Battery monomer, battery pack and electric equipment
By introducing an elastic connection in the adapter plate design and reducing the folding angle of the welding part, the problem of cracking or breaking of the adapter plate during manufacturing is solved, thereby improving the reliability and lifespan of the battery cell.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511203304.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-26
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing adapter plates are prone to cracking or breaking during the manufacturing process of battery cells due to large folding angles, which affects battery reliability and lifespan.
The adapter plate adopts an integrated design, including an electrode welding part and a housing fixing part, which are connected by an elastic connection part. This reduces the folding angle of the welding part and absorbs angle changes, thereby reducing torsional stress.
This effectively reduces the risk of cracking or breakage of the adapter during manufacturing, and improves the reliability and lifespan of the battery cells.
Smart Images
Figure CN121172402A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and more specifically, to a battery cell, a battery pack, and an electrical device. Background Technology
[0002] With the increasing demand for high-energy-density power batteries in fields such as new energy vehicles, cylindrical batteries (such as the 46-series large cylindrical batteries) have become an important direction for the development of power battery technology due to their advantages such as full-tab design, improved space utilization, and optimized heat dissipation performance. A single battery cell generally includes electrode components located within a casing. The tabs of the electrode components are electrically connected to the casing via adapter plates. As a key structural component, the adapter plate performs both mechanical and electrical connections between the tabs and the casing; its reliability directly affects the reliability and lifespan of the battery. Therefore, improvements to existing adapter plates are still necessary. Summary of the Invention
[0003] In view of the problems existing in the related technologies, the purpose of this application is to provide a battery cell, a battery pack and an electrical device to at least reduce the risk of cracking or breakage of the adapter piece.
[0004] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a battery cell is provided. The battery cell includes: a housing assembly including a housing and a cover plate, one end of the housing having an opening, the cover plate covering the opening to define a receiving cavity, and the housing having a groove protruding into the housing near the opening; an electrode assembly located within the receiving cavity; and an adapter piece located between the electrode assembly and the cover plate and electrically connected to the electrode assembly. The adapter piece includes an electrode welding portion and a housing fixing portion. The housing fixing portion includes a welding portion welded to the housing and an elastic connecting portion connecting the electrode welding portion and the welding portion. The adapter piece is an integrally formed structure and has a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other along the thickness direction. The first side of the welding portion faces the groove and is welded to the groove, and the second side of the electrode welding portion faces the electrode assembly and is welded to the electrode assembly.
[0005] In some embodiments, the first side of the electrode welding portion is located in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the electrode assembly; wherein the first side of the welding portion forms a first angle with respect to the first side of the electrode welding portion.
[0006] In some embodiments, the welded portion of the housing fixing part extends arcuately along the circumference of the housing, and the welded portion includes a first end and a second end that are circumferentially opposite to each other. The welded portion has a weld mark formed on the housing and extending linearly along the circumference. Specifically, the first end and the second end are configured such that: the first end of the welded portion is a free end, and the second end of the welded portion is a first connecting end connected to the elastic connecting portion; or, the elastic connecting portion includes a first elastic connecting portion and a second elastic connecting portion, the first end of the welded portion is connected to the first elastic connecting portion, the second end of the welded portion is connected to the second elastic connecting portion, and the first elastic connecting portion and the second elastic connecting portion are respectively connected to the electrode welding portion.
[0007] In some embodiments, the elastic connection portion includes a second connection end connected to the electrode welding portion, and the second connection end and the welding portion are offset in the circumferential direction.
[0008] In some embodiments, the resilient connection includes a second connection end connected to the electrode welding portion, wherein the second connection end and the welding portion are aligned radially with or offset radially from the electrode welding portion.
[0009] In some embodiments, the outer edge of the electrode welding portion connected to the elastic connection portion extends in an arc shape, the inner edge of the elastic welding portion is adapted to the curvature of the outer edge of the electrode welding portion, the elastic connection portion and the welding portion are located on the same elastic sheet structure, and the inner edge of the elastic sheet structure is adapted to the curvature of the outer edge of the electrode welding portion; the electrode welding portion and the elastic sheet structure are divided and formed by a cutting process to form the outer edge of the electrode welding portion.
[0010] In some embodiments, there is a gap between the electrode welding portion and the housing fixing portion, the gap gradually narrowing in the direction from the welding portion to the second connection end.
[0011] In some embodiments, a retaining portion is formed at the connection between the electrode welding portion and the second connection end. The retaining portion protrudes radially from the outer edge of the electrode welding portion and its radial width is consistent with the width of the housing fixing portion.
[0012] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a battery pack is provided, which includes the battery cells described above.
[0013] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, an electrical device is provided, which includes a battery pack, the battery pack including the aforementioned battery cells.
