-loop engagement with the first limiting part 112. The hook-and-loop engagement between the hook-and-loop part 144 and the current-collecting member 14 restricts the movement of the body part 141 towards or away from the end cap 13, that is, restricts the movement of the body part 141 in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 13. There can be one or more hook-and-loop parts 144 in the current-collecting member 14. Figure 8 In the current collection member 14, there are multiple hook parts 144, and the multiple hook parts 144 can be distributed at intervals along the circumference of the body part 141.

[0162] In this embodiment, the hook portion 144 of the current collector 14 is hooked and engaged with the first limiting portion 112, which can restrict the movement of the main body portion 141 towards or away from the end cover 13, and can always maintain the tight contact between the current collector 14 and the first limiting portion 112, thereby enhancing the stability of the electrical connection between the current collector 14 and the housing 11 and ensuring the flow area between the current collector 14 and the housing 11.

[0163] In some embodiments, the hook portion 144 includes a first connecting portion 1441, a second connecting portion 1442, and a third connecting portion 1443. The first connecting portion 1441 is connected to the body portion 141 and is used to abut against the side of the electrode assembly 12 facing the first limiting portion 112. The second connecting portion 1442 is used to abut against the side of the first limiting portion 112 away from the electrode assembly 12. The third connecting portion 1443 is used to connect the first connecting portion 1441 and the second connecting portion 1442.

[0164] The first connecting portion 1441 is the part of the hook portion 144 that abuts against the side of the first limiting portion 112 facing the electrode assembly 12. The first connecting portion 1441 is also the part of the hook portion 144 that abuts against the side of the first limiting portion 112 away from the electrode assembly 12. Understandably, the second connecting portion 1442 and the first connecting portion 1441 abut against both sides of the first limiting portion 112 in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 13. The third connecting portion 1443 is the part of the hook portion 144 that connects the first connecting portion 1441 and the second connecting portion 1442 together.

[0165] The first connecting portion 1441 and the second connecting portion 1442 of the hook portion 144 respectively abut against the two sides of the first limiting portion 112, so that the hook portion 144 and the first limiting portion 112 have a large contact area, thereby increasing the flow area between the current collecting member 14 and the housing 11.

[0166] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion 1441, the third connecting portion 1443, and the second connecting portion 1442 are sequentially connected and together define a limiting groove 1444, which is used to accommodate at least a portion of the first limiting portion 112.

[0167] The limiting groove 1444 is defined by a first connecting portion 1441, a third connecting portion 1443, and a second connecting portion 1442. The first connecting portion 1441, the third connecting portion 1443, and the second connecting portion 1442 are located in three different positions of the first limiting portion 112. For example, the first connecting portion 1441 and the second connecting portion 1442 are located on both sides of the first limiting portion 112 in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 13, and the third connecting portion 1443 is located on the inner circumferential side of the first limiting portion 112.

[0168] For example, the hook part 144 can be formed by bending a piece connected to the body part 141 to form a first connecting part 1441, a third connecting part 1443, and a second connecting part 1442 connected in sequence.

[0169] In this embodiment, the first connecting part 1441, the third connecting part 1443, and the second connecting part 1442 are connected in sequence to form a limiting groove 1444 for accommodating the first limiting part 112. This hook part 144 has a simple structure and is easy to form.

[0170] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a partial view of a battery cell 10 provided in some embodiments of this application. The battery cell 10 also includes a conductive layer 18 for connecting the first limiting portion 112 and the third connecting portion 1443.

[0171] The conductive layer 18 is a component that enables the electrical connection between the first limiting part 112 and the third connecting part 1443. The conductive layer 18 can be a conductor such as conductive adhesive or conductive metal.

[0172] After the hook part 144 is hooked onto the first limiting part 112, the first connecting part 1441 and the second connecting part 1442 of the hook part 144 both abut against the first limiting part 112 to maintain good contact with the first limiting part 112. However, there may be a gap between the third connecting part 1443 and the first limiting part 112, so that the third connecting part 1443 does not contact the first limiting part 112.

[0173] Therefore, by providing a conductive layer 18 between the first limiting part 112 and the third connecting part 1443, an electrical connection between the first limiting part 112 and the third connecting part 1443 is achieved, further increasing the flow area between the current collecting member 14 and the housing 11.

[0174] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 The first limiting part 112 is an annular structure that extends circumferentially along the shell 11.

[0175] When the first limiting part 112 is an annular structure extending circumferentially along the housing 11, the housing 11 can be a cylindrical structure.

