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

Abstract

The application provides a battery monomer, a battery, a power consumption device, a battery monomer manufacturing device and method, and relates to the technical field of batteries. The battery monomer comprises a shell, an electrode assembly, an end cover, a terminal assembly and a current collecting member; the electrode assembly is accommodated in the shell; the end cover is used for covering the opening, and the end cover is provided with an electrode lead-out hole; the electrode terminal of the terminal assembly is arranged correspondingly to the electrode lead-out hole, and the electrode terminal is used for outputting the electric energy of the battery monomer; the current collecting member is configured to realize the electrical connection between the electrode terminal and the tab; the current collecting member has a connecting part located in the electrode lead-out hole, the connecting part is used for connecting the electrode terminal, and along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole, the minimum distance H between the hole wall of the electrode lead-out hole and the outer peripheral wall of the connecting part satisfies H >= 2 mm, so that the end cover and the current collecting member have a larger creepage distance, the risk of the end cover being broken down by high voltage is reduced, and the risk of the battery monomer causing a safety problem due to high-voltage breakdown short circuit is reduced.

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 manufacturing apparatus and method for the battery cell. Background Technology

[0002] With the application of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, battery safety has become an increasingly important concern. Ensuring that batteries do not experience safety accidents throughout their entire lifecycle has become a common challenge in the lithium battery industry.

[0003] Currently, the end caps of battery cells have cantilever beams under the seals. Because the cantilever beams are close to the current collectors inside the battery cell, the end caps may break down under high voltage, causing a short circuit and potentially igniting the battery cell. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a battery cell, a battery, an electrical device, and a manufacturing apparatus and method for the battery cell, in order to reduce the risk of end caps being broken down by high voltage and improve the safety performance of the battery.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a battery cell, including a housing, an electrode assembly, an end cap, a terminal assembly, and a current collector; the housing has an opening; the electrode assembly is housed within the housing and has tabs; the end cap is used to seal the opening and has an electrode lead-out hole; the terminal assembly includes electrode terminals, which are correspondingly disposed with the electrode lead-out hole and are used to output electrical energy from the battery cell; the current collector is configured to connect the electrode terminals and the tabs to achieve electrical connection between the electrode terminals and the tabs; wherein, the current collector has a connecting portion located within the electrode lead-out hole, the connecting portion being used to connect the electrode terminals, and the minimum distance H between the hole wall of the electrode lead-out hole and the outer peripheral wall of the connecting portion along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole satisfies H≥2mm.

[0006] In the above technical solution, the minimum radial distance between the hole wall of the electrode lead-out hole on the end cover and the connection part of the current collector extending into the electrode lead-out hole is not less than 2mm. This results in a large creepage distance between the end cover and the current collector, reducing the risk of the end cover being broken down by high voltage, thereby reducing the risk of safety problems caused by high voltage breakdown and short circuit of the battery cell.

[0007] In some embodiments of the first aspect, H satisfies: H≥3mm.

[0008] In the above technical solution, the minimum radial distance between the hole wall of the electrode lead-out hole on the end cover and the connection part of the current collector extending into the electrode lead-out hole is not less than 3mm, which further increases the creepage distance between the end cover and the current collector, reduces the risk of the end cover being broken down by high voltage, and thus reduces the risk of safety problems caused by high voltage breakdown short circuit of battery cells.

[0009] In some embodiments of the first aspect, H satisfies: H≤10mm.

[0010] In the above technical solution, the radial distance between the hole wall of the electrode lead-out hole on the end cap and the connecting part of the current collector extending into the electrode lead-out hole does not exceed 10mm, which can reduce the manufacturing difficulty and ensure the structural strength of the end cap.

[0011] In some embodiments of the first aspect, along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole, the projection of the electrode terminal on the end cap is located within the electrode lead-out hole.

[0012] In the above technical solution, the projection of the electrode terminal on the end cover is located inside the electrode lead-out hole. The diameter of the electrode lead-out hole is larger than the outer diameter of the electrode terminal, so that there is a larger distance between the hole wall of the electrode lead-out hole and the electrode terminal along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole. This results in a larger creepage distance between the end cover and the current collector, reducing the risk of the end cover being broken down by high voltage, thereby reducing the risk of safety problems caused by high voltage breakdown and short circuit of the battery cell.

[0013] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the terminal assembly further includes a retainer connected to the end cap, the retainer covering the outer side of the electrode terminal circumferentially to secure the electrode terminal to the end cap.

[0014] In the above technical solution, a fixing component is provided to facilitate fixing the electrode terminal to the end cap. The fixing component circumferentially covers the outside of the electrode terminal, which can improve the stability of the electrode terminal installation.

[0015] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the fastener is integrally formed with the end cap.

[0016] In the above technical solution, the fastener and end cap are integrally formed, which is convenient to manufacture; and the structure after the fastener and end cap are formed has strong structural strength.

[0017] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the terminal assembly further includes a first insulating member disposed between the fixing member and the electrode terminal to separate the fixing member and the electrode terminal.

[0018] In the above technical solution, a first insulating component is provided between the fixing component and the electrode terminal, which can prevent the fixing component from contacting the electrode terminal and causing a short circuit in the battery cell.

[0019] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the first insulating member is an injection molded member between the fixing member and the electrode terminal.

[0020] In the above technical solution, the first insulating component is an injection-molded component. In other words, the first insulating component is formed between the fixing component and the electrode terminal by injection molding, which facilitates the forming and installation of the first insulating component. Injection molding also improves the connection stability between the fixing component and the first insulating component, as well as between the electrode terminal and the first insulating component.

[0021] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the inner peripheral surface of the fastener is provided with an inwardly protruding first limiting portion, and the first insulating member is provided with a first recess for the first limiting portion to be inserted into. The first limiting portion is configured to be inserted into the first recess to fix the fastener and the first insulating member.

[0022] In the above technical solution, the insertion and cooperation of the first limiting part and the first recessed part can improve the connection stability between the first insulating part and the fixing part.

[0023] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the inner circumferential surface of the fixing member is provided with a plurality of first limiting portions arranged at intervals, and the first insulating member is provided with a plurality of first recesses arranged at intervals, wherein the first limiting portions and the first recesses are respectively provided in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0024] In the above technical solution, the insertion and cooperation of multiple first limiting parts and multiple first recesses can further improve the connection stability between the first insulating member and the fixing member. Furthermore, the cooperation of the multiple first limiting parts and multiple first recesses can also circumferentially limit the first insulating member, preventing circumferential rotation of the first insulating member relative to the fixing member.

[0025] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the outer peripheral surface of the fastener is provided with a groove, and a first limiting portion protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the fastener is formed at a position corresponding to the groove on the inner peripheral surface of the fastener.

[0026] In the above technical solution, the formation of a first limiting part on the inner surface of the fastener during the process of forming a groove on the outer peripheral surface of the fastener can reduce manufacturing difficulty and improve manufacturing efficiency.

[0027] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the electrode terminal includes a body portion, the first insulating member includes a first insulating portion and a second insulating portion connected together, the first insulating portion surrounding the outer periphery of the body portion, the body portion having a first surface facing the interior of the battery cell, and the second insulating portion being located on one side of the first surface and in contact with the first surface to restrict the movement of the body portion toward the interior of the battery cell.

[0028] In the above technical solution, the first insulating part surrounds the outer periphery of the main body, which can separate the fixing member and the main body and prevent the fixing member and the main body from contacting each other, thus avoiding internal short circuits in the battery cell. The second insulating part contacts the first surface of the main body, which not only provides insulation but also restricts the movement of the main body towards the interior of the battery cell, thereby improving the installation stability of the electrode terminals.

[0029] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the electrode terminal further includes a first protrusion that protrudes from the first surface out of the main body portion, and the first insulating member surrounds the outer periphery of the first protrusion.

[0030] In the above technical solution, the electrode terminal also includes a first protrusion, which is closer to the interior of the battery cell than the main body, facilitating the connection between the electrode terminal and the current collector. The second insulating portion surrounding the first protrusion increases the contact area between the first insulating component and the electrode terminal, improving connection stability.

[0031] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the distance C between the wall of the electrode lead-out hole and the outer peripheral wall of the first protrusion along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole satisfies: C≤8mm.

[0032] In the above technical solution, the distance C between the hole wall of the electrode lead-out hole and the outer peripheral wall of the first protrusion does not exceed 8mm. This can increase the creepage distance between the end cover and the electrode terminal, reduce the risk of the end cover being broken down by high voltage, and thus reduce the risk of safety problems caused by high voltage breakdown and short circuit of the battery cell.