[0014] The beneficial effects of this application include:
[0015] The electrode welding section and the welding section of the adapter piece are elastically connected by an elastic connecting part, so that the surfaces of the adapter piece welded to the housing and the adapter piece welded to the electrode assembly are opposite sides. This effectively reduces the folding angle of the welding section during processes such as grooving and sealing after welding the welding section to the housing, thereby reducing the risk of cracking or breakage of the adapter piece. Furthermore, the inward angular change transmitted to the welding section during the process can be absorbed by the elastic connecting part, which acts as a counteracting force of rotational angle, reducing the risk of cracking or breakage of the adapter piece due to relative torsion of the electrode welding section and the welding section. Attached Figure Description
[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0017] Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the existing adapter plate is shown.
[0018] Figures 1B to 1E A schematic diagram illustrates the multiple stages that existing adapter pieces undergo during the manufacturing process.
[0019] Figure 2A A perspective view of a battery cell according to some embodiments is shown.
[0020] Figure 2B A schematic cross-sectional view of a vertical section of a battery cell according to an embodiment of this application is shown.
[0021] Figure 3A A partially enlarged schematic diagram of an adapter plate according to an embodiment of this application is shown.
[0022] Figure 3B It shows Figure 3A A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the housing fixing part of the transfer connector.
[0023] Figure 4 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of an adapter plate according to another embodiment of this application is shown.
[0024] Figure 5 A schematic diagram is shown showing the assembly of the adapter plate with the side wall of the housing.
[0025] Figure 6 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of an adapter plate according to another embodiment of this application is shown.
[0026] Figure 7 A schematic diagram is shown when the electrical equipment in an embodiment of this application is a vehicle. Detailed Implementation
[0027] To better understand the spirit of the embodiments of this application, the following description is based on some preferred embodiments of this application.
[0028] Embodiments of this application will be described in detail below. Throughout this specification, identical or similar components and components having identical or similar functions are indicated by similar reference numerals. The embodiments described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings are illustrative and diagrammatic in nature and are intended to provide a basic understanding of this application. The embodiments of this application should not be construed as limiting this application.
[0029] As used herein, the terms “approximately,” “generally,” “substantially,” and “about” are used to describe and indicate minor variations. When used in conjunction with an event or situation, the terms may refer to examples in which the event or situation occurred precisely or in examples in which the event or situation occurred very approximately.
[0030] In this specification, unless otherwise specified or limited, relative terms such as “central,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “front,” “rear,” “right,” “left,” “inner,” “outer,” “lower,” “higher,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “above,” “below,” “top,” “bottom,” and their derivatives (e.g., “horizontally,” “downward,” “upward,” etc.) should be interpreted as referring to the directions described in the discussion or depicted in the accompanying drawings. These relative terms are used for descriptive convenience only and do not require that this application be constructed or operated in a particular orientation.
[0031] For ease of description, "first," "second," "third," etc., can be used in this article to distinguish different components of a figure or a series of figures. "First," "second," "third," etc., are not intended to describe the corresponding components.
[0032] With the increasing demand for high-energy-density power batteries in fields such as new energy vehicles, cylindrical batteries (such as the 46-series large cylindrical batteries) have become an important direction for the development of power battery technology due to their advantages such as full-tab design, improved space utilization, and optimized heat dissipation performance. Typically, the tabs of the electrode assembly are electrically connected to the housing via adapter plates. As a key structural component, the adapter plate performs both mechanical and electrical connections between the tabs and the housing, and its reliability directly affects the reliability and lifespan of the battery. Therefore, improvements to existing adapter plates are still necessary.
[0033] Specifically, in the manufacturing process of battery cells, welding is used to achieve the electrical connection between the adapter plate on the cover side and the casing, and grooving is often used for sealing. In existing adapter plate designs, such as... Figure 1A As shown, the adapter piece 10 consists of a main body 12 and a welding part 14 located outside the main body 12. The main body 12 is used to weld to the tabs of the electrode assembly, and the welding part 14 is used to weld to the housing, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the tabs and the housing assembly.
[0034] During the manufacturing process of adapter plates, they undergo three key steps in sequence: welding (e.g., laser welding), grooving, and sealing. The adapter plates are subjected to various complex stresses and deformations during manufacturing, which can easily lead to problems such as deformation, cracking, or even breakage. (Reference) Figures 1B to 1E As shown, the multiple stages that the adapter plate needs to go through in the prior art are explained.
[0035] like Figure 1B As shown, the initial adapter piece 10's welding portion 14 and the main body 12 are in the same plane, and the welding portion 14 and the main body 12 form a flat angle. Then, as... Figure 1C As shown, the welding part 14 needs to be folded to form an approximately 90° right angle with the main body 12. During this process, the welding part 14 needs to be folded 90° so that it fits against the side wall of the housing 20, thus welding the welding part 14 to the housing 20. The main body 12 is then welded to the tabs of the electrode assembly 50. After welding, the housing 20 undergoes a grooving process. In the grooving process, as... Figure 1D As shown, the housing 20 gradually forms a concave groove 22. As the housing 20 deforms inwards, the welded portion 14 also deforms along with it, causing the welded portion 14 to continue folding. The folding angle of the welded portion 14 varies depending on the grooving process; typically, the folding angle at this stage is approximately 45° or greater. Subsequently, the cover plate 60 can be placed above the groove 22. Then, as... Figure 1E As shown, in the sealing process, the end of the shell 20 is bent inward to form a rolled edge 24. During this sealing process, the shell 20 is further deformed, and the welded part 14 is further folded.
