Battery monomer, battery and electric device

Abstract

The invention provides a battery monomer, a battery and a power utilization device, and belongs to the technical field of batteries. Wherein the battery monomer comprises a shell, an electrode terminal, an electrode assembly, a support frame and a liquid retaining layer. The housing has a wall portion, and the electrode terminal is provided on the wall portion. The electrode assembly is contained in the shell and provided with a main body part and a tab, and the tab protrudes out of one end, facing the wall part, of the main body part and is connected to the electrode terminal in the thickness direction of the wall part. The supporting frame is arranged between the wall part and the main body part in the thickness direction of the wall part, and the supporting frame is configured to support the main body part. The liquid retention layer is arranged on the supporting frame and is configured to absorb and store the electrolyte in the shell. The electrolyte at the bottom of the shell can be absorbed and stored through the liquid retaining layer, so that the phenomenon that the electrolyte flows out of the shell can be relieved when the bottom of the battery monomer is impacted and damaged, the use risk caused by liquid leakage of the battery monomer is reduced, and the use safety of the battery monomer can be improved.

Description

Battery cells, batteries and electrical devices Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery cell, a battery, and an electrical device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, new energy vehicles have experienced rapid development. Within the electric vehicle sector, power batteries, as the power source for electric vehicles, play an irreplaceable and important role. With the vigorous promotion of new energy vehicles, demand for power battery products is also growing. As core components of new energy vehicles, batteries have high safety requirements. Battery cells typically have electrode terminals and other components installed on their outer shells. The electrode assemblies have tabs, which, when connected to the electrode terminals, enable the input and output of electrical energy into or out of the battery cell. However, when used in an inverted position, battery cells with this structure often experience electrolyte leakage, posing a significant safety hazard during use.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a battery cell, a battery, and an electrical device, which can effectively improve the safety of the battery cell.

[0005] In the first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a battery cell, comprising a shell, an electrode terminal, an electrode assembly, a support frame and a liquid retention layer; the shell has a wall portion; the electrode terminal is arranged on the wall portion; the electrode assembly is accommodated in the shell, the electrode assembly has a main body portion and a pole ear, along the thickness direction of the wall portion, the pole ear protrudes from one end of the main body portion facing the wall portion and is connected to the electrode terminal; along the thickness direction of the wall portion, the support frame is arranged between the wall portion and the main body portion, and the support frame is configured to support the main body portion; the liquid retention layer is arranged on the support frame, and the liquid retention layer is configured to absorb and store the electrolyte in the shell.

[0006] In the above technical solution, the support frame is arranged between the wall and the main body, and the support frame can support the main body of the electrode assembly, that is, the battery cell is inverted, so that the wall of the battery cell with the electrode terminal is arranged downward, so that the end of the electrode assembly with the pole ear is arranged downward, so that the support frame can alleviate the local force on the main body of the electrode assembly, so as to reduce the risk of damage to the main body of the electrode assembly, and by arranging a liquid retention layer on the support frame, so that the liquid retention layer can absorb and store the electrolyte located at the bottom of the shell and free between the support frame and the wall, so that when the bottom of the battery cell is impacted and damaged, the phenomenon of electrolyte flowing out of the shell can be alleviated, and the outflow of electrolyte can be reduced, which is beneficial to reduce the use risk of the battery cell caused by leakage during use, and thus can effectively improve the safety of the battery cell.

[0007] In some embodiments, along the thickness direction of the wall portion, the liquid retaining layer is located between the wall portion and the support frame.

[0008] In the above technical solution, the liquid retaining layer is arranged between the wall and the support frame so that the liquid retaining layer can better absorb and store the electrolyte free between the wall and the support frame, thereby further reducing the outflow of the electrolyte free between the wall and the support frame when the bottom of the battery cell is impacted and damaged, thereby further improving the safety of the battery cell.

[0009] In some embodiments, a groove is provided on a side of the support frame facing the wall portion along a thickness direction of the wall portion, and at least a portion of the liquid retaining layer is accommodated in the groove.

[0010] In the above technical solution, a groove for accommodating the liquid retention layer is provided on the side of the support frame facing the wall, so that the liquid retention layer can be provided in the groove of the support frame, thereby optimizing the space occupied by the liquid retention layer inside the battery cell, which is beneficial to improving the internal space utilization rate of the battery cell, and further effectively improving the energy density of the battery cell.

[0011] In some embodiments, a through hole is provided on the support frame, and the through hole communicates with the groove and the inner space of the shell.

[0012] In the above technical solution, a through hole is provided on the support frame, and the through hole can connect the groove of the support frame and the internal space of the shell, so that the electrolyte in the liquid retention layer located in the groove can flow back to the interior of the shell through the through hole, so that the main body of the electrode assembly can contact with the electrolyte stored in the liquid retention layer, thereby improving the wetting effect of the electrolyte on the main body of the electrode assembly, which is beneficial to improving the performance of the battery cell.

[0013] In some embodiments, the through hole is provided on the bottom wall of the groove, and the through hole penetrates the bottom wall of the groove along the thickness direction of the wall portion.

[0014] In the above technical solution, by arranging the through hole on the bottom wall of the groove, and the through hole passes through both sides of the bottom wall of the groove, the electrolyte stored in the liquid retention layer can flow back to the interior of the shell through the through hole and directly contact the main body located on the side of the support frame away from the wall, thereby facilitating the improvement of the wetting effect of the electrode assembly.

[0015] In some embodiments, the battery cell includes a plurality of the liquid retention layers, and along the thickness direction of the wall portion, a plurality of the grooves are provided on a side of the support frame facing the wall portion, and each of the liquid retention layers is provided in one of the grooves.

[0016] In the above technical solution, multiple liquid-retaining layers are arranged between the support frame and the wall, and each liquid-retaining layer is arranged in a corresponding groove. The battery cell adopting this structure can, on the one hand, improve the effect of the battery cell in absorbing and storing the electrolyte through the liquid-retaining layer, so as to further reduce the outflow of the electrolyte free between the wall and the support frame when the bottom of the battery cell is impacted and damaged. On the other hand, it can play a certain positioning and limiting role for each liquid-retaining layer, so that multiple liquid-retaining layers can be arranged on the support frame, which is beneficial to reducing the difficulty of assembly between the multiple liquid-retaining layers and the support frame, and can alleviate the phenomenon of shaking of the liquid-retaining layer in the battery cell.

[0017] In some embodiments, along the thickness direction of the wall portion, the electrode tab includes a first section located on a side of the liquid retaining layer facing the wall portion, the first section is connected to the electrode terminal, and the first section abuts against at least one of the liquid retaining layers.

[0018] In the above technical solution, the pole ear has a first section located on the side of the liquid retention layer facing the wall in the thickness direction of the wall. On the one hand, a battery cell with such a structure facilitates the connection of the pole ear with the electrode terminal arranged on the wall through the first section, which is beneficial to reducing the difficulty of assembly. On the other hand, the first section is in contact with at least one liquid retention layer so that the electrolyte stored in the liquid retention layer can climb into the main body of the electrode assembly through the capillary phenomenon of the pole ear, so as to enhance the reflux effect of the electrolyte in the liquid retention layer, thereby effectively enhancing the infiltration effect of the electrolyte on the main body of the electrode assembly, which is beneficial to improving the performance of the battery cell.

[0019] In some embodiments, the tab further includes a second section and a third section, the first section, the second section and the third section are connected in sequence, the third section is connected to the main body, and the third section is located on the side of the support frame facing the main body.

[0020] In the above technical solution, the tab is composed of a first section, a second section, and a third section connected in sequence. The third section is connected to the main body and is located on the side of the support frame facing the main body. The first section is located on the side of the liquid retaining layer facing the wall and is connected to the electrode terminal, so that the tab has a part located on the side of the liquid retaining layer facing the wall. The structure is simple and easy to implement.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second section is located at one end of the support frame along a first direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to a thickness direction of the wall portion.

