Cylindrical battery cell, battery, and electric device

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of batteries, in particular to a cylindrical battery monomer, a battery and a power utilization device. The cylindrical battery monomer comprises a switching piece, the switching piece is formed by connecting a first switching part and a second switching part through a first insulation part, and the first insulation part is located between the first switching part and the second switching part to prevent the first switching part and the second switching part from being electrically connected. The battery monomer provided by the application can reduce the occurrence of the problem of internal short circuit caused by the overlap of the positive switching piece and the negative switching piece, reduce the probability of internal failure of the battery monomer, improve the safety performance of the battery monomer, and also reduce the manufacturing process of the battery monomer and improve the manufacturing efficiency.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on July 9, 2021, with application number 202110779170.4 and entitled "Isolation Component, Battery Pack and Energy Device". Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of batteries, and more particularly to a cylindrical battery cell, a battery, and an electrical device. Background Technology

[0003] With the continuous development of new energy technologies, people have increasingly higher requirements for battery technology. For example, the requirements for battery safety performance are also gradually increasing. If the battery safety performance is low, it is easy to cause accidents such as fires and explosions during battery use, thereby endangering personal safety. Therefore, how to improve battery safety performance has become an urgent problem to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, this application provides a cylindrical battery cell, a battery, and an electrical device, which can effectively improve the safety performance of the battery cell.

[0005] An embodiment of the first aspect of this application provides a cylindrical battery cell, comprising:

[0006] First and second electrode terminals with opposite polarities;

[0007] An electrode assembly includes a first tab and a second tab of opposite polarity, the first tab and the second tab being located at the same end of the electrode assembly; and

[0008] The adapter includes a first adapter portion and a second adapter portion, wherein the first adapter portion is used to connect the first tab and the first electrode terminal, and the second adapter portion is used to connect the second tab and the second electrode terminal.

[0009] The adapter also includes a first insulating portion for connecting the first adapter portion and the second adapter portion. A gap is provided between the first adapter portion and the second adapter portion. The first insulating portion is located between the first adapter portion and the second adapter portion to prevent electrical connection between the first adapter portion and the second adapter portion and to block at least part of the gap. At least part of the first insulating portion covers at least part of the first adapter portion and / or the second adapter portion along the extension direction of the adapter.

[0010] By adopting the above solution, the first and second adapter portions, used to connect the first and second tabs with opposite polarities, can be formed into an integral adapter through the connection of the first insulating portion. The first insulating portion is disposed between the first and second adapter portions, preventing contact between them from causing an internal short circuit. This reduces the probability of internal short circuits in the battery cell and improves its safety performance. Simultaneously, using an integral adapter reduces manufacturing processes, facilitates installation, and improves the efficiency of battery cell manufacturing.

[0011] In some embodiments, along the length direction of the adapter, a first insulating portion is continuously disposed between the first adapter portion and the second adapter portion.

[0012] By adopting the above solution, the probability of short circuit caused by overlapping at any position between the first and second transition parts can be reduced. Furthermore, when the transition part needs to be bent, the continuously provided first insulating part can ensure good consistency of the transition part when bent, reducing the probability of short circuit caused by overlapping due to bending.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first insulating component is made of a flexible material, and the adapter is bent into shape.

[0014] By adopting the above solution, the adapter made of flexible material is easier to bend, and the first insulating part has a certain elasticity when bent, making the adapter less likely to break when bent, thus improving the reliability of the adapter.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first insulating portion includes a plurality of insulating blocks spaced apart, all of which are disposed between the first transition portion and the second transition portion.

[0016] By adopting the above solution, while using insulating blocks to connect the first and second transition parts, a gap is left between some of the first and second transition parts. Since some insulating blocks are still connected between the first and second transition parts to prevent them from contacting each other, the first and second transition parts are less likely to overlap and cause a short circuit. Furthermore, the spaced arrangement of the insulating blocks can save materials and reduce costs.

[0017] In some embodiments, the adapter is bent at the interval between at least two adjacent insulating blocks.

[0018] By adopting the above solution, since the gap between adjacent insulating blocks is easier to bend, only the first and second transition parts need to be bent when bending, without bending the insulating blocks, which makes it easier to bend the transition parts into shape.

[0019] In some embodiments, along the thickness direction of the adapter, the first insulating portion protrudes from the surface of the adapter to form a first protrusion.