[0036] exist Figures 1B to 1E In the stages shown, the welded part 14 undergoes a large folding angle in each stage, and the folding direction in each stage is towards the main body 12, resulting in a total folding angle of the welded part 14 reaching 180° or even exceeding 180°. The larger the folding angle, the greater the deformation and local strain of the welded part 14, and the more likely it is to cause cracking or even breakage at the connection between the main body 12 and the welded part 14.
[0037] An embodiment of this application provides a single battery cell. Figure 2A A perspective view of a battery cell 100 according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 2B A schematic cross-sectional view of a vertical section of a battery cell 100 according to an embodiment of this application is shown.
[0038] Combination Figures 2A to 2B As shown, in this embodiment, the battery cell 100 is a cylindrical battery. In some embodiments, the battery cell 100 may be a 4680 cylindrical battery (46mm in diameter, 80mm in height), a 4695 cylindrical battery (46mm in diameter, 95mm in height), or a 46120 cylindrical battery (46mm in diameter, 120mm in height). Here, the diameter refers to the outer diameter of the casing.
[0039] The battery cell 100 includes a housing assembly, which includes a housing 200 and an end cap 220. Specifically, the housing 200 may include an end wall 111 and a side wall 109 surrounding the end wall 111. As long as a stable sealing and electrical connection can be formed, the connection between the end wall 111 and the side wall 109 can be achieved in various ways, such as integral stamping, integral casting, or separate welding. The side wall 109 may be cylindrical or follow any other closed-loop contour that can match the end wall 111. In this embodiment, the outer edge of the end wall 111 is circular, and the side wall 109 is cylindrical and surrounds the outer edge of the end wall 111. An opening 205 is formed at the end of the side wall 109 opposite to the end wall 111, and the end cap 220 covers the opening 205. The end cap 220 is fixedly connected to the end of the side wall 109 at the opening 205. The end cap 220 and the end of the side wall 109 can be welded together, for example, by laser welding. The end cap 220 and the side wall 109 can also be mechanically connected by other mechanical fixing methods. The fixed connection between the end cap 220 and the side wall 109 needs to achieve a fixed and sealed connection. The housing 200 and the end cap 220 together define a receiving cavity, which can be used to receive the electrode assembly 120, as well as the first adapter piece 210 and the second adapter piece 230 connected to the electrode assembly 120. The first adapter piece 210 and the second adapter piece 230 are connected to the opposite ends of the electrode assembly 120 in its axial direction and can be electrically connected to the positive and negative electrode tabs of the electrode assembly 120, respectively. The receiving cavity can also be used to receive electrolyte and other necessary battery components. The direction from the end cap 220 to the end wall 111 is the height direction of the battery cell 100, and the height direction of the battery cell 100 can be parallel to the axial direction of the electrode assembly 120.
[0040] The terminal 160 can pass through the end wall 111, be fixedly connected to the end wall 111, and be insulated from the end wall 111. In some embodiments, the terminal 160 can be made of a conductive metallic material. For example, the material of the terminal 160 can be aluminum. In some embodiments, the terminal 160 is the positive terminal of the battery cell 100. Electrical insulation between the terminal 160 and the end wall 111 of the housing 200 can be achieved in various ways. For example, insulation can be achieved by placing an insulating gasket assembly between the terminal 160 and the end wall 111.
[0041] Specifically, the outer diameter of the housing 200 can be determined based on the specific dimensions of the electrode assembly 120. For example, the outer diameter of the housing 200 can be 18mm, 21mm, 46mm, etc. The housing 200 can be made of various materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, steel (e.g., SPCC steel), aluminum alloy, etc. The end cap 220 can be made of steel, such as stainless steel or nickel-plated steel, or aluminum alloy or composite materials of steel and aluminum, etc., which meet the battery energy density requirements while also possessing strength, reliability, and sealing properties. Furthermore, it can be adjusted to best suit the needs of lightweight battery designs. To prevent rusting during long-term use, a rust-preventive material, such as nickel plating, can be plated onto the surfaces of the housing 200 and end cap 220.
[0042] The electrode assembly 120 can be mainly formed by winding a positive electrode sheet and a negative electrode sheet, with a separator provided between the positive and negative electrode sheets. The wound electrode assembly 120 can have a central through hole 120c, and the electrode assembly 120 and the central through hole 120c can have a common central axis Lx. The positive electrode sheet can include a positive current collector and a positive active material, with the positive active material coated on the surface of the positive current collector; the positive current collector can include a coated area coated with the active material and an uncoated area without the active material, and the uncoated area can be used to form the positive electrode tab of the electrode assembly 120 after winding. The negative electrode sheet includes a negative current collector and a negative active material, with the negative active material coated on the surface of the negative current collector; the negative current collector includes a coated area coated with the active material and an uncoated area without the active material, and the uncoated area can be used to form the negative electrode tab of the electrode assembly 120 after winding. Taking a lithium-ion battery cell as an example, the positive electrode current collector can be made of aluminum, and the positive electrode active material layer includes positive electrode active material, which can be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganese oxide, etc. The negative electrode current collector can be made of copper, and the negative electrode active material layer includes negative electrode active material, which can be carbon or silicon, etc. The separator material can be, for example, PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene). To protect and insulate the electrode assembly 120, an insulating film can be wrapped around the electrode assembly 120. The insulating film can be synthesized from PP, PE, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), or other polymer materials.
