Battery cell, battery, and electric device

Abstract

Provided are a battery monomer (20), a battery (100) and an electric device, and relate to the technical field of batteries. The battery monomer (20) comprises a shell (21), an electrode assembly (22) and a first insulation piece (23); the shell (21) comprises a first wall (211) and a second wall (212) oppositely arranged along a first direction (X), and the first wall (211) is provided with an electrode terminal (25); the electrode assembly (22) is contained in the shell (21), the electrode assembly (22) is electrically connected with the electrode terminal (25), and the first wall (211) supports the electrode assembly (22); the first insulation piece (23) is abutted against one end of the electrode assembly (22) facing the second wall (212); along the first direction (X), a gap (24) is formed between a surface of the first insulation piece (23) facing away from the electrode assembly (22) and an inner surface of the second wall (212). The battery monomer (20) is in an inverted state relative to a conventional battery monomer, the gap (24) reduces the risk that the electrode assembly (22) is pressed and wrinkled by a corner region (2151a) of the shell (21), and the electrode assembly (22) can be slowed down in pressing the corner region (2151a) of the shell (21) or is not in contact with the corner region (2151a) of the shell (21) for pressing, so that the risk of short circuit of the battery monomer (20) is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the rapid development of smartphones, tablets, and electric vehicles, the application of lithium-ion batteries is becoming increasingly widespread, thus placing higher demands on them. For example, batteries are required to have better safety performance, and internal short circuits are one of the main causes of electrical safety problems.

[0003] A battery short circuit generates excessive heat, potentially causing a fire or damaging electrical appliances, thus threatening property and lives. Therefore, reducing the risk of battery short circuits is a pressing issue in the field of battery technology. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a battery cell, a battery, and an electrical device to reduce the risk of battery short circuits.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a battery cell, including a housing, an electrode assembly, and a first insulating member; the housing includes a first wall and a second wall disposed opposite to each other along a first direction, the first wall being provided with electrode terminals; the electrode assembly is housed within the housing, the electrode assembly being electrically connected to the electrode terminals, and the first wall supporting the electrode assembly; the first insulating member abuts against the end of the electrode assembly facing the second wall to insulate and isolate the second wall and the electrode assembly; along the first direction, a gap is formed between the surface of the first insulating member facing away from the electrode assembly and the inner surface of the second wall.

[0006] In the above technical solution, the first wall with electrode terminals supports the electrode assembly. Therefore, the battery cell in this solution is inverted compared to a traditional battery cell, with the electrode terminals facing downwards. The electrode assembly is supported by the first wall under gravity. Due to gravity and manufacturing tolerances of the electrode assembly, a gap is formed between the side of the first insulating member facing away from the electrode assembly and the inner surface of the second wall. This gap reduces the risk of the electrode plates being squeezed and wrinkled by the corner area of ​​the outer casing facing away from the first wall. This eliminates the need for a bottom support plate at the side of the electrode assembly facing away from the first wall, thus reducing the degree of pressure and contact between the electrode assembly and the corner area of ​​the outer casing facing away from the electrode terminals, and even preventing the electrode assembly from contacting and being squeezed at the corner area of ​​the outer casing. This reduces the risk of the electrode plates being squeezed and wrinkled by the corner area of ​​the outer casing, thereby reducing the risk of short circuits in the battery cell. Furthermore, eliminating the bottom support plate in the battery cell simplifies the assembly process, improves assembly efficiency, saves on battery cell costs, and reduces the weight of the battery cell. The first insulating component isolates the second wall and the electrode assembly, which not only reduces the risk of short circuit in the battery cell caused by contact between the electrode assembly and the second wall, but also reduces the risk of metal ions from the electrode assembly reaching the second wall and causing electrochemical corrosion of the second wall.

[0007] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the housing further includes a sidewall surrounding the outer periphery of the second wall. Along the first direction, the second wall is located at one end of the sidewall, and the other end of the sidewall forms an opening. The first wall closes the opening, and the inner surface of the second wall and the inner surface of the sidewall are connected by a chamfered surface.

[0008] In the above technical solution, the inner surface of the second wall and the inner surface of the side wall are connected by a chamfered surface, which facilitates the connection between the second wall and the side wall to form a shell, reduces the risk of stress concentration between the second wall and the side wall, and improves the structural strength of the shell. The chamfered surface forms a corner area of ​​the shell away from the first wall. Since a gap is formed between the surface of the first insulating member away from the electrode assembly and the inner surface of the second wall, the risk of the electrode assembly's electrode sheets wrinkling due to compression with the chamfered surface is reduced, thereby reducing the risk of short circuit in the battery cell and improving the safety performance of the battery cell and the battery containing the battery cell.

[0009] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, along the first direction, the size of the chamfered surface is H, and the size of the gap is H1, satisfying H1≥H / 2.

[0010] In the above technical solution, in the first direction, the dimension H of the chamfered surface and the distance H1 between the inner surfaces of the first insulating member and the second wall satisfy H1≥H / 2, so as to avoid the electrode assembly being squeezed by the chamfered surface or reduce the degree of the electrode assembly being squeezed by the chamfered surface, thereby mitigating the risk of the electrode sheet wrinkling due to the electrode assembly being squeezed by the chamfered surface.

[0011] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, H1≥H.

[0012] In the above technical solution, H1≥H, the projection of the electrode assembly along the direction perpendicular to the first direction is offset from the chamfered surface, the first insulating component is completely avoided from the chamfered surface, and both the electrode assembly and the first insulating component can avoid contact with the chamfered surface, so that the electrode sheet will not be squeezed and wrinkled by the chamfered surface, and the battery cell will avoid short circuit due to the electrode sheet being squeezed and wrinkled by the chamfered surface.

[0013] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the chamfered surface is a rounded chamfered surface.

[0014] In the above technical solution, the chamfered surface is a rounded chamfered surface, which can avoid stress concentration and facilitate processing and forming.

[0015] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the inner surface of the second wall is tangent to the chamfered surface; and / or, the inner surface of the sidewall is tangent to the chamfered surface.

[0016] In the above technical solution, the inner surface of the second wall is tangent to the chamfered surface, so there are no sharp edges at the connection between the inner surface of the second wall and the chamfered surface, which can prevent the connection between the inner surface of the second wall and the chamfered surface from scratching the first insulating component and causing significant wear to the first insulating component; and / or, the inner surface of the side wall is tangent to the chamfered surface, so there are no sharp edges at the connection between the inner surface of the side wall and the chamfered surface, which can prevent the connection between the inner surface of the side wall and the chamfered surface from scratching the first insulating component and the electrode assembly, which can prevent significant wear to the first insulating component and damage to the insulating film of the electrode assembly.

[0017] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the sidewall and the second wall are integrally formed.

[0018] In the above technical solution, the sidewall and the second wall are integrally formed, which facilitates the manufacturing and forming of the outer shell and also helps to improve the structural strength of the outer shell.

[0019] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the battery cell further includes a second insulating member, at least a portion of which is disposed between the sidewall and the electrode assembly, the second insulating member being configured to insulate the sidewall and the electrode assembly.

[0020] In the above technical solution, the second insulating component insulates and isolates the sidewall and the electrode assembly, which can not only reduce the risk of short circuit in the battery cell caused by contact between the electrode assembly and the sidewall, but also reduce the risk of metal ions from the electrode assembly reaching the sidewall and causing electrochemical corrosion of the sidewall.

[0021] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the first insulating member and the second insulating member are integrally formed.