[0020] By adopting the above solution, the first protruding part can increase the creepage distance between the first and second adapter parts, making it less likely for the adapter to form an internal short circuit when connected to other components or metal foreign objects.

[0021] In some embodiments, along the length of the adapter, a first insulating portion is disposed at one end of the adapter, and a gap is formed between the first adapter portion and the second adapter portion at the other end of the adapter, and the adapter is bent to allow the first protruding portion to be inserted into the gap.

[0022] By adopting the above solution, the first and second transition portions can be positioned on either side of the first insulating portion after bending, preventing them from overlapping. Furthermore, the insertion of the first protruding portion into the gap also prevents the transition portion from rotating during use and causing the first and second transition portions to overlap. In addition, the first insulating portion does not need to be bent, reducing processing difficulty.

[0023] In some embodiments, along the thickness direction of the adapter, the height of the first protrusion is greater than or equal to the maximum thickness of the first or second adapter.

[0024] By adopting the above scheme, the first protruding part can be at least partially inserted into the gap. When the adapter is bent and shaped, the volume that the first protruding part can be inserted into the gap varies depending on the bending angle. Under any bending angle, the height of the first protruding part is greater than or equal to the maximum thickness of the first adapter and the second adapter, which can improve the ability of the first insulating part to prevent the first adapter and the second adapter from overlapping and improve the overall reliability of the adapter.

[0025] In some embodiments, a gap space is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the first insulating portion protrudes toward the gap space to form a second protruding portion, at least a portion of the second protruding portion being located within the gap space.

[0026] By adopting the above solution, inserting the second protruding part into the gap between the first tab and the second tab, the creepage distance between the first adapter and the second adapter can be increased, while the probability of the first tab and the second tab colliding can be reduced, thereby improving the safety performance of the battery cell.

[0027] In some embodiments, a weak zone is provided on the adapter near the bend.

[0028] By adopting the above solution, the area near the bend on the adapter has lower stiffness than other areas, making it easier to bend.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal are located at the same end of the battery cell, and the battery cell further includes a second insulating portion for connecting the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal. The second insulating portion is located between the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal to prevent the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal from being electrically connected.

[0030] By adopting the above solution, the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal can be formed into one piece. By placing the second insulating part between the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal, the probability of short circuit caused by the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal overlapping can be reduced, thereby improving the safety of the battery cell. At the same time, the integrated electrode terminal can also reduce the number of processes and improve the manufacturing efficiency of the battery cell.

[0031] An embodiment of the second aspect of this application also provides a battery, including a cylindrical battery cell as described in any of the above embodiments, and a housing for containing the cylindrical battery cell.

[0032] An embodiment of the third aspect of this application also provides an electrical device, including a battery provided in the embodiment of the second aspect of this application, the battery being used to provide electrical energy to the electrical device.

[0033] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of the embodiments of this application and to implement them in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the embodiments of this application more obvious and understandable, specific implementation methods of this application are described below. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Other features, objects, and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar features.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a battery explosion provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0037] Figure 3 This is an exploded schematic diagram of a single battery cell provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0038] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows the structure of the electrode assembly.

[0039] Figure 5 yes Figure 3The diagram shows the structure of the end cap;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adapter provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0041] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The sectional view shown along direction AA;

[0042] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 The diagram shows the structure of the adapter after bending.

[0043] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adapter provided in other embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The diagram shows the structure of the adapter after bending.

[0045] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adapter provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adapter provided in some other embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A magnified view of a section at point K;

[0048] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrode assembly provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0049] Figure 15 This is an assembly diagram of the adapter and electrode assembly provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A magnified view of a section at point M;

[0051] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the end cap structure provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0052] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0053] 1-Vehicle;

[0054] 2-Battery;

[0055] 3-Controller;

[0056] 4-Motor;

[0057] 5-Box body, 51-First box body section, 52-Second box body section, 53-Accommodation space, 54-Frame body;

[0058] 6-Battery cell;

[0059] 61-Electrode assembly, 611-First electrode tab, 612-Second electrode tab, 613-Gap space;

[0060] 62 - First electrode terminal;

[0061] 63 - Second electrode terminal;

[0062] 64-Adapter, 641-First Adapter, 642-Second Adapter, 643-First Insulation Part

[0063] 643a - Insulating block, 643b - First protruding part, 643c - Gap, 643d - Second protruding part

[0064] 644 - Weak Area;

[0065] 65 - Second insulation section;

[0066] 66 - Casing;

[0067] 67-End cap;

[0068] X - Length direction of the adapter; Y - Thickness direction of the adapter;

[0069] H1 - Height of the first protruding part along the Y direction;

[0070] H2 - Thickness of the first transition section along the Y direction. Detailed Implementation

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

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

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

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

[0075] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0076] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals denote the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components are omitted in different embodiments. It should be understood that the thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of various components in the embodiments of this application shown in the accompanying drawings, as well as the overall thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the integrated device, are merely illustrative and should not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0077] In this application, "multiple" means two or more (including two).