[0022] In the above technical solution, by setting the second section of the pole ear to be located at one end of the support frame in the first direction, the pole ear is made into a structure bent around the support frame, so that the first section and the third section of the pole ear can be located on both sides of the support frame in the thickness direction of the wall. The battery cell with this structure is conducive to reducing the manufacturing difficulty of the pole ear and the assembly difficulty between the pole ear and the support frame.

[0023] In some embodiments, the battery cell includes two electrode assemblies; along the first direction, the main bodies of the two electrode assemblies are stacked, and the second sections of the tabs of the two electrode assemblies with the same polarity are respectively located at both ends of the support frame.

[0024] In the above technical solution, the battery cell is provided with two electrode assemblies stacked along a first direction, and the second sections of the pole ears of the two electrode assemblies with the same polarity are respectively located at the two ends of the support frame in the first direction, that is, the pole ears of the two electrode assemblies are respectively bent around the two ends of the support frame in the first direction, so that the pole ears of the two electrode assemblies are both located in the first section on the side of the liquid retaining layer facing the wall, and at the same time, the two electrode assemblies can share one support frame, which is beneficial to reducing the difficulty of assembling between the pole ears of the two electrode assemblies and the support frame.

[0025] In some embodiments, the battery cell further includes a current collecting member connecting the electrode terminal and the first segment; wherein, along the thickness direction of the wall portion, the first segment is located between the current collecting member and the liquid retaining layer.

[0026] In the above technical solution, the battery cell is also provided with a current collecting component, which connects the electrode terminal and the first section of the pole ear, and the first section is arranged between the current collecting component and the liquid retention layer. Therefore, on the one hand, the connection difficulty between the electrode terminal and the pole ear can be effectively reduced to reduce the assembly difficulty of the battery cell. On the other hand, the contact effect between the first section and the liquid retention layer can be improved, so that the electrolyte stored in the liquid retention layer can climb into the main body of the electrode assembly through the pole ear, which is beneficial to improving the wetting effect of the electrode assembly.

[0027] In some embodiments, the surface of the tab is a rough surface.

[0028] In the above technical solution, the surface of the electrode ear is set to a rough surface to increase the climbing rate of the electrolyte stored in the liquid retention layer through the electrode ear to the main body of the electrode assembly, which is beneficial to further improve the reflux effect of the electrolyte stored in the liquid retention layer back to the main body of the electrode assembly.

[0029] In some embodiments, strip ribs are provided on the surface of the tab.

[0030] In the above technical solution, strip ribs are provided on the surface of the electrode tab to increase the climbing rate of the electrolyte stored in the liquid retention layer through the electrode tab to the main body of the electrode assembly, thereby further improving the reflux effect of the electrolyte stored in the liquid retention layer back to the main body of the electrode assembly.

[0031] In some embodiments, the battery cell further includes an adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer bonds the liquid retaining layer and the support frame.

[0032] In the above technical solution, an adhesive layer is provided between the liquid retaining layer and the support frame so that the liquid retaining layer can be adhered to the support frame, thereby reducing the difficulty of connecting the liquid retaining layer and the support frame and improving the connection stability and reliability between the liquid retaining layer and the support frame.

[0033] In some embodiments, the melting point of the material of the liquid retaining layer is Q, satisfying Q≥40°C.

[0034] In the above technical solution, by setting the melting point of the material of the liquid retaining layer to be greater than or equal to 40°C, the melting point of the material of the liquid retaining layer can be greater than or equal to the normal operating temperature of the battery cell, thereby reducing the phenomenon of fire and combustion of the liquid retaining layer during use, which is beneficial to improving the safety of battery cell use.

[0035] In some embodiments, the outer shell includes a shell and an end cover; a receiving cavity with an opening is formed inside the shell, and the electrode assembly is received in the receiving cavity; the end cover closes the opening; wherein the end cover is the wall portion.

[0036] In the above technical solution, the wall portion of the shell is an end cover for closing the opening of the shell. The battery cell with this structure is convenient for assembling the electrode terminal and helps to reduce the difficulty of assembling between the electrode terminal and the tab, thereby effectively improving the production efficiency of the battery cell.

[0037] In some embodiments, the outer shell includes a shell and an end cover; the shell includes an integrally formed side wall and the wall portion, the side wall is arranged around the wall portion, and along the thickness direction of the wall portion, one end of the side wall is connected to the wall portion, and the other end is enclosed to form an opening, and the side wall and the wall portion jointly define a accommodating cavity for accommodating the electrode assembly; the end cover closes the opening.

[0038] In the above technical solution, the wall portion is a wall of the shell that is arranged opposite to the end cover in the thickness direction of the wall portion. The battery cell adopting this structure can keep the electrode terminals and other components away from the end cover, and there is no direct connection between the wall portion and the end cover, thereby alleviating the phenomenon that the force generated when the electrode terminals and other components pull or twist the wall portion acts on the end cover, thereby reducing the risk of connection failure between the end cover and the shell, and further helping to further reduce the risk of leakage of the battery cell during use.

[0039] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a battery comprising the above-mentioned battery cell.

[0040] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides an electrical device comprising the above-mentioned battery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only show certain embodiments of the present application and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other relevant drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0042] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0043] FIG2 is an exploded view of the structure of a battery provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0044] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0045] FIG4 is an exploded view of the structure of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0046] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0047] FIG6 is a partial enlarged view of the battery cell at point A shown in FIG5 ;

[0048] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the assembly of a support frame and a liquid-retaining layer provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0049] FIG8 is an exploded view of the structure of the support frame and the liquid retaining layer provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0050] Icon: 1000-vehicle; 100-battery; 10-box; 11-first box body; 12-second box body; 20-battery cell; 21-casing; 211-wall; 212-shell; 2121-accommodation chamber; 2122-opening; 213-end cover; 22-electrode terminal; 23-electrode assembly; 231-main body; 232-ear; 2321-first section; 2322-second section; 2323-third section; 24-support frame; 241-groove; 242-through hole; 25-liquid retaining layer; 26-pressure relief mechanism; 27-current collecting component; 28-insulating member; 200-controller; 300-motor; X-thickness direction of the wall; Y-first direction; Z-second direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0052] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meanings as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used in the specification of this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application. The terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application or the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order or a primary-secondary relationship.

[0053] References to "embodiments" in this application mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments.

[0054] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connected," and "attached" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they may refer to direct connections, indirect connections through an intermediate medium, or internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0055] The term "and / or" in this application simply describes an association between related objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this application generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0056] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals represent the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components in different embodiments are omitted. It should be understood that the thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the various components in the embodiments of this application, as well as the overall thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the integrated device shown in the drawings are merely illustrative and should not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0057] The term "plurality" used in this application refers to two or more (including two).

[0058] In the embodiment of the present application, the battery cell may be a secondary battery. A secondary battery refers to a battery cell that can be continuously used by activating active materials by charging after the battery cell is discharged.

[0059] The battery cells can be lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, sodium-lithium-ion batteries, lithium metal batteries, sodium metal batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, magnesium-ion batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, lead-acid batteries, etc., which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0060] A battery cell typically includes an electrode assembly. This assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. During the charge and discharge process of a battery cell, active ions (such as lithium ions) are inserted and removed between the positive and negative electrodes. The separator, placed between the positive and negative electrodes, prevents short circuits between the positive and negative electrodes while allowing the active ions to pass through.

[0061] In some embodiments, the positive electrode may be a positive electrode sheet, which may include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material disposed on at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector.

[0062] As an example, the positive electrode current collector has two surfaces facing each other in its thickness direction, and the positive electrode active material is provided on either or both of the two facing surfaces of the positive electrode current collector.