[0033] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the surface of the first protrusion facing the battery cell is further away from the interior of the battery cell than the surface of the second insulating portion facing the battery cell; wherein, along the axial direction of the electrode lead hole, the distance D between the surface of the first protrusion facing the battery cell and the surface of the second insulating portion facing the battery cell satisfies: 0mm < D ≤ 3mm.

[0034] In the above technical solution, the surface of the first protrusion facing the battery cell is further away from the interior of the battery cell than the surface of the second insulating part facing the battery cell, so that the second insulating part can better separate the fixing member and the first protrusion, further reducing the risk of short circuit of the battery cell.

[0035] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the fastener includes a fixing body surrounding the main body, one end of the fixing body being connected to the surface of the end cap facing away from the interior of the battery cell; the distance E between the inner surface of the fixing body and the outer peripheral surface of the main body along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole satisfies: 0.3mm≤E≤2mm.

[0036] In the above technical solution, the distance E between the inner surface of the fixing body and the outer peripheral surface of the main body satisfies: 0.3mm≤E≤2mm, which facilitates the installation of an insulating component between the fixing body and the main body, and the thickness of the insulating component meets the insulation requirements.

[0037] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the inner diameter of the fixing body is smaller than the inner diameter of the electrode lead-out hole; along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole, the distance F between the inner surface of the end of the fixing body connected to the end cap and the hole wall of the electrode lead-out hole satisfies: 0.5≤F≤4mm.

[0038] In the above technical solution, the distance F between the inner surface of the end of the fixed body connected to the end cap and the hole wall of the electrode lead-out hole satisfies: 0.5≤F≤4mm, which facilitates the fixed body to be fixed and molded on the end cap.

[0039] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the terminal assembly further includes a seal disposed between the fixing member and the electrode terminal to seal the connection between the electrode terminal and the fixing member.

[0040] In the above technical solution, a sealing element is provided between the fixing element and the electrode terminal, which can improve the sealing performance between the fixing element and the electrode terminal, thereby improving the sealing performance of the battery cell.

[0041] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the electrode terminal includes a body portion; the fixing member includes a flange configured to extend toward an axis close to the electrode lead-out hole and located on the side of the body portion away from the interior of the battery cell, so as to restrict the movement of the electrode terminal away from the interior of the battery cell, and at least a portion of the sealing member is located between the flange and the body portion.

[0042] In the above technical solution, the flange can restrict the electrode terminals from moving away from the interior of the battery cell, thereby improving the stability of the electrode terminal installation.

[0043] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the main body portion has a second surface on the side opposite to the interior of the battery cell, the electrode terminal further includes a boss protruding from the second surface from the main body portion, a portion of the seal is located between the second surface and the flange, and a portion of the seal is located between the flange and the outer peripheral surface of the boss.

[0044] In the above technical solution, the sealing element is located between the second surface and the boss, and the sealing element is located between the inner circumferential surface of the flange and the outer circumferential surface of the boss. This can increase the contact area between the sealing element and the electrode terminal, as well as the contact area between the sealing element and the flange, thereby improving the sealing performance between the fixing element and the electrode terminal.

[0045] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the battery cell further includes a second insulating member, the second insulating member including a connected insulating body portion and an extension portion, the insulating body portion being disposed on the side of the end cap facing the interior of the battery cell along the axial direction of the electrode lead hole, the extension portion extending from the insulating body portion toward the electrode lead hole and surrounding the outside of the connecting portion to separate the connecting portion and the hole wall of the electrode lead hole.

[0046] In the above technical solution, the insulating body of the second insulating member is disposed on the side of the end cap facing the inside of the battery cell, which can separate the electrode assembly and the end cap, preventing the battery cell from short-circuiting due to contact between the electrode assembly and the end cap. The extension of the second insulating member extends into the electrode lead hole and is located outside the connection part of the current collector, which can separate the connection part from the hole wall of the electrode lead hole, reducing the risk of short circuit in the battery cell due to contact between the connection part and the end cap.

[0047] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a battery, including the battery cell provided in the first aspect embodiment.

[0048] In the above technical solution, the battery cell end cap and current collector in the first aspect embodiment have a large creepage distance, which reduces the risk of the end cap being broken down by high voltage, thereby reducing the risk of safety problems caused by the battery cell being short-circuited due to high voltage breakdown, and thus improving the safety performance of the battery.

[0049] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide an electrical device including the battery cell provided in the first aspect embodiment.

[0050] In the above technical solution, the battery cell end cap and current collector in the first aspect embodiment have a large creepage distance, which reduces the risk of the end cap being broken down by high voltage, thereby reducing the risk of safety problems caused by the battery cell being short-circuited due to high voltage breakdown, and thus improving electrical safety.

[0051] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a manufacturing apparatus for a battery cell, including a supplying device and an assembly device; the supplying device is configured to provide a housing, an electrode assembly, an end cap, a terminal assembly, and a current collector; the housing has an opening, the electrode assembly has tabs, and the end cap has an electrode lead-out hole; the terminal assembly includes electrode terminals, which are correspondingly disposed with the electrode lead-out hole, and the electrode terminals are used to output the electrical energy of the battery cell; the assembly device is configured to accommodate the electrode assembly within the housing and connect the current collector between the electrode terminals and the tabs to achieve an electrical connection between the electrode terminals and the tabs; wherein, the current collector has a connecting portion located within the electrode lead-out hole, the connecting portion being used to connect the electrode terminals, and the minimum distance H between the hole wall of the electrode lead-out hole and the outer peripheral wall of the connecting portion along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole satisfies H≥2mm.

[0052] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a method for manufacturing a single battery cell, comprising:

[0053] The system provides a housing, an electrode assembly, an end cap, a terminal assembly, and a current collector. The housing has an opening, the electrode assembly has tabs, and the end cap has electrode lead-out holes. The terminal assembly includes electrode terminals, which are correspondingly disposed with the electrode lead-out holes. The electrode terminals are used to output the electrical energy of the battery cell.

[0054] The electrode assembly is housed within the housing;

[0055] The current collector is connected between the electrode terminal and the tab to achieve an electrical connection between the electrode terminal and the tab;

[0056] The current collector has a connecting portion located inside the electrode lead-out hole. The connecting portion is used to connect the electrode terminal. Along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole, the minimum distance H between the hole wall of the electrode lead-out hole and the outer peripheral wall of the connecting portion satisfies H≥2mm. Attached Figure Description

[0057] 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.

[0058] Figure 1 This application provides structural schematic diagrams of vehicles for some embodiments;

[0059] Figure 2This application provides schematic diagrams of the battery structure for some embodiments.

[0060] Figure 3 Exploded views of a single battery cell provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0061] Figure 4 Cross-sectional views of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0062] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of point I in the middle;

[0063] Figure 6 Exploded views of a portion of the structure of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0064] Figure 7 A top view of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0065] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Sectional view along the middle AA direction;

[0066] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell manufacturing apparatus provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0067] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a single battery cell according to some embodiments of this application.

[0068] Icons: 1000 - Vehicle; 100 - Battery; 10 - Housing; 11 - Installation Space; 12 - First Part; 13 - Second Part; 20 - Battery Cell; 21 - Housing; 211 - Opening; 22 - Electrode Assembly; 221 - Tab; 221a - Positive Tab; 221b - Negative Tab; 23 - End Cap; 231 - Injection Hole; 232 - Electrode Lead-out Hole; 2321 - Hole Wall of Electrode Lead-out Hole; 24 - Terminal Assembly; 241 - Electrode Terminal; 2411 - Main Body; 2411a - First Surface; 2411b - Second Surface; 2412 - First Protrusion; 2413 - Boss; 2414 - Second recess; 25 - Current collector; 251 - Connecting part; 26 - Pressure relief mechanism; 27 - Fixing member; 271 - First limiting part; 272 - Groove; 273 - Flange; 274 - Fixing body; 28 - First insulating member; 281 - First insulating part; 282 - Second insulating part; 283 - First recess; 284 - Second limiting part; 29 - Sealing member; 210 - Second insulating member; 2101 - Insulating body; 2102 - Extension; 200 - Controller; 300 - Motor; 2000 - Battery cell manufacturing equipment; 2100 - Providing device; 2200 - Assembly device. Detailed Implementation

[0069] 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 and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0070] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0071] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0072] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0073] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the indicated orientation or positional relationship is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this application is in use, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly understood by those skilled in the art. It is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0074] Currently, judging from market trends, the application of power batteries is becoming increasingly widespread. Power batteries are not only used in energy storage systems such as hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but also extensively used in electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as in military equipment and aerospace. With the continuous expansion of power battery applications, market demand is also constantly increasing.

