End cover assembly, energy storage device and electric equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses an end cover assembly, an energy storage device and electric equipment, and relates to the technical field of energy storage. The end cover assembly comprises a cover plate assembly which comprises a cover plate, an anti-explosion valve and a shielding assembly, the anti-explosion valve is located in an anti-explosion hole in the cover plate, the shielding assembly is fixedly connected with the cover plate and located on one side of the anti-explosion valve, the shielding assembly comprises a shielding piece with ventilation mesh holes, and the melting point of the shielding piece is larger than or equal to 850 DEG C; the insulating part and the shielding assembly are located on the same side of the cover plate, the insulating part is provided with an avoiding groove for avoiding the shielding assembly, and the groove bottom of the avoiding groove is provided with a through hole. In the embodiment of the invention, for the energy storage device with the explosion-proof valve exploded after thermal runaway, gas generated in the energy storage device can be smoothly discharged out along the ventilation mesh holes in the shielding piece and the explosion-proof valve, and meanwhile, molten metal in the energy storage device can be blocked by the shielding piece, so that the molten metal is prevented from being sprayed out along the explosion-proof valve; therefore, the situation that molten metal ignites exhausted gas is avoided, and the fire risk of the energy storage device after thermal runaway is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of energy storage technology, and more specifically, to an end cap assembly, an energy storage device, and an electrical appliance. Background Technology

[0002] A rechargeable battery, also known as a secondary battery or storage battery, is a battery that can be recharged after being discharged to reactivate its active materials and continue to be used. The recyclable nature of rechargeable batteries has made them a primary power source for electrical devices. As the demand for rechargeable batteries increases, people are also placing higher demands on their performance in various aspects, especially their lifespan.

[0003] In related technologies, secondary batteries typically consist of an end cap assembly, an electrode assembly, and a housing. The actual manufacturing process involves fabricating the end cap assembly, electrode assembly, and housing separately. Then, metal adapters are used to weld the electrode posts of the end cap assembly and the tabs of the electrode assembly to them. The electrode assembly is then placed inside the housing, and the end cap assembly is used to close the opening of the housing and weld it sealed, forming the basic structure of the secondary battery. Afterward, electrolyte is manually injected through injection holes located on the end cap assembly, and these injection holes are sealed afterward.

[0004] The end cap assembly comprises an aluminum sheet, an explosion-proof valve, and a lower plastic component. The explosion-proof valve is fixed within an explosion-proof hole on the aluminum sheet, and the lower plastic component is located on the back side of the aluminum sheet, with a vent hole directly opposite the explosion-proof valve. This allows the gas to be released smoothly when the explosion-proof valve bursts due to rapid gas generation from overcharging or heating of the secondary battery.

[0005] However, the gases produced when a secondary battery experiences thermal runaway are flammable, posing a significant fire risk when these gases are ejected from the explosion-proof valve. Therefore, providing an end cap assembly that reduces this fire risk has become a pressing technical problem. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A primary objective of this application is to provide an end cap assembly, energy storage device, and electrical equipment that can reduce the risk of fire.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] According to one aspect of this application, an end cap assembly is provided, comprising: a cover plate assembly including a cover plate, an explosion-proof valve, and a shielding assembly, wherein the cover plate is provided with an explosion-proof hole, the explosion-proof valve is located within the explosion-proof hole, the shielding assembly is fixedly connected to the cover plate and is located on one side of the explosion-proof valve in the thickness direction of the cover plate, the shielding assembly includes a shielding member having a ventilated mesh communicating with the explosion-proof hole, the melting point of the shielding member being greater than or equal to 850 degrees Celsius; and an insulating member located on the same side of the cover plate as the shielding assembly and having a clearance groove for avoiding the shielding assembly, the bottom of the clearance groove having a through hole penetrating the insulating member.

[0009] In this embodiment, a shielding component with a high melting point is provided between the insulating component and the cover plate, and the shielding component is fixedly connected to the cover plate to prevent the shielding component from melting when the energy storage device experiences thermal runaway, and to prevent the shielding component from falling off the cover plate, thus ensuring effective shielding of the shielding component on the explosion-proof valve side. In this way, for an energy storage device that has experienced thermal runaway and whose explosion-proof valve has opened, the gas generated inside the energy storage device can be smoothly discharged through the vent mesh on the shielding component and the explosion-proof valve. At the same time, the molten metal (such as molten aluminum beads) inside the energy storage device can be blocked by the shielding component, preventing the molten metal from being ejected along the explosion-proof valve, thereby reducing the risk of igniting the gas and reducing the risk of fire of the energy storage device after thermal runaway.

[0010] According to one embodiment of this application, the shielding assembly includes a plurality of shielding members; the plurality of shielding members are stacked and distributed along the thickness direction of the cover plate, and adjacent shielding members are spaced apart or closely attached.