[0043] A first adapter piece 210 is disposed between the end cap 220 and the electrode assembly 120. The negative electrode tab of the electrode assembly 120 may face the opening 205, and the negative electrode tab may be welded to the first adapter piece 210 to electrically connect to the side wall 109 of the housing 200 or the end cap 220 via the first adapter piece 210. In some embodiments, the first adapter piece 210 is a negative adapter piece. A second adapter piece 230 is disposed between the end wall 111 and the electrode assembly 120. The positive electrode tab of the electrode assembly 120 may face the end wall 111, and the positive electrode tab may be electrically connected to the electrode post 160 via the second adapter piece 230. In some embodiments, the second adapter piece 230 is a positive adapter piece. In some embodiments, the axial directions of the first adapter piece 210, the second adapter piece 230, and the electrode assembly 120 may coincide, and they may extend along the central axis Lx.
[0044] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2BAs shown, the sidewall 109 is provided with a groove 113 adjacent to the end of the sidewall 109 at the opening 205. The groove 113, together with the end wall 111, can restrict the movement of the electrode assembly 120 in the height direction. A first adapter piece 210 can be located between the electrode assembly 120 and the groove 113, and the first adapter piece 210 can be welded to the side of the groove 113 facing the electrode assembly 120. A first side surface 2101 of the first adapter piece 210 faces the groove, and a second side surface 2102 of the first adapter piece 210 faces the electrode assembly 120. The sidewall 109 is provided with a radially inwardly extending rolled edge 132 around the opening 205. The groove 113 and the rolled edge 132 can together hold the end cap 220. The end cap 220 can be insulated and sealed between the groove 113 and the rolled edge 132. In some other embodiments, the end cap 220 can be fitted into the opening 205 in other suitable ways. For example, the side wall 109 may not have the groove 113, the end cap 220 may be welded to the side wall 109 at the opening 205, and the first adapter piece 210 may be connected to the side wall 109.
[0045] An explosion-proof valve may be provided on the end cap 220. In some embodiments, the explosion-proof valve is an annular groove on the surface of the end cap 220 facing the electrode assembly 120. The end cap 220 is thinner at the groove. In some other embodiments, other suitable structures may be used to form the explosion-proof valve. During the use of the battery cell, gas is generated. When the internal gas pressure of the casing reaches a certain level, the explosion-proof valve opens to at least partially open the end cap 220, releasing the internal pressure of the casing and thus preventing the battery from exploding.
[0046] Figure 3A A partially enlarged schematic diagram of an adapter piece 210A according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 3A The adapter 210A shown can correspond to Figure 2B The first adapter piece 210 in the middle. See also Figure 3A As shown, the adapter piece 210A may include an electrode welding portion 320 and a housing fixing portion 340 connected to the electrode welding portion 320. The electrode welding portion 320 is used for welding to the tabs of the electrode assembly 120. The housing fixing portion 340 may specifically include a welding portion 341 and an elastic connecting portion 343 connecting the electrode welding portion 320 and the welding portion 341. The welding portion 341 is used for welding to the side wall 109 of the housing 200.
[0047] The adapter piece 210A can be a one-piece molded structure. This one-piece molding structure provides process advantages for machining the electrode welding portion 320 and the housing fixing portion 340. The adapter piece 210A has a first side 2101 and a second side 2102 disposed opposite to each other along its thickness direction. The first side 2101 of the adapter piece 210A is the side facing the groove 113 and the cover plate 220. The second side 2102 of the adapter piece 210A is the side facing the electrode assembly 120, and the second side 2102 is welded to the tab of the electrode assembly 120.
[0048] The elastic connection portion 343 is an elastic portion that allows the welding portion 341 to be flipped. Before the welding portion 341 is welded to the sidewall 109, the elastic connection portion 343 can be used to flip the welding portion 341 outwards towards the sidewall 109 by 90°. At this time, the first side surface 2101 of the welding portion 341 is perpendicular to and faces the sidewall 109, and the first side surface 2101 of the welding portion 341 is used for welding with the sidewall 109 (e.g., laser welding). In existing adapter plate designs, the welding surface between the adapter plate and the housing sidewall and the welding surface between the adapter plate and the electrode assembly are the same surface, for example, this same surface is... Figure 1B The lower surface of the adapter piece 10 is shown. In this application, an elastic connection portion 343 is provided between the electrode welding portion 320 and the welding portion 341 used for welding on the adapter piece 210A to elastically connect the electrode welding portion 320 and the welding portion 341, so that the surface of the adapter piece 210A welded to the side wall 109 is the first side surface 2101, and the surface of the adapter piece 210A welded to the electrode assembly is the second side surface 2102. That is, the surface of the adapter piece 210A welded to the housing and the surface of the adapter piece 210A welded to the electrode assembly are opposite sides.