[0022] In the above technical solution, the first insulating component and the second insulating component are integrally formed, resulting in better connection strength between them. The overall structure formed by the first insulating component and the second insulating component can better provide insulation and isolation between the electrode assembly and the outer casing, further reducing the risk of short circuits in individual battery cells.

[0023] In some embodiments of the first direction of this application, the battery cell further includes a third insulating member, which abuts against the side of the first insulating member facing the second wall along the first direction, and the edge of the first insulating member protrudes from the third insulating member along a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0024] In the above technical solution, along the direction perpendicular to the first direction, the edge of the first insulating member protrudes from the third insulating member. This creates a gap between the surface of the first insulating member facing the second wall and the inner surface of the second wall that is not occupied by the third insulating member. This gap is located near the corner area of ​​the outer casing away from the first wall along the first direction, reducing the risk of the electrode plates of the electrode assembly being squeezed and wrinkled by the corner area of ​​the outer casing away from the first wall. The third insulating member limits the range of movement of the electrode assembly within the outer casing along the first direction, which is beneficial for improving the stability of the electrical performance of the battery cell.

[0025] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the third insulating member is connected to the surface of the first insulating member facing the second wall.

[0026] In the above technical solution, the third insulating member is connected to the first insulating member, which can improve the stability of the third insulating member relative to the first insulating member and reduce the risk of the third insulating member moving between the first insulating member and the second wall.

[0027] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the electrode assembly includes a first tab and a second tab with opposite polarities, and along the first direction, the first tab and the second tab are located on the side of the electrode assembly opposite to the second wall.

[0028] In the above technical solution, the first tab and the second tab are both located on the side of the electrode assembly away from the second wall, which facilitates the first tab and the second tab to output the electrical energy of the battery cell respectively, and can also minimize the size of the electrode assembly along the first direction.

[0029] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the electrode assembly further includes a main body portion, wherein the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab both protrude from the main body portion; the battery cell further includes a support member disposed between the first wall and the main body portion.

[0030] In the above technical solution, the support member is disposed between the first wall and the main body. The support member helps to limit the position of the electrode assembly and can reduce the risk of the electrode assembly moving within the housing. When both the first tab and the second tab protrude from the main body and face the first wall, the support member can also reduce the risk of the tabs being inserted backward into the main body, thereby reducing the risk of short circuit in the battery cell.

[0031] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the support member supports the main body portion, and both the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab are bent around the edge of the support member to the side of the support member opposite to the main body portion and electrically connected to the electrode terminal.

[0032] In the above technical solution, the support member can limit the electrode assembly within the housing, thereby reducing the degree of swaying of the electrode assembly within the housing. The first and second electrodes are bent around the edge of the support member to the side of the support member away from the main body, and the support member can support the first and second electrodes, preventing the first and second electrodes from being inserted backwards into the main body.

[0033] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the first wall is further provided with at least one of a pressure relief mechanism and a liquid injection hole.

[0034] In the above technical solution, at least one of the pressure relief mechanism and the liquid injection hole is located on the first wall, so that the various structures of the battery cell are more concentrated, which facilitates processing and manufacturing and helps to improve production efficiency.

[0035] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a battery, including the battery cell provided in the first aspect embodiment.

[0036] In the above technical solution, the battery cell provided in the first aspect embodiment has a gap between the side of the first insulating member facing away from the electrode assembly and the inner surface of the second wall, which allows the side of the electrode assembly facing away from the first wall to be free from a bottom support plate. This reduces the degree of pressure contact between the electrode assembly and the corner area of ​​the outer casing facing away from the electrode terminals, and even prevents the electrode assembly from contacting and pressing against the corner area of ​​the outer casing. This reduces the risk of the electrode plate of the electrode assembly wrinkling due to pressure on the corner area of ​​the outer casing, thereby reducing the risk of short circuit in the battery cell and improving the safety performance of the battery. The absence of a bottom support plate in the battery cell also simplifies the assembly process, improves assembly efficiency, saves on battery cell costs, and reduces the weight of the battery cell, thus reducing the overall weight of the battery.

[0037] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide an electrical device, including the battery provided in the second aspect embodiment.

[0038] In the above technical solutions, the second aspect has better battery safety performance, thus improving the electrical safety of electrical devices equipped with the battery. Attached Figure Description

[0039] 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.

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a single battery cell provided in related technologies;

[0041] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of a single battery cell in the diagram;

[0042] Figure 3 This is a sectional view along direction AA in the figure;

[0043] Figure 4 This application provides structural schematic diagrams of vehicles for some embodiments;

[0044] Figure 5 An exploded view of a battery provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 6 The structure of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 7 An exploded view of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figure 8 for Figure 6 Sectional view along the BB direction;

[0048] Figure 9 Cross-sectional views of a battery cell provided for other embodiments of this application;

[0049] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Enlarged view of point C in the middle;

[0051] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrode assembly provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0052] Figure 13 An exploded view of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0053] Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of a battery cell provided for some embodiments of this application;

[0054] Figure 15 for Figure 14 Enlarged view of point D in the middle.

[0055] Icons: 1000 - Vehicle; 100 - Battery; 10 - Housing; 11 - First Part; 12 - Second Part; 20', 20 - Battery Cell; 21', 21 - Housing; 211', 211 - First Wall; 212', 212 - Second Wall; 2121 - Inner Surface of Second Wall; 2122 - Outer Surface of Second Wall; 213', 213 - Side Wall; 2131 - Inner Surface of Side Wall; 2132 - Outer Surface of Side Wall; 214', 214 - Opening; 215 - Connecting Wall; 2151 - Chamfered Surface; 2151a', 2151a - Corner Area; 21511 - First End; 21512 - Second End; 2152 - Outer Surface of Connecting Wall; 22', 22 - Electrode Assembly; 221 - First electrode tab; 2211 - Root region of the first electrode tab; 222 - Second electrode tab; 2221 - Root region of the second electrode tab; 223 - Main body; 23', 23 - First insulating member; 24 - Gap; 25', 25 - Electrode terminal; 26 - Second insulating member; 27 - Third insulating member; 28 - Support member; 281 - First edge; 282 - Second edge; 283 - Support surface; 2831 - Support portion; 2832 - Edge portion; 284 - Receiving portion; 285 - Vent hole; 286 - Through hole; 29 - Current collecting member; 210 - Pressure relief mechanism; 220 - Liquid injection hole; 230 - Fourth insulating member; 2301 - Protrusion; 30' - Base plate; 200 - Controller; 300 - Motor; X - First direction. Detailed Implementation

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The battery mentioned in the embodiments of this application refers to a single physical module comprising one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery mentioned in this application may include a battery module or a battery pack. A battery generally includes a housing for encapsulating one or more battery cells. The housing prevents liquids or other foreign matter from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells.

[0063] In this application, "multiple" means two or more (including two).

[0064] In this application, the battery cell may include lithium-ion secondary batteries, lithium-ion primary batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, sodium-lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, or magnesium-ion batteries, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited to this. The battery cell may be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited to this. The battery cell may be a steel-cased battery cell or a pouch battery cell, and the embodiments of this application are not limited to this.

[0065] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, the battery cell 20' includes a housing 21' and an electrode assembly 22', with the electrode assembly 22' housed within the housing 21'. The housing 21' includes a first wall 211', a second wall 212', and a side wall 213'. The first wall 211' is provided with electrode terminals 25', which are used for electrical connection with the tabs of the electrode assembly 22'. The side wall 213' surrounds the outer periphery of the second wall 212', with the second wall 212' located at one end of the side wall 213' and the other end of the side wall 213' forming an opening 214'. The second wall 212' supports the electrode assembly 22', and a first insulating member 23' is connected to the end of the electrode assembly 22' facing the second wall 212'. The first insulating member 23' can insulate and isolate the electrode assembly 22' and the second wall 212'.