[0075] A battery cell includes a housing, electrode assembly, end cap, terminal assembly, and current collector. The housing has an opening. The electrode assembly is housed within the housing. The end cap seals the opening of the housing. The end cap has electrode lead-out holes. The terminal assembly includes electrode terminals for outputting electrical energy from the battery cell. The electrode terminals correspond to the electrode lead-out holes. The connecting portion of the current collector extends into the electrode lead-out holes and connects to the electrode terminals, thereby electrically connecting the electrode terminals and the tabs of the electrode assembly through the current collector.

[0076] The inventors discovered that, along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole, the distance between the hole wall of the end cap and the connection part of the current collector located inside the electrode lead-out hole is relatively close, resulting in a small creepage distance between the end cap and the current collector (creepage distance is the shortest path between two conductive parts or between a conductive part and the protective interface of the equipment measured along the insulating surface; here it refers to the distance between the hole wall of the end cap's electrode lead-out hole and the connection part of the current collector in the radial direction). This makes the end cap more susceptible to breakdown under high voltage, thereby causing a short circuit in the battery cell.

[0077] Based on the above considerations, in order to reduce the risk of battery cell short circuit caused by high voltage breakdown of the end cap, the inventors, after in-depth research, designed a battery cell that ensures that the minimum distance H between the hole wall of the electrode lead-out hole and the outer peripheral wall of the connecting part along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole satisfies: H≥2mm. This allows for a larger creepage distance between the end cap and the current collector, reducing the risk of the end cap being broken down by high voltage, thereby reducing the risk of battery cell short circuit due to high voltage breakdown.

[0078] The battery cells disclosed in this application can be used, but are not limited to, in electrical equipment such as vehicles, ships, or aircraft. A power system for such equipment can be constructed using battery cells and batteries disclosed in this application. This helps reduce the risk of short circuits in the battery cells due to high-voltage breakdown of the end caps, thereby improving battery performance stability and battery safety.

[0079] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application are applicable to batteries and electrical devices that use batteries.

[0080] 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.

[0081] For ease of explanation, the following embodiments will use a vehicle 1000 as an example of electrical equipment.

[0082] Please refer to Figure 1 The vehicle 1000 has a battery 100 installed inside it. The battery 100 can 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 be used as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] Please refer to Figure 2 The battery 100 includes a housing 10 and a battery cell 20, with the battery cell 20 housed within the housing 10.

[0086] The housing 10 provides an installation space 11 for the battery cell 20. In some embodiments, the housing 10 may include a first portion 12 and a second portion 13, which overlap each other to define the installation space 11 for accommodating the battery cell 20. The connection between the first portion 12 and the second portion 13 can be sealed by a sealant 29 (not shown), which may be a sealing ring, sealant, etc.

[0087] The first part 12 and the second part 13 can be of various shapes, such as cuboids, cylinders, etc. The first part 12 can be a hollow structure with one side open to form a cavity for accommodating the battery cell 20, and the second part 13 can also be a hollow structure with one side open to form a cavity for accommodating the battery cell 20. The opening side of the second part 13 covers the opening side of the first part 12, thus forming a housing 10 with an installation space 11. Alternatively, the first part 12 can be a hollow structure with one side open to form a cavity for accommodating the battery cell 20, and the second part 13 can be a plate-like structure. The second part 13 covers the opening side of the first part 12, thus forming a housing 10 with an installation space 11.

[0088] In battery 100, there can be one or more battery cells 20. If there are multiple battery cells 20, they can be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner. A mixed connection means that multiple battery cells 20 are connected in both series and parallel. Multiple battery cells 20 can be directly connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner, and then the whole assembly of multiple battery cells 20 is housed in the housing 10. Alternatively, multiple battery cells 20 can first be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a battery module, and then multiple battery modules can be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a whole, which is then housed in the housing 10. Battery cells 20 can be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes. Figure 2 An example is shown where the battery cell 20 is rectangular.

[0089] In some embodiments, the battery 100 may also include a busbar (not shown), through which multiple battery cells 20 can be electrically connected to each other to achieve series, parallel, or mixed connection of multiple battery cells 20.

[0090] Please refer to Figure 3 The battery cell 20 may include a housing 21, an electrode assembly 22, an end cap 23, a terminal assembly 24, and a current collector 25. The housing 21 has an opening 211, the electrode assembly 22 is housed within the housing 21, and the end cap 23 is used to seal the opening 211.

[0091] The housing 21 can be of various shapes, such as a cylinder or a cuboid. The shape of the housing 21 can be determined according to the specific shape of the electrode assembly 22. For example, if the electrode assembly 22 is a cylindrical structure, the housing 21 can be a cylindrical structure; if the electrode assembly 22 is a cuboid structure, the housing 21 can be a cuboid structure. Figure 3 An exemplary case is shown where the housing 21 and electrode assembly 22 are cuboids.

[0092] The shell 21 can also be made of various materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, etc. This application embodiment does not impose any special restrictions on this.

[0093] The electrode assembly 22 may include a positive electrode (not shown), a negative electrode (not shown), and a separator (not shown). The electrode assembly 22 can be a wound structure formed by winding the positive electrode, separator, and negative electrode, or a stacked structure formed by arranging the positive electrode, separator, and negative electrode in layers. The electrode assembly 22 also includes a positive electrode tab 221a and a negative electrode tab 221b. The positive electrode tab 221a can be a positive current collector on the positive electrode that is not coated with a positive active material layer, and the negative electrode tab 221b can be a negative current collector on the negative electrode that is not coated with a negative active material layer.

[0094] End cap 23 is used to seal the opening 211 of housing 21 to form a sealed receiving space (not shown) for accommodating electrode assembly 22. The receiving space is also used to accommodate electrolyte, such as electrolyte solution.

[0095] Terminal assembly 24 serves as a component for outputting electrical energy from battery cell 20, and includes electrode terminals 241.

[0096] Electrode terminal 241 is used for electrical connection with electrode assembly 22, that is, electrode terminal 241 is electrically connected to electrode tab 221 of electrode assembly 22. Electrode terminal 241 and electrode tab 221 are connected through current collector 25 to realize the electrical connection between electrode terminal 241 and electrode tab 221.

[0097] It should be noted that the housing 21 can have one or two openings 211. If the housing 21 has one opening 211, the end cap 23 can also be one, and two electrode terminals 241 can be provided in the end cap 23. The two electrode terminals 241 are used to electrically connect to the positive electrode tab 221a and the negative electrode tab 221b of the electrode assembly 22, respectively. The two electrode terminals 241 on the end cap 23 are the positive electrode terminal 241 and the negative electrode terminal 241, respectively. If the housing 21 has two openings 211, for example, the two openings 211 are located on opposite sides of the housing 21, the end cap 23 can also be two, and the two end caps 23 respectively cover the two openings 211 of the housing 21. In this case, the two electrode terminals 241 of the terminal assembly 24 can be respectively disposed on the two end caps 23. The electrode terminal 241 on one end cap 23 can be the positive electrode terminal 241, which is used to electrically connect with the positive electrode tab 221a of the electrode assembly 22; the electrode terminal 241 on the other end cap 23 can be the negative electrode terminal 241, which is used to electrically connect with the negative electrode plate of the electrode assembly 22.

[0098] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the end cap 23 may also be provided with a liquid injection hole 231, through which electrolyte can be injected into the housing 21.

[0099] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the end cap 23 may also be provided with a pressure relief mechanism 26. The pressure relief mechanism 26 is used to actuate when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 reaches a threshold to release the internal pressure of the battery cell 20. The threshold design varies depending on the design requirements. The threshold may depend on one or more of the materials of the positive electrode, negative electrode, electrolyte, and separator in the battery cell 20. The pressure relief mechanism 26 may take the form of an explosion-proof valve, explosion-proof plate, gas valve, pressure relief valve, or safety valve, and may specifically adopt a pressure-sensitive or temperature-sensitive element or structure. That is, when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 reaches a predetermined threshold, the pressure relief mechanism 26 actuates or the weak structure provided in the pressure relief mechanism 26 is destroyed, thereby forming an opening 211 or channel for releasing internal pressure or temperature.