[0176] The first limiting part 112 has a ring structure, which is easy to mold and manufacture. The first limiting part 112 can restrict the end cap 13 throughout the entire circumference, ensuring the limiting ability of the first limiting part 112 to restrict the end cap 13 and the flow collector 14.

[0177] In some embodiments, a roller groove 114 is provided on the outer side 113 of the housing 11 at a position corresponding to the first limiting portion 112.

[0178] The outer surface 113 of the housing 11 refers to the outer surface of the sidewall of the housing 11 extending along the thickness direction Z of the end cap 13. Understandably, the outer surface 113 extends substantially along the thickness direction Z of the end cap 13.

[0179] During the forming of the roller groove 114, the housing 11 will form a first limiting part 112 at the position corresponding to the roller groove 114, thereby restricting the current collector 14 and the electrode assembly 12 within the housing 11. The forming of the first limiting part 112 is simple, making the assembly of the battery cell 10 simpler and more economical.

[0180] In some embodiments, the housing 11 has a second limiting portion 115, and at least a portion of the end cap 13 is located between the first limiting portion 112 and the second limiting portion 115 in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 13. The first limiting portion 112 and the second limiting portion 115 are used to jointly limit the movement of the end cap 13 in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 13.

[0181] Both the second limiting part 115 and the first limiting part 112 limit the end cap 13. The second limiting part 115 restricts the end cap 13 from moving away from the electrode assembly 12, and the first limiting part 112 restricts the end cap 13 from moving closer to the electrode assembly 12. The second limiting part 115 and the first limiting part 112 cooperate to restrict the end cap 13 to the end of the housing 11 with an opening.

[0182] For example, the second limiting part 115 can be a flange structure in which the housing 11 is partially folded inward. The second limiting part 115 can be formed at the end of the housing 11 by folding the housing 11. During the assembly of the battery cell 10, the electrode assembly 12 and the current collector 14 can be housed in the housing 11 first, and then the housing 11 can be processed with a roller groove 114 to form the first limiting part 112. Then the end cap 13 is placed against the first limiting part 112, and finally the second limiting part 115 is formed by folding the housing 11 to fix the end cap 13 to the housing 11.

[0183] In this embodiment, the second limiting part 115 can work together with the first limiting part 112 to restrict the movement of the end cap 13 in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 13, so that the end cap 13 cannot move relative to the housing 11, thus ensuring the firmness of the end cap 13 after it is connected to the housing 11.

[0184] In some embodiments, the battery cell 10 further includes a seal 15 for sealing the end cap 13 and the housing 11, and the seal 15 is located on the side of the first limiting portion 112 away from the electrode assembly 12.

[0185] The seal 15 is a component used to achieve a sealed connection between the end cap 13 and the housing 11. The seal 15 can be made of materials such as rubber or plastic.

[0186] For example, the seal 15 covers the outer periphery of the end cap 13, and the seal 15 is partially located between the end cap 13 and the first limiting portion 112, and the seal 15 is partially located between the end cap 13 and the second limiting portion 115.

[0187] The sealing element 15 achieves a sealed connection between the end cap 13 and the housing 11, thereby ensuring the sealing performance between the end cap 13 and the housing 11. The sealing element 15 is located on the side of the first limiting part 112 away from the electrode assembly 12, and the current collector 14 is less likely to affect the arrangement of the sealing element 15, thus improving the sealing performance between the end cap 13 and the housing 11.

[0188] This application provides a battery 100, which includes a plurality of battery cells 10 provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0189] This application provides an electrical device, including the battery 100 provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0190] The electrical equipment can be any of the devices that use battery 100 as described above.

[0191] In addition, please refer to Figure 5 This application also provides a cylindrical unit, including a housing 11, an electrode assembly 12, an end cap 13, and a current collector 14. The housing 11 is electrically connected to the tabs 122 of the electrode assembly 12 via the current collector 14. A first limiting portion 112 protrudes from the inner side 111 of the housing 11 to restrict the movement of the end cap 13 toward the electrode assembly 12. The current collector 14 includes a body portion 141 and an elastic portion 142. The body portion 141 is connected to the tabs 122 of the electrode assembly 12 and is located on the side of the first limiting portion 112 facing the electrode assembly 12. The elastic portion 142 is connected to the body portion 141 and abuts against the first limiting portion 112 in a direction away from the electrode assembly 12. The elastic portion 142 can always maintain contact with the first limiting portion 112, ensuring that the electrical connection between the current collector 14 and the housing 11, and between the current collector 14 and the electrode assembly 12, is not easily lost even in a vibration environment.