[0011] In this embodiment, for multiple shielding components spaced apart, a microcavity can be formed between two adjacent shielding components to conduct the air-permeable mesh on the two adjacent shielding components, thereby ensuring the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel when the gas is discharged, that is, ensuring the gas discharge rate, and avoiding the situation where the energy storage device explodes due to gas accumulation.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this application, the center line of the ventilated mesh on the shielding member is parallel to the thickness direction of the cover plate, and the ventilated mesh on two adjacent shielding members is staggered.

[0013] In this embodiment, the staggered distribution of the venting mesh on two adjacent shielding components facilitates the effective blocking of molten metal, micro-sparks, etc., from being ejected along the explosion-proof valve. In addition, when micro-sparks are ejected along the venting mesh on the shielding component, they can form effective contact with the shielding component to achieve heat dispersion of the micro-sparks, thereby reducing the risk of micro-sparks ejecting ignition gas along the explosion-proof valve.

[0014] According to one embodiment of this application, the shielding component further includes a connector, with a connector between two adjacent shielding components, and both adjacent shielding components are fixedly connected to the connector.

[0015] In this embodiment, the pre-fixing of multiple shielding components is achieved by setting the connector, which facilitates the improvement of the assembly efficiency of the shielding components on the cover plate.

[0016] According to one embodiment of this application, the connector includes a plurality of connecting rods spaced apart circumferentially along the shielding member, and the two ends of each connecting rod are respectively fixedly connected to the edge portions of two adjacent shielding members.

[0017] According to one embodiment of this application, the shielding member includes a mesh arm that connects two adjacent ventilation mesh openings and has a sharp edge facing away from the cover plate.

[0018] In this embodiment, when a micro-spark impacts the shielding component, the sharp edge on the mesh arm can more easily cut the micro-spark, while increasing the contact area between the micro-spark and the shielding component, further improving the heat dissipation effect of the micro-spark, and reducing the risk of the micro-spark spraying ignition gas along the explosion-proof valve.

[0019] According to one embodiment of this application, the two ends of the blade are respectively oriented toward two adjacent breathable mesh holes.

[0020] According to one embodiment of this application, the cross-sectional area of ​​the breathable mesh of the shielding member decreases in the direction away from the cover plate.

[0021] In this embodiment, when the cross-sectional area of ​​the ventilated mesh gradually decreases in the direction away from the cover plate, it can prevent the molten metal from blocking the ventilated mesh when it is sprayed out along the ventilated mesh, and ensure that the gas generated by the side reaction is smoothly sprayed out along the ventilated mesh.

[0022] According to one embodiment of this application, the shielding member is a metal mesh.

[0023] According to one embodiment of this application, the surface of the metal mesh facing away from the cover plate has an insulating film layer.

[0024] According to one embodiment of this application, the shielding member is a ceramic mesh.

[0025] In this embodiment, the insulating properties of the ceramic mesh itself avoid the need for insulating the shielding components, which reduces the manufacturing process of the end cap assembly. Furthermore, the ceramic mesh itself has a certain thickness, which forms a certain spacing of insulating gaps to prevent short circuits and sparks between the electrode assembly and the metal parts on the other side of the ceramic mesh, thereby further reducing the risk of fire.

[0026] According to one embodiment of this application, the edge portion of the shielding member has a fixing ear plate, and the fixing ear plate is fixedly connected to the cover plate.

[0027] According to one aspect of this application, an energy storage device is provided, comprising: a housing including a receiving cavity with an opening; an electrode assembly housed within the receiving cavity; and an end cap assembly as described in the preceding aspect, the end cap sealing the opening of the receiving cavity, and the shielding assembly facing the electrode assembly.

[0028] In this embodiment of the application, for an energy storage device including the above-mentioned end cap assembly, the melting of the shielding assembly can be avoided when thermal runaway occurs in the energy storage device, so as to ensure that the gas is ejected normally along the explosion-proof valve while preventing the ejection of molten metal, thereby reducing the risk of fire in the energy storage device.

[0029] According to one aspect of this application, an electrical appliance is provided, the electrical appliance including the energy storage device described in the above aspect, the energy storage device supplying power to the electrical appliance.

[0030] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The above features and advantages of this application will become more apparent from a detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a residential energy storage system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of an energy storage device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of an end cap assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram of a shielding component according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 5This is an exploded view of another shielding component according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a top view of a shielding component according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an axonal structure of a mesh arm according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a top view of a shielding component according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrical device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0041] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0042] 100. Energy storage devices; 200. Power conversion devices; 300. User loads; 400. Electrical equipment;

[0043] 10. Housing; 20. Electrode assembly; 30. End cap assembly;

[0044] 11. Receiving cavity; 21. Core; 22. Positive electrode tab; 23. Negative electrode tab;

[0045] 31. Cover plate assembly; 32. Insulating component; 33. Shielding assembly;

[0046] 311. Cover plate; 312. Explosion-proof hole; 313. Explosion-proof valve; 314. Positive terminal; 315. Negative terminal; 316. Explosion-proof patch; 317. Injection hole; 318. Positive electrode plastic; 319. Negative electrode plastic;

[0047] 321. Clearance groove; 322. Through hole;

[0048] 331. Shielding component; 332. Breathable mesh; 333. Fixing ear plate; 334. Mesh arm; 335. Sharp edge; 336. Connector; 337. Connecting rod; 338. Insulating film layer. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore their detailed description will be omitted.