[0100] The term "actuation" as used in this application refers to the pressure relief mechanism 26 being activated or undergoing a certain state, thereby allowing the internal pressure and temperature of the battery cell 20 to be released. The actions performed by the pressure relief mechanism 26 may include, but are not limited to, at least a portion of the pressure relief mechanism 26 rupturing, breaking, tearing, or opening, etc.

[0101] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the battery cell 20 includes a housing 21, an electrode assembly 22, an end cap 23, a terminal assembly 24, and a current collector 25; the housing 21 has an opening 211; the electrode assembly 22 is housed within the housing 21 and has tabs 221; the end cap 23 is used to seal the opening 211 and has electrode lead-out holes 232; the terminal assembly 24 includes electrode terminals 241, which are correspondingly arranged with the electrode lead-out holes 232, and are used for output... The battery cell 20 has electrical energy; the current collector 25 is configured to connect between the electrode terminal 241 and the tab 221 to achieve electrical connection between the electrode terminal 241 and the tab 221; wherein, the current collector 25 has a connecting portion 251 located in the electrode lead-out hole 232, the connecting portion 251 is used to connect the electrode terminal 241, and the minimum distance H between the hole wall 2321 of the electrode lead-out hole and the outer peripheral wall of the connecting portion 251 along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 232 satisfies H≥2mm.

[0102] The electrode lead-out hole 232 can be a round hole, a square hole, a rectangular hole, or other irregularly shaped hole. In this embodiment, the electrode lead-out hole 232 is a round hole, and the electrode lead-out hole 232 penetrates the end cap 23 and is located on both sides in the thickness direction. The axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 232 is consistent with the thickness direction of the end cap 23.

[0103] The connecting portion 251 of the current collector 25 extends into the electrode lead-out hole 232 along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 232. The outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion 251 can be a cylindrical surface or a conical surface. For both the electrode lead-out hole 232 and the connecting portion 251 of arbitrary shape, H refers to the minimum radial distance between the hole wall 2321 of the electrode lead-out hole and the outer peripheral wall of the connecting portion 251.

[0104] If the minimum radial distance between the hole wall 2321 of the electrode lead-out hole on the end cover 23 and the connection portion 251 of the current collector 25 extending into the electrode lead-out hole 232 is not less than 2mm, then there is a large creepage distance between the end cover 23 and the current collector 25, which reduces the risk of the end cover 23 being broken down by high voltage, thereby reducing the risk of safety problems caused by high voltage breakdown and short circuit of the battery cell 20.

[0105] Depending on the actual situation, the minimum distance H between the hole wall 2321 of the electrode lead-out hole and the outer peripheral wall of the connecting part 251 can have different ranges. For example, in some embodiments, H satisfies: H≥3mm.

[0106] In other embodiments, the lower limit of the range of H can also be other values, such as H≥2.5mm, H≥3.5mm, H≥4mm, etc.

[0107] The minimum radial distance between the hole wall 2321 of the electrode lead-out hole on the end cover 23 and the connection portion 251 of the current collector 25 extending into the electrode lead-out hole 232 is not less than 3mm, which further increases the creepage distance between the end cover 23 and the current collector 25, reduces the risk of the end cover 23 being broken down by high voltage, and thus reduces the risk of safety problems caused by high voltage breakdown and short circuit of the battery cell 20.

[0108] The greater the distance between the hole wall 2321 of the electrode lead-out hole and the outer peripheral wall of the connecting part 251, the greater the difficulty of the process. Considering the size that the processing technology can achieve and the actual structural size of the end cap 23, in some embodiments, H satisfies: H≤10mm.

[0109] Of course, in other embodiments, the upper limit of H can also be other values. For example, H≤9mm, H≤9.5mm, H≤11mm, etc.

[0110] The radial distance between the hole wall 2321 of the electrode lead-out hole on the end cap 23 and the connecting portion 251 of the current collector 25 extending into the electrode lead-out hole 232 does not exceed 10mm, which can reduce manufacturing difficulty and ensure the structural strength of the end cap 23.

[0111] Please refer to Figure 5 In some embodiments, along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 232, the projection of the electrode terminal 241 on the end cap 23 is located within the electrode lead-out hole 232.

[0112] The electrode lead-out hole 232 and the electrode terminal 241 are arranged coaxially. The projection of the electrode terminal 241 onto the end cap 23 lies within the electrode lead-out hole 232, therefore the diameter of the electrode lead-out hole 232 is larger than the outer diameter of the projection of the electrode terminal 241 along its axial direction onto the end cap 23. In other embodiments, the diameter of the electrode lead-out hole 232 may be smaller than or equal to the outer diameter of the projection of the electrode terminal 241 along its axial direction onto the end cap 23.

[0113] The projection of electrode terminal 241 on end cap 23 is located inside electrode lead-out hole 232. Therefore, the diameter of electrode lead-out hole 232 is larger than the outer diameter of electrode terminal 241, so that there is a larger distance between the hole wall 2321 of electrode lead-out hole 232 and electrode terminal 241 along the radial direction of electrode lead-out hole 232. This results in a larger creepage distance between end cap 23 and current collector 25, reducing the risk of end cap 23 being broken down by high voltage, thereby reducing the risk of safety problems caused by high voltage breakdown and short circuit of battery cell 20.

[0114] Electrode terminal 241 can be directly fixed to end cap 23, or it can be fixed to end cap 23 through indirect connection. Please refer to... Figure 5 , Figure 6 In some embodiments, the terminal assembly 24 further includes a fixing member 27 connected to the end cap 23. The fixing member 27 covers the outer side of the electrode terminal 241 along the circumference of the electrode terminal 241 to fix the electrode terminal 241 to the end cap 23.

[0115] One end of the fixing member 27 is fixed to the end cap 23. The other end of the fixing member 27 is located on the side of the end cap 23 facing away from the interior of the battery cell 20. In other words, the fixing member 27 extends from the end cap 23 to the side of the end cap 23 facing away from the interior of the battery cell 20 and protrudes from the surface of the end cap 23 facing away from the interior of the battery cell 20. The fixing member 27 is a closed structure extending circumferentially along the electrode lead-out hole 232. The end of the fixing member 27 connected to the end cap 23 extends along the extending direction of the hole wall of the electrode lead-out hole to form the closed structure of the fixing member 27. It can be understood that the electrode terminal 241 is indirectly fixed to the end cap 23 through the fixing member 27.

[0116] Along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 232, the electrode terminal 241 can be entirely located within the space enclosed by the fixing member 27 and on the side of the end cover 23 away from the inside of the battery cell 20; the electrode terminal 241 can also be partially located within the space enclosed by the fixing member 27, with a portion of the electrode terminal 241 extending into the electrode lead-out hole 232 and connecting to the connection portion 251 of the current collector 25.

[0117] The fixing member 27 is provided to facilitate fixing the electrode terminal 241 to the end cover 23. The fixing member 27 circumferentially covers the outer side of the electrode terminal 241, which can improve the stability of the electrode terminal 241 installation. Moreover, the fixing member 27 extends to the side of the end cover 23 away from the interior of the battery cell 20, and at least a portion of the fixing member 27 can be located within the space enclosed by the fixing member 27, which can reduce the space occupied by the electrode terminal 241 in the interior of the battery cell 20 and help improve energy density.

[0118] In some embodiments, the fastener 27 is integrally formed with the end cap 23.

[0119] The fastener 27 and the end cap 23 are integrally formed, which means that the fastener 27 and the end cap 23 are manufactured by an integral forming process, such as by stamping, casting and other integral forming processes.

[0120] In other embodiments, the fastener 27 and the end cap 23 can also be set separately and then connected into a whole by welding or other means.

[0121] The fastener 27 and the end cap 23 are integrally formed, which is convenient for manufacturing; and the structure after the fastener 27 and the end cap 23 are formed has strong structural strength.

[0122] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 In some embodiments, the terminal assembly 24 further includes a first insulating member 28 disposed between the fixing member 27 and the electrode terminal 241 to separate the fixing member 27 and the electrode terminal 241.

[0123] The first insulating member 28 is a closed structure extending axially along the electrode lead-out hole 232. The first insulating member 28 may be pressed between the fixing member 27 and the electrode terminal 241, or the first insulating member 28 may be connected to both the fixing member 27 and the electrode terminal 241, so that the electrode terminal 241 is indirectly connected to the fixing member 27 through the first insulating member 28.