[0063] As an example, the positive electrode current collector may be a metal foil or a composite current collector. For example, as the metal foil, aluminum or stainless steel with a silver surface treatment, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, carbon electrode, carbon, nickel or titanium, etc. may be used. The composite current collector may include a polymer material base layer and a metal layer. The composite current collector may be formed by forming a metal material (aluminum, aluminum alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, silver and silver alloy, etc.) on a polymer material substrate (such as a substrate of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0064] As an example, the positive electrode active material may include at least one of the following materials: lithium-containing phosphates, lithium transition metal oxides, and their respective modified compounds. However, the present application is not limited to these materials, and other traditional materials that can be used as positive electrode active materials for batteries may also be used. These positive electrode active materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Examples of lithium-containing phosphates may include, but are not limited to, at least one of lithium iron phosphate (such as LiFePO4 (also referred to as LFP)), a composite material of lithium iron phosphate and carbon, lithium manganese phosphate (such as LiMnPO4), a composite material of lithium manganese phosphate and carbon, lithium iron manganese phosphate, and a composite material of lithium iron manganese phosphate and carbon.

[0065] In some embodiments, the negative electrode may be a negative electrode sheet, and the negative electrode sheet may include a negative electrode current collector.

[0066] As an example, the negative electrode current collector can be a metal foil, a metal foam, or a composite current collector. For example, as the metal foil, aluminum or stainless steel with a silver surface treatment, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, carbon electrode, carbon, nickel, or titanium can be used. The metal foam can be nickel foam, copper foam, aluminum foam, alloy foam, or carbon foam. The composite current collector can include a polymer material base layer and a metal layer. The composite current collector can be formed by forming a metal material (copper, copper alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, silver, and silver alloy, etc.) on a polymer material substrate (such as a substrate of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0067] As an example, the negative electrode sheet may include a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material disposed on at least one surface of the negative electrode current collector.

[0068] As an example, the negative electrode current collector has two surfaces facing each other in its thickness direction, and the negative electrode active material is provided on either or both of the two facing surfaces of the negative electrode current collector.

[0069] As an example, the negative electrode active material may be a negative electrode active material known in the art for use in battery cells. As an example, the negative electrode active material may include at least one of the following materials: artificial graphite, natural graphite, soft carbon, hard carbon, silicon-based materials, tin-based materials, and lithium titanate.

[0070] In some embodiments, the material of the positive electrode current collector may be aluminum, and the material of the negative electrode current collector may be copper.

[0071] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly further includes a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

[0072] In some embodiments, the separator is a separator. The present application has no particular limitation on the type of separator, and any known separator with a porous structure having good chemical and mechanical stability can be selected.

[0073] As an example, the main material of the isolation membrane can be selected from at least one of glass fiber, non-woven fabric, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, and ceramics.

[0074] In some embodiments, the separator is a solid electrolyte, which is disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode and serves to transport ions and isolate the positive and negative electrodes.

[0075] In some embodiments, the battery cell also includes an electrolyte, which acts as a conductor of ions between the positive and negative electrodes. This application does not specifically limit the type of electrolyte, and the electrolyte can be selected based on needs. The electrolyte can be liquid, gel, or solid.

[0076] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is a wound structure, wherein the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet are wound into the wound structure.

[0077] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is a laminate structure.

[0078] In some embodiments, the shape of the electrode assembly can be cylindrical, flat, or polygonal.

[0079] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is provided with tabs that can conduct current from the electrode assembly. The tabs include a positive tab and a negative tab.

[0080] In some embodiments, a battery cell may include a housing. The housing is used to encapsulate components such as the electrode assembly and the electrolyte. The housing may be a steel housing, an aluminum housing, a plastic housing (e.g., polypropylene), a composite metal housing (e.g., a copper-aluminum composite housing), or an aluminum-plastic film.

[0081] As an example, the battery cell can be a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, a soft-pack battery cell or a battery cell of other shapes. The prismatic battery cell includes a square-shell battery cell, a blade-shaped battery cell, and a polygonal battery. The polygonal battery is, for example, a hexagonal battery, etc. There is no special limitation in this application.

[0082] The battery mentioned in the embodiments of the present application refers to a single physical module including one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity.

[0083] In some embodiments, the battery may be a battery module. When there are multiple battery cells, the multiple battery cells are arranged and fixed to form a battery module.

[0084] In some embodiments, the battery may be a battery pack, which includes a case and battery cells, wherein the battery cells or battery modules are housed in the case.

[0085] In some embodiments, the box body can be used as a part of the chassis structure of the vehicle. For example, part of the box body can become at least a part of the floor of the vehicle, or part of the box body can become at least a part of the cross beam and longitudinal beam of the vehicle.

[0086] In some embodiments, the battery may be an energy storage device, including an energy storage container, an energy storage cabinet, and the like.

[0087] Batteries, with their outstanding advantages such as high energy density, low environmental pollution, high power density, long service life, wide adaptability, and low self-discharge coefficient, are an important component of today's new energy development. However, with the continuous development of battery technology, higher requirements are also being placed on battery safety.

[0088] The inventors found that for general battery cells, the outer shell of the battery cell usually includes a shell and an end cover, and the end cover is covered with the opening of the shell. In order to facilitate the assembly of the battery cell, the electrode terminal is usually assembled to the end cover of the battery cell, so that when the end cover is covered with the shell, the electrode terminal, the current collecting member and the electrode assembly's tabs can be stacked and welded to each other first to achieve electrical connection between the electrode terminal and the electrode assembly, so that the electrode terminal is used as the output pole of the battery cell to realize the input or output of electrical energy of the battery cell, and finally the end cover is connected to the shell. However, when a battery cell of this structure is used in an inverted position, that is, when the end of the battery cell with the electrode terminal is placed vertically downward, the electrolyte will be free between the current collecting member and other components and the end cover. Moreover, since there are weak points or welding points between the electrode terminal and the end cover, and between the end cover and the shell, when the battery cell is impacted, the electrolyte inside the battery cell can easily flow out from the weak points or welding points between the electrode terminal and the end cover, and between the end cover and the shell, thereby causing electrolyte leakage in the battery cell, which leads to a greater safety hazard during the use of the battery cell.

[0089] Based on the above considerations, in order to solve the problem of significant safety hazards in the use of battery cells, the inventors, after in-depth research, designed a battery cell, which includes a housing, electrode terminals, an electrode assembly, a support frame, and a liquid retention layer. The housing has a wall portion, and the electrode terminals are arranged on the wall portion. The electrode assembly is accommodated in the housing, and the electrode assembly has a main body portion and a tab. Along the thickness direction of the wall portion, the tab protrudes from one end of the main body portion facing the wall portion and is connected to the electrode terminal. Along the thickness direction of the wall portion, a support frame is arranged between the wall portion and the main body portion, and the support frame is configured to support the main body portion. The liquid retention layer is arranged on the support frame, and the liquid retention layer is configured to absorb and store the electrolyte in the housing.

[0090] In a battery cell of this structure, a support frame is arranged between the wall and the main body, and the support frame can support the main body of the electrode assembly, that is, the battery cell is arranged inverted, so that the wall of the battery cell provided with the electrode terminal is arranged downward, so that the end of the electrode assembly provided with the pole ear is arranged downward, so that the support frame can alleviate the situation where the main body of the electrode assembly is subjected to local stress, so as to reduce the risk of damage to the main body of the electrode assembly, and by arranging a liquid retention layer on the support frame, so that the liquid retention layer can absorb and store the electrolyte located at the bottom of the outer shell and free between the support frame and the wall, so that when the bottom of the battery cell is impacted and damaged, the phenomenon of electrolyte flowing out of the outer shell can be alleviated, and the outflow of electrolyte can be reduced, which is beneficial to reduce the risk of use of the battery cell caused by leakage during use, and thus can effectively improve the safety of use of the battery cell.

[0091] The battery cells disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be used, but are not limited to, in electrical devices such as vehicles, ships, or aircraft. A power supply system comprising the battery cells and batteries disclosed in this application can be used to construct such electrical devices. This helps alleviate the problem of electrolyte leakage during battery cell use, thereby improving the safety of the battery cells.