[0078] In existing battery cell structures, battery cells are typically equipped with positive and negative electrode terminals for connection to a power circuit for power supply. When the positive and negative electrode terminals of a battery cell are configured on different ends of the battery cell, a certain amount of space needs to be reserved on each end face where the positive and negative electrode terminals are located for electrical connection. This requires more space within the battery cell, resulting in an increase in the overall volume of the battery cell or a decrease in the overall energy density.

[0079] Therefore, to improve energy density, the positive and negative electrode terminals of a battery cell can be simultaneously located on one end of the cell. This way, only one end of the cell needs to be reserved for electrical connection, effectively increasing the overall energy density of the battery cell. However, the inventors discovered that in existing battery cell structures, when the positive and negative electrode terminals are simultaneously located on the same end of the cell, the internal positive and negative adapters are prone to bridging due to vibration or collision, causing internal short circuits and safety issues for the battery cell. Alternatively, even if the positive and negative electrode terminals are not located on one end of the cell, the positive and negative adapters may still bridging due to vibration or collision, potentially leading to safety problems as well.

[0080] In view of this, this application provides a battery cell that employs a connector including a first adapter portion and a second adapter portion, with a first insulating portion connecting the first adapter portion and the second adapter portion. In this way, the first insulating portion connects the first adapter portion and the second adapter portion while ensuring mutual insulation, effectively improving the safety performance of the battery cell and preventing short circuits caused by the overlap of the first and second adapter portions within the battery cell.

[0081] The battery cells described in the embodiments of this application are applicable to batteries and electrical devices that use batteries.

[0082] Electrical devices 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 devices.

[0083] For ease of explanation, the following embodiments will use a vehicle as an example of an electrical device.

[0084] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of vehicle 1 provided in some embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 1As shown, a battery 2 is installed inside the vehicle 1. Battery 2 refers to a single physical module comprising one or more individual battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery mentioned in this application may include a battery module or battery pack. Battery 2 may be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 1. Battery 2 can be used to power the vehicle 1; for example, battery 2 can serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 may also include a controller 3 and a motor 4. The controller 3 is used to control the battery 2 to supply power to the motor 4, for example, to meet the power needs of the vehicle 1 during starting, navigation, and driving.

[0085] In some embodiments of this application, the battery 2 can not only serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1, but also as the driving power source for the vehicle 1, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1.

[0086] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is an exploded schematic diagram of battery 2 provided in some embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 2 As shown, battery 2 includes a housing 5 and a battery cell 6, with the battery cell 6 housed inside the housing 5.

[0087] The housing 5 is used to house the battery cell 6, and the housing 5 can have various structures. In some embodiments, the housing 5 may include a first housing portion 51, a second housing portion 52, and a frame 54. The frame 54 may be a hollow structure with openings at both ends, and the first housing portion 51 and the second housing portion 52 respectively cover the openings at both ends. The frame 54, the first housing portion 51, and the second housing portion 52 together define a housing space 53 for housing the battery cell 6. The first housing portion 51 and the second housing portion 52 may be hollow structures with one end open, or they may be plate-like structures. The frame 54 may have various shapes, such as a cylinder, a cuboid, etc. To improve the sealing performance after the first housing portion 51, the second housing portion 52, and the frame 54 are connected, a sealing element, such as sealant or a sealing ring, may be provided between the first housing portion 51, the second housing portion 52, and the frame 54. Assuming that the first box part 51 covers the top of the frame 54 and the second box part 52 covers the bottom of the frame 54, the first box part 51 can also be called the upper box cover and the second box part 52 can also be called the lower box cover.

[0088] In battery 2, there are multiple battery cells 6. These multiple battery cells 6 can be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner. A mixed connection means that multiple battery cells 6 are connected in both series and parallel. Multiple battery cells 6 can be directly connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner, and then the whole assembly of multiple battery cells 6 is housed in the housing 5. Alternatively, multiple battery cells 6 can first be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a battery module (not shown in the figure), and then multiple battery modules can be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a whole assembly, which is then housed in the housing 5.