[0049] During the grooving and sealing process after the first side surface 2101 of the welding part 341 is welded to the side wall 109, the welding part 341 is folded inward (opposite to the folding before welding), so that the first side surface 2101 of the welding part 341 and the first side surface 2101 of the electrode welding part 320 are aligned to the same side again, that is, the welding part 341 and the electrode welding part 320 are approximately 180° apart. After the grooving and sealing process, the first side surface 2101 of the welding part 341 faces the grooving 113 and is welded to the grooving 113. Compared to the prior art which folds the welding part 180°, this effectively reduces the folding angle of the welding part 341 throughout the manufacturing process, thereby reducing the risk of adapter breakage. On the other hand, the inward angle change transmitted to the welding part 341 during the grooving and sealing process can be absorbed by the elastic connecting part 343, so that after the grooving process, the welding part 341 and the electrode welding part 320 can be set at approximately horizontal position. The elastic connection part 343 plays a role in offsetting the rotation angle, reducing the risk of cracking or even breaking of the adapter piece after the electrode welding part 320 and the welding part 341 are relatively twisted.
[0050] In some embodiments, the weld portion 341 welded to the sidewall 109 extends in an arc shape along the circumference of the sidewall 109. The weld portion 341 may have a weld mark formed by welding it to the sidewall 109, which extends linearly along the circumference of the sidewall 109. In some embodiments, the weld portion 341 is welded to the sidewall 109 using a laser welding process to form the weld mark. The arc-shaped extension of the weld portion 341 allows for the formation of a weld mark shape that adapts to the arc-shaped sidewall 109, reducing the difficulty of positioning before welding and improving welding quality. The arc-shaped extension shape of the weld portion 341 can be adapted to its assembly with the housing, reducing the risk of jamming during the assembly of the adapter piece and the housing.
[0051] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A An enlarged schematic diagram of the housing fixing part 340. (Combined with...) Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the elastic connection portion 343 has a first connection end 348 and a second connection end 349 that are opposite to each other in its extending direction. The second connection end 349 is one end of the elastic connection portion 343 that is connected to the electrode welding portion 320. The welding portion 341 may include a first end and a second end that are opposite to each other in the circumferential direction. The first end is the free end 347, and the second end is the first connection end 348 that is connected to the elastic connection portion 343.
[0052] The electrode welding portion 320 may have an arc-shaped outer edge 3202. In some embodiments, the portion of the outer edge 3202 of the electrode welding portion 320 that is correspondingly connected to the elastic connection portion 343 extends in an arc shape. After the grooving and sealing processes, the inner edge 3402 of the elastic connection portion 343 and the inner edge 3403 of the welding portion 341 may be opposite to portions of the outer edge 3202 of the electrode welding portion 320, respectively. In some embodiments, the curvature of the inner edge 3402 of the elastic connection portion 343 is adapted to the corresponding portion of the outer edge 3202 of the electrode welding portion 320. The consistency of the curvature between the inner edge 3402 of the elastic connection portion 343 and the corresponding portion of the outer edge 3202 of the electrode welding portion 320 allows for shape adaptation in the radial direction, which is beneficial for optimizing the internal layout space of the housing.
[0053] In this embodiment, the elastic connecting portion 343 and the welding portion 341 can be located in the same elastic sheet structure, that is, the housing fixing portion 340 can be an elastic sheet structure. This elastic sheet structure has an inner edge 3401 opposite to the electrode welding portion 320. The inner edge 3401 can include the inner edge 3402 of the elastic connecting portion 343 and the inner edge 3403 of the welding portion 341. The inner edge 3401 can be adapted to the curvature of a portion of the outer edge 3202 of the electrode welding portion 320. Since the elastic connecting portion 343 and the welding portion 341 are constructed in the same elastic sheet structure, and the inner edge 3401 of the elastic sheet structure has the same curvature as the corresponding portion of the outer edge 3202 of the electrode welding portion 320, the housing fixing portion 340 as a whole can be adapted to the shape of the electrode welding portion 320 in the radial direction, which is more conducive to optimizing the internal layout space of the housing.
[0054] In some embodiments, the electrode welding portion 320 and the shell fixing portion 340 of the elastic sheet structure are formed by a cutting process. In such embodiments, the electrode welding portion 320 and the shell fixing portion 340 could originally be connected. The cutting process creates an arc-shaped groove that separates the electrode welding portion 320 and the shell fixing portion 340, forming corresponding outer edges 3202 of the electrode welding portion 320 and the shell fixing portion 340. The elastic connection portion 343 of the formed shell fixing portion 340 can elastically deform to allow the welding portion 341 to fold. The inner edge 3401 of the shell fixing portion 340 formed by the cutting process can be curvature-matched with the outer edge 3202 of the electrode welding portion 320. Based on this, the cutting process further optimizes the manufacturing process.