[0092] The present invention provides an electric device that uses a battery as a power source. The electric device may be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, an electric toy, an electric tool, a battery-powered vehicle, an electric car, a ship, a spacecraft, etc. The electric toy may include a fixed or mobile electric toy, such as a game console, an electric car toy, an electric ship toy, and an electric airplane toy, etc. The spacecraft may include an airplane, a rocket, a space shuttle, and a spacecraft, etc.

[0093] For the convenience of description, the following embodiments are described by taking a vehicle 1000 as an example of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0094] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle 1000 provided in some embodiments of the present application. The vehicle 1000 can be a fuel vehicle, a gas vehicle or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle or an extended-range vehicle, etc. A battery 100 is provided inside the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 can be arranged at the bottom of the vehicle 1000, or at the head of the vehicle 1000, or at the tail of the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 can be used to power the vehicle 1000. For example, the battery 100 can be used as an operating power source or a 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 power the motor 300, for example, for starting, navigating and driving the vehicle 1000.

[0095] In some embodiments of the present application, the battery 100 can not only serve as the operating power source or usage power source of the vehicle 1000, but also serve as the driving power source of the vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1000.

[0096] 2 and 3 , FIG2 is an exploded view of a battery 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention, and FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a battery cell 20 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The battery 100 includes a housing 10 and a battery cell 20 , wherein the battery cell 20 is accommodated in the housing 10 .

[0097] The housing 10 is used to provide assembly space for the battery cells 20 and can have various structures. In some embodiments, the housing 10 can include a first housing body 11 and a second housing body 12. The first housing body 11 and the second housing body 12 overlap each other, and the first housing body 11 and the second housing body 12 together define an assembly space for accommodating the battery cells 20. The second housing body 12 can be a hollow structure with one end open. The first housing body 11 can be a plate-like structure, and the first housing body 11 overlaps the open side of the second housing body 12, so that the first housing body 11 and the second housing body 12 jointly define the assembly space. The first housing body 11 and the second housing body 12 can also be hollow structures with one end open, with the open side of the first housing body 11 overlapping the open side of the second housing body 12. Of course, the housing 10 formed by the first housing body 11 and the second housing body 12 can have various shapes, such as a cylinder, a rectangular parallelepiped, etc. For example, in Figure 2, the housing 10 is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0098] In the battery 100, the number of battery cells 20 disposed in the housing 10 may be one or more. When there are multiple battery cells 20 disposed in the housing 10, the multiple battery cells 20 may be connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed connection. Mixed connection means that the multiple battery cells 20 are connected in series and in parallel. The multiple battery cells 20 may be directly connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed connection, and then the whole formed by the multiple battery cells 20 may be accommodated in the housing 10. Of course, the battery 100 may also be a battery module formed by first connecting multiple battery cells 20 in series, in parallel, or in a mixed connection, and then the multiple battery modules may be connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed connection to form a whole, and then accommodated in the housing 10. The battery 100 may also include other structures. For example, the battery 100 may also include a busbar component, which is used to connect the multiple battery cells 20 to achieve electrical connection between the multiple battery cells 20.

[0099] 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 thereto. The battery cell 20 can be cylindrical, flat, rectangular, or in other shapes. For example, in FIG3 , the battery cell 20 is a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0100] According to some embodiments of the present application, referring to FIG. 3 and further referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 , FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a battery cell 20 according to some embodiments of the present application, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell 20 according to some embodiments of the present application. The present application provides a battery cell 20 comprising a housing 21, electrode terminals 22, an electrode assembly 23, a support frame 24, and a liquid retention layer 25. The housing 21 has a wall 211, with the electrode terminals 22 disposed therein. The electrode assembly 23 is housed within the housing 21 and comprises a main body 231 and a tab 232. The tab 232 protrudes from one end of the main body 231 facing the wall 211 along the thickness direction X of the wall and is connected to the electrode terminal 22. A support frame 24 is disposed between the wall 211 and the main body 231 along the thickness direction X of the wall, and is configured to support the main body 231. The liquid retaining layer 25 is disposed on the support frame 24 , and the liquid retaining layer 25 is configured to absorb and store the electrolyte in the housing 21 .

[0101] The housing 21 can also be used to hold electrolyte. The housing 21 can be of various structural forms, such as a cylinder or a cuboid. Similarly, the housing 21 can be made of various materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, steel, or aluminum alloy.

[0102] In some embodiments, the housing 21 may include a shell 212 and an end cover 213, and a accommodating cavity 2121 is formed inside the shell 212, and the accommodating cavity 2121 is used to accommodate the electrode assembly 23, and the accommodating cavity 2121 has an opening 2122, that is, the shell 212 is a hollow structure with an opening 2122 at one end, and the end cover 213 covers the opening 2122 of the shell 212 and forms a sealed connection to form a sealed space for accommodating the electrode assembly 23 and the electrolyte.

[0103] It should be noted that the wall portion 211 for mounting the electrode terminal 22 can be the end cap 213 or a wall of the housing 212. For example, in Figures 3 and 4, the wall portion 211 is the end cap 213. Of course, the structure of the battery cell 20 is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the wall portion 211 can also be the bottom wall of the housing 212 disposed opposite the end cap 213, or the side wall of the housing 212 and the end cap 213 adjacent to and abutting each other.

[0104] When assembling the battery cell 20 , the electrode assembly 23 may be placed in the housing 212 and filled with electrolyte. The end cap 213 may then be placed on the opening 2122 of the housing 212 to complete the assembly of the battery cell 20 .

[0105] The housing 212 can have a variety of shapes, such as a cylinder, a rectangular parallelepiped, or a prismatic structure. The shape of the housing 212 can be determined based on the specific shape of the electrode assembly 23. For example, if the electrode assembly 23 has a cylindrical structure, a cylindrical housing 212 can be selected; if the electrode assembly 23 has a rectangular parallelepiped structure, a rectangular parallelepiped housing 212 can be selected. Of course, the structure of the end cap 213 can also be various, such as a plate-like structure or a hollow structure with one end open. For example, in Figure 3, the housing 212 has a rectangular parallelepiped structure.

[0106] Of course, it is understandable that the shell 21 is not limited to the above structure. The shell 21 may also be other structures. For example, the shell 21 may include a shell 212 and two end covers 213. The shell 212 is a hollow structure with openings 2122 on opposite sides. One end cover 213 corresponds to an opening 2122 of the shell 212 and forms a sealed connection to form a sealed space for accommodating the electrode assembly 23 and the electrolyte. That is, the shell 212 is formed with openings 2122 on opposite sides, and the two end covers 213 are respectively covered on both sides of the shell 212 to close the corresponding openings 2122.

[0107] It should be noted that the electrode assembly 23 is the component in the battery cell 20 where the electrochemical reaction occurs. The main body 231 of the electrode assembly 23 may include a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator. The electrode assembly 23 may have various structures. For example, the main body 231 of the electrode assembly 23 may be a wound structure formed by winding the positive electrode sheet, the separator, and the negative electrode sheet, or a stacked structure formed by stacking the positive electrode sheet, the separator, and the negative electrode sheet. The tabs 232 of the electrode assembly 23 are components formed by stacking and connecting the regions of the positive electrode sheet that are not coated with the positive electrode active material layer, or by stacking and connecting the regions of the negative electrode sheet that are not coated with the negative electrode active material layer.

[0108] Optionally, the number of electrode assemblies 23 housed within the housing 21 may be one or more. For example, in FIG4 , the housing 21 of the battery cell 20 is provided with two electrode assemblies 23 , and the main bodies 231 of the two electrode assemblies 23 are stacked along a first direction Y, i.e., the main bodies 231 of the two electrode assemblies 23 are stacked along the thickness direction of the main bodies 231 , that is, the main bodies 231 of the two electrode assemblies 23 are stacked along the thickness direction of the battery cell 20 . Of course, in other embodiments, the number of electrode assemblies 23 housed within the housing 21 may also be one, three, four, five, six, or seven, etc., stacked.