[0050] Because the energy people need is highly time- and space-dependent, in order to make rational use of energy and improve its utilization rate, it is necessary to use a medium or device to store one form of energy in the same form or convert it into another form of energy, and then release it in a specific form of energy based on future applications.

[0051] Currently, green energy mainly includes solar energy and wind energy. However, solar energy and wind energy generally suffer from strong intermittency and large fluctuations, which can cause voltage instability in the green power grid (insufficient electricity during peak demand and excessive electricity during off-peak demand). Unstable voltage can damage the power grid, and therefore may lead to the problem of "curtailment of wind and solar power" due to insufficient electricity demand or insufficient grid capacity.

[0052] To solve the problem of insufficient electricity demand or inadequate grid capacity, we must rely on energy storage devices. These devices convert electrical energy into other forms of energy through physical or chemical means and store it. When needed, the stored energy is converted back into electrical energy and released. Simply put, an energy storage device is like a large "power bank," storing electrical energy when solar and wind power are abundant and releasing it when required.

[0053] Current energy storage applications are quite widespread, including generation-side energy storage, grid-side energy storage, renewable energy grid-connected energy storage, and user-side energy storage. The corresponding types of energy storage devices include:

[0054] (1) Large energy storage containers used in grid-side energy storage scenarios can serve as high-quality active and reactive power regulation power sources in the grid, enabling load matching of electrical energy in time and space, enhancing the absorption capacity of renewable energy, and playing a significant role in grid system backup, alleviating peak load power supply pressure, and peak regulation and frequency regulation.

[0055] (2) Small and medium-sized energy storage cabinets used in commercial and industrial energy storage scenarios (banks, shopping malls, etc.) and small household energy storage boxes used in residential energy storage scenarios primarily operate under the "peak shaving and valley filling" mode. Because there are significant price differences in electricity consumption between peak and off-peak periods, users with energy storage devices typically charge them during off-peak hours to reduce costs; during peak hours, they release the stored electricity for use, thus saving on electricity bills. Furthermore, in remote areas and regions prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes, the presence of household energy storage devices effectively provides backup power for users and the power grid, eliminating the inconvenience caused by frequent power outages due to disasters or other reasons.

[0056] This explanation will take the residential energy storage scenario in user-side energy storage as an example. Figure 1A residential energy storage system is illustrated, comprising an energy storage device 100, a power conversion device 200 (such as a photovoltaic panel), and user loads 300 (such as streetlights, household appliances, etc.). The energy storage device 100 is a small energy storage box that can be wall-mounted to an outdoor wall. Specifically, the power conversion device 200 can convert solar energy into electrical energy during periods of low electricity prices and store it in the energy storage device 100, then supply it to the user loads 300 during periods of high electricity prices, or during power outages / power interruptions.

[0057] In conjunction with the aforementioned energy storage methods using physical or electrochemical means, taking electrochemical energy storage as an example, the energy storage device 100 includes at least one chemical battery. The chemical elements within the battery serve as the energy storage medium, and the charging and discharging process is achieved through the chemical reactions or changes in the storage medium. Simply put, electrical energy generated from solar or wind power is stored in at least one set of chemical batteries through the chemical reactions or changes in the storage medium. When external power consumption reaches its peak, the stored energy from at least one set of chemical batteries is released for use or transferred to areas with power shortages through the chemical reactions or changes in the storage medium.

[0058] This application provides an energy storage device 100, which may be, but is not limited to, a single battery (secondary battery), as well as a battery module, battery pack, battery system, etc., composed of single batteries. The single battery may be a lithium-ion battery, a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-lithium-ion battery, a sodium-ion battery, a magnesium-ion battery, etc., and the single battery may be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, etc., and this application does not limit the form.

[0059] Next, taking the energy storage device 100 as an example of a square single cell, we will explain the energy storage device 100 in detail.

[0060] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating the structure of an energy storage device 100 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 2 As shown, the energy storage device 100 includes: a housing 10, an electrode assembly 20, and an end cap assembly 30. The housing 10 has an open receiving cavity 11, the electrode assembly 20 is housed in the receiving cavity 11, and the end cap assembly 30 seals the opening of the receiving cavity 11.

[0061] The housing 10 can be a cylindrical structure with one end open. In this case, the energy storage device 100 includes an end cap assembly 30 to seal one opening of the housing 10. Alternatively, the housing 10 can be a cylindrical structure with both ends open. In this case, the energy storage device 100 includes an end cap assembly 30 and a cover plate 311, or two end cap assemblies 30. Thus, one end cap assembly 30 and a cover plate 311, or two end cap assemblies 30, can seal the two openings of the housing 10 respectively.