[0055] In some embodiments, a retention portion 350 is formed at the connection point between the electrode welding portion 320 and the second connection end 349 of the elastic connection portion 343. The retention portion 350 connects the electrode welding portion 320 to the second connection end 349 of the housing fixing portion 340. More specifically, the electrode welding portion 320 may include a main body portion 325 and an extension portion 328, the extension portion 328 extending outward from the main body portion 325 radially. The retention portion 350 connects the extension portion 328 of the electrode welding portion 320 to the second connection end 349 of the housing fixing portion 340, and the aforementioned outer edge 3202 is the outer edge of the extension portion 328. The retention portion 350 protrudes radially from the outer edge 3202 of the electrode welding portion 320. It should be understood that the radial direction of this electrode welding portion 320 is defined based on the radial direction of the main body portion 325, but it can also be based on the radial direction defined by the outer edge 3202. The radial width of the retaining portion 350 can be the same as the radial width of the housing fixing portion 340. The retaining portion 350 and the housing fixing portion 340 having the same width can facilitate the assembly of the adapter piece and the housing, and reduce the risk of jamming during the assembly of the adapter piece and the housing.
[0056] In some embodiments, prior to the cutting process, the housing fixing portion 340 and the retaining portion 350 are connected to the arcuate outer edge 3202 of the extension portion 328. Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining portion 350 is located at one end of the outer edge 3202 of the extension 328. The housing fixing portion 340 and the retaining portion 350 have the same width and extend arcuately outside the extension 328. After the cutting process, the electrode welding portion 320 and the housing fixing portion 340 are cut off, while the retaining portion 350 remains connected to the electrode welding portion 320 without being cut off. The elastic connecting portion 343 of the housing fixing portion 340 allows the welding portion 341 to fold over.
[0057] A gap exists between the electrode welding portion 320 and the housing fixing portion 340, and the gap gradually narrows in the direction from the welding portion 341 to the second connecting end 349. In some embodiments, the gap between the electrode welding portion 320 and the housing fixing portion 340 may be formed by a grooving process, and the gap width is gradually narrowing. Because there is a gradually narrowing gap between the electrode welding portion 320 and the housing fixing portion 340, the outer edge 3202 of the electrode welding portion 320 and the inner edge 3402 of the housing fixing portion 340 can be separated by the gap, which is beneficial for buffering the tensile stress at the weld point after the housing fixing portion 340 is welded to the housing.
[0058] It should be understood that the above-described method of forming the housing fixing portion 340 with the welding portion 341 and the elastic connection portion 343 through a cutting process is merely an example. In other embodiments, the housing fixing portion 340 with the welding portion 341 and the elastic connection portion 343 may be formed in other ways to connect the welding portion 341 to the electrode welding portion 320 through the elastic connection portion 343.
[0059] The first side surface 2101 of the electrode welding portion 320 can be located in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the electrode assembly 120. The first side surface 2101 of the welding portion 341 can form a first angle with the first side surface 2101 of the electrode welding portion 320. That is, after the grooving and sealing processes, since the welding portion 341 and the electrode welding portion 320 are connected by the elastic connection portion 343, it is permissible for the first side surface 2101 of the welding portion 341 to form a first angle with the first side surface 2101 of the electrode welding portion 320 (i.e., not coplanar or not parallel), and the elastic connection portion 343 can buffer the stress from the welding portion 341.
[0060] In some embodiments, the second connecting end 349 of the elastic connecting portion 343 and the welding portion 341 may be offset in the circumferential direction. The elastic connecting portion 343 may extend in the circumferential direction, and the welding portion 341 and the second connecting end 349 of the elastic connecting portion 343 may be misaligned in the circumferential direction (i.e., offset). In some embodiments, the distance between the center of the welding portion 341 and the center of the electrode welding portion 320 may be less than the distance between the center of the second connecting end 349 and the center of the electrode welding portion 320. The offset arrangement of the second connecting end 349 and the welding portion 341 in the circumferential direction can reduce the space occupied by the housing fixing portion 340 in the radial direction. Furthermore, better elastic deformation force can be provided by adjusting the circumferential dimensions.
[0061] In some embodiments, the second connecting end 349 of the elastic connecting portion 343 and the welding portion 341 can be aligned radially with the electrode welding portion 320. In other embodiments, the second connecting end 349 of the elastic connecting portion 343 and the welding portion 341 can be misaligned (i.e., not aligned) radially with the electrode welding portion 320. The welding position of the welding portion 341 with the sidewall 109 can be adjusted to align or not align the second connecting end 349 and the welding portion 341 radially. If there is radial misalignment between the second connecting end 349 and the welding portion 341, the tensile stress at the welding point between the welding portion 341 and the housing can be adjusted radially, improving the welding yield and weld strength retention.