[0109] The tab 232 protrudes from one end of the main body 231 facing the wall 211. Specifically, the tab 232 is connected to one end of the main body 231 that is closer to the wall 211 in the thickness direction X of the wall. In other words, the tab 232 is formed on one end of the electrode assembly 23 that is closer to the wall 211 in the thickness direction X of the wall. The tab 232 is used to connect to the electrode terminal 22 to enable input or output of electrical energy from the battery cell 20.

[0110] For example, in FIG4 , each electrode assembly 23 has two tabs 232 , and both tabs 232 protrude from one end of the main body 231 facing the wall 211 in the thickness direction X of the wall. The two tabs 232 are respectively used to output or input the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly 23. If the tabs 232 are used to output the positive electrode of the electrode assembly 23 , the tabs 232 are formed by stacking and connecting the regions of the positive electrode sheet that are not coated with the positive electrode active material layer. If the tabs 232 are used to output the negative electrode of the electrode assembly 23 , the tabs 232 are formed by stacking and connecting the regions of the negative electrode sheet that are not coated with the negative electrode active material layer.

[0111] Correspondingly, the battery cell 20 includes two electrode terminals 22 , both of which are mounted on the wall portion 211 . The two electrode terminals 22 are respectively connected to the two tabs 232 of each electrode assembly 23 to realize the input or output of the positive and negative electrodes of the battery cell 20 .

[0112] The connection between the electrode terminal 22 and the tab 232 can be made in a variety of ways, including direct connection, such as welding, clamping, or abutting, or indirect connection, where the tab 232 is connected to other components and then welded, clamped, or abutted to the electrode terminal 22. Similarly, the electrode terminal 22 can be made of a variety of materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, steel, or aluminum alloy.

[0113] It should be noted that the electrode terminal 22 is insulated and mounted on the wall portion 211 , that is, no electrical connection is formed between the electrode terminal 22 and the wall portion 211 , that is, no electrical connection is formed between the electrode terminal 22 and the end cover 213 of the housing 21 .

[0114] Along the thickness direction X of the wall, the support frame 24 is configured to support the main body 231. That is, as shown in Figure 5, the battery cell 20 is placed upside down in the box body 10, so that the support frame 24 can support the main body 231 of the electrode assembly 23 in the thickness direction X of the wall. That is, the end of the battery cell 20 provided with the electrode terminal 22 is set toward the bottom of the box body 10 in the thickness direction X of the wall, or in actual use, the end of the battery cell 20 provided with the electrode terminal 22 is set toward the ground or downward, so that the thickness direction X of the wall is the up and down direction.

[0115] For example, the support frame 24 can be made of various materials, such as rubber, silicone, or plastic.

[0116] The liquid-retaining layer 25 is disposed on the support frame 24. The liquid-retaining layer 25 may be disposed between the support frame 24 and the wall portion 211 in the wall thickness direction X, or may be disposed between the support frame 24 and the main body 231 in the wall thickness direction X. For example, in Figures 4 and 5 , the liquid-retaining layer 25 is disposed between the support frame 24 and the wall portion 211 in the wall thickness direction X, that is, the liquid-retaining layer 25 is connected to the side of the support frame 24 facing the wall portion 211 in the wall thickness direction X.

[0117] For example, the connection between the liquid-retaining layer 25 and the support frame 24 can be achieved through various methods, such as bonding, clamping, or screwing. The liquid-retaining layer 25 absorbs and stores the electrolyte. Similarly, the liquid-retaining layer 25 can be made of various materials, such as foam or absorbent resin.

[0118] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the battery cell 20 may further include a pressure relief mechanism 26, which is mounted on the housing 21. Optionally, the pressure relief mechanism 26 may be disposed on the end cap 213 or the housing 212. The pressure relief mechanism 26 is configured to relieve pressure within the battery cell 20 when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 reaches a predetermined value.

[0119] Exemplarily, the pressure relief mechanism 26 is provided on the end cover 213 , and the pressure relief mechanism 26 may be a pressure relief component such as an explosion-proof valve, an explosion-proof disk, an air valve, a pressure relief valve or a safety valve.

[0120] The support frame 24 is disposed between the wall portion 211 and the main body portion 231 , and the support frame 24 can support the main body portion 231 of the electrode assembly 23 . That is, the battery cell 20 is disposed inverted so that the wall portion 211 of the battery cell 20 provided with the electrode terminal 22 is disposed downward, and the end of the electrode assembly 23 provided with the electrode tab 232 is disposed downward. As a result, the support frame 24 can alleviate local stress on the main body portion 231 of the electrode assembly 23 , thereby reducing the risk of damage to the main body portion 231 of the electrode assembly 23 . By providing a liquid retention layer 25 on the support frame 24 , the liquid retention layer 25 can absorb and store the electrolyte located at the bottom of the outer shell 21 and free between the support frame 24 and the wall portion 211 . Therefore, when the bottom of the battery cell 20 is impacted and damaged, the phenomenon of electrolyte flowing out of the outer shell 21 can be alleviated, and the amount of electrolyte outflow can be reduced, which is beneficial to reducing the risk of leakage of the battery cell 20 during use, thereby effectively improving the safety of the battery cell 20 .

[0121] According to some embodiments of the present application, referring to Figures 4 and 5 and further to Figure 6, which is a partial enlarged view of the battery cell 20 at point A shown in Figure 5, the liquid retaining layer 25 is located between the wall 211 and the support frame 24 along the thickness direction X of the wall.

[0122] The liquid-retaining layer 25 is located between the wall portion 211 and the support frame 24. That is, the liquid-retaining layer 25 is disposed on the side of the support frame 24 facing the wall portion 211 in the wall thickness direction X. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the liquid-retaining layer 25 may also be disposed on the side of the support frame 24 facing away from the wall portion 211 in the wall thickness direction X.

[0123] By arranging the liquid retention layer 25 between the wall portion 211 and the support frame 24, the liquid retention layer 25 can better absorb and store the electrolyte free between the wall portion 211 and the support frame 24, so that when the bottom of the battery cell 20 is impacted and damaged, the outflow of the electrolyte free between the wall portion 211 and the support frame 24 can be further reduced, thereby further improving the safety of the battery cell 20.

[0124] According to some embodiments of the present application, referring to Figure 6 and further to Figures 7 and 8 (Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the assembly of the support frame 24 and the liquid-retaining layer 25, and Figure 8 is an exploded view of the structure of the support frame 24 and the liquid-retaining layer 25, respectively), a groove 241 is provided on the side of the support frame 24 facing the wall 211 along the thickness direction X of the wall, and at least a portion of the liquid-retaining layer 25 is accommodated within the groove 241.

[0125] Among them, at least a portion of the liquid-retaining layer 25 is accommodated in the groove 241, that is, in the thickness direction X of the wall, the liquid-retaining layer 25 can be entirely accommodated in the groove 241, or only partially accommodated in the groove 241. For example, in Figures 6 and 7, part of the liquid-retaining layer 25 is accommodated in the groove 241, and the other part extends out of the groove 241 along the thickness direction X of the wall.

[0126] For example, in Figures 7 and 8, the support frame 24 is provided with multiple liquid-retaining layers 25 and multiple grooves 241, with each liquid-retaining layer 25 correspondingly disposed within a groove 241. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the multiple liquid-retaining layers 25 may also be an integral structure, i.e., the support frame 24 may be provided with only one liquid-retaining layer 25 and one groove 241, with the liquid-retaining layer 25 being laid flat within the groove 241 on the side of the support frame 24 facing the wall portion 211.

[0127] By providing a groove 241 for accommodating the liquid retention layer 25 on the side of the support frame 24 facing the wall 211, the liquid retention layer 25 can be provided in the groove 241 of the support frame 24, thereby optimizing the space occupied by the liquid retention layer 25 inside the battery cell 20, which is beneficial to improving the internal space utilization of the battery cell 20, and further effectively improving the energy density of the battery cell 20.