[0124] The first insulating member 28 separates the fixing member 27 and the electrode terminal 241, meaning that the first insulating member 28 prevents the fixing member 27 and the electrode terminal 241 from contacting each other, thereby preventing electrical conduction between the fixing member 27 and the electrode terminal 241. Providing the first insulating member 28 between the fixing member 27 and the electrode terminal 241 can prevent the fixing member 27 from contacting the electrode terminal 241 and causing a short circuit in the battery cell 20.

[0125] In some embodiments, the first insulating member 28 is an injection molded part between the fixing member 27 and the electrode terminal 241.

[0126] During the injection molding process, the liquid first insulating component 28 has a high temperature. After contacting the fixing component 27 and the electrode terminal 241, the inner surface of the fixing component 27 and the outer surface of the electrode terminal 241 can be in a molten state. Then, the molecules of the fixing component 27 and the liquid first insulating component 28 will permeate each other, and the molecules of the electrode terminal 241 and the liquid first insulating component 28 will permeate each other. After the first insulating component 28 solidifies into a solid state, the first insulating component 28 and the fixing component 27, and the first insulating component 28 and the electrode terminal 241 are all connected.

[0127] In other embodiments, the first insulating member 28 may also be molded and then placed between the fixing member 27 and the electrode terminal 241.

[0128] The first insulating component 28 is an injection molded part. In other words, the first insulating component 28 is formed between the fixing component 27 and the electrode terminal 241 by injection molding, which facilitates the forming and installation of the first insulating component 28. Injection molding can also improve the connection stability between the fixing component 27 and the first insulating component 28, as well as between the electrode terminal 241 and the first insulating component 28.

[0129] To improve the connection stability between the first insulating member 28 and the fixing member 27, please continue to refer to... Figure 5 , Figure 6 In some embodiments, the inner peripheral surface of the fastener 27 is provided with an inwardly protruding first limiting portion 271, and the first insulating member 28 is provided with a first recess 283 for the first limiting portion 271 to be inserted. The first limiting portion 271 is configured to be inserted into the first recess 283 to fix the fastener 27 and the first insulating member 28.

[0130] The first limiting portion 271 can be a closed structure formed by extending circumferentially along the electrode lead-out hole 232. Correspondingly, the first recessed portion 283 can also be a closed structure formed by extending circumferentially along the electrode lead-out hole 232 in conjunction with the first limiting portion 271. Alternatively, the first limiting portion 271 can be a non-closed structure formed circumferentially along the electrode lead-out hole 232. In this embodiment, the first recessed portion 283 can be a non-closed structure in conjunction with the first limiting portion 271, or a closed structure formed circumferentially along the electrode lead-out hole 232.

[0131] In other embodiments, a first recess 283 may be provided on the inner surface of the fastener 27, and a first limiting portion 271 that can be inserted into the first recess 283 on the surface of the first insulating member 28 facing the inner surface of the fastener 27 may be formed.

[0132] The insertion and engagement of the first limiting part 271 and the first recessed part 283 can improve the connection stability between the first insulating member 28 and the fixing member 27.

[0133] The number of first limiting parts 271 can be one or more, where "more" refers to two or more. For example... Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the inner circumferential surface of the fixing member 27 is provided with a plurality of first limiting portions 271 arranged at intervals, and the first insulating member 28 is provided with a plurality of first recesses 283 arranged at intervals, with the first limiting portions 271 and the first recesses 283 being provided in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0134] The multiple first limiting parts 271 can be arranged on the same circle or distributed on different circumferences. The multiple first limiting parts 271 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the electrode lead-out hole 232.

[0135] In other embodiments, a plurality of first limiting portions 271 may also be arranged at axial intervals along the electrode lead-out hole 232.

[0136] The insertion and engagement of multiple first limiting portions 271 and multiple first recesses 283 can further improve the connection stability between the first insulating member 28 and the fixing member 27. Furthermore, the multiple first limiting portions 271 are arranged at circumferential intervals along the electrode lead-out hole 232, so the engagement of the multiple first limiting portions 271 and multiple first recesses 283 can also circumferentially limit the first insulating member 28, preventing the first insulating member 28 from rotating circumferentially relative to the fixing member 27.

[0137] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the outer peripheral surface of the fastener 27 is provided with a groove 272, and a first limiting portion 271 protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the fastener 27 is formed at a position corresponding to the groove 272 on the inner peripheral surface of the fastener 27.

[0138] The groove 272 is recessed from the outer periphery of the fastener 27 into the internal space enclosed by the fastener 27, and the inner surface of the fastener 27 protrudes into the internal space enclosed by the fastener 27 at the corresponding position of the groove 272 to form the first limiting part 271.

[0139] In other embodiments, the first limiting part 271 may also be provided directly on the inner surface of the fastener 27.

[0140] During the process of forming the groove 272 on the outer peripheral surface of the fastener 27, the formation of the first limiting part 271 on the inner surface of the fastener 27 can reduce manufacturing difficulty and improve manufacturing efficiency.

[0141] To improve the connection stability between the first insulator 28 and the electrode terminal 241, please continue to refer to... Figure 6In some embodiments, along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 232, the surface of the first insulating member 28 facing the electrode terminal 241 is provided with a second limiting portion 284, and the surface of the electrode terminal 241 facing the first insulating member 28 is provided with a second recess 2414 for the second limiting portion 284 to be inserted. The second limiting portion 284 is configured to be inserted into the second recess 2414 to fix the first insulating member 28 and the electrode terminal 241.

[0142] The second limiting portion 284 can be a closed structure formed by extending circumferentially along the electrode lead-out hole 232. Correspondingly, the second recess 2414 can also be a closed structure formed by extending circumferentially along the electrode lead-out hole 232 and matching the second limiting portion 284. Alternatively, the second limiting portion 284 can be a non-closed structure formed circumferentially along the electrode lead-out hole 232. In this embodiment, the second recess 2414 can be a non-closed structure matching the second limiting portion 284 or a closed structure formed circumferentially along the electrode lead-out hole 232.

[0143] In other embodiments, a second recess 2414 may be provided on the surface of the first insulating member 28 facing the electrode terminal 241, and a second limiting portion 284 may be formed on the surface of the electrode terminal 241 facing the first insulating member 28, which is capable of being inserted into the second recess 2414 of the first insulating member 28.

[0144] The insertion and engagement of the second limiting part 284 and the second recessed part 2414 can improve the connection stability between the first insulating member 28 and the electrode terminal 241.

[0145] The number of second limiting portions 284 can be one or more, where "more" means two or more. In some embodiments, the first insulating member 28 is provided with a plurality of second limiting portions 284 arranged at intervals, and the electrode terminal 241 is provided with a plurality of second recesses 2414 arranged at intervals, with the second limiting portions 284 and the second recesses 2414 corresponding to each other.

[0146] The multiple second limiting parts 284 can be arranged on the same circle or distributed on different circumferences. The multiple second limiting parts 284 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the electrode lead-out hole 232.

[0147] In other embodiments, a plurality of second limiting portions 284 may also be arranged at axial intervals along the electrode lead-out hole 232.

[0148] The insertion and engagement of multiple second limiting portions 284 and multiple second recesses 2414 can further improve the connection stability between the first insulating member 28 and the electrode terminal 241. Furthermore, the multiple second limiting portions 284 are arranged at circumferential intervals along the electrode lead-out hole 232, so that the engagement of the multiple second limiting portions 284 and multiple second recesses 2414 can also circumferentially limit the first insulating member 28, preventing the electrode terminal 241 from rotating circumferentially relative to the first insulating member 28.

[0149] Please refer to the reference. Figure 5 , Figure 6 In some embodiments, the electrode terminal 241 includes a main body 2411, and the first insulating member 28 includes a first insulating portion 281 and a second insulating portion 282 connected together. The first insulating portion 281 surrounds the outer periphery of the main body 2411. The main body 2411 has a first surface 2411a facing the interior of the battery cell 20. The second insulating portion 282 is located on one side of the first surface 2411a and contacts the first surface 2411a to restrict the movement of the main body 2411 towards the interior of the battery cell 20.

[0150] Both the first insulating portion 281 and the second insulating portion 282 are closed structures extending circumferentially along the electrode lead-out hole 232. The first insulating portion 281 surrounds the outer periphery of the main body portion 2411 to separate the main body portion 2411 and the fixing member 27. The second insulating portion 282 is connected to one end of the first insulating portion 281 along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 232. The second insulating portion 282 has a ring structure, so that the second insulating portion 282 forms a central hole, and the connecting portion 251 of the current collector 25 can extend into the central hole to connect with the electrode terminal 241, or the electrode terminal 241 can pass through the central hole and connect with the connecting portion 251 of the current collector 25.