[0089] Please see Figures 3 to 7 This application provides a battery cell 6, which includes an electrode assembly 61, a first electrode terminal 62, a second electrode terminal 63, and an adapter 64. The electrode assembly 61 includes a first tab 611 and a second tab 612 with opposite polarities, and the first tab 611 and the second tab 612 are located at the same end of the electrode assembly 61; the first electrode terminal 62 and the second electrode terminal 63 have opposite polarities; the adapter 64 includes a first adapter portion 641, a second adapter portion 642, and a first insulating portion 643. The first adapter portion 641 is used to connect the first tab 611 and the first electrode terminal 62, the second adapter portion 642 is used to connect the second tab 612 and the second electrode terminal 63, and the first insulating portion 643 is used to connect the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642, and the first insulating portion 643 is located between the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642 to prevent the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642 from being electrically connected.

[0090] In some embodiments of this application, the battery cell 6 may include a lithium-ion secondary battery cell, a lithium-ion primary battery cell, a lithium-sulfur battery cell, a sodium-lithium-ion battery cell, a sodium-ion battery cell, or a magnesium-ion battery cell, etc., and this application does not limit the specific type of battery cell. The battery cell 6 may be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes, and this application does not limit the specific shape of the battery cell. For ease of explanation, a cylindrical battery cell is used as an example in the following embodiments. The battery cell 6 is generally classified into three types according to the packaging method: cylindrical battery cell, square battery cell, and pouch battery cell, and this application does not limit the specific type of battery cell.

[0091] For some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3This is an exploded view of a battery cell 6 provided in some embodiments of this application. The battery cell 6 may include an electrode assembly 61, a housing 66, an end cap 67, and an electrolyte (not shown in the figure). The electrode assembly 61 may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator (none shown in the figure). The battery cell 6 mainly operates by the movement of metal ions between the positive and negative electrode plates. The positive electrode includes a positive current collector and a positive active material layer, the positive active material layer being coated on the surface of the positive current collector; the positive current collector includes a positive current collector portion coated with the positive active material layer. Taking a lithium-ion battery as an example, the material of the positive current collector can be aluminum, and the positive active material layer includes a positive active material, which can be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganese oxide, etc. The negative electrode includes a negative current collector and a negative active material layer, the negative active material layer being coated on the surface of the negative current collector; the negative current collector includes a negative current collector portion coated with the negative active material layer. The negative electrode current collector can be made of copper, and the negative electrode active material layer includes a negative electrode active material, which can be carbon or silicon, etc. The separator can be made of PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene), etc. Furthermore, the electrode assembly 61 can be a wound structure or a stacked structure; this embodiment is not limited to these. The housing 66 can have an opening at one end or openings at both ends, and the end cap 67 covers the opening of the housing 66 to form a space for accommodating the electrode assembly 61 and the electrolyte together with the housing 66. Optionally, the housing 66 and the end cap 67 can be made of the same material, for example, both the housing 66 and the end cap 67 can be made of aluminum, which facilitates welding of the housing 66 and the end cap 67. Alternatively, the housing 66 and the end cap 67 can be made of different materials, for example, the housing 66 and the end cap 67 can be made of different metals, and other connection methods such as riveting can be used to connect the housing 66 and the end cap 67.

[0092] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4 for Figure 3The diagram shows the structure of the electrode assembly 61. In this application, the electrode assembly 61 further includes a first tab 611 and a second tab 612 with opposite polarities, located at the same end of the electrode assembly 61. The first tab 611 and the second tab 612 can be a positive tab and a negative tab, respectively; for example, the first tab 611 is a positive tab and the second tab 612 is a negative tab. The positive current collector also includes a positive convex portion protruding from the positive current collector, at least a portion of which is not coated with a positive active material layer to serve as a positive tab. The negative electrode also includes a negative convex portion protruding from the negative current collector, at least a portion of which is not coated with a negative active material layer to serve as a negative tab. To ensure that a large current can pass through without melting, there can be multiple positive tabs stacked together, and there can also be multiple negative tabs stacked together. The first tab 611 and the second tab 612 are opposite in polarity and located on the same end, so that the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal of the battery cell 6 can be led out from the same end.