[0066] The inventors discovered that because a corner region 2151a' is formed between the sidewall 213' and the second wall 212', and the corner region 2151a' has an irregular shape, under the action of gravity, the electrode assembly 22' will sink towards the corner region 2151a'. This may cause the electrode assembly 22' to be squeezed by the corner region 2151a', resulting in wrinkling of the electrode sheet and causing a short circuit in the battery cell 20'. To alleviate the problem of the corner region 2151a' squeezing the electrode assembly 22' and causing the electrode sheet to wrinkle, a base plate 30' can be provided between the first insulating member 23' and the second wall 212' at the end of the electrode assembly 22' facing the second wall 212'. The base plate 30' increases the distance between the first insulating member 23' and the second wall 212', thereby increasing the distance between the electrode assembly 22' and the second wall 212' and reducing the risk of the corner region 2151a' squeezing the electrode assembly 22' and causing the electrode sheet to wrinkle. However, the addition of the base plate 30' increases the assembly process of the battery cell 20', reduces the assembly efficiency of the battery cell 20', increases the cost of the battery cell 20', and increases the weight of the battery cell 20'.

[0067] Based on the above considerations, in order to alleviate the problems of the addition of battery cell assembly steps, reduced battery cell assembly efficiency, increased battery cell cost and weight due to the setting of the bottom plate, the inventors, after in-depth research, designed a battery cell in which the battery cell supports the electrode assembly through a first wall with electrode terminals, and a gap is formed between the first insulating member abutting against the end of the electrode assembly facing the second wall and the inner surface of the second wall.

[0068] With the first wall supporting the electrode assembly and electrode terminals, the battery cell in this design is inverted compared to a traditional battery cell, i.e., the electrode terminals face downwards. The electrode assembly is supported by the first wall under gravity. Due to gravity and the manufacturing tolerances of the electrode assembly, a gap is formed between the side of the first insulating member facing away from the electrode assembly and the inner surface of the second wall. This gap reduces the risk of the electrode plate being squeezed and wrinkled by the corner area of ​​the outer shell facing away from the first wall. This allows the side of the electrode assembly facing away from the first wall to be less affected by the pressure and contact between the electrode assembly and the corner area of ​​the outer shell facing away from the electrode terminals without the need for a bottom support plate. It can even prevent the electrode assembly from contacting and being squeezed by the corner area of ​​the outer shell, thereby reducing the risk of the electrode plate of the electrode assembly being squeezed and wrinkled by the corner area of ​​the outer shell, and thus reducing the risk of short circuit in the battery cell.

[0069] Furthermore, if the battery cells do not have a base plate, the assembly process of the battery cells can be simplified, the assembly efficiency can be improved, the cost of the battery cells can be saved, and the weight of the battery cells can be reduced.

[0070] The first insulating component isolates the second wall and the electrode assembly, which not only reduces the risk of short circuit in the battery cell caused by contact between the electrode assembly and the second wall, but also reduces the risk of electrochemical corrosion of the second wall caused by metal ions from the electrode assembly 22 reaching the second wall.

[0071] The battery cells disclosed in this application can be used, but are not limited to, in electrical devices such as vehicles, ships, or aircraft. They can also be used in power systems that compose such electrical devices, incorporating the battery cells and batteries disclosed in this application. This helps reduce the risk of short circuits in the battery cells caused by wrinkled electrode plates, and also helps reduce the weight of the battery incorporating the battery cells and the weight of the electrical devices incorporating the batteries.

[0072] This application provides an electrical device that uses a battery as a power source. The electrical device can be, but is not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, electric toys, power tools, electric vehicles, electric cars, ships, spacecraft, etc. Electric toys can include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. Spacecraft can include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc.

[0073] For ease of explanation, the following embodiments will be described using a vehicle 1000 as an example of an electrical device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0074] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle 1000 provided in some embodiments of this application. The vehicle 1000 can be a gasoline-powered vehicle, a natural gas-powered vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. New energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles, etc. A battery 100 is disposed inside the vehicle 1000, and 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 serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000. 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, to meet the power needs of the vehicle 1000 during startup, navigation, and driving.

[0075] 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.

[0076] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is an exploded view of a battery 100 provided in some embodiments of this application. The battery 100 includes a housing 10 and a battery cell 20, the battery cell 20 being housed within the housing 10. The housing 10 provides a space for housing the battery cell 20, and the housing 10 can adopt various structures. In some embodiments, the housing 10 may include a first portion 11 and a second portion 12, the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 overlapping each other, the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 jointly defining a space for housing the battery cell 20. The second portion 12 may be a hollow structure with one end open to form a cavity for housing the battery cell 20, and the first portion 11 may be a plate-like structure, the first portion 11 covering the open side of the second portion 12 so that the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 jointly define the space; the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 may also be hollow structures, both open on one side to form a cavity for housing the battery cell 20, the open side of the first portion 11 covering the open side of the second portion 12. Of course, the box 10 formed by the first part 11 and the second part 12 can be of various shapes, such as a cylinder, a cuboid, etc.

[0077] In battery 100, there can be multiple battery cells 20, which 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 configurations. Multiple battery cells 20 can be directly connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner, and then the entire assembly of the multiple battery cells 20 is housed within the housing 10. Alternatively, battery 100 can also be composed of multiple battery cells 20 first connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a battery module, and then multiple battery modules are connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a whole, which is also housed within the housing 10. Battery 100 may also include other structures; for example, it may include a busbar component for electrical connection between the multiple battery cells 20.

[0078] Each battery cell 20 can be a secondary battery or a primary battery; it can also be a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-ion battery, or a magnesium-ion battery, but is not limited to these. The battery cell 20 can be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes.

[0079] Please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 In some embodiments, the battery cell 20 includes a housing 21, an electrode assembly 22, and a first insulating member 23; the housing 21 includes a first wall 211 and a second wall 212 disposed opposite to each other along a first direction X, the first wall 211 being provided with electrode terminals 25; the electrode assembly 22 is housed within the housing 21 and is electrically connected to the electrode terminals 25, the first wall 211 supporting the electrode assembly 22; the first insulating member 23 abuts against the end of the electrode assembly 22 facing the second wall 212 to insulate and isolate the second wall 212 and the electrode assembly 22; along the first direction X, a gap 24 is formed between the surface of the first insulating member 23 facing away from the electrode assembly 22 and the inner surface 2121 of the second wall.

[0080] The outer casing 21 has a space inside to accommodate the electrode assembly 22. The outer casing 21 can be made of various materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or plastic; this embodiment does not impose any special limitations on this. The first wall 211 and the second wall 212 are two opposing walls of the outer casing 21 along a first direction X. The first direction X is parallel to the thickness direction of the first wall 211. The first direction X is parallel to the thickness direction of the second wall 212.

[0081] The first direction X can be the direction of gravity. The first direction X can also be a direction approximately parallel to the direction of gravity, meaning the first direction X can deviate from the direction of gravity by a certain angle. The first wall 211 supporting the electrode assembly 22 means that the first wall 211 directly or indirectly bears the weight of the electrode assembly 22. The first wall 211 can bear all the weight of the electrode assembly 22, or it can bear a portion of the weight of the electrode assembly 22. In embodiments where the first direction X is the direction of gravity, the first wall 211 can bear all the weight of the electrode assembly 22. In embodiments where the first direction X deviates from the direction of gravity by a certain angle, the first wall 211 can bear only a portion of the weight of the electrode assembly 22, and the portion of the weight of the electrode assembly 22 borne by the first wall 211 is the component of the weight of the electrode assembly 22 in the first direction X.