[0062] Among them, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the end cap assembly 30 includes a cover plate 311 (e.g., a plain aluminum sheet), an explosion-proof valve 313, and an insulating component 32 (e.g., a lower plastic). The cover plate 311 seals the opening of the housing 10 and is provided with an explosion-proof hole 312, within which the explosion-proof valve 313 is located. The lower plastic is located on the side of the cover plate 311 closest to the electrode assembly 20 to achieve insulation between the electrode assembly 20 and the cover plate 311. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the end cap assembly 30 also includes an explosion-proof patch 316, which is fastened to the backside plastic surface of the cover plate 311 and covers the explosion-proof valve 313 to improve the aesthetics of the end cap assembly 30. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the end cap assembly 30 may further include a positive terminal 314 and a negative terminal 315, both of which penetrate the lower plastic and the cover plate 311. One end of the positive terminal 314 and one end of the negative terminal 315 are electrically connected to the positive and negative tabs 23 of the electrode assembly 20, respectively. The other ends of the positive terminal 314 and the negative terminal 315 are exposed on the side of the cover plate 311 away from the lower plastic and are fixed by the positive plastic 318 and the negative plastic 319, respectively, to serve as the two output terminals of the energy storage device 100; Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the cover plate 311 may also be provided with an injection hole 317 to inject electrolyte into the receiving cavity 11 of the housing 10 along the injection hole 317 after the energy storage device 100 is installed.

[0063] Among them, such as Figure 2 As shown, the electrode assembly 20 includes a core 21 and positive tabs 22 and negative tabs 23 located at the ends of the core 21. The positive tabs 22 and negative tabs 23 are respectively connected to the positive terminal 314 and negative terminal 315 of the end cap assembly 30 to realize the output of electrical energy of the electrode assembly 20 through the positive terminal 314 and negative terminal 315. The core 21 includes a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet and a separator stacked together, and the separator is located between the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet. The positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet have positive tabs 22 and negative tabs 23 respectively formed on their edges facing the end cap assembly 30.

[0064] It should be noted that the energy storage device 100 may also include a metal adapter to connect one tab of the electrode assembly 20 to one electrode terminal of the end cap assembly 30, thereby ensuring the current carrying capacity between the electrode terminal and the electrode assembly 20.

[0065] In related technologies, a mesh structure is provided on the lower plastic surface directly opposite the explosion-proof valve 313 to facilitate the smooth ejection of electrolyte and gases generated by side reactions along the explosion-proof valve 313 after thermal runaway of the energy storage device 100 and the explosion-proof valve 313 bursts. However, since the gases generated by the side reactions are flammable, they can easily ignite a fire after being ejected along the explosion-proof valve 313. After careful research, the inventors discovered that the high-temperature environment after thermal runaway of the energy storage device 100 causes some of the aluminum material to melt, and simultaneously the mesh structure on the lower plastic surface melts. Without the mesh structure to block the flow, molten aluminum beads are ejected along the explosion-proof valve 313 with the gas, igniting the ejected gas outside the energy storage device 100 and causing a fire.

[0066] To address this, this application provides an end cap assembly 30, which includes a shielding component 33 that is fixedly connected to the cover plate 311 and is resistant to high temperatures (melting point greater than or equal to 850 degrees Celsius). This prevents the shielding component 33 from melting when thermal runaway occurs in the energy storage device 100, while ensuring that the shielding component 33 effectively shields the explosion-proof valve 313. This ensures that the gas is ejected normally along the explosion-proof valve 313 while blocking the ejection of molten metal (such as molten aluminum beads), thereby reducing the risk of fire in the energy storage device 100.

[0067] In some implementations, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the end cap assembly 30 includes: a cover plate assembly 31, including a cover plate 311, an explosion-proof valve 313, and a shielding assembly 33. The cover plate 311 is provided with an explosion-proof hole 312. The explosion-proof valve 313 is located inside the explosion-proof hole 312. The shielding assembly 33 is fixedly connected to the cover plate 311 and is located on one side of the explosion-proof valve 313 in the thickness direction of the cover plate 311. The shielding assembly 33 includes a shielding member 331, which has a venting mesh 332 communicating with the explosion-proof hole 312. The melting point of the shielding member 331 is greater than or equal to 850 degrees Celsius. An insulating member 32 is located on the same side of the cover plate 311 as the shielding assembly 33 and has a relief groove 321 that avoids the shielding assembly 33. The bottom of the relief groove 321 has a through hole 322 that penetrates the insulating member 32.