[0093] Please continue reading Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 5 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the structure of the end cap 67. In this application, the battery cell 6 also includes a first electrode terminal 62 and a second electrode terminal 63 with opposite polarities. The first electrode terminal 62 and the second electrode terminal 63 can be located at the same end of the battery cell 6. Both the first electrode terminal 62 and the second electrode terminal 63 are used to connect to external components of the battery cell 6 to establish a current loop. The first electrode terminal 62 and the second electrode terminal 63 can be a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal, respectively. For example, the first electrode terminal 62 can be a positive electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal 63 can be a negative electrode terminal. It should be noted that the first tab 611 and the first electrode terminal 62, and the second tab 612 and the second electrode terminal 63 have the same polarity, so that the first tab 611 is electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 62, and the second tab 612 is electrically connected to the second electrode terminal 63. Optionally, the first electrode terminal 62 and the second electrode terminal 63 can be one or more additional components disposed on the end face of the battery cell 6, or the housing 66 or the end cap 67 of the battery cell 6 can be used as a positive electrode terminal or a negative electrode terminal. In addition, other functional structures such as injection holes and explosion-proof valves can also be provided on the end cap 67.

[0094] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adapter 64 provided in some embodiments of this application. In this application, the adapter 64 includes a first adapter portion 641 and a second adapter portion 642. The first adapter portion 641 is used to connect the first tab 611 and the first electrode terminal 62, and the second adapter portion 642 is used to connect the second tab 612 and the second electrode terminal 63. Optionally, the first adapter portion 641 can be made of aluminum to facilitate connection with the first tab 611 and the first electrode terminal 62 by welding; the second adapter portion 642 can be made of copper to facilitate connection with the second tab 612 and the second electrode terminal 63 by welding. Optionally, the connection between the first adapter portion 641 and the first tab 611 and the first electrode terminal 62 can also be other connection methods such as snap-fitting, riveting, etc.; similarly, the connection between the second adapter portion 642 and the second tab 612 and the second electrode terminal 62 can also be other connection methods such as snap-fitting, riveting, etc.

[0095] Please continue reading Figure 6 In this application, the adapter 64 further includes a first insulating portion 643 for connecting the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642. The first insulating portion 643 is located between the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642 to prevent electrical connection between the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642. When the adapter 64 does not need to be bent, the first insulating portion 643 can be made of an insulating material of any hardness, such as rubber or plastic. Optionally, since the adapter 64 is disposed inside the battery cell 6, the adapter 64 can be made of a corrosion-resistant and high-temperature-resistant insulating material, such as resin. When the adapter 64 needs to be bent, the first insulating portion 643 needs to have a certain degree of flexibility to bend together with the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642. Therefore, the first insulating portion 643 can be made of an insulating material with a certain degree of flexibility, such as synthetic resin. Optionally, when the first insulating part 643 is made of plastic, the first insulating part 643, the first adapter part 641, and the second adapter part 642 can be molded together using injection molding. Alternatively, the first insulating part 643, the first adapter part 641, and the second adapter part 642 can be molded separately and then connected by snap-fitting, plugging, or other methods.

[0096] Please continue reading Figure 6 In this application, the first insulating portion 643 is located between the first transition portion 641 and the second transition portion 642 to prevent electrical connection between the first transition portion 641 and the second transition portion 642. Optionally, please also refer to... Figure 7 , Figure 7 for Figure 6 The cross-sectional view along direction AA is shown. The first insulating portion 643 may be entirely located between the first transition portion 641 and the second transition portion 642, or it may be as follows: Figure 7As shown, a portion of the first insulating portion 643 is located between the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642. When the first insulating portion 643 is sandwiched between the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642, a portion of the first insulating portion 643 can cover a portion of the first adapter portion 641 or the second adapter portion 642 along the extension direction of the adapter 64. This increases the creepage distance of the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642 along the extension direction of the adapter 64, making it less likely for the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642 to overlap in this direction due to metal debris present or generated in the battery, thereby improving the safety of the adapter 64 during use. Optionally, the first insulating portion 643 can also be entirely located between the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642. By increasing the width of the first insulating portion 643 disposed between the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642, the creepage distance can be increased, which can also improve the safety of the battery cell 6.