[0151] The second recess 2414 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body 2411 and passes through both ends of the main body 2411 along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 232.

[0152] In some other embodiments, the first insulating member 28 may consist only of the first insulating portion 281.

[0153] The first insulating portion 281 surrounds the outer periphery of the main body portion 2411, separating the fixing member 27 from the main body portion 2411 and preventing contact between the fixing member 27 and the main body portion 2411 from causing a short circuit inside the battery cell 20. The second insulating portion 282 contacts the first surface 2411a of the main body portion 2411, which not only provides insulation but also restricts the movement of the main body portion 2411 towards the interior of the battery cell 20, improving the installation stability of the electrode terminals 241.

[0154] Please continue to refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6In some embodiments, the electrode terminal 241 further includes a first protrusion 2412, which protrudes from the first surface 2411a out of the main body 2411, and the first insulating member 28 surrounds the outer periphery of the first protrusion 2412.

[0155] Both the main body 2411 and the first protrusion 2412 are cylindrical, with the diameter of the main body 2411 being larger than the diameter of the first protrusion. The surface of the second insulating portion 282 facing away from the interior of the battery cell 20 is connected to the first surface 2411a of the main body 2411. Along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 232, the inner surface of the second insulating portion 282 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the first protrusion 2412. The surfaces of the second insulating portion 282 facing the interior of the battery cell 20 and the surfaces of the first protrusion 2412 facing the interior of the battery cell 20 may be flush or not flush. In some embodiments, the surface of the second insulating portion 282 facing the interior of the battery cell 20 is closer to the interior of the battery cell 20 than the surface of the first protrusion 2412 facing the interior of the battery cell 20, or the surface of the second insulating portion 282 facing the interior of the battery cell 20 is further away from the interior of the battery cell 20 than the surface of the first protrusion 2412 facing the interior of the battery cell 20, so that they are not flush.

[0156] The electrode terminal 241 includes a first protrusion 2412, which is closer to the interior of the battery cell 20 than the main body 2411, facilitating the connection between the electrode terminal 241 and the current collector 25. The second insulating portion 282 surrounding the first protrusion 2412 increases the contact area between the first insulating member 28 and the electrode terminal 241, improving connection stability.

[0157] like Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 In some embodiments, along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 232, the distance C between the hole wall 2321 of the electrode lead-out hole and the outer peripheral wall of the first protrusion 2412 satisfies: C≤8mm.

[0158] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the connection position between the fixing member 27 and the end cap 23 has a corner area, and the distance C between the hole wall 2321 of the electrode lead-out hole and the outer peripheral wall of the first protrusion 2412 should be reduced by the radial dimension of the corner area along the electrode assembly 22 (e.g., Figure 8 The corner area is very small in the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 232 (F), so it can be ignored in some cases. Figure 6 The C shown is the case where the radial dimension of the corner region along the electrode assembly 22 is not ignored. Figure 8 The C shown is the case where the radial dimension of the corner region along the electrode assembly 22 is ignored.

[0159] Of course, in other embodiments, the upper limit of C can also be other values. For example, C≤7.5mm, C≤8.5mm, C≤9mm, etc.

[0160] The distance C between the hole wall 2321 of the electrode lead-out hole and the outer peripheral wall of the first protrusion 2412 does not exceed 8mm. This can increase the creepage distance between the end cover 23 and the electrode terminal 241, reduce the risk of the end cover 23 being broken down by high voltage, and thus reduce the risk of safety problems caused by the battery cell 20 being short-circuited due to high voltage breakdown.

[0161] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the surface of the first protrusion 2412 facing the battery cell 20 is further away from the interior of the battery cell 20 than the surface of the second insulating portion 282 facing the battery cell 20; wherein, along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 232, the distance D between the surface of the first protrusion 2412 facing the battery cell 20 and the surface of the second insulating portion 282 facing the battery cell 20 satisfies: 0mm < D ≤ 3mm.

[0162] Of course, D can also have other ranges of values ​​depending on the actual needs.

[0163] The surface of the first protrusion 2412 facing the battery cell 20 is further away from the interior of the battery cell 20 than the surface of the second insulating part 282 facing the battery cell 20, so that the second insulating part 282 can better separate the fixing member 27 and the first protrusion 2412, further reducing the risk of short circuit in the battery cell 20.

[0164] In other embodiments, the electrode terminal 241 may include only the main body 2411 and exclude the first protrusion 2412.

[0165] like Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the fastener 27 includes a fastening body 274 surrounding the main body 2411, one end of which is connected to the surface of the end cap 23 facing away from the interior of the battery cell 20; along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 232, the distance E between the inner surface of the fastening body 274 and the outer peripheral surface of the main body 2411 satisfies: 0.3mm≤E≤2mm.

[0166] The first limiting part 271 is disposed on the inner surface of the fixing body 274, and the groove 272 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixing body 274. The fixing body 274 is conical, and the outer peripheral surface of the fixing body 274 is a circular surface. The large end of the fixing body 274 is connected to the end cover 23, and the small end of the fixing body 274 extends to the side of the end cover 23 away from the interior of the battery cell 20.

[0167] Of course, in other embodiments, the distance E between the inner surface of the fixed body 274 and the outer peripheral surface of the main body 2411 can also be other ranges.

[0168] The distance E between the inner surface of the fixing body 274 and the outer peripheral surface of the main body 2411 satisfies: 0.3mm≤E≤2mm, which facilitates the installation of an insulating component between the fixing body 274 and the main body 2411, and the thickness of the insulating component meets the insulation requirements.

[0169] like Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the inner diameter of the fixing body 274 is smaller than the inner diameter of the electrode lead-out hole 232; along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 232, the distance F between the inner surface of the end of the fixing body 274 connected to the end cap 23 and the hole wall 2321 of the electrode lead-out hole satisfies: 0.5≤F≤4mm.

[0170] Since the fixing body 274 extends from the connection position with the end cap 23 towards the side of the end cap 23 away from the interior of the battery cell 20, there is a chamfered area at the connection position between the fixing body 274 and the end cap 23 to reduce stress concentration at the connection position. The existence of the chamfered area results in a distance between the end of the fixing body 274 closest to the interior of the battery cell 20 and the wall 2321 of the electrode lead-out hole along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 232. That is, the distance F between the inner surface of the end of the fixing body 274 connected to the end cap 23 and the wall 2321 of the electrode lead-out hole. If F is too small, it is not convenient for the fixing member 27 and the end cap 23 to be integrally formed. If F is too large, the distance between the fixing member 27 and the current collector 25 is reduced, thereby reducing the creepage distance.

[0171] The distance F between the inner surface of the end of the fixing body 274 connected to the end cap 23 and the hole wall 2321 of the electrode lead-out hole satisfies: 0.5≤F≤4mm, which facilitates the fixing body 274 to be fixedly formed on the end cap 23. It also makes the creepage distance between the connecting part 251 of the current collector 25 and the fixing member 27 larger, reducing the risk of the fixing member 27 being broken down and causing a short circuit in the battery cell 20.

[0172] like Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the terminal assembly 24 further includes a seal 29 disposed between the retainer 27 and the electrode terminal 241 to seal the connection between the electrode terminal 241 and the retainer 27.

[0173] The sealing element 29 and the first insulating element 28 are independent structures. In some embodiments, the sealing element 29 can also be the first insulating element 28, that is, the first insulating element 28 serves both as insulation and sealing. In this embodiment, it is not necessary to additionally provide a sealing element 29 between the fixing element 27 and the electrode terminal 241.

[0174] A sealing element 29 is provided between the fixing element 27 and the electrode terminal 241, which can improve the sealing performance between the fixing element 27 and the electrode terminal 241, thereby improving the sealing performance of the battery cell 20.

[0175] Please continue reading Figure 8 In some embodiments, electrode terminal 241 includes a body portion 2411; retainer 27 includes a flange 273 configured to extend toward the axis of electrode lead-out hole 232 and located on the side of body portion 2411 away from the interior of battery cell 20 to restrict movement of electrode terminal 241 away from the interior of battery cell 20, and at least a portion of seal 29 is located between flange 273 and body portion 2411.

[0176] Flange 273 is connected to one end of fixed body 274 away from end cap 23. Flange 273 has a ring structure so that flange 273 has a central hole, through which electrical equipment can be connected to electrode terminal 241, or other parts of electrode terminal 241 can be connected to electrical equipment through the central hole of flange 273.