[0062] Figure 4 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of an adapter piece 210B according to another embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 5A schematic diagram is shown of the adapter piece 210B assembled with the side wall 109 of the housing, where the grooves have not yet been formed on the side wall 109. Several aspects of the adapter piece 210B are consistent with the above references. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The adapter 210A described herein is the same as or similar to the one mentioned above. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The beneficial effects described are mainly described below. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The differences shown are those of the adapter 210B.
[0063] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the adapter piece 210B includes an electrode welding portion 320 and a housing fixing portion 340. The housing fixing portion 340 includes a welding portion 341 welded to the side wall 109 of the housing 200, and an elastic connecting portion connecting the electrode welding portion 320 and the welding portion 341, wherein the elastic connecting portion includes a first elastic connecting portion 343A and a second elastic connecting portion 343B. The first elastic connecting portion 343A and the second elastic connecting portion 343B are respectively connected to the electrode welding portion 320. In this embodiment, the welding portion 341 is connected between the first elastic connecting portion 343A and the second elastic connecting portion 343B, and the first elastic connecting portion 343A and the second elastic connecting portion 343B allow the welding portion 341 to be folded. The second side of the electrode welding portion 320, opposite to the first side surface 2101, faces the electrode assembly 120 and is welded to the electrode assembly 120. After the grooving and sealing processes, the first side surface 2101 of the welding portion 341 faces the grooving groove 113 and is welded to the grooving groove 113 (see...). Figure 2B It should be noted that the number of elastic connecting parts is not limited to one in the above embodiments. Figure 3A The elastic connecting part 343) or two ( Figure 4 The first elastic connecting part 343A and the second elastic connecting part 343B are arranged in such a way that the number of elastic connecting parts can be set to multiple. They are used to realize the elastic connection between the welding part 341 and the electrode welding part 320. Moreover, the multiple elastic connecting parts can also be arranged to be independent of each other or connected to each other. It can be understood that the independent elastic connecting parts can each play their elastic connection role independently, while the connected elastic connecting parts can maintain the strength of the elastic connecting parts as a whole while realizing the elastic connection role.
[0064] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5The welding portion 341 may have a weld mark formed by welding it to the sidewall 109 of the housing, the weld mark extending linearly along the circumference of the sidewall 109. The welding portion 341 may include a first end 3411 and a second end 3422 that are circumferentially opposite each other. In this embodiment, the first end 3411 of the welding portion 341 is connected to the first elastic connection portion 343A, and the second end 3422 of the welding portion 341 is connected to the second elastic connection portion 343B.
[0065] The outer edge 3202 of the electrode welding portion 320, at least the portion corresponding to the first elastic connection portion 343A and the second elastic connection portion 343B, can extend in an arc shape. The electrode welding portion 320 and the housing fixing portion 340 can be formed by a cutting process. In this embodiment, before the cutting process, the housing fixing portion 340 and the retention portion 350 are connected to the outer edge 3202 of the extension portion 328. After the cutting process, an arc-shaped groove is cut out, the groove separates the electrode welding portion 320 from the housing fixing portion 340, and the retention portion 350 connects the electrode welding portion 320 and the housing fixing portion 340. In this embodiment, the retention portion 350 can be located at opposite ends of the outer edge 3202 of the extension portion 328, and the opposite first end 3411 and second end 3422 of the welding portion 341 are respectively connected to the retention portion 350 through the elastic connection portion 343. The first elastic connecting portion 343A and the second elastic connecting portion 343B of the housing fixing portion 340 formed by the cutting process can elastically deform to allow the welding portion 341 to fold. The inner edge of the housing fixing portion 340 formed by the cutting process can be curvature-fitted with the corresponding outer edge 3202 of the electrode welding portion 320.
[0066] Figure 6 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of an adapter plate 210C according to another embodiment of this application is shown. See also Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the adapter piece 210C includes an electrode welding portion 320 and a housing fixing portion 340. The second side of the electrode welding portion 320, opposite to the first side surface 2101, faces the electrode assembly 120 and is welded to the electrode assembly 120. The housing fixing portion 340 includes a first welding portion 341A and a first welding portion 341B, respectively welded to the side wall 109 of the housing 200. The elastic connection portion of the housing fixing portion 340 includes a first elastic connection portion 343A connecting the electrode welding portion 320 and the first welding portion 341A, and a second elastic connection portion 343B connecting the electrode welding portion 320 and the second welding portion 341B. The first elastic connection portion 343A allows the first welding portion 341A to be folded, and the second elastic connection portion 343B allows the second welding portion 341B to be folded. After the grooving and sealing processes, the first side surfaces 2101 of the first welding portion 341A and the second welding portion 341B both face the grooving 113 and are welded to the grooving 113 (see...). Figure 2B ).