[0097] This application provides a battery cell 6, which includes an adapter 64 comprising a first adapter portion 641 and a second adapter portion 642. The first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642 are connected by a first insulating portion 643. This design reduces the risk of internal short circuits caused by overlapping of the adapters 64 with different polarities within the battery cell 6 during use, thus improving the safety performance of the battery cell 6. Furthermore, when the adapter 64 needs to be bent, the bending of the adapter 64 ensures good consistency to avoid overlapping during bending, further improving the safety performance of the battery cell 6. Simultaneously, the integrated adapter 64 simplifies the manufacturing process and improves production efficiency.

[0098] In some embodiments of this application, please refer to... Figure 6 and Figure 7 Along the length X of the adapter 64, a first insulating portion 643 can be continuously disposed between the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642. The first insulating portion 643 can form a continuous elongated structure between the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642. This arrangement of the first insulating portion 643 between the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642 provides insulation protection, reducing the risk of internal short circuits in the adapter 64 and improving its safety. When the adapter 64 needs to be bent, the first insulating portion 643 can be bent together with the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642, improving the consistency of bending the adapter 64.

[0099] For some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 for Figure 6The diagram shows the structure of the adapter 64 after bending. In some battery cells 6, the adapter 64 needs to be bent to facilitate welding of electrode terminals and tabs. Optionally, the adapter 64 can be bent several times, for example, it can be bent once into a U-shape or bent twice into an S-shape, etc. Figure 8 The structure shown is based solely on the adapter 64 after two bends. During welding, the electrode terminals and tabs can be welded to two opposing surfaces at both ends of the adapter 64. Alternatively, welding can be performed before bending the adapter 64, which facilitates processing.

[0100] The first insulating part 643 can be made of a flexible material, making it easy to bend and capable of undergoing a certain degree of elastic deformation when bent.

[0101] For some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adapter 64 provided in other embodiments of this application. The first insulating portion 643 may include a plurality of spaced insulating blocks 643a. The plurality of insulating blocks 643a may all be located between the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642. The size of the spacing can be selected according to the width of the insulating blocks 643a, the length of the adapter 64, and the preset creepage distance between the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642, so that the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642 do not easily overlap. For example, at least one insulating block 643a can be arranged on each of the larger surfaces of the adapter 64 after folding. In this way, while making it less likely for the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642 to overlap, the material consumption for manufacturing the first insulating portion 643 can be reduced, thereby reducing costs.

[0102] For some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10 for Figure 9 The diagram shows the structure of the adapter 64 after bending. Figure 10 As shown, the adapter 64 can be bent at the interval between at least two adjacent insulating blocks 643a. Multiple intervals can be formed between the multiple insulating blocks 643a, and the adapter 64 can be bent at at least one interval. Since no insulating block 643a is provided at the interval, bending is easier. Optionally, the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642 near the bending area can be provided with a larger interval to reduce the probability of overlap at the bend.

[0103] For some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 11 , Figure 11 A structural schematic diagram of the adapter 64 is provided for some other embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 11As shown, along the thickness direction Y of the adapter 64, the first insulating portion 643 protrudes from the surfaces of the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642 to form a first protrusion 643b. The first protrusion 643b protruding from the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642 can be used to increase the creepage distance between them, making it less likely for the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642 to overlap when affected by other components such as tabs or metal debris generated during processing. The protrusion height and protrusion area of ​​the first protrusion 643b can be designed according to the creepage distance required by the battery cell 6. Furthermore, the protrusion direction of the first protrusion 643b is not limited; optionally, the first protrusion 643b can protrude in a direction away from the adapter 64 on both surfaces of the adapter 64, or it can protrude only on one of the surfaces in a direction away from the battery cell 6.

[0104] For some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 12 , Figure 12 Schematic diagrams of the adapter 64 are provided for other embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 12 As shown, along the length direction X of the adapter 64, a first insulating portion 643 is disposed at one end of the adapter 64, and a gap 643c is formed between the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642 at the other end of the adapter 64. The adapter 64 is bent to allow the first protruding portion 643b to be inserted into the gap 643c.

[0105] When the adapter 64 is bent, the first protrusion 643b inserts into the gap 643c, allowing the first adapter 641 and the second adapter 642 to be positioned on either side of the first protrusion 643b after bending. This ensures that the first insulating part 643 remains between the first adapter 641 and the second adapter 642 as support, preventing them from overlapping and causing an internal short circuit. Optionally, the length and width of the first protrusion 643b inserted into the gap 643c are not limited; it only needs to fit the gap 643c and prevent the first adapter 641 and the second adapter 642 from overlapping. Preferably, the width and length of the gap 643c can be greater than the width and length of the first protrusion 643b. This allows the first protrusion 634b to easily engage with the gap at the other end, reducing the precision control requirements for the adapter 64 during bending.