[0192] This application provides a method for manufacturing a battery cell 10. Please refer to... Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a battery cell 10 according to some embodiments of this application. The manufacturing method includes:

[0193] S100: A housing 11 is provided, the housing 11 having an opening;

[0194] S200: Provides electrode assembly 12, having tabs 122;

[0195] S300: End cap 13 is provided;

[0196] S400: Provides a current collection component 14;

[0197] S500: Connect the current collector 14 to the tab 122 of the electrode assembly 12;

[0198] S600: The electrode assembly 12 and the current collector 14 are housed within the housing 11;

[0199] S700: The housing 11 is machined with a roller groove 114, so that a first limiting part 112 protruding from the inner side surface 111 of the housing 11 is formed at the part of the housing 11 where the roller groove 114 is formed.

[0200] S800: Close the end cap 13 to the opening and seal the end cap 13 to the housing 11.

[0201] The first limiting part 112 is used to restrict the end cap 13 from moving towards the electrode assembly 12, and the current collecting member 14 is located on the side of the electrode assembly 12 facing the end cap 13, and the current collecting member 14 abuts against the side of the first limiting part 112 facing the electrode assembly 12.

[0202] In the above method, the order of steps S100, S200, S300 and S400 is not restricted. For example, step S400 can be executed first, then step S300, then step S200, and then step S100.

[0203] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the grooving 114 process on the housing 11 according to some embodiments of this application. The current collecting member 14 includes a body portion 141 and an elastic portion 142. The body portion 141 is connected to the electrode tab 122, and the elastic portion 142 is connected to the body portion 141. During the grooving 114 process on the housing 11, the portion of the housing 11 where the grooving 114 is formed presses against the elastic portion 142, causing the elastic portion 142 to bend relative to the body portion 141, so that the elastic portion 142 abuts against the first limiting portion 112 in a direction away from the electrode assembly 12.

[0204] Figure 11 The arrow in the diagram points in the direction in which the shell 11 deforms under the extrusion pressure during the processing of the roller groove 114.

[0205] During the process of processing the casing 11 with the roller groove 114, the portion of the casing 11 forming the roller groove 114 squeezes the elastic portion 142 of the current collector 14, causing the elastic portion 142 to bend relative to the body portion 141 and maintain elastic contact with the first limiting portion 112. In other words, after the casing 11 is processed with the roller groove 114, the elastic portion 142 of the current collector 14 naturally and elastically contacts the first limiting portion 112, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the battery cell 10.

[0206] It should be noted that in the embodiment where the flow collecting member 14 includes a body part 141 and a hook part 144, the portion of the housing 11 that forms the roller groove 114 during the processing of the roller groove 114 may be pressed and connected to the sheet-like part on the body part 141, causing the sheet-like part to bend and deform, forming the hook part 144 that hooks onto the first limiting part 112.

[0207] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the flanged treatment of the housing 11 provided in some embodiments of this application. After the end cap 13 is closed over the opening, the manufacturing method further includes:

[0208] The housing 11 is flanged to form a second limiting part 115, so that the second limiting part 115 and the first limiting part 112 together restrict the movement of the end cap 13 in the thickness direction Z of the end cap 13.

[0209] Figure 12 The direction indicated by the arrow in the figure is the direction of the force on the shell 11 during the flanging process.

[0210] The second limiting part 115, which limits the end cap 13, is formed by flanging the shell 11. The forming method of the second limiting part 115 is simple and the forming efficiency is high.

[0211] It should be noted that the relevant structure of the battery cell 10 manufactured by the manufacturing method provided in the above embodiments can be found in the battery cell 10 provided in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0212] This application also provides a manufacturing apparatus 2000 for a battery cell 10. Please refer to... Figure 13 , Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a manufacturing apparatus 2000 for a battery cell 10 provided in some embodiments of this application, including a first supply device 2100, a second supply device 2200, a third supply device 2300, a fourth supply device 2400, and an assembly device 2500.

[0213] A first providing device 2100 is used to provide a housing 11, the housing 11 having an opening. A second providing device 2200 is used to provide an electrode assembly 12, having a tab 122. A third providing device 2300 is used to provide an end cap 13. A fourth providing device 2400 is used to provide a current collector 14. An assembly device 2500 is used to connect the current collector 14 to the tab 122; the assembly device 2500 is also used to accommodate the electrode assembly 12 and the current collector 14 within the housing 11; the assembly device 2500 is also used to perform a grooving 114 on the housing 11, such that the portion of the housing 11 where the grooving 114 is formed corresponds to a first limiting portion 112 protruding from the inner side surface 111 of the housing 11; the assembly device 2500 is also used to close the end cap 13 to the opening and to seal the end cap 13 to the housing 11.