[0128] According to some embodiments of the present application, referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 8 , a through hole 242 is provided on the support frame 24 , and the through hole 242 communicates with the groove 241 and the inner space of the housing 21 .

[0129] Among them, the through hole 242 connects the groove 241 and the internal space of the shell 21, that is, the through hole 242 is provided on the bottom wall or the side wall of the groove 241, and the through hole 242 passes through the support frame 24, so that the through hole 242 can connect the groove 241 and the internal space of the shell 21.

[0130] By setting a through hole 242 on the support frame 24, and the through hole 242 can connect the groove 241 of the support frame 24 and the internal space of the shell 21, the electrolyte in the liquid retention layer 25 located in the groove 241 can flow back to the interior of the shell 21 through the through hole 242, so that the main body 231 of the electrode assembly 23 can contact the electrolyte stored in the liquid retention layer 25, thereby improving the wetting effect of the electrolyte on the main body 231 of the electrode assembly 23, which is beneficial to improving the performance of the battery cell 20.

[0131] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to FIG. 6 and FIG. 8 , the through hole 242 is provided on the bottom wall of the groove 241 , and the through hole 242 penetrates the bottom wall of the groove 241 along the thickness direction X of the wall.

[0132] Optionally, the number of through holes 242 provided on the bottom wall of the groove 241 may be one or more. For example, in FIG8 , the bottom wall of each groove 241 is provided with multiple through holes 242 .

[0133] By setting the through hole 242 on the bottom wall of the groove 241, and the through hole 242 passes through both sides of the bottom wall of the groove 241, the electrolyte stored in the liquid retention layer 25 can flow back to the interior of the outer shell 21 through the through hole 242 and directly contact the main body 231 located on the side of the support frame 24 away from the wall portion 211, thereby facilitating the improvement of the wetting effect of the electrode assembly 23.

[0134] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the battery cell 20 includes multiple liquid retention layers 25. Along the thickness direction X of the wall, a plurality of grooves 241 are provided on the side of the support frame 24 facing the wall 211, and each liquid retention layer 25 is provided in a groove 241.

[0135] By arranging multiple liquid retention layers 25 between the support frame 24 and the wall portion 211, and each liquid retention layer 25 is correspondingly arranged in a groove 241, the battery cell 20 adopting this structure can, on the one hand, improve the effect of the battery cell 20 absorbing and storing the electrolyte through the liquid retention layer 25, so as to further reduce the outflow of the electrolyte free between the wall portion 211 and the support frame 24 when the bottom of the battery cell 20 is impacted and damaged. On the other hand, it can play a certain positioning and limiting role for each liquid retention layer 25, so that multiple liquid retention layers 25 can be arranged on the support frame 24, which is beneficial to reduce the difficulty of assembling the multiple liquid retention layers 25 and the support frame 24, and can alleviate the phenomenon of the liquid retention layer 25 shaking in the battery cell 20.

[0136] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, along the thickness direction X of the wall portion, the electrode tab 232 includes a first section 2321 located on the side of the liquid retention layer 25 facing the wall portion 211, the first section 2321 is connected to the electrode terminal 22, and the first section 2321 abuts against at least one liquid retention layer 25.

[0137] The tab 232 includes a first section 2321 located on the side of the liquid retaining layer 25 facing the wall portion 211 , that is, the tab 232 has a portion located on the side of the liquid retaining layer 25 facing the wall portion 211 in the thickness direction X of the wall portion, and this portion is the first section 2321 of the tab 232 .

[0138] The first section 2321 abuts against at least one liquid retaining layer 25 . That is, the first section 2321 may be in contact with only one liquid retaining layer 25 among the plurality of liquid retaining layers 25 , or may be in contact with a plurality of liquid retaining layers 25 .

[0139] It should be noted that the first section 2321 is connected to the electrode terminal 22. There are many ways to connect the first section 2321 and the electrode terminal 22. It can be a direct connection, such as welding, clamping or abutting, or it can be an indirect connection, that is, the first section 2321 is connected to other components and then welded, clamped or abutted to the electrode terminal 22.

[0140] The tab 232 has a first section 2321 located on the side of the liquid retention layer 25 facing the wall 211 in the thickness direction X of the wall. The battery cell 20 adopting this structure, on the one hand, facilitates the connection of the tab 232 with the electrode terminal 22 arranged on the wall 211 through the first section 2321, which is conducive to reducing the difficulty of assembly. On the other hand, the first section 2321 is in contact with at least one liquid retention layer 25, so that the electrolyte stored in the liquid retention layer 25 can climb into the main body 231 of the electrode assembly 23 through the capillary phenomenon of the tab 232, so as to enhance the reflux effect of the electrolyte in the liquid retention layer 25, thereby effectively enhancing the infiltration effect of the electrolyte on the main body 231 of the electrode assembly 23, which is conducive to improving the performance of the battery cell 20.

[0141] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figure 6, the tab 232 also includes a second section 2322 and a third section 2323. The first section 2321, the second section 2322 and the third section 2323 are connected in sequence. The third section 2323 is connected to the main body 231. The third section 2323 is located on the side of the support frame 24 facing the main body 231.

[0142] Among them, the third section 2323 is connected to the main body 231, and the third section 2323 is located on the side of the support frame 24 facing the main body 231, that is, the first section 2321 and the third section 2323 connected to the tab 232 through the second section 2322 are respectively located on both sides of the support frame 24 in the thickness direction X of the wall, and the first section 2321 is connected to the electrode terminal 22, and the third section 2323 is connected to the main body 231.

[0143] It should be noted that the assembly relationship between the second section 2322 and the support frame 24 can be various. For example, the second section 2322 can be located at one end of the support frame 24 in the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction X of the wall portion, so that the pole ear 232 is a bent structure around the support frame 24. Alternatively, the support frame 24 can be provided with a mounting hole for the second section 2322 of the pole ear 232 to pass through, so that after the second section 2322 passes through the support frame 24, the first section 2321 and the third section 2323 can be located on both sides of the support frame 24 respectively.

[0144] The tab 232 is composed of a first section 2321, a second section 2322 and a third section 2323 connected in sequence. The third section 2323 is connected to the main body 231 and is located on the side of the support frame 24 facing the main body 231. The first section 2321 is located on the side of the liquid retaining layer 25 facing the wall 211 and is connected to the electrode terminal 22, so that the tab 232 has a part located on the side of the liquid retaining layer 25 facing the wall 211. The structure is simple and easy to implement.

[0145] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to FIG. 6 , along the first direction Y, the second section 2322 is located at one end of the support frame 24 , and the first direction Y is perpendicular to the thickness direction X of the wall.

[0146] It should be noted that the first direction Y is perpendicular to the thickness direction X of the wall portion, and the first direction Y can be the length direction of the wall portion 211 or the width direction of the wall portion 211. For example, in Figures 4 and 6, the wall portion 211 is the end cap 213 of the housing 21, and the first direction Y is the width direction of the wall portion 211, that is, the width direction of the wall portion 211 is the same as that of the end cap 213, and is also the same as the thickness direction of the main body 231 of the electrode assembly 23.

[0147] By setting the second section 2322 of the pole tab 232 to be located at one end of the support frame 24 in the first direction Y, the pole tab 232 is made into a structure bent around the support frame 24, so that the first section 2321 and the third section 2323 of the pole tab 232 can be respectively located on both sides of the support frame 24 in the thickness direction X of the wall. The battery cell 20 with this structure is conducive to reducing the manufacturing difficulty of the pole tab 232 and the assembly difficulty between the pole tab 232 and the support frame 24.

[0148] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6, the battery cell 20 includes two electrode assemblies 23, and the main bodies 231 of the two electrode assemblies 23 are stacked along the first direction Y, and the second sections 2322 of the tabs 232 with the same polarity of the two electrode assemblies 23 are respectively located at both ends of the support frame 24.