[0106] Optionally, the length of the first protrusion 643b along the X direction (not shown in the figure) is less than or equal to the length of the bent adapter 64 along the X direction (not shown in the figure). This ensures that the bent first protrusion 643b does not interfere with the assembly of the adapter 64 into the battery cell 6. Furthermore, the first insulating portion 643 and its protruding first protrusion 643b can be made to extend beyond the bend of the adapter 64 when extending along the X direction, making the adapter 64 easier to bend and shape.

[0107] Optionally, multiple spaced insulating blocks 643a can be provided on the adapter 64, and all insulating blocks 643a can protrude in the folding direction. After folding, the protruding part of at least one insulating block 643a can be inserted into the space. In this way, the probability of overlap between the first adapter 641 and the second adapter 642 can be reduced, and the safety of the battery cell 6 can be improved.

[0108] For some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 13 , Figure 13 for Figure 12 A magnified view of a section at point K. (See image below.) Figure 13 As shown, along the thickness direction Y of the adapter 64, the height H1 of the first protrusion 643b is greater than or equal to the maximum thickness of the first adapter 641 or the second adapter 642 (the thickness H2 of the second adapter 642 is used as an example in the figure).

[0109] A first insulating portion 643 is disposed between the first connecting portion 641 and the second connecting portion 642, and the first insulating portion 643 can extend in a direction away from the first connecting portion 641 and the second connecting portion 642, protruding from their surfaces to form a first protruding portion 643b. When the first connecting portion 641 and the second connecting portion 642 form flush surfaces under the connection of the first insulating portion 643, the height H1 of the first protruding portion 643b can refer to the height of the first protruding portion 643b protruding from the surface of the first connecting portion 641 or the second connecting portion 642 along the Y direction. When the first connecting portion 641 and the second connecting portion 642 do not form flush surfaces under the connection of the first insulating portion 643, the protrusion height H1 of the first protruding portion 643b can refer to the greater of the height of the first protruding portion 643b protruding from the surface of the first connecting portion 641 along the Y direction and the height of the first protruding portion 643b protruding from the surface of the second connecting portion 642 along the Y direction. Thus, when the adapter 64 is bent into a U-shape, the opposing surfaces after bending can be completely fitted together, allowing the larger volume of the first protruding portion 643b to reside in the gap 643c, thereby improving the insulation effect between the first adapter portion 641 and the second adapter portion 642. Optionally, when the adapter 64 is bent into an S-shape or other shapes, or when the opposing surfaces of the adapter 64 are not completely fitted together after bending, the protrusion height H1 of the first protruding portion 643b can be set to a larger value.

[0110] Please see Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 , Figure 14 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of the electrode assembly 61 for some embodiments. Figure 15 This is an assembly diagram of the adapter 64 and electrode assembly 61 provided in some embodiments of this application. Figure 16 for Figure 15 A partial enlarged view of point M. In some embodiments of this application, a space 613 is provided between the first tab 611 and the second tab 612, and the first insulating portion 643 protrudes toward the space 613 to form a second protruding portion 643d, at least a portion of the second protruding portion 643d is located in the space 613.

[0111] Since the first tab 611 and the second tab 612 are prone to overlap when they are at the same end, causing an internal short circuit in the battery cell 6, the first insulating part 643 forms a second protrusion 643d and is inserted into the spacer 613. This not only prevents the first tab 611 and the second tab 612 from directly contacting each other and causing a short circuit, but also increases the creepage distance between the first tab 611 and the second tab 612, making it less likely for them to form a short circuit due to overlap with other components or metal foreign objects, thus improving the safety performance of the battery cell 6.

[0112] In some embodiments of the present application, please further refer to Figure 16 , a region of the adapter 64 near the bend is provided with a weak zone 644. The weak zone 644 may be disposed on the first adapter portion 641, the second adapter portion 642 or the first insulating portion 643. The weak zone 644 may be a thinned region, a region made of a material with lower stiffness, or a region with a smaller width than other positions, all of which can make the stiffness of this region relatively low and easy to bend.