[0082] The electrode assembly 22 consists of a positive electrode (not shown), a negative electrode (not shown), and a separator (not shown). The battery 100 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. In some embodiments, the positive current collector also has a portion uncoated with the positive active material layer, the uncoated portion protruding from the coated portion, serving as a positive tab. In other embodiments, the positive tab may be separate from the positive current collector and then electrically connected. Taking a lithium-ion battery as an example, the material of the positive current collector can be aluminum, and the positive active material can be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganese oxide, etc. The negative electrode includes a negative current collector and a negative active material layer, the negative active material layer being coated on the surface of the negative current collector. In some embodiments, the negative current collector further includes a portion uncoated with a negative active material layer, the uncoated negative current collector protruding beyond the coated negative active material layer, and the uncoated negative current collector serving as a negative electrode tab. In other embodiments, the negative electrode tab may be separately disposed from the negative current collector and then electrically connected. The material of the negative current collector may be copper, and the negative active material may be carbon or silicon, etc. To ensure that a large current can pass through without melting, there are multiple positive electrode tabs stacked together, and there are multiple negative electrode tabs stacked together. The positive and negative electrode tabs are respectively the first electrode tab 221 described below. Figure 10 (shown in the image) and second electrode 222 ( Figure 10 (as shown in the image).

[0083] The positive and negative tabs can be located on the same side of the electrode assembly 22 along the first direction X, or they can be located on different sides of the electrode assembly 22, for example, the positive and negative tabs are located on opposite sides of the electrode assembly 22 along the first direction X.

[0084] The material of the separator can be PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene), etc. Furthermore, the electrode assembly 22 can be a wound structure or a stacked structure; the embodiments of this application are not limited to these.

[0085] Electrode terminal 25 is a functional component for outputting electrical energy from battery cell 20. Electrode terminal 25 is insulated from the first wall 211. Along the first direction X, one end of electrode terminal 25 facing away from the interior of battery cell 20 may protrude from the surface of the first wall 211 facing away from the interior of battery cell 20. Alternatively, in other embodiments, along the first direction X, one end of electrode terminal 25 facing away from the interior of battery cell 20 may be flush with the surface of the first wall 211 facing away from the interior of battery cell 20, or the end of electrode terminal 25 facing away from the interior of battery cell 20 may be closer to the interior of battery cell 20 relative to the surface of the first wall 211 facing away from the interior of battery cell 20.

[0086] Electrode terminal 25 is used for electrical connection with the tabs of electrode assembly 22. A single battery cell 20 may include one electrode terminal 25, and one electrode terminal 25 is disposed on the first wall 211. One of the positive and negative tabs is electrically connected to the electrode terminal 25, and the other can be electrically connected to the housing 21. A single cell may include two electrode terminals 25, in which case two electrode terminals 25 can be disposed on the first wall 211, and the two electrode terminals 25 are used for electrical connection to the positive and negative tabs respectively.

[0087] The first insulating element 23 can be made of rubber, ceramic, glass, mica, etc. The first insulating element 23 can be connected to the end of the electrode assembly 22 facing the second wall 212 by means of adhesion, binding, or other methods to insulate and isolate the second wall 212 and the electrode assembly 22. The first insulating element 23 only contacts the end of the electrode assembly 22 facing the second wall 212 and remains in contact with the electrode assembly 22 to insulate and isolate the second wall 212 and the electrode assembly 22.

[0088] The battery cell 20 may include one electrode assembly 22, or it may include multiple electrode assemblies 22 stacked along a second direction, which may be any direction perpendicular to the first direction X. In embodiments where the battery cell 20 includes multiple electrode assemblies 22, a first insulating member 23 covers the end of each electrode assembly 22 facing the second wall 212.

[0089] Along the first direction X, the distance H1 between the surface of the back electrode assembly 22 of the first insulating member 23 and the inner surface 2121 of the second wall is the size of the gap 24 formed between the surface of the first insulating member 23 facing away from the electrode assembly 22 and the inner surface 2121 of the second wall. The gap 24 does not mean that there is no substance inside the gap 24; the gap 24 can accommodate electrolyte.

[0090] When the battery cell 20 is rotated 180°, the gap 24 between the first insulating member 23 and the second wall 212 disappears, the surface of the first insulating member 23 facing away from the electrode assembly 22 and the inner surface 2121 of the second wall come into contact, there is no distance between the surface of the first insulating member 23 facing away from the electrode assembly 22 and the inner surface 2121 of the second wall, and the second wall 212 supports the electrode assembly 22.

[0091] The first insulating element 23 insulates and isolates the second wall 212 and the electrode assembly 22, which not only reduces the risk of short circuit of the battery cell 20 caused by contact between the electrode assembly 22 and the second wall 212, but also reduces the risk of electrochemical corrosion of the second wall 212 caused by metal ions from the electrode assembly 22 reaching the second wall 212.

[0092] The first wall 211, which provides electrode terminals 25, supports the electrode assembly 22. Therefore, the battery cell 20 in this design is inverted compared to a conventional battery cell 20, with the electrode terminals 25 facing downwards. The electrode assembly 22 is entirely supported by the first wall 211 under gravity. Due to gravity and the manufacturing tolerances of the electrode assembly 22, a gap 24 is formed between the side of the first insulating member 23 facing away from the second wall 212 and the inner surface 2121 of the second wall. This gap 24 reduces the bending force of the electrode plates of the electrode assembly 22 at the end of the outer casing 21 facing away from the first wall 211. The risk of compression and wrinkling in the corner area 2151a is reduced, eliminating the need for a bottom support plate at the end of the electrode assembly 22 away from the first wall 211. This reduces the degree of compression contact between the electrode assembly 22 and the corner area 2151a of the housing 21 away from the electrode terminal 25, and may even prevent the electrode assembly 22 from contacting and being compressed with the corner area 2151a of the housing 21. This reduces the risk of the electrode sheet of the electrode assembly 22 being compressed and wrinkled due to the corner area 2151a of the housing 21, thereby reducing the risk of short circuit in the battery cell 20. Furthermore, eliminating the bottom support plate in the battery cell 20 simplifies the assembly process, improves assembly efficiency, saves on the cost of the battery cell 20, and reduces its weight.

[0093] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the outer casing 21 further includes a sidewall 213 surrounding the outer periphery of the second wall 212. Along the first direction X, the second wall 212 is located at one end of the sidewall 213, and the other end of the sidewall 213 forms an opening 214. The first wall 211 closes the opening 214, and the inner surface 2121 of the second wall and the inner surface 2131 of the sidewall are connected by a chamfered surface 2151.

[0094] The outer casing 21 also includes a connecting wall 215, through which the side wall 213 and the second wall 212 are connected. The outer surface 2122 of the second wall and the outer surface 2132 of the side wall are connected through the outer surface 2152 of the connecting wall. The chamfered surface 2151 is the inner surface of the connecting wall 215.

[0095] The inner surface 2121 of the second wall and the inner surface 2131 of the side wall are connected by a chamfered surface 2151, which facilitates the connection of the second wall 212 and the side wall 213 to form the outer shell 21, reduces the risk of stress concentration between the second wall 212 and the side wall 213, and improves the structural strength of the outer shell 21. The chamfered surface 2151 forms a corner region 2151a at the end of the outer shell 21 away from the first wall 211. Since a gap 24 is formed between the surface of the first insulating member 23 away from the electrode assembly 22 and the inner surface 2121 of the second wall, the risk of the electrode assembly 22 wrinkling due to compression with the chamfered surface 2151 is reduced, thereby reducing the risk of short circuit of the battery cell 20 and improving the safety performance of the battery cell 20 and the battery 100 having the battery cell 20.