[0177] Flange 273 is located on the side of the main body 2411 facing away from the interior of the battery cell 20. Flange 273 can restrict the movement of electrode terminal 241 away from the interior of the battery cell 20, thereby improving the installation stability of electrode terminal 241. Second insulating portion 282 is located on the side of the main body 2411 facing the interior of the battery cell 20. Flange 273 and second insulating portion 282 together limit the electrode terminal 241 in the axial direction of electrode lead hole 232, further improving the installation stability of electrode terminal 241.

[0178] In some embodiments, the main body 2411 has a second surface 2411b on the side opposite to the interior of the battery cell 20, and the electrode terminal 241 further includes a boss 2413, which protrudes from the second surface 2411b out of the main body 2411. A portion of the seal 29 is located between the second surface 2411b and the flange 273, and a portion of the seal 29 is located between the flange 273 and the outer peripheral surface of the boss 2413.

[0179] The surfaces of flange 273 and boss 2413 facing away from the interior of battery cell 20 may be flush or not. In some embodiments, the surface of flange 273 facing away from the interior of battery cell 20 is closer to the interior of battery cell 20 than the surface of boss 2413 facing away from the interior of battery cell 20, or the surface of flange 273 facing away from the interior of battery cell 20 is further away from the interior of battery cell 20 than the surface of boss 2413 facing away from the interior of battery cell 20, so that they are not flush. Figure 8 As shown, the surface of the flange 273 facing away from the inside of the battery cell 20 is closer to the inside of the battery cell 20 than the surface of the boss 2413 facing away from the inside of the battery cell 20. That is, along the direction facing away from the inside of the battery cell 20, the boss 2413 protrudes from the surface of the flange 273 facing away from the inside of the battery cell 20, which facilitates the connection of the electrode terminal 241 to the electrical equipment so as to output the electrical energy of the battery cell 20.

[0180] Both the main body 2411 and the boss 2413 are cylindrical. The diameter of the main body 2411 is larger than the diameter of the boss 2413. Therefore, the inner circumferential surface of the flange 273 is opposite to the outer circumferential surface of the boss 2413.

[0181] A portion of the seal 29 is located between the second surface 2411b and the boss 2413, and a portion of the seal 29 is located between the outer peripheral surfaces of the flange 273 and the boss 2413. This increases the contact area between the seal 29 and the electrode terminal 241, as well as the contact area between the seal 29 and the flange 273, thereby improving the sealing performance between the fixing member 27 and the electrode terminal 241.

[0182] Please continue reading Figure 8 In some embodiments, the battery cell 20 further includes a second insulating member 210, which includes a connected insulating body 2101 and an extension 2102. The insulating body 2101 is disposed on the side of the end cap 23 facing the interior of the battery cell 20. Along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 232, the extension 2102 extends from the insulating body 2101 toward the electrode lead-out hole 232 and surrounds the outside of the connecting portion 251 to separate the connecting portion 251 and the hole wall 2321 of the electrode lead-out hole.

[0183] The extension 2102 may extend to abut against the end of the electrode terminal 241 facing the inside of the battery cell 20 or the end of the second insulating portion 282 facing the inside of the battery cell 20, or there may be a certain gap between it and the electrode terminal 241 in the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 232.

[0184] The insulating body 2101 of the second insulating member 210 is disposed on the side of the end cap 23 facing the interior of the battery cell 20, which can separate the electrode assembly 22 and the end cap 23, preventing the battery cell 20 from short-circuiting due to contact between the electrode assembly 22 and the end cap 23. The extension 2102 of the second insulating member 210 extends into the electrode lead-out hole 232 and is located outside the connection portion 251 of the current collector 25, which can separate the connection portion 251 and the hole wall 2321 of the electrode lead-out hole, reducing the risk of short-circuiting of the battery cell 20 due to contact between the connection portion 251 and the end cap 23.

[0185] This application also provides a battery 100, which includes the battery cell 20 provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0186] In any of the above embodiments, the end cap 23 of the battery cell 20 and the current collector 25 have a large creepage distance, which reduces the risk of the end cap 23 being broken down by high voltage, thereby reducing the risk of safety problems caused by the battery cell 20 being short-circuited due to high voltage breakdown, and thus improving the safety performance of the battery 100.

[0187] This application provides an electrical device, which includes the battery cell 20 provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0188] In any of the above embodiments, there is a large creepage distance between the end cap 23 and the current collector 25 of the battery cell 20, which reduces the risk of the end cap 23 being broken down by high voltage, thereby reducing the risk of safety problems caused by the battery cell 20 being short-circuited due to high voltage breakdown, and thus improving electrical safety.

[0189] like Figure 9 As shown in the illustration, this application also provides a battery cell manufacturing apparatus 2000, which includes a supply device 2100 and an assembly device 2200. The supply device 2100 is configured to provide a housing 21, an electrode assembly 22, an end cap 23, a terminal assembly 24, and a current collector 25. The housing 21 has an opening 211, the electrode assembly 22 has tabs 221, and the end cap 23 has electrode lead-out holes 232. The terminal assembly 24 includes electrode terminals 241, which are correspondingly disposed with respect to the electrode lead-out holes 232. 1. Used to output electrical energy from battery cell 20; assembly device 2200 is configured to house electrode assembly 22 within housing 21 and connect current collector 25 between electrode terminal 241 and tab 221 to achieve electrical connection between electrode terminal 241 and tab 221; wherein, current collector 25 has a connecting portion 251 located within electrode lead-out hole 232, the connecting portion 251 is used to connect electrode terminal 241, and along the radial direction of electrode lead-out hole 232, the minimum distance H between the hole wall 2321 of electrode lead-out hole and the outer peripheral wall of connecting portion 251 satisfies H≥2mm.

[0190] like Figure 10 As shown in the embodiments of this application, a method for manufacturing a battery cell 20 is also provided. The method for manufacturing a battery cell 20 includes:

[0191] S100 provides a housing 21, an electrode assembly 22, an end cap 23, a terminal assembly 24, and a current collector 25. The housing 21 has an opening 211, the electrode assembly 22 has tabs 221, and the end cap 23 has an electrode lead-out hole 232. The terminal assembly 24 includes an electrode terminal 241, which is correspondingly disposed with the electrode lead-out hole 232. The electrode terminal 241 is used to output the electrical energy of the battery cell 20.

[0192] S200, the electrode assembly 22 is housed within the housing 21;

[0193] S300, the current collector 25 is connected between the electrode terminal 241 and the tab 221 to achieve electrical connection between the electrode terminal 241 and the tab 221;

[0194] The current collector 25 has a connecting portion 251 located inside the electrode lead-out hole 232. The connecting portion 251 is used to connect the electrode terminal 241. Along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 232, the minimum distance H between the hole wall 2321 of the electrode lead-out hole and the outer peripheral wall of the connecting portion 251 satisfies H≥2mm.

[0195] This application provides a battery cell 20, which includes a housing 21, an electrode assembly 22, an end cap 23, a terminal assembly 24, a current collector 25, a fixing member 27, a first insulating member 28, a sealing member 29, and a second insulating member 210.

[0196] The housing 21 has an opening 211. The electrode assembly 22 is housed within the housing 21. An end cap 23 is used to cover the opening 211, and the end cap 23 is provided with an electrode lead-out hole 232. The terminal assembly 24 includes an electrode terminal 241, which is correspondingly disposed with respect to the electrode lead-out hole 232, and the electrode terminal 241 is used to output electrical energy from the battery cell 20.

[0197] The current collector 25 is used to realize the electrical connection between the electrode terminal 241 and the tab 221 of the electrode assembly 22. The current collector 25 has a connecting part 251 located in the electrode lead-out hole 232, and the connecting part 251 is used to connect the electrode terminal 241.

[0198] The fixing member 27 is connected to the end cap 23 and surrounds the outer periphery of the electrode terminal 241. The fixing member 27 includes a fixing body 274 and a flange 273. One end of the fixing body 274 is connected to the end cap 23, and the other end is connected to the flange 273.