[0068] In this embodiment, a shielding member 331 with a high melting point is provided between the insulating member 32 and the cover plate 311, and the shielding member 331 is fixedly connected to the cover plate 311 to prevent the shielding member 331 from melting when the energy storage device 100 experiences thermal runaway, and to prevent the shielding component 33 from falling off the cover plate 311, thus ensuring that the shielding component 33 effectively shields the explosion-proof valve 313 side. In this way, for the energy storage device 100 that explodes after thermal runaway, the gas generated inside the energy storage device 100 can be smoothly discharged through the vent mesh 332 on the shielding member 331 and the explosion-proof valve 313. At the same time, the molten metal (such as molten aluminum beads) inside the energy storage device 100 can be blocked by the shielding member 331 to prevent the molten metal from being sprayed out along the explosion-proof valve 313, thereby reducing the risk of igniting the gas and reducing the risk of fire of the energy storage device 100 after thermal runaway.

[0069] The cover plate 311 can be a metal structure such as a light aluminum sheet, and the insulating component 32 can be an insulating structure such as a plastic sheet. Combined with the sealing of the opening of the receiving cavity 11 by the end cap assembly 30 described above, the cover plate 311 can seal the opening of the receiving cavity 11, and the insulating component 32 and the shielding component 33 are both located on the side of the cover plate 311 facing the electrode assembly 20.

[0070] The melting point of the shielding component 331 can be 850 degrees Celsius, 870 degrees Celsius, 900 degrees Celsius, 950 degrees Celsius, etc., as long as it will not melt in the event of thermal runaway in the energy storage device 100. For example, the shielding component 331 can be a mesh structure such as a metal mesh or a ceramic mesh.

[0071] When the shielding member 331 is a metal mesh, due to the high thermal conductivity of the metal mesh, when a micro-spark is generated due to internal short circuit ignition in the energy storage device 100, the micro-spark impacts the metal mesh and exchanges heat with the metal mesh, thereby dispersing the heat of the micro-spark and reducing the risk of igniting gas.

[0072] When the shielding component 331 is a ceramic mesh, the insulating properties of the ceramic mesh itself avoid the need for insulating the shielding component 331; furthermore, since the ceramic mesh itself has a certain thickness, it forms a certain spacing of insulating intervals to prevent the electrode assembly 20 from arcing with the metal part on the other side of the ceramic mesh due to short circuit, thereby further reducing the risk of fire.

[0073] Additionally, when the shielding member 331 is a metal mesh, such as Figure 5As shown, the surface of the metal mesh back cover plate 311 has an insulating film layer 338 to achieve insulation between the metal mesh and other charged structures, thereby avoiding the risk of short circuit with the electrode assembly 20 of the energy storage device 100. The insulating film layer 338 can be an insulating material such as polyimide, and can be formed on the surface of the shielding member 331 back cover plate 311 by means of spraying or other methods.

[0074] The cross-sectional shape of the ventilation mesh 332 on the shielding member 331 can be rectangular, rhomboid, circular, triangular, etc. For example, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the vent mesh 332 on the shielding member 331 is rhomboid. Furthermore, the vent mesh 332 on the shielding member 331 can be a through hole or a vent mesh 332 with a gradually changing aperture. Taking a gradually changing aperture as an example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the vent mesh 332 on the shielding member 331 decreases in the direction away from the cover plate 311, or decreases first and then increases. When the cross-sectional area of ​​the vent mesh 332 gradually decreases in the direction away from the cover plate 311, it can prevent molten metal from clogging the vent mesh 332, thus ensuring that the gas generated by the side reaction is smoothly ejected along the vent mesh 332.

[0075] In this embodiment, the shielding member 331 is fixed on the cover plate 311. In this way, even if the insulating member 32 is made of plastic, there is no risk that the shielding member 331 will fall off or shift after the plastic melts due to the high temperature environment, so as to effectively ensure that the shielding member 331 blocks the molten metal.

[0076] The shielding member 331 can be fixed to the surface of the cover plate 311 facing the insulating member 32 by snap-fit ​​limiting, or it can be fixed to the surface of the cover plate 311 facing the insulating member 32 by welding.

[0077] In some embodiments, the surface of the cover plate 311 facing the insulating member 32 has multiple slots, which are distributed on both sides of the explosion-proof hole 312 along the length of the cover plate 311. The edge of the shielding member 331 has multiple protrusions, which correspond one-to-one with the slots, and each protrusion is detachably limited within the corresponding slot. In this way, the shielding member 331 and the cover plate 311 can be fixedly connected by the engagement of the protrusions with the slots.

[0078] Optionally, the slot on the cover plate 311 may have a first opening facing the explosion-proof hole 312 and a second opening facing the cover plate 311 on one side in the width direction, so that the protrusion on the shield 331 can be assembled and limited in the slot from the second opening of the slot along the width direction of the cover plate 311; or the slot may have a first opening facing the explosion-proof hole 312, in which case the cover plate 311 can be bent and deformed in the direction away from the insulating member 32 under the action of external force, so as to increase the distance between the two slots on both sides of the explosion-proof hole 312, and then the protrusion on the shield 331 can be assembled and limited in the slot based on the first opening of the slot.