[0096] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, along the first direction X, the chamfered surface 2151 has a size of H, and the gap 24 has a size of H1, satisfying H1≥H / 2.

[0097] The chamfered surface 2151 has a first end 21511 and a second end 21512. The first end 21511 is connected to the inner surface of the first wall 211, and the second end 21512 is connected to the inner surface 2131 of the side wall. Along the first direction X, the dimension H of the chamfered surface 2151 is the distance between the first end 21511 and the second end 21512 along the first direction X.

[0098] Along the first direction X, the dimension H1 of the gap 24 is the distance between the surface of the first insulating member 23 facing away from the electrode assembly 22 and the inner surface 2121 of the second wall.

[0099] like Figure 8 , Figure 9As shown, along the first direction X, the closer to the inner surface 2121 of the second wall, the smaller the space corresponding to the chamfered surface 2151 in the second direction, thus increasing the risk of the first insulating member 23 being squeezed by the chamfered surface 2151. If the first insulating member 23 is squeezed by the chamfered surface 2151, since the first insulating member 23 is connected to the end of the electrode assembly 22 facing the second wall 212, the electrode assembly 22 will also be indirectly squeezed. Furthermore, during charging and discharging, the electrode assembly 22 can expand in any direction perpendicular to the first direction X (the second direction), further increasing the risk of the expanded electrode assembly 22 being squeezed by the chamfered surface 2151. The electrode sheets of the electrode assembly 22 are also at high risk of wrinkling due to compression, especially when the positive electrode sheet is wrinkled, which greatly increases the risk of lithium plating and short circuits in the battery cell 20.

[0100] Therefore, in the first direction X, the dimension H of the chamfered surface 2151 and the distance H1 between the inner surfaces 2121 of the first insulating member 23 and the second wall satisfy H1≥H / 2, so as to avoid the electrode assembly 22 being squeezed by the chamfered surface 2151 or reduce the degree of compression of the electrode assembly 22 by the chamfered surface 2151, thereby mitigating the risk of the electrode sheet wrinkling due to the compression of the electrode assembly 22 by the chamfered surface 2151.

[0101] In some embodiments, H1 ≥ H. In this case, the first insulating member 23 and the electrode assembly 22 are completely located on the side of the chamfered surface 2151 facing away from the inner surface 2121 of the second wall along the first direction X. Along the direction perpendicular to the first direction X (the second direction), the projection of the integral structure formed by the electrode assembly 22 and the first insulating member 23 onto the inner surface 2131 of the sidewall is offset from the projection of the chamfered surface 2151 onto the plane containing the inner surface 2131 of the sidewall, so that neither the first insulating member 23 nor the electrode assembly 22 before and after expansion will be squeezed against the chamfered surface 2151.

[0102] Therefore, if H1≥H, the projection of the electrode assembly 22 along the direction perpendicular to the first direction X is offset from the chamfered surface 2151, and the first insulating member 23 is completely avoided from the chamfered surface 2151. Both the electrode assembly 22 and the first insulating member 23 can avoid contact with the chamfered surface 2151, so the electrode will not be squeezed and wrinkled by the chamfered surface 2151, thus avoiding short circuit of the battery cell 20 due to the electrode being squeezed and wrinkled by the chamfered surface 2151.

[0103] like Figure 8As shown, in some embodiments, the chamfered surface 2151 can be a chamfered bevel. In this embodiment, the chamfered surface 2151 is a conical surface, extending along the edge of the inner surface 2121 of the second wall to form a closed loop surface. The first end 21511 of the chamfered surface 2151 is the small end of the conical surface and is connected to the inner surface 2121 of the second wall, while the second end 21512 of the chamfered surface 2151 is the large end of the conical surface and is connected to the inner surface 2131 of the sidewall. Using a chamfered bevel for the chamfered surface 2151 can avoid stress concentration.

[0104] like Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the chamfered surface 2151 is a rounded chamfered surface 2151. In this case, the chamfered surface 2151 bulges outward from the inside of the battery cell 20. The chamfered surface 2151 extends along the edge of the inner surface 2121 of the second wall to form a closed loop surface. The rounded chamfered surface 2151 avoids stress concentration and facilitates processing and shaping.

[0105] In an embodiment where the chamfered surface 2151 is an arc-shaped chamfered surface 2151, the inner surface 2121 of the second wall is tangent to the chamfered surface 2151; and / or, the inner surface 2131 of the side wall is tangent to the chamfered surface 2151.

[0106] Only the inner surface 2121 of the second wall is tangent to the chamfered surface 2151, while the inner surface 2131 of the side wall is connected to the chamfered surface 2151 but not tangent. Since the inner surface 2121 of the second wall is tangent to the chamfered surface 2151, the connection point between them has no sharp edges, preventing the first insulating component 23 from being scratched and suffering significant wear.

[0107] Only the inner surface 2131 of the sidewall can be tangent to the chamfered surface 2151, while the inner surface 2121 of the second wall is connected to the chamfered surface 2151 but not tangent. If the inner surface 2131 of the sidewall is tangent to the chamfered surface 2151, then there is no sharp edge at the connection point between the inner surface 2131 of the sidewall and the chamfered surface 2151. This avoids the formation of sharp edges at the connection point between the inner surface 2131 of the sidewall and the chamfered surface 2151, which could scratch the first insulating component 23 and the electrode assembly 22, resulting in significant wear on the first insulating component 23 and damage to the insulating film of the electrode assembly 22.

[0108] Alternatively, both the inner surface 2121 of the second wall and the inner surface 2131 of the side wall can be tangent to the chamfered surface 2151. In this way, the connection point between the inner surface 2121 of the second wall and the chamfered surface 2151, as well as the connection point between the inner surface of the vehicle wall and the chamfered surface 2151, will not form sharp edges, thus preventing scratches to the first insulating component 23 and the electrode assembly 22 and reducing the risk of wear on the first insulating component 23 and the electrode assembly 22 inside the housing 21.

[0109] In some embodiments, the sidewall 213 and the second wall 212 are integrally formed.

[0110] The side wall 213 and the second wall 212 are integrally formed; in fact, the side wall 213, the second wall 212, and the connecting wall 215 are integrally formed. The side wall 213, the second wall 212, and the connecting wall 215 are formed into an integral structure using an integral forming method. Integral forming includes, but is not limited to, casting, stamping, etc.

[0111] The side wall 213 and the second wall 212 are integrally formed, which facilitates the manufacturing and forming of the outer shell 21 and also helps to improve the structural strength of the outer shell 21.

[0112] Please continue to refer to Figures 7-9 In some embodiments, the battery cell 20 further includes a second insulating member 26, at least a portion of which is disposed between the sidewall 213 and the electrode assembly 22, and the second insulating member 26 is configured to insulate and isolate the sidewall 213 and the electrode assembly 22.

[0113] The second insulating element 26 can be made of rubber, ceramics, glass, mica, etc.

[0114] The second insulating member 26 can be connected to the inner surface 2131 of the sidewall. For example, the first insulating member 23 can be an insulating layer bonded to the inner surface 2131 of the sidewall, or the second insulating member 26 can be an insulating coating applied to the inner surface 2131 of the sidewall. The second insulating member 26 can be entirely located between the sidewall 213 and the electrode assembly 22, or only a portion of it can be located between the sidewall 213 and the electrode assembly 22.