[0199] The electrode terminal 241 includes a main body 2411, a first protrusion 2412, and a boss 2413. The main body 2411 has a first surface 2411a and a second surface 2411b that are axially opposite each other along the electrode lead-out hole 232, with the first surface 2411a being closer to the interior of the battery cell 20 than the second surface 2411b. The first protrusion 2412 is connected to the first surface 2411a, and the boss 2413 is connected to the second surface 2411b. The first insulating portion 281 of the first insulating member 28 surrounds the outer periphery of the main body 2411 to separate the main body 2411 from the fixing member 27. The second insulating portion 282 of the first insulating member 28 is located on the side of the main body 2411 facing the interior of the battery cell 20 and is connected to the first surface 2411a to restrict the movement of the electrode terminal 241 towards the interior of the battery cell 20. The second insulating portion 282 also surrounds the outer periphery of the first protrusion 2412 and is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the first protrusion 2412.

[0200] The seal 29 is partially sealed between the flange 273 and the second surface 2411b, and partially sealed between the inner circumferential surface of the flange 273 and the outer circumferential surface of the boss 2413.

[0201] The insulating body 2101 of the second insulating member 210 is disposed on the side of the end cap 23 facing the interior of the battery cell 20. Along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 232, the extension 2102 of the second insulating member 210 extends from the insulating body 2101 towards the electrode terminal 241 into the electrode lead-out hole 232 and surrounds the outside of the connecting portion 251 to separate the connecting portion 251 from the hole wall 2321 of the electrode lead-out hole.

[0202] Along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole 232, the minimum distance H between the hole wall 2321 of the electrode lead-out hole and the outer peripheral wall of the connecting part 251 satisfies H≥2mm. Then, there is a large creepage distance between the end cover 23 and the current collector 25, which reduces the risk of the end cover 23 being broken down by high voltage, thereby reducing the risk of safety problems caused by high voltage breakdown and short circuit of the battery cell 20.

[0203] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. 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: The shell has an opening; An electrode assembly, housed within the housing, the electrode assembly having tabs; An end cap is used to seal the opening, and the end cap is provided with an electrode lead-out hole; A terminal assembly includes electrode terminals, which are correspondingly disposed with electrode lead-out holes, and the electrode terminals are used to output the electrical energy of the battery cell; A current collector is configured to be connected between the electrode terminal and the tab to achieve an electrical connection between the electrode terminal and the tab; The current collector has a connecting portion located inside the electrode lead-out hole. The connecting portion is used to connect the electrode terminal. Along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole, the minimum distance H between the hole wall of the electrode lead-out hole and the outer peripheral wall of the connecting portion satisfies H≥2mm.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, H satisfies: H≥3mm.

3. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, H satisfies: H≤10mm.

4. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole, the projection of the electrode terminal on the end cap is located within the electrode lead-out hole.

5. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The terminal assembly further includes a fixing member connected to the end cap. The fixing member covers the outer side of the electrode terminal along the circumference of the electrode terminal to fix the electrode terminal to the end cap.

6. The battery cell according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fastener is integrally formed with the end cap.

7. The battery cell according to claim 5, characterized in that, The terminal assembly further includes a first insulating member disposed between the fixing member and the electrode terminal to separate the fixing member and the electrode terminal.

8. The battery cell according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first insulating component is an injection molded component that is injected between the fixing component and the electrode terminal.

9. The battery cell according to claim 7, characterized in that, The inner circumferential surface of the fastener is provided with an inwardly protruding first limiting portion, and the first insulating member is provided with a first recess for the first limiting portion to be inserted. The first limiting portion is configured to be inserted into the first recess to fix the fastener and the first insulating member.

10. The battery cell according to claim 9, characterized in that, The inner circumferential surface of the fixing member is provided with a plurality of first limiting portions arranged at intervals, and the first insulating member is provided with a plurality of first recesses arranged at intervals, with the first limiting portions and the first recesses corresponding one to one.

11. The battery cell according to claim 9, characterized in that, The outer peripheral surface of the fastener is provided with a groove, and a first limiting part protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the fastener is formed at a position corresponding to the groove on the inner peripheral surface of the fastener.

12. The battery cell according to any one of claims 7-11, characterized in that, The electrode terminal includes a main body portion, and the first insulating member includes a first insulating portion and a second insulating portion connected together. The first insulating portion surrounds the outer periphery of the main body portion. The main body portion has a first surface facing the interior of the battery cell. The second insulating portion is located on one side of the first surface and contacts the first surface to restrict the movement of the main body portion toward the interior of the battery cell.

13. The battery cell according to claim 12, characterized in that, The electrode terminal further includes a first protrusion that protrudes from the first surface out of the main body portion, and a second insulating portion surrounds the outer periphery of the first protrusion.

14. The battery cell according to claim 13, characterized in that, Along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole, the distance C between the hole wall of the electrode lead-out hole and the outer peripheral wall of the first protrusion satisfies: C≤8mm.

15. The battery cell according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The surface of the first protrusion facing the battery cell is further away from the interior of the battery cell than the surface of the second insulating portion facing the battery cell. Wherein, along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole, the distance D between the surface of the first protrusion facing the battery cell and the surface of the second insulating part facing the battery cell satisfies: 0mm < D ≤ 3mm.

16. The battery cell according to any one of claims 12-15, characterized in that, The fastener includes a fastening body surrounding the main body, one end of which is connected to the surface of the end cap that is away from the interior of the battery cell. Along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole, the distance E between the inner surface of the fixing body and the outer peripheral surface of the main body satisfies: 0.3mm≤E≤2mm.

17. The battery cell according to claim 16, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the fixed body is smaller than the inner diameter of the electrode lead-out hole; Along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole, the distance F between the inner surface of the end of the fixed body connected to the end cap and the hole wall of the electrode lead-out hole satisfies: 0.5≤F≤4mm.

18. The battery cell according to claim 5, characterized in that, The terminal assembly further includes a seal disposed between the fixing member and the electrode terminal to seal the connection between the electrode terminal and the fixing member.

19. The battery cell according to claim 18, characterized in that, The electrode terminal includes a main body; The fastener includes a flange configured to extend toward an axis close to the electrode lead-out hole and located on the side of the body portion away from the interior of the battery cell, to restrict movement of the electrode terminal away from the interior of the battery cell, and at least a portion of the seal is located between the flange and the body portion.

20. The battery cell according to claim 19, characterized in that, The main body has a second surface on the side opposite to the interior of the battery cell. The electrode terminal also includes a boss that protrudes from the second surface out of the main body. A portion of the seal is located between the second surface and the flange, and a portion of the seal is located between the flange and the outer peripheral surface of the boss.

21. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery cell further includes a second insulating member, which includes an insulating body portion and an extension portion connected together. The insulating body portion is disposed on the side of the end cap facing the interior of the battery cell, along the axial direction of the electrode lead-out hole. The extension portion extends from the insulating body portion toward the electrode lead-out hole in a direction close to the electrode terminal and surrounds the outside of the connecting portion to separate the connecting portion from the hole wall of the electrode lead-out hole.

22. A battery, characterized in that, Includes the battery cell according to any one of claims 1-21.

23. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, Includes the battery cell according to any one of claims 1-21.

24. A manufacturing apparatus for a single battery cell, characterized in that, include: A providing device is configured to provide a housing, an electrode assembly, an end cap, a terminal assembly, and a current collector, wherein the housing has an opening, the electrode assembly has tabs, and the end cap has electrode lead-out holes; the terminal assembly includes electrode terminals, which are correspondingly disposed with respect to the electrode lead-out holes, and the electrode terminals are used to output the electrical energy of the battery cell; An assembly apparatus is configured to house the electrode assembly within the housing and connect the current collector between the electrode terminals and the tabs to achieve an electrical connection between the electrode terminals and the tabs; The current collector has a connecting portion located inside the electrode lead-out hole. The connecting portion is used to connect the electrode terminal. Along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole, the minimum distance H between the hole wall of the electrode lead-out hole and the outer peripheral wall of the connecting portion satisfies H≥2mm.

25. A method for manufacturing a single battery cell, characterized in that, include: The system provides a housing, an electrode assembly, an end cap, a terminal assembly, and a current collector. The housing has an opening, the electrode assembly has tabs, and the end cap has electrode lead-out holes. The terminal assembly includes electrode terminals, which are correspondingly disposed with the electrode lead-out holes. The electrode terminals are used to output the electrical energy of the battery cell. The electrode assembly is housed within the housing; The current collector is connected between the electrode terminal and the tab to achieve an electrical connection between the electrode terminal and the tab; The current collector has a connecting portion located inside the electrode lead-out hole. The connecting portion is used to connect the electrode terminal. Along the radial direction of the electrode lead-out hole, the minimum distance H between the hole wall of the electrode lead-out hole and the outer peripheral wall of the connecting portion satisfies H≥2mm.

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