[0079] In some implementations, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5 or Figure 6 As shown, the edge of the shielding member 331 has a fixing ear plate 333, which is fixedly connected to the cover plate 311. Thus, the shielding member 331 and the cover plate 311 can be fixedly connected by the fixing ear plate 333 and the cover plate 311.

[0080] The number of fixing ear plates 333 can be 2, 3, or 4, etc., to ensure that the blocking member 331 and the cover plate 311 are firmly fixed, while improving the fixing efficiency of the blocking member 331 and the cover plate 311. For example, such as Figure 4 or Figure 6 As shown, the edge of the shield 331 has four evenly distributed fixing ears 333. In addition, the melting point of the fixing ears 333 is the same as or higher than the melting point of the shield 331, so as to ensure the fixed connection of the shield 331 on the cover plate 311.

[0081] The fixing ear plate 333 can be directly welded to the surface of the cover plate 311 facing the insulating member 32, or it can be fixed to the cover plate 311 by means of snap-fit ​​limiting as described in the above embodiments. The direct welding method not only strengthens the stability of the connection between the shielding member 331 and the cover plate 311, but also facilitates the improvement of the fixing efficiency between the shielding member 331 and the cover plate 311.

[0082] Specifically, the fixing ear plate 333 on the edge of the shielding member 331 can be integrally formed with the shielding member 331 to prevent breakage due to stress concentration at the connection between the fixing ear plate 333 and the shielding member 331 after the fixing ear plate 333 is fixedly connected to the cover plate 311. Of course, the fixing ear plate 333 can also be a separate structure from the shielding member 331 and fixed to the shielding member 331; this application does not limit this aspect.

[0083] For example, when the shielding member 331 is a metal mesh, the fixing ear plate 333 is a metal ear plate integrally formed with the shielding member 331, which facilitates the welding and fixing of the fixing ear plate 333 and the cover plate 311; when the shielding member 331 is a ceramic mesh, the fixing ear plate 333 is located on the ceramic ear plate integrally formed with the shielding member 331. In this case, the fixing ear plate 333 and the cover plate 311 can be fixed by snap-fit ​​limiting, or the fixing ear plate 333 is a metal ear plate embedded in the ceramic mesh, which facilitates the welding and fixing of the fixing ear plate 333 and the cover plate 311.

[0084] In some implementations, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the shielding member 331 includes a mesh arm 334, which connects two adjacent ventilation mesh holes 332, and the mesh arm 334 forms a sharp edge 335 facing away from the cover plate 311.

[0085] Thus, when a micro-spark impacts the shield 331, the sharp edge 335 on the mesh arm 334 can more easily cut the micro-spark, while increasing the contact area between the micro-spark and the shield 331, thereby further improving the heat dissipation effect of the micro-spark and reducing the risk of the micro-spark spraying ignition gas along the explosion-proof valve 313.

[0086] Specifically, the blade 335 formed on the mesh arm 334 can be formed by the mesh arm 334 having an edge facing away from the cover plate 311. More specifically, the structure of the mesh arm 334 can be such that the cross-section of the mesh arm 334 perpendicular to either the length direction (the extension direction of the line connecting two adjacent air vents 332) or the width direction (the direction perpendicular to the line connecting two adjacent air vents 332) is triangular, and the blade 335 is formed by the vertices of multiple triangles.

[0087] In conjunction with the above example, the sharp edge 335 formed by the mesh arm 334 on the first shield 331 extends into the area where the ventilated mesh 332 on the second shield 331 is located. Thus, after the molten metal and micro-sparks pass through the ventilated mesh 332 on the second shield 331, the molten metal can be prevented from being ejected along the explosion-proof valve 313 by the obstruction of the mesh arm 334 on the first shield 331. The sharp edge 335 on the first shield 331 can cut the micro-sparks to increase the contact area with the shield 331, improve the heat dissipation effect of the micro-sparks, and reduce the risk of fire caused by the micro-sparks being ejected along the explosion-proof valve 313.

[0088] Optionally, the two ends of the blade 335 face the two adjacent ventilation holes 332 respectively. In this way, after the molten metal and micro-sparks are cut by the blade 335 on the mesh arm 334, the molten metal and micro-sparks can be guided by the side of the blade 335 to directly impact the shield 331. This not only prevents the molten metal and micro-sparks from being ejected from the explosion-proof valve 313, but also increases the heat dissipation efficiency of the molten metal and micro-sparks by increasing the contact area with the shield 331.

[0089] In some implementations, such as Figure 4 or Figure 5 As shown, the shielding assembly 33 includes a plurality of shielding members 331, which are stacked and distributed along the thickness direction of the cover plate 311.