[0115] The second insulating member 26 can also be connected to the electrode assembly 22, for example, the second insulating member 26 is bonded to the electrode assembly 22, or the second insulating member 26 is bound to the electrode assembly 22.

[0116] In an embodiment where the battery cell 20 includes an electrode assembly 22, a second insulating member 26 may be disposed around the outer periphery of the electrode assembly 22.

[0117] In embodiments where the battery cell 20 includes a plurality of electrode assemblies 22 stacked along a second direction, the second insulating member 26 may surround the outer periphery of the integral structure formed by the plurality of electrode assemblies 22.

[0118] The second insulating component 26 insulates and isolates the sidewall 213 and the electrode assembly 22, which not only reduces the risk of short circuit of the battery cell 20 caused by contact between the electrode assembly 22 and the sidewall 213, but also reduces the risk of electrochemical corrosion of the sidewall 213 caused by metal ions from the electrode assembly 22 reaching the sidewall 213.

[0119] In some embodiments, the first insulating member 23 and the second insulating member 26 can be independent of each other. In other embodiments, the first insulating member 23 and the second insulating member 26 can be separately arranged and then connected into an integral structure, and the connection method can be bonding, welding, etc.

[0120] In some other embodiments, the first insulating member 23 and the second insulating member 26 are integrally formed.

[0121] The first insulating component 23 and the second insulating component 26 are integrally formed using a molding method, which includes, but is not limited to, injection molding and stamping.

[0122] The first insulating member 23 and the second insulating member 26 together form a cavity for accommodating the electrode assembly 22. The cavity is open on the side facing the first wall 211. The positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly 22 extend from the open side of the cavity into the cavity formed by the first insulating member 23 and the second insulating member 26.

[0123] The first insulating component 23 and the second insulating component 26 are integrally formed, and the connection strength between the first insulating component 23 and the second insulating component 26 is better. The overall structure formed by the first insulating component 23 and the second insulating component 26 can better provide insulation and isolation between the electrode assembly 22 and the outer casing 21, further reducing the risk of short circuit in the battery cell 20.

[0124] Because the gap 24 formed between the surface of the first insulating member 23 facing the second wall 212 and the inner surface of the second wall 212 is not incapable of accommodating any material. Therefore, as Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, in some embodiments, the battery cell 20 further includes a third insulating member 27, which abuts against the side of the first insulating member 23 facing the second wall 212 along the first direction X, and the edge of the first insulating member 23 extends beyond the third insulating member 27 along the direction perpendicular to the first direction X.

[0125] The third insulating element 27 can be made of rubber, ceramics, glass, mica, etc.

[0126] Along the direction perpendicular to the first direction X, the edge of the first insulating member 23 extending beyond the third insulating member 27 can be understood as the projection of the first insulating member 23 in the plane perpendicular to the first direction X covering the projection of the third insulating member 27 in the plane perpendicular to the first direction X. A gap 24 not occupied by the third insulating member 27 is formed between the portion of the first insulating member 23 extending beyond the edge of the third insulating member 27 and the second wall 212. This gap 24 is arranged around the third insulating member 27 and corresponds to the corner region 2151a at the chamfered surface 2151.

[0127] Therefore, along the direction perpendicular to the first direction X, the protruding edge of the first insulating member 23 onto the third insulating member 27 still forms a gap 24 that is not occupied by the third insulating member 27 between the surface of the first insulating member 23 facing the second wall 212 and the inner surface 2121 of the second wall. This gap 24 is close to the corner area 2151a of the end of the outer shell 21 away from the first wall 211 along the first direction X, which reduces the risk of the electrode plate of the electrode assembly 22 being squeezed and wrinkled by the corner area 2151a of the end of the outer shell 21 away from the first wall 211.

[0128] Along the first direction X, the surface of the third insulating member 27 facing away from the first insulating member 23 can be spaced apart from the inner surface 2121 of the second wall. Alternatively, along the first direction X, the surface of the third insulating member 27 facing away from the first insulating member 23 can also abut against the inner surface 2121 of the second wall. The arrangement of the third insulating member 27 can limit the range of movement of the electrode assembly 22 within the housing 21 along the first direction X, which is beneficial for improving the stability of the electrical performance of the battery cell 20.

[0129] The third insulating member 27 and the first insulating member 23 may only be in contact. For example, when the surface of the third insulating member 27 is away from the surface of the first insulating member 23 and abuts against the inner surface 2121 of the second wall, the second wall 212 and the first insulating member 23 together hold the third insulating member 27.

[0130] In some embodiments, the third insulating member 27 is connected to the surface of the first insulating member 23 facing the second wall 212.

[0131] For example, the third insulating member 27 can be bonded to the surface of the first insulating member 23 facing the second wall 212 through an adhesive layer, thereby achieving the connection and fixation of the third insulating member 27 to the surface of the first insulating member 23 facing the second wall 212.

[0132] The third insulating member 27 is connected to the first insulating member 23, which can improve the stability of the third insulating member 27 relative to the first insulating member 23 and reduce the risk of the third insulating member 27 moving between the first insulating member 23 and the second wall 212.

[0133] In other embodiments, the third insulating member 27 and the first insulating member 23 can also be integrally formed, for example by injection molding, stamping or other integral forming methods.

[0134] like Figure 12 , Figure 13 As shown, in some embodiments, the electrode assembly 22 includes a first tab 221 and a second tab 222 with opposite polarities, and the first tab 221 and the second tab 222 are located on the side of the electrode assembly 22 away from the second wall 212 along the first direction X.

[0135] The first tab 221 and the second tab 222 are the positive and negative tabs mentioned above. The first tab 221 and the second tab 222 are located on the same side of the electrode assembly 22 along the first direction X. In this embodiment, both the first tab 221 and the second tab 222 are located on the side of the electrode assembly 22 facing the first wall 211, so as to facilitate the electrical connection between the electrode terminal 25 disposed on the first wall 211 and the first tab 221 and the second tab 222.

[0136] The first tab 221 and the second tab 222 are both located on the side of the electrode assembly 22 away from the second wall 212, which facilitates the output of electrical energy from the battery cell 20 by the first tab 221 and the second tab 222 respectively, and also minimizes the size of the electrode assembly 22 along the first direction X.

[0137] Of course, in other embodiments, the first tab 221 and the second tab 222 may also be located on the side of the electrode assembly 22 facing the second wall 212 along the first direction X. In this case, the tabs may extend to the side of the electrode assembly 22 facing the first wall 211 and be electrically connected to the electrode terminal 25.

[0138] Of course, in other embodiments, the first electrode tab 221 and the second electrode tab 222 may also have other arrangements, such as one of the first electrode tab 221 and the second electrode tab 222 being located on the side of the electrode assembly 22 facing the first wall 211, and the other being located on the side of the electrode assembly 22 along the second direction.

[0139] Please continue to refer to Figure 12 , Figure 13 In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 22 further includes a main body 223, with the first tab 221 and the second tab 222 both protruding from the main body 223; the battery cell 20 further includes a support member 28, which is disposed between the first wall 211 and the main body 223.

[0140] The portions of the positive and negative electrodes containing active materials constitute the main body 223 of the electrode assembly 22.

[0141] The support member 28 can be an electrically insulating component. The support member 28 is disposed between the first wall 211 and the main body 223. The support member 28 can support the main body 223, thereby allowing the first wall 211 to indirectly support the main body 223 of the electrode assembly 22. The provision of the support member 28 can alleviate the stress on the first wall 211.