[0113] In some embodiments of the present application, please refer to Figure 17 , Figure 17 which is a schematic structural diagram of the end cover 67 provided in some embodiments of the present application. As shown in Figure 17 , the battery cell 6 further includes a second insulating portion 65. The second insulating portion 65 is configured to connect the first electrode terminal 62 and the second electrode terminal 63, and the second insulating portion 65 is located between the first electrode terminal 62 and the second electrode terminal 63 to prevent the first electrode terminal 62 and the second electrode terminal 63 from being electrically connected.

[0114] The second insulating portion 65 can connect the first electrode terminal 62 and the second electrode terminal 63 into a single piece, which can reduce the manufacturing processes of the battery cell 6 and improve efficiency, and prevent the first electrode terminal 62 and the second electrode terminal 63 from being electrically connected while connecting them. By setting the dimensions of the second insulating portion 65 such as length, width and height, the creepage distance between the first electrode terminal 62 and the second electrode terminal 63 can also be increased, so as to prevent a short circuit caused by metal foreign matter easily bridging the two when falling between the first electrode terminal 62 and the second electrode terminal 63.

[0115] The second insulating portion 65 may be entirely located between the first electrode terminal 62 and the second electrode terminal 63, or only a part of it may be located between the first electrode terminal 62 and the second electrode terminal 63. For example, the second insulating portion 65 may be in a shape of the Chinese character "日", such that the first electrode terminal 62 and the second electrode terminal 63 can be assembled with the second insulating portion 65 in a snap-fitting manner.

[0116] The material of the second insulating portion 65 may be made of any insulating material. Alternatively, since the second insulating portion 65 is located on the end face of the battery cell 6 and is relatively susceptible to collision, the second insulating portion 65 may be made of an insulating material with a certain hardness, such as a plastic material.

[0117] Although this application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made thereto and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of this application. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner, provided there is no structural conflict. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments provided herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A cylindrical battery cell, characterized in that, include: First and second electrode terminals with opposite polarities; An electrode assembly includes a first tab and a second tab with opposite polarities, the first tab and the second tab being located at the same end of the electrode assembly; as well as The adapter includes a first adapter portion and a second adapter portion, wherein the first adapter portion is used to connect the first tab and the first electrode terminal, and the second adapter portion is used to connect the second tab and the second electrode terminal. The adapter also includes a first insulating portion for connecting the first adapter portion and the second adapter portion. A gap is provided between the first adapter portion and the second adapter portion. The first insulating portion is located between the first adapter portion and the second adapter portion to prevent electrical connection between the first adapter portion and the second adapter portion and to block at least part of the gap. At least part of the first insulating portion covers at least part of the first adapter portion and / or the second adapter portion along the extension direction of the adapter.

2. The cylindrical battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the length of the adapter, the first insulating portion is continuously disposed between the first adapter portion and the second adapter portion.

3. The cylindrical battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first insulating part is made of a flexible material, and the adapter is bent into shape.

4. The cylindrical battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first insulating part includes a plurality of insulating blocks spaced apart, and the plurality of insulating blocks are disposed between the first transition part and the second transition part.

5. The cylindrical battery cell according to claim 4, characterized in that, The adapter is bent at the interval between at least two adjacent insulating blocks.

6. The cylindrical battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the thickness direction of the adapter, the first insulating portion protrudes from the surfaces of the first and second adapter portions to form a first protruding portion.

7. The cylindrical battery cell according to claim 6, characterized in that, Along the length of the adapter, the first insulating portion is disposed at one end of the adapter, and the first and second adapter portions have the gap at the other end of the adapter. The adapter is bent to allow the first protruding portion to be inserted into the gap.

8. The cylindrical battery cell according to claim 6, characterized in that, Along the thickness direction of the adapter, the height of the first protruding portion is greater than or equal to the maximum thickness of the first adapter portion or the second adapter portion.

9. The cylindrical battery cell according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, A gap space is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the first insulating portion protrudes toward the gap space to form a second protruding portion, at least a portion of the second protruding portion is located in the gap space.

10. The cylindrical battery cell according to claim 3, 5 or 7, characterized in that, The adapter has a weak zone near the bend.

11. The cylindrical battery cell according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal are located at the same end of the battery cell. The battery cell also includes a second insulating portion for connecting the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal. The second insulating portion is located between the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal to prevent the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal from being electrically connected.

12. A battery, characterized in that, include: Cylindrical battery cell according to any one of claims 1-11; The housing is used to house the cylindrical battery cells.

13. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, include: The battery according to claim 12 is used to provide electrical energy.

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