[0149] The main bodies 231 of the two electrode assemblies 23 are stacked along the first direction Y, that is, the main bodies 231 of the two electrode assemblies 23 are stacked along the thickness direction of the main bodies 231 .

[0150] The second sections 2322 of the pole tabs 232 of the two electrode assemblies 23 with the same polarity are respectively located at the two ends of the support frame 24, that is, the pole tabs 232 of the two electrode assemblies 23 that are the positive or negative poles are respectively bent from the two ends of the support frame 24 in the first direction Y to the side of the support frame 24 facing the wall 211, so that the second sections 2322 of the pole tabs 232 of the two electrode assemblies 23 with the same polarity are respectively located at the two ends of the support frame 24 in the first direction Y, that is, the second sections 2322 of the pole tabs 232 of the two electrode assemblies 23 with the same polarity are arranged facing each other in the first direction Y.

[0151] In Figures 4 and 5 , each electrode assembly 23 has two tabs 232 of opposite polarity, one for outputting the positive and one for outputting the negative electrode of the electrode assembly 23 , respectively. The two tabs 232 are spaced apart along the second direction Z, with the wall thickness direction X, the first direction Y, and the second direction Z being perpendicular to each other. Similarly, the battery cell 20 is provided with two electrode terminals 22, spaced apart along the second direction Z on the wall 211 . Each electrode terminal 22 is connected to a tab 232 of each electrode assembly 23 , thereby enabling the output or input of the positive and negative electrodes of the battery cell 20 .

[0152] The battery cell 20 is provided with two electrode assemblies 23 stacked along the first direction Y, and the second sections 2322 of the pole tabs 232 of the two electrode assemblies 23 with the same polarity are respectively located at the two ends of the support frame 24 in the first direction Y, that is, the pole tabs 232 of the two electrode assemblies 23 are respectively bent around the two ends of the support frame 24 in the first direction Y, so that the pole tabs 232 of the two electrode assemblies 23 are both located in the first section 2321 on the side of the liquid retention layer 25 facing the wall 211, and at the same time, the two electrode assemblies 23 can share one support frame 24, which is beneficial to reducing the difficulty of assembly between the pole tabs 232 of the two electrode assemblies 23 and the support frame 24.

[0153] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, the battery cell 20 further includes a current collecting member 27 that connects the electrode terminal 22 and the first segment 2321. Along the thickness direction X of the wall, the first segment 2321 is located between the current collecting member 27 and the liquid retaining layer 25.

[0154] The current collecting member 27 serves to connect the electrode terminal 22 and the first section 2321 of the tab 232 . The current collecting member 27 may be made of various materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, steel, or aluminum alloy.

[0155] The first section 2321 is located between the current collecting member 27 and the liquid retaining layer 25 , that is, in the thickness direction X of the wall portion, the first section 2321 of the tab 232 is located on the side of the liquid retaining layer 25 facing the wall portion 211 , and the current collecting member 27 is located between the first section 2321 and the wall portion 211 .

[0156] Exemplarily, the battery cell 20 has two current collecting members 27, which are arranged at intervals along the second direction Z, each current collecting member 27 is connected to an electrode terminal 22, and each current collecting member 27 is connected to the first section 2321 of the tabs 232 of the same polarity of multiple electrode assemblies 23 to realize the output or input of the positive and negative electrodes of the battery cell 20.

[0157] In some embodiments, the battery cell 20 may further include an insulating member 28. Along the thickness direction X of the wall, the insulating member 28 is arranged on the side of the wall 211 facing the electrode assembly 23. The insulating member 28 is located between the wall 211 and the current collecting member 27 to insulate and isolate the wall 211 and the current collecting member 27, thereby helping to reduce the risk of short circuit between the current collecting member 27 and the wall 211.

[0158] The insulating member 28 may be made of various materials. For example, the insulating member 28 may be made of plastic, rubber, or silicone.

[0159] The battery cell 20 is also provided with a current collecting component 27, which connects the electrode terminal 22 and the first section 2321 of the pole tab 232, and the first section 2321 is arranged between the current collecting component 27 and the liquid retention layer 25. On the one hand, it can effectively reduce the connection difficulty between the electrode terminal 22 and the pole tab 232, thereby reducing the assembly difficulty of the battery cell 20. On the other hand, it can improve the contact effect between the first section 2321 and the liquid retention layer 25, so that the electrolyte stored in the liquid retention layer 25 can climb into the main body 231 of the electrode assembly 23 through the pole tab 232, which is beneficial to improving the wetting effect of the electrode assembly 23.

[0160] In some embodiments, the surface of the tab 232 is a rough surface, that is, the surface of the tab 232 is a surface that has been roughened.

[0161] By setting the surface of the electrode tab 232 to a rough surface, the climbing rate of the electrolyte stored in the liquid retention layer 25 through the electrode tab 232 to the main body 231 of the electrode assembly 23 is increased, which is beneficial to further improve the reflux effect of the electrolyte stored in the liquid retention layer 25 back to the main body 231 of the electrode assembly 23.

[0162] In some embodiments, strip-shaped ribs are provided on the surface of the tab 232 .

[0163] Among them, the extension direction of the strip ribs arranged on the surface of the tab 232 can be multiple, for example, extending along the direction in which the first section 2321, the second section 2322 and the third section 2323 are connected in sequence, or it can be perpendicular to the direction in which the first section 2321, the second section 2322 and the third section 2323 are connected in sequence.

[0164] By providing strip ribs on the surface of the electrode tab 232, the climbing rate of the electrolyte stored in the liquid retention layer 25 through the electrode tab 232 to the main body 231 of the electrode assembly 23 is increased, which is beneficial to further improve the reflux effect of the electrolyte stored in the liquid retention layer 25 back to the main body 231 of the electrode assembly 23.

[0165] According to some embodiments of the present application, referring to Figures 6, 7, and 8, the battery cell 20 further includes an adhesive layer (not shown), which bonds the liquid retaining layer 25 to the support frame 24. In other words, the liquid retaining layer 25 is bonded to the support frame 24.

[0166] Exemplarily, the adhesive layer may be glue or double-sided tape provided between the liquid retaining layer 25 and the support frame 24 .

[0167] It should be noted that, in the embodiment in which the support frame 24 is provided with a groove 241 and part of the liquid retaining layer 25 is accommodated in the groove 241, the adhesive layer can also be provided on the bottom surface of the groove 241, or on the side surface of the groove 241, or both the bottom surface of the groove 241 and the side surface of the groove 241 can be provided with an adhesive layer to achieve the bonding of the liquid retaining layer 25 to the support frame 24.

[0168] By providing an adhesive layer between the liquid retaining layer 25 and the support frame 24, the liquid retaining layer 25 can be bonded to the support frame 24, thereby reducing the difficulty of connecting the liquid retaining layer 25 and the support frame 24, and improving the connection stability and reliability between the liquid retaining layer 25 and the support frame 24.

[0169] According to some embodiments of the present application, the melting point of the material of the liquid retaining layer 25 is Q, which satisfies Q≥40°C.

[0170] For example, the liquid retaining layer 25 may be foam or water-absorbing resin.

[0171] By setting the melting point of the material of the liquid retaining layer 25 to be greater than or equal to 40°C, the melting point of the material of the liquid retaining layer 25 can be greater than or equal to the normal operating temperature of the battery cell 20, thereby reducing the risk of the liquid retaining layer 25 catching fire during use, thereby helping to improve the safety of the battery cell 20.

[0172] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, the housing 21 includes a shell 212 and an end cap 213. The shell 212 defines an accommodating cavity 2121 having an opening 2122, and the electrode assembly 23 is accommodated in the accommodating cavity 2121. The end cap 213 closes the opening 2122 and serves as a wall portion 211.