[0142] The support member 28 is disposed between the first wall 211 and the main body 223. The support member 28 helps to limit the position of the electrode assembly 22 and can reduce the risk of the electrode assembly 22 moving within the housing. When both the first tab 221 and the second tab 222 protrude from the main body 223 and face the first wall 211, the support member 28 can also reduce the risk of the tabs being inserted backward into the main body 223, thereby reducing the risk of short circuit in the battery cell 20.

[0143] like Figure 13 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 As shown, in some embodiments, the support member 28 supports the main body 223, and the first electrode tab 221 and the second electrode tab 222 are both bent around the edge of the support member 28 to the side of the support member 28 away from the main body 223 and electrically connected to the electrode terminal 25.

[0144] The first tab 221 and the second tab 222 protrude from the side of the main body 223 facing the first wall 211. Along the first direction X, a portion of the first tab 221 is located on the side of the support member 28 facing the main body 223, and another portion of the first tab 221 is bent around the edge of the support member 28 to the side of the support member 28 facing the first wall 211. The portion of the first tab 221 located on the side of the support member 28 facing the first wall 211 is electrically connected to a current collector 29, and one of the two electrode terminals 25 is electrically connected to the first tab 221 through the current collector 29. Along the first direction X, a portion of the second electrode tab 222 is located on the side of the support member 28 facing the main body 223, and another portion of the second electrode tab 222 is bent around the edge of the support member 28 to the side of the support member 28 facing the first wall 211. The portion of the second electrode tab 222 located on the side of the support member 28 facing the first wall 211 is electrically connected to another current collector 29, and the other of the two electrode terminals 25 is electrically connected to the second electrode tab 222 through the current collector 29.

[0145] The first tab 221 and the second tab 222 of the same electrode assembly 22 can be bent around the same edge of the support 28, or they can be bent around different edges of the support 28. Figures 13-14In the battery cell 20, there are two electrode assemblies 22. The first tab 221 and the second tab 222 of one of the two electrode assemblies 22 are bent around the first edge 281 of the support member 28, and the first tab 221 and the second tab 222 of the other of the two electrode assemblies 22 are bent around the second edge 282 of the support member 28. The first edge 281 and the second edge 282 are arranged opposite to each other along the stacking direction of the two electrode assemblies 22.

[0146] The first tab 221 and the second tab 222 are bent around the edge of the support member 28 to the side of the support member 28 opposite to the main body 223. The support member 28 can support the first tab 221 and the second tab 222, preventing the first tab 221 and the second tab 222 from being inserted upside down into the main body 223. The support member 28 supports the main body 223 and can limit the electrode assembly 22 within the housing, thereby reducing the degree of shaking of the electrode assembly 22 within the outer shell 21.

[0147] like Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 15 As shown, the first electrode 221 is formed by stacking and electrically connecting multiple electrodes of the same polarity. Therefore, the first electrode 221 has a larger size in the region near the main body 223. Figure 12 The first root region, after the first tab 221 bends around the edge of the support 28, is as follows: Figure 15 As shown, the root region 2211 of the first electrode tab is located on the side of the support member 28 facing the main body 223. Similarly, the second electrode tab 222 is formed by stacking and electrically connecting multiple electrodes of the same polarity. Therefore, the second electrode tab 222 has a larger size in the region near the main body 223, i.e. Figure 12 The second root region, after the second pole lug 222 bends around the edge of the support member 28, is as follows: Figure 15 As shown, the root region 2221 of the second pole ear is located on the side of the support member 28 facing the main body 223.

[0148] like Figure 15 As shown, in some embodiments, along the first direction X, the support member 28 has a support surface 283 facing the main body 223 and abutting against the main body 223. The support surface 283 includes a support portion 2831 and two edge portions 2832. Along the width direction of the support member 28, the two edge portions 2832 are respectively connected to the two sides of the support portion 2831. The edge portions 2832 are inclined from the support portion 2831 towards the direction that gradually approaches the first wall 211.

[0149] The support portion 2831 of the support surface 283 directly abuts against the main body portion 223. The position of the edge portion 2832 corresponds to the tab (located on the support member 28 facing the main body portion 223), that is, the edge portion 2832 corresponds to the root region 2211 of the first tab and the root region 2221 of the second tab. The edge portion 2832 is inclined from the support portion 2831 towards the first wall 211, so that the space between the edge portion 2832 and the main body portion 223 matches the volume of the tab located on the support member 28 facing the main body portion 223, that is, the space between the edge portion 2832 and the main body portion 223 matches the volume of the root region 2211 of the first tab and the second tab. The volume of the root region 2221 is matched. Both the first electrode root region 2211 and the second electrode root region 2221 abut against the edge portion 2832, indirectly abutting against the main body portion 223. The support portion 2831 and the edge portion 2832 jointly support the main body portion 223 of the electrode assembly 22, thereby limiting the electrode assembly 22 and preventing the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 from being inserted backwards into the main body portion 223. The support portion 2831 can be formed by thinning the side of the support member 28 facing the main body portion 223 at positions corresponding to the first electrode root region 2211 and the second electrode root region 2221.

[0150] In some embodiments, at least one of a pressure relief mechanism 210 and an injection hole 220 is also provided on the first wall 211.

[0151] The pressure relief mechanism 210 is used to release the pressure inside the battery cell 20. For example, it is actuated when the pressure or temperature inside the battery cell 20 reaches a threshold to release the pressure inside the battery cell 20. The pressure relief mechanism 210 can take the form of an explosion-proof valve, explosion-proof disc, air valve, pressure relief valve, or safety valve, and can specifically adopt pressure-sensitive or temperature-sensitive elements or structures. That is, when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 reaches a predetermined threshold, the pressure relief mechanism 210 performs an action or a weak structure provided in the pressure relief mechanism 210 is destroyed, thereby forming an opening or channel for the internal pressure or temperature to be released.

[0152] The electrolyte injection hole 220 is a channel for injecting electrolyte into the battery cell 20.

[0153] A pressure relief mechanism 210 may be provided on the first wall 211, but no injection hole 220 may be provided. Alternatively, an injection hole 220 may be provided on the first wall 211, but no pressure relief mechanism 210 may be provided. Or, both a pressure relief mechanism 210 and an injection hole 220 may be provided on the first wall 211.

[0154] At least one of the pressure relief mechanism 210 and the liquid injection hole 220 is disposed on the first wall 211 so that the various structures of the battery cell 20 are more concentrated, which facilitates processing and manufacturing and helps to improve production efficiency.

[0155] In some embodiments, a fourth insulating member 230 is provided on the side of the first wall 211 facing the electrode assembly 22, the fourth insulating member 230 serving to insulate and isolate the first wall 211 and the electrode assembly 22. Along the first direction X, a support member 28 is located between the main body portion 223 and the fourth insulating member 230.

[0156] In the embodiment where a pressure relief mechanism 210 is provided on the first wall 211, a protrusion 2301 is formed on the fourth insulating member 230 at a position corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism 210, protruding in the direction facing the electrode assembly 22. A receiving portion 284 is also provided on the surface of the support member 28 facing the first wall 211, and the protrusion 2301 is at least partially received within the receiving portion 284. The protrusion 2301, received within the receiving portion 284, cooperates with the receiving portion 284 to limit the movement of the support member 28 within the housing 21.

[0157] Along the first direction X, the protrusion 2301 can abut against the bottom surface of the receiving portion 284, restricting the support member 28 from moving in the direction away from the main body portion 223, ensuring that the support member 28 can stably support the main body portion 223, so that when the battery cell 20 is inverted, the gravity of the main body portion 223 of the electrode assembly 22 is not easily transmitted to the tab, and the tab is not easily split and inserted.