[0090] Among them, the ventilated mesh 332 on the shielding member 331 can be a straight hole, and the center line of the ventilated mesh 332 is parallel to the thickness direction of the cover plate 311; of course, the ventilated mesh 332 on the shielding member 331 can also be a non-straight hole, such as a wavy or serrated ventilated mesh 332, as long as one end of the ventilated mesh 332 is connected to the receiving cavity 11 of the housing 10 through the through hole 322 at the bottom of the relief groove 321, and the other end of the ventilated mesh 332 faces the explosion-proof valve 313.

[0091] The materials of the multiple shielding components 331 can be the same or different. For example, all of the multiple shielding components 331 may be metal mesh, or some of the multiple shielding components 331 may be metal mesh, and the remaining parts may be ceramic mesh, etc. When the multiple shielding components 331 include both metal mesh and ceramic mesh, due to the insulating properties of the ceramic mesh, the metal mesh may be located between the ceramic mesh and the cover plate 311.

[0092] Among them, the multiple blocking elements 331 can be spaced apart or placed close together. When the multiple blocking elements 331 are spaced apart, such as... Figure 4 or Figure 5 As shown, a microcavity is formed between two adjacent shielding members 331, and this microcavity is connected to the ventilated mesh 332 on both shielding members 331. In this way, the formed microcavity helps to ensure the connection area of ​​the ventilated mesh 332 on both shielding members 331, thereby ensuring the gas ejection rate along the explosion-proof valve 313 when the energy storage device 100 experiences thermal runaway, and preventing an explosion due to gas accumulation in the receiving cavity 11 of the housing 10.

[0093] Optionally, the venting mesh 332 on two adjacent shielding members 331 are staggered. This staggered distribution of the venting mesh 332 on two adjacent shielding members 331 effectively prevents molten metal, micro-sparks, etc., from being ejected along the explosion-proof valve 313. Furthermore, when micro-sparks are ejected along the venting mesh 332 on the shielding member 331, they can effectively contact the shielding member 331 to disperse the heat of the micro-sparks, thereby reducing the risk of igniting gas being ejected along the explosion-proof valve 313.

[0094] For example, the shielding assembly 33 includes a first shielding member 331 and a second shielding member 331 stacked along the thickness direction of the cover plate 311. The first shielding member 331 is located between the second shielding member 331 and the cover plate 311, and the breathable mesh 332 on the first shielding member 331 is staggered with the breathable mesh 332 on the second shielding member 331.

[0095] Optionally, the ventilation mesh 332 on two adjacent shielding members 331 may not overlap in the thickness direction of the cover plate 311, or may partially overlap, meaning that the ventilation mesh 332 on two adjacent shielding members 331 may not completely overlap in the thickness direction of the cover plate 311. For example, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the venting mesh 332 on two adjacent shielding members 331 partially overlap in the thickness direction of the cover plate 311. This facilitates ensuring the efficiency of gas ejection along the explosion-proof valve 313 in the event of thermal runaway in the energy storage device 100. At the same time, the upper shielding member 331 blocks molten metal and micro-sparks, reducing the risk of fire caused by molten metal and micro-sparks ejected along the explosion-proof valve 313.

[0096] Continuing with the above example, the cross-sectional shape of the breathable mesh 332 on the first shielding member 331 and the breathable mesh 332 on the second shielding member 331 are both rhomboid, and the orthographic projection of one corner of the breathable mesh 332 on the first shielding member 331 onto the second breathable mesh is located at the center point of a breathable mesh 332.

[0097] In some implementations, such as Figure 4 As shown, the shielding assembly 33 also includes a connector 336, with a connector 336 between two adjacent shielding components 331, and both adjacent shielding components 331 are fixedly connected to the connector 336.

[0098] Thus, the multiple shielding components 331 included in the shielding assembly 33 can be linked into a whole by the connector 336, and the fixed connection between the uppermost shielding component 331 (the shielding component 331 closest to the cover plate 311) and the cover plate 311 is achieved.

[0099] The melting point of the connector 336 is the same as or higher than that of the shield 331, so as to ensure the fixed connection of multiple shields 331. Regarding the fixed connection of the connector 336 to the two shielding members 331, when both shielding members 331 are metal meshes, the connector 336 is a metal connector 336. In this case, the metal connector 336 and the two shielding members 331 are set as an integral structure (or fixed by welding) to achieve the fixed connection between the connector 336 and the two shielding members 331. When one of the two shielding members 331 is a metal mesh and the other is a ceramic mesh, the connector 336 can be a metal connector 336. In this case, the metal connector 336 and one metal mesh are set as an integral structure (or fixed by welding), and it is integrally made with the other ceramic mesh by embedding to achieve the fixed connection between the connector 336 and the two shielding members 331. Alternatively, the connector 336 is a ceramic connector 336. In this case, the ceramic connector 336 and one ceramic mesh are set as an integral structure, and before the ceramic mesh and ceramic connector 336 are formed, the edge of one metal mesh is integrally made with the ceramic mesh and ceramic connector 336 as an embedding part.