[0067] In this embodiment, the outer edge 3202 of the electrode welding portion 320 corresponding to the first welding portion 341A and the second welding portion 341B can extend in a straight line. The electrode welding portion 320 and the housing fixing portion 340 can be formed by a cutting process. Before the cutting process, the housing fixing portion 340 and the retaining portion 350 are connected to the straight outer edge 3202 of the extension portion 328. After the cutting process, a straight-line extending slot is cut to separate the electrode welding portion 320 and the housing fixing portion 340, and the retaining portion 350 connects the electrode welding portion 320 and the housing fixing portion 340. In this embodiment, the retaining portion 350 is located at the middle position of the outer edge 3202 of the extension portion 328, and the opposite ends of the retaining portion 350 are connected to the first welding portion 341A and the first welding portion 341B respectively through the first welding portion 341A and the second welding portion 341B.
[0068] See Figure 7 This application provides an electrical device 1000. For ease of explanation, the following embodiments use a vehicle as an example. A battery pack 1002 is installed inside the vehicle. The battery pack 1002 can be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle body 1001. The battery pack 1002 can be used to power the vehicle; for example, it can serve as the vehicle's operating power source. The battery pack 1002 can include multiple battery cells, such as the battery cell 100 described above.
[0069] The working part of the electrical device 1000 is electrically connected to the battery pack 1002 to obtain electrical power. The vehicle can be a gasoline vehicle, a natural gas vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. New energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles, but are not limited thereto. The working part is the vehicle body 1001, and the battery pack 1002 is located at the bottom of the vehicle body 1001, providing electrical power for the vehicle's operation or the operation of its internal electrical components. However, in some other embodiments, the electrical device 1000 can also be a mobile phone, portable device, laptop computer, ship, spacecraft, electric toy, and power tool, etc. Spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc.; the working part can obtain electrical power from the battery pack 1002 and perform corresponding functions, such as a fan blade rotation unit or a vacuum cleaner suction unit. Electric toys include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric boat toys, and electric airplane toys, etc.; power tools include metal cutting power tools, grinding power tools, assembly power tools, and railway power tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, impact drills, concrete vibrators, and electric planers, etc. This application does not impose any special limitations on the aforementioned electrical equipment 1000.
[0070] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.
Claims
1. A battery cell, characterized in that, include: A housing assembly includes a housing and a cover plate, one end of the housing having an opening, the cover plate closing onto the opening to define a receiving cavity, and the housing having a groove protruding into the housing adjacent to the opening; The electrode assembly is located within the receiving cavity; An adapter plate is located between the electrode assembly and the cover plate, and is electrically connected to the electrode assembly; The adapter plate includes an electrode welding portion and a housing fixing portion. The housing fixing portion includes a welding portion welded to the housing and an elastic connecting portion connecting the electrode welding portion and the welding portion. The adapter piece is an integrally formed structure and each has a first side and a second side that are opposite to each other along the thickness direction. The first side of the welding part faces the groove and is welded to the groove, and the second side of the electrode welding part faces the electrode assembly and is welded to the electrode assembly.
2. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first side of the electrode welding portion is located in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the electrode assembly; Wherein, the first side of the welding part forms a first angle with respect to the first side of the electrode welding part.
3. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The welded portion of the housing fixing part extends in an arc shape along the circumference of the housing, and the welded portion includes a first end and a second end that are opposite to each other along the circumference. The welded portion has a weld mark formed on the housing and extending linearly along the circumference; wherein, the first end and the second end are specifically configured as follows: The first end of the welded part is a free end, and the second end of the welded part is a first connecting end that connects to the elastic connecting part; or The elastic connection portion includes a first elastic connection portion and a second elastic connection portion. The first end of the welding portion is connected to the first elastic connection portion, and the second end of the welding portion is connected to the second elastic connection portion. The first elastic connection portion and the second elastic connection portion are respectively connected to the electrode welding portion.
4. The battery cell according to claim 3, characterized in that, The elastic connection portion includes a second connection end connected to the electrode welding portion, and the second connection end and the welding portion are offset in the circumferential direction.
5. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic connection portion includes a second connection end connected to the electrode welding portion, wherein the second connection end and the welding portion are aligned radially with or offset radially from the electrode welding portion.
6. The battery cell according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer edge of the portion of the electrode welding part that connects to the elastic connection part extends in an arc shape. The inner edge of the elastic welding part is adapted to the curvature of the outer edge of the electrode welding part. The elastic connection part and the welding part are located on the same elastic sheet structure. The inner edge of the elastic sheet structure is adapted to the curvature of a portion of the outer edge of the electrode welding part. The electrode welding part and the elastic sheet structure are cut and shaped by a cutting process to form a portion of the outer edge of the electrode welding part.
7. The battery cell according to claim 3, characterized in that, There is a gap between the electrode welding part and the housing fixing part, and the gap gradually narrows in the direction from the welding part to the second connection end of the elastic connection part.
8. The battery cell according to claim 6, characterized in that, A retaining portion is formed at the connection between the electrode welding portion and the second connecting end of the elastic connecting portion. The retaining portion protrudes radially from the outer edge of the electrode welding portion, and its width in the radial direction is consistent with the width of the housing fixing portion.
9. A battery pack, characterized in that, The battery cell includes any one of claims 1 to 8.
10. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, The battery pack includes the battery cells according to any one of claims 1 to 8.