[0158] In an embodiment where a pressure relief mechanism 210 is provided on the first wall 211, a plurality of vent holes 285 are provided on the support member 28 in the region corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism 210 along the first direction X. The vent holes 285 allow gas inside the battery cell 20 to flow to the pressure relief mechanism 210 through the vent holes 285, so that when the pressure inside the battery cell 20 reaches the burst pressure, it can be relieved through the pressure relief mechanism 210. Along the first direction X, the plurality of vent holes 285 are evenly distributed within the projection range of the pressure relief mechanism 210 on the support member 28, which facilitates the smooth flow of gas inside the battery cell 20 to the pressure relief mechanism 210 through the vent holes 285.

[0159] In embodiments where an injection hole 220 is provided on the first wall 211, a through hole 286 is provided on the support member 28, the through hole 286 being positioned corresponding to the injection hole 220 for easy injection. In some embodiments, the through hole 286 may be positioned off-center from the center of the support member 28. When the support member 28 is installed on the integral assembly of the first wall 211 and the fourth insulating member 230, the through hole 286 can play a foolproof role, reducing the risk of incorrect installation to a certain extent.

[0160] This application also provides a battery 100, which includes the battery cell 20 provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0161] The battery 100 mentioned in the embodiments of this application refers to a single physical module comprising one or more battery cells 20 to provide higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery 100 mentioned in this application may include a battery 100 module or a battery 100 pack, etc. A battery 100 pack generally includes a housing 10 for encapsulating one or more battery cells 20. The housing 10 can prevent liquids or other foreign matter from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells 20.

[0162] In any of the above embodiments, the battery cell 20 has a gap 24 formed between the side of the first insulating member 23 facing away from the electrode assembly 22 and the inner surface 2121 of the second wall, which allows the end of the electrode assembly 22 facing away from the first wall 211 to be free from the need for a bottom support plate. This reduces the degree of pressure contact between the electrode assembly 22 and the corner area 2151a of the outer casing 21 facing away from the electrode terminal 25, and even prevents the electrode assembly 22 from contacting and being pressed against the corner area 2151a of the outer casing 21. This reduces the risk of the electrode sheet of the electrode assembly 22 being wrinkled due to pressure between the corner area 2151a of the outer casing 21 and the electrode assembly 22, thereby reducing the risk of short circuit in the battery cell 20 and improving the safety performance of the battery 100. The absence of a base plate in the battery cell 20 simplifies the assembly process, improves assembly efficiency, saves costs, and reduces the weight of the battery cell 20, thereby reducing the weight of the battery 100.

[0163] This application also provides an electrical device, which includes the battery 100 provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0164] The battery 100 provides electrical energy to the electrical device. The battery 100 in the above embodiment has good safety performance, thus improving the electrical safety of the electrical device equipped with the battery 100.

[0165] This application provides a battery cell 20, which includes a housing 21, an electrode assembly 22, a first insulating member 23, a second insulating member 26, and a support member 28. The electrode assembly 22 is housed within the housing 21.

[0166] The outer casing 21 includes a first wall 211, a second wall 212, a side wall 213, and a connecting wall 215. The second wall 212, side wall 213, and connecting wall 215 are integrally formed. The inner surface of the connecting wall 215 is a chamfered surface 2151, which is a rounded chamfered surface 2151. The inner surface 2121 of the second wall and the inner surface 2131 of the side wall are connected by the chamfered surface 2151 and are tangent to it. An opening 214 is formed at the end of the side wall 213 away from the second wall 212. The first wall 211 covers the opening 214 and supports the electrode assembly 22. The first wall 211 and the second wall 212 are arranged opposite each other along a first direction X. The first wall 211 is also provided with a pressure relief mechanism 210, a liquid injection hole 220, and two electrode terminals 25. The first tab 221 and the second tab 222 of the electrode assembly 22 both protrude from the side of the main body 223 of the electrode assembly 22 facing the first wall 211. A support member 28 is located between the main body 223 and the first wall 211, supporting the main body 223. The first electrode tab 221 and the second electrode tab 222 are both bent around the edge of the support member 28 to the side of the support member 28 facing away from the main body 223. Along the first direction X, a first insulating member 23 is connected to the end of the electrode assembly 22 facing the second wall 212 to insulate and isolate the second wall 212 and the electrode assembly 22. A second insulating member 26 surrounds the outer periphery of the electrode assembly 22 to insulate and isolate the electrode assembly 22 and the side wall 213. The second insulating member 26 and the first insulating member 23 are integrally formed. Along the first direction X, a gap 24 is formed between the surface of the first insulating member 23 facing away from the electrode assembly 22 and the inner surface 2121 of the second wall. Along the first direction X, the chamfered surface 2151 has a dimension of H, and the gap 24 has a dimension of H1, satisfying H1≥H / 2.

[0167] 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, characterized in that, It includes a housing and individual battery cells, wherein the individual battery cells include: The housing includes a first wall and a second wall disposed opposite to each other along a first direction, wherein the first wall is provided with electrode terminals; An electrode assembly, housed within the housing, is electrically connected to the electrode terminals. A first wall supports the electrode assembly so that the battery cell is inverted within the housing. The electrode assembly includes a first tab and a second tab of opposite polarity, located along the first direction on the side of the electrode assembly opposite to the second wall. A first insulating element abuts against one end of the electrode assembly facing the second wall to insulate and isolate the second wall and the electrode assembly; Along the first direction, a gap is formed between the surface of the first insulating member facing away from the electrode assembly and the inner surface of the second wall; The battery cell also includes a third insulating member. Along the first direction, the third insulating member abuts against the side of the first insulating member facing the second wall. Along a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the edge of the first insulating member protrudes from the third insulating member. The gap is provided around the third insulating member.

2. The battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer casing also includes a sidewall surrounding the outer periphery of the second wall. Along the first direction, the second wall is located at one end of the sidewall, and the other end of the sidewall forms an opening. The first wall closes the opening, and the inner surface of the second wall and the inner surface of the sidewall are connected by a chamfered surface.

3. The battery according to claim 2, characterized in that, Along the first direction, the size of the chamfered surface is H, and the size of the gap is H1, satisfying H1≥H / 2.

4. The battery according to claim 3, characterized in that, H1≥H.

5. The battery according to claim 2, characterized in that, The chamfered surface is a rounded chamfered surface.

6. The battery according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner surface of the second wall is tangent to the chamfered surface; and / or, the inner surface of the sidewall is tangent to the chamfered surface.

7. The battery according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sidewall and the second wall are integrally formed.

8. The battery according to claim 2, characterized in that, The battery cell further includes a second insulating member, at least a portion of which is disposed between the sidewall and the electrode assembly, and the second insulating member is configured to insulate the sidewall and the electrode assembly.

9. The battery according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first insulating component and the second insulating component are integrally formed.

10. The battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third insulating element is connected to the surface of the first insulating element facing the second wall.

11. The battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode assembly further includes a main body portion, wherein both the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab protrude from the main body portion; The battery cell also includes a support member, which is disposed between the first wall and the main body.

12. The battery according to claim 11, characterized in that, The support member supports the main body, and the first electrode and the second electrode are both bent around the edge of the support member to the side of the support member away from the main body and electrically connected to the electrode terminal.

13. The battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first wall is also provided with at least one of a pressure relief mechanism and an injection hole.

14. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, Includes the battery as described in any one of claims 1-13.

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