[0173] Among them, the end cover 213 is the wall portion 211, that is, the electrode terminal 22 is arranged on the end cover 213, and the electrode ear 232 of the electrode assembly 23 protrudes from the end of the main body 231 facing the end cover 213, so that the support frame 24 and the liquid retention layer 25 are arranged between the end cover 213 and the main body 231 of the electrode assembly 23 in the thickness direction X of the wall portion.

[0174] The wall portion 211 of the outer shell 21 is the end cover 213 of the outer shell 21 for closing the opening 2122 of the shell 212. The battery cell 20 with this structure is convenient for assembling the electrode terminal 22, and is conducive to reducing the difficulty of assembling between the electrode terminal 22 and the tab 232, thereby effectively improving the production efficiency of the battery cell 20.

[0175] It should be noted that the structure of the battery cell 20 is not limited to this. In some embodiments, the battery cell 20 can also have other structures. For example, the outer shell 21 includes a shell 212 and an end cap 213. The shell 212 includes an integrally formed side wall and wall portion 211. The side wall is arranged around the wall portion 211. Along the thickness direction X of the wall portion, one end of the side wall is connected to the wall portion 211, and the other end encloses an opening 2122. The side wall and wall portion 211 jointly define a receiving cavity 2121 for accommodating the electrode assembly 23, and the end cap 213 closes the opening 2122. In other words, the wall portion 211 is the bottom wall of the shell 212 disposed opposite the end cap 213 in the thickness direction X of the wall portion. That is, the electrode terminal 22 is disposed on the bottom wall of the shell 212 disposed opposite the end cap 213 in the thickness direction X of the wall portion.

[0176] The shell 212 includes an integrally formed side wall and wall portion 211 , that is, the shell 212 is made using an integral molding process, such as stamping, casting, or extrusion molding, etc., that is, the side wall and wall portion 211 of the shell 212 are an integral structure.

[0177] The wall portion 211 is a wall of the shell 212 that is arranged opposite to the end cover 213 in the thickness direction X of the wall portion. The battery cell 20 adopting this structure can keep the electrode terminal 22 and other components away from the end cover 213, and there is no direct connection between the wall portion 211 and the end cover 213, thereby alleviating the phenomenon that the force generated when the electrode terminal 22 and other components pull or twist the wall portion 211 acts on the end cover 213, thereby reducing the risk of connection failure between the end cover 213 and the shell 212, and further helping to further reduce the risk of leakage of the battery cell 20 during use.

[0178] According to some embodiments of the present application, the present application further provides a battery 100 comprising the battery cell 20 of any of the above solutions.

[0179] According to some embodiments of the present application, the present application further provides an electrical device, comprising the battery 100 of any of the above solutions, and the battery 100 is used to provide electrical energy to the electrical device.

[0180] The power-consuming device may be any of the aforementioned devices or systems using the battery 100 .

[0181] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figures 3 to 8 , a battery cell 20 is provided. The battery cell 20 includes a housing 21, electrode terminals 22, an electrode assembly 23, a current collecting member 27, a support frame 24, and a liquid retaining layer 25. The housing 21 has a wall portion 211 for containing electrolyte. The electrode terminal 22 is disposed on the wall portion 211. The electrode assembly 23 is housed within the housing 21 and includes a main body 231 and a tab 232. The tab 232 protrudes from one end of the main body 231 facing the wall portion 211 along the thickness direction X of the wall portion. The current collecting member 27 is disposed between the wall portion 211 and the tab 232, connecting the electrode terminal 22 and the tab 232. The support frame 24 is disposed between the wall portion 211 and the main body 231 along the thickness direction X of the wall portion, and is configured to support the main body 231. The liquid-retention layer 25 is disposed on the support frame 24. Along the wall thickness direction X, the liquid-retention layer 25 is located between the wall 211 and the support frame 24. A groove 241 is provided on the side of the support frame 24 facing the wall 211. A portion of the liquid-retention layer 25 is accommodated within the groove 241 and bonded to the support frame 24. A through-hole 242 is provided at the bottom wall of the groove 241, extending through the bottom wall of the groove 241 along the wall thickness direction X. The tab 232 includes a first section 2321, a second section 2322, and a third section 2323, which are connected in sequence. Along the wall thickness direction X, the first section 2321 is located on the side of the liquid-retention layer 25 facing the wall 211 and between the liquid-retention layer 25 and the current collecting member 27. The first section 2321 is connected to the current collecting member 27 and abuts at least one of the liquid-retention layers 25. The third section 2323 is located on the side of the support frame 24 facing away from the wall 211 and is connected to the main body 231. The second section 2322 is located at one end of the support frame 24 along a first direction Y, and the first direction Y is perpendicular to the thickness direction X of the wall.

[0182] It should be noted that, unless there is any conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0183] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A battery cell, comprising: a housing having a wall portion; an electrode terminal, disposed on the wall portion; an electrode assembly housed in the housing, the electrode assembly comprising a main body and a tab, wherein the tab protrudes from one end of the main body facing the wall along a thickness direction of the wall and is connected to the electrode terminal; a support frame, disposed between the wall portion and the main body portion along a thickness direction of the wall portion, the support frame being configured to support the main body portion; as well as The liquid retaining layer is provided on the support frame, and the liquid retaining layer is configured to absorb and store the electrolyte in the shell.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: Along the thickness direction of the wall portion, the liquid retaining layer is located between the wall portion and the support frame.

3. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein: A groove is provided on a side of the support frame facing the wall portion along a thickness direction of the wall portion, and at least a portion of the liquid retaining layer is accommodated in the groove.

4. The battery cell according to claim 3, wherein: The support frame is provided with a through hole, and the through hole communicates with the groove and the inner space of the shell.

5. The battery cell according to claim 4, wherein: The through hole is provided on the bottom wall of the groove, and the through hole penetrates the bottom wall of the groove along the thickness direction of the wall portion.

6. The battery cell according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The battery cell includes a plurality of the liquid retaining layers. Along the thickness direction of the wall portion, a plurality of grooves are provided on a side of the support frame facing the wall portion, and each of the liquid retaining layers is provided in one of the grooves.

7. The battery cell according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein: Along the thickness direction of the wall portion, the electrode tab includes a first section located on a side of the liquid retaining layer facing the wall portion, the first section is connected to the electrode terminal, and the first section abuts against at least one of the liquid retaining layers.

8. The battery cell according to claim 7, wherein: The tab further includes a second section and a third section. The first section, the second section and the third section are connected in sequence. The third section is connected to the main body. The third section is located on a side of the support frame facing the main body.

9. The battery cell according to claim 8, wherein: The second section is located at one end of the support frame along a first direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall portion.

10. The battery cell according to claim 9, wherein: The battery cell comprises: The two electrode assemblies have their main bodies stacked along the first direction, and the second sections of the tabs with the same polarity of the two electrode assemblies are respectively located at both ends of the support frame.

11. The battery cell according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein: The battery cell further comprises: a current collecting member connecting the electrode terminal and the first segment; Wherein, along the thickness direction of the wall portion, the first section is located between the current collecting component and the liquid retaining layer.

12. The battery cell according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein: The surface of the tab is a rough surface.

13. The battery cell according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein: The surface of the tab is provided with strip ribs.

14. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The battery cell further includes an adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer adheres the liquid retaining layer and the support frame.

15. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The melting point of the material of the liquid retaining layer is Q, which satisfies Q≥40°C.

16. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The housing comprises: A housing having an opening formed therein, wherein the electrode assembly is accommodated in the housing; an end cap for closing the opening; Wherein, the end cover is the wall portion.

17. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The housing comprises: The housing includes an integrally formed sidewall and the wall portion, the sidewall being disposed around the wall portion, one end of the sidewall being connected to the wall portion along the thickness direction of the wall portion, and the other end of the sidewall being enclosed to form an opening, the sidewall and the wall portion jointly defining a housing cavity for accommodating the electrode assembly; An end cap closes the opening.

18. A battery comprising the battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. An electrical device comprising the battery according to claim 18.

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