A battery, a battery pack, an electric device and an energy storage device

Abstract

A battery (4), a battery pack (100), an electric device and an energy storage device belong to the technical field of batteries. The battery (4) comprises a shell (10), a top cover assembly (20) and an electrode assembly (30). The shell (10) defines an accommodation space and has an opening on one side. The top cover assembly (20) is arranged on the shell (10) and closes the opening. The top cover assembly (20) comprises a top cover body (21). The top cover body (21) is provided with a clamping step (211) on the bottom surface of the top surface of the top cover body (21) in the first direction (X). The top cover body (21) cooperates with the opening edge of the shell (10) through the clamping step (211) to close the opening of the shell (10). The electrode assembly (30) is accommodated in the accommodation space. Since the top cover body (21) cooperates with the opening edge of the shell (10) through the clamping step (211), when there is a gap between the side surface of the top cover body (21) and the side wall of the shell (10), the gas escaping from the gap between the side surface of the top cover body (21) and the side wall of the shell (10) in the first direction (X) is blocked to a certain extent by the clamping step (211), which is beneficial to reduce the escape of the gas, thereby better closing the opening of the shell (10).

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This disclosure is based on and claims priority to Chinese patent applications No. 202410254401.3, filed on March 6, 2024, entitled "Battery and Manufacturing Method Thereof, Top Cover Assembly, Battery Pack, Power Consumption and Energy Storage Device" and No. 202410254427.8, filed on March 6, 2024, entitled "A Battery, Battery Pack, Power Consumption Device and Battery Module", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of battery technology, specifically to a battery, a battery pack, an electrical device, and an energy storage device. Background Technology

[0004] Batteries are being used more and more widely in daily life and industry. For example, new energy vehicles equipped with batteries are already widely used. In addition, batteries are increasingly being used in the field of energy storage.

[0005] The batteries in the battery pack are installed inside the casing. Energy is stored by charging the batteries inside the casing or by discharging the batteries inside the casing to supply power to the outside. In related technologies, it is difficult for the top cover to effectively seal the opening of the casing. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the present disclosure aims to provide a battery, battery pack, power supply device, and energy storage device so that the top cover body can better seal the opening of the housing.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this disclosure embodiment is implemented as follows:

[0008] This disclosure provides a battery, including:

[0009] The shell defines the receiving space and has an opening on one side;

[0010] A top cover assembly is disposed on the housing and closes the opening. The top cover assembly includes a top cover body. The bottom surface of the top cover body opposite to the top surface of the top cover body is provided with an engaging step. The top cover body engages with the edge of the opening of the housing through the engaging step to close the opening of the housing.

[0011] Electrode assembly, housed within the housing space.

[0012] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, during the process of installing the top cover body into the housing, the guide surface of the guide rib guides the opening edge of the housing to move, so that the opening edge of the housing is close to the outer side wall of the mounting groove, thereby guiding the opening of the housing to a predetermined position in the mounting groove, and the guide rib and the outer side wall of the mounting groove can better constrain the opening edge of the housing.

[0013] In some embodiments, the engaging step is recessed into a mounting groove on the top surface of the top cover body, and the opening edge of the housing is inserted into the mounting groove.

[0014] In this embodiment, the opening edge of the housing is inserted into the mounting groove, and the groove wall of the mounting groove constrains