[0214] The first limiting part 112 is used to restrict the end cap 13 from moving towards the electrode assembly 12, and the current collecting member 14 is located on the side of the electrode assembly 12 facing the end cap 13, and the current collecting member 14 abuts against the side of the first limiting part 112 facing the electrode assembly 12.

[0215] It should be noted that the relevant structure of the battery cell 10 manufactured by the manufacturing equipment 2000 provided in the above embodiments can be found in the battery cell 10 provided in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0216] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0217] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit this application. For those skilled in the art, this application can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A battery cell, characterized in that, include: An electrode assembly having tabs, the electrode assembly having a wound structure; A housing having an opening for accommodating the electrode assembly; End cap, used to cover the opening and seal the connection with the housing; A current collector is housed within the housing and located on the side of the electrode assembly facing the end cap. The current collector is used to connect the tab and the housing to achieve an electrical connection between the tab and the housing. The inner side of the housing is provided with a first limiting part, which is used to restrict the end cap from moving toward the electrode assembly. The current collecting member abuts against the side of the first limiting part facing the electrode assembly. The current collector includes a body portion and an elastic portion. The body portion is located on the side of the first limiting portion facing the electrode assembly and is used to connect the tab. The elastic portion is connected to the body portion and is used to abut against the first limiting portion in a direction away from the electrode assembly. The housing has a second limiting portion, and at least a portion of the end cap is located between the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion in the thickness direction of the end cap. The first limiting portion and the second limiting portion are used to jointly restrict the movement of the end cap in the thickness direction of the end cap.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic part is a spring sheet that is bent and arranged in the body part.

3. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic portion includes: The first bent portion is used to abut against the first limiting portion; The second bend is used to connect the first bend and the main body. In the thickness direction of the end cap, the portion of the main body that is opposite to the first bent portion is spaced apart from the first bent portion.

4. The battery cell according to claim 3, characterized in that, The battery cell also includes an elastic layer, which is supported between the body portion and the first bending portion.

5. The battery cell according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second bend is connected to the edge of the body portion, and the first bend is arranged to bend towards the body portion relative to the second bend.

6. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The body portion has an outer surface facing the end cap, and the outer surface is provided with a first receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of the elastic portion.

7. The battery cell according to claim 6, characterized in that, The elastic portion has a contact surface facing the end cap, the contact surface being used to abut against the first limiting portion, and the contact surface being flush with the outer surface.

8. The battery cell according to claim 6, characterized in that, The area of ​​the main body where the first receiving portion is located is provided with a through hole.

9. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The body portion is provided with a plurality of elastic portions spaced apart along the circumference of the body portion.

10. The battery cell according to claim 9, characterized in that, The body portion has a plurality of welding zones spaced apart in a circumferential direction. The welding zones are used for welding with the electrode tabs. In the circumferential direction of the body portion, at least one elastic portion is provided between two adjacent welding zones.

11. The battery cell according to claim 10, characterized in that, The body portion has an inner surface facing away from the end cap, and the inner surface is provided with a second receiving portion located in the welding area, the second receiving portion being used to receive at least a portion of the electrode tab.

12. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The current collection component includes: A hook portion is connected to the main body portion, and the hook portion is used to engage with the first limiting portion to restrict the movement of the main body portion toward or away from the end cap.

13. The battery cell according to claim 12, characterized in that, The hook part includes: A first connecting portion is connected to the main body portion, and the first connecting portion is used to abut against one side of the electrode assembly facing the first limiting portion; The second connecting portion is used to abut against the side of the first limiting portion away from the electrode assembly; The third connecting part is used to connect the first connecting part and the second connecting part.

14. The battery cell according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first connecting part, the third connecting part and the second connecting part are connected in sequence and together define a limiting groove, which is used to accommodate at least a part of the first limiting part.

15. The battery cell according to claim 14, characterized in that, The battery cell also includes: A conductive layer is provided for connecting the first limiting portion and the third connecting portion.

16. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-15, characterized in that, The first limiting part is an annular structure extending circumferentially along the shell.

17. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-15, characterized in that, A roller groove is provided on the outer side of the housing at a position corresponding to the first limiting part.

18. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-15, characterized in that, The battery cell also includes: A seal for sealing the end cap and the housing, the seal being located on the side of the first limiting portion away from the electrode assembly.

19. A battery, characterized in that, It includes multiple battery cells according to any one of claims 1-18.

20. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, Includes the battery according to claim 19.

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