[0100] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, the connector 336 includes a plurality of connecting rods 337 distributed circumferentially along the shield 331, and the two ends of each connecting rod 337 are fixedly connected to the edges of two adjacent shields 331 respectively.

[0101] The connection method between the connecting rod 337 and the two adjacent blocking members 331 can refer to the above-described embodiment. Of course, it can also be fixedly connected to the two blocking members 331 by means of buckles, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0102] It should be noted that, in addition to including the connector 336 to fix multiple shielding members 331 to the cover plate 311, the shielding component 33 may also have fixing ear plates 333 on the edges of multiple shielding members 331, so that each shielding member 331 can be fixedly connected to the cover plate 311 through the fixing ear plates 333. The embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0103] This application also provides an electrical device 400, which can be a user energy storage cabinet, energy storage container, etc. Figure 9 As shown, the electrical device 400 includes the energy storage device 100 described in the above embodiment, and the energy storage device 100 supplies power to the electrical device 400. Thus, in conjunction with the above description, the electrical device 400 of this application can reduce the risk of fire during use based on the shielding component 33 included in the end cover assembly 30, thereby ensuring the safety of the electrical device 400 during use.

[0104] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; the term "multiple" refers to two or more unless otherwise explicitly defined. The terms "install," "connect," "link," and "fix" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connect" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; "link" can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0105] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or unit referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0106] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the implementation of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0107] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the implementation methods of this application and are not intended to limit the implementation methods of this application. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and variations can be made to the implementation methods of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the implementation methods of this application should be included within the protection scope of the implementation methods of this application.

Claims

1. An end cap assembly, characterized by, The cover plate assembly (31) comprises a cover plate (311), an explosion-proof valve (313) and a shielding assembly (33), the cover plate (311) is provided with an explosion-proof hole (312), the explosion-proof valve (313) is located in the explosion-proof hole (312), the shielding assembly (33) is fixedly connected with the cover plate (311) and is located on one side of the explosion-proof valve (313) in the thickness direction of the cover plate (311), the shielding assembly (33) comprises a shielding piece (331), the shielding piece (331) has a breathable mesh hole (332) communicating with the explosion-proof hole (312), and the melting point of the shielding piece (331) is greater than or equal to 850 DEG C; The insulation piece (32) is located on the same side of the cover plate (311) as the shielding assembly (33) and has an avoiding groove (321) avoiding the shielding assembly (33), and the groove bottom of the avoiding groove (321) has a through hole (322) penetrating through the insulation piece (32). The shielding assembly (33) comprises a plurality of shielding pieces (331); 2. The end cap assembly of claim 1, wherein, The plurality of shielding pieces (331) are distributed in a laminated manner along the thickness direction of the cover plate (311), and adjacent two shielding pieces (331) are arranged in a spaced or abutting manner. The center line of the breathable mesh hole (332) on the shielding piece (331) is parallel to the thickness direction of the cover plate (311), and the breathable mesh holes (332) on adjacent two shielding pieces (331) are distributed in a staggered manner.

3. The end cap assembly of claim 2, wherein, The shielding assembly (33) further comprises a connecting piece (336), and there is one connecting piece (336) between adjacent two shielding pieces (331), and the adjacent two shielding pieces (331) are fixedly connected with the connecting piece (336).

4. The end cap assembly of claim 2, wherein, The connecting piece (336) comprises a plurality of connecting rods (337) distributed in a spaced manner along the circumferential direction of the shielding piece (331), and the two ends of each connecting rod (337) are fixedly connected with the edge portions of adjacent two shielding pieces (331) respectively.

5. The end cap assembly of claim 4, wherein, The shielding piece (331) comprises a grid arm (334) connecting adjacent two breathable mesh holes (332) and forming an edge (335) facing away from the cover plate (311).

6. An end cap assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The two ends of the edge (335) respectively face adjacent two breathable mesh holes (332).

7. The end cap assembly of claim 6, wherein, The cross-sectional area of the breathable mesh hole (332) of the shielding piece (331) decreases in the direction away from the cover plate (311).

8. An end cap assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The shielding piece (331) is a metal grid.

9. An end cap assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The surface of the metal grid facing away from the cover plate (311) has an insulating film layer (338).

10. The end cap assembly of claim 9, wherein, The shielding piece (331) is a ceramic grid.

11. An end cap assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The edge portion of the shielding piece (331) has a fixing lug plate (333) fixedly connected with the cover plate (311).

12. The end cap assembly of claim 1, wherein, The shell (10) comprises a containing cavity (11) with an opening; 13. An energy storage device, characterized by, ​ ​ ​ The end cover assembly (30) as claimed in any one of claims 1-12, wherein the cover plate (311) seals the opening of the accommodating cavity (11), and the shielding assembly (33) faces the electrode assembly (20).

14. An electrical device, characterized by The electric device (400) comprises the energy storage device (100) as claimed in claim 13, and the energy storage device (100) supplies power for the electric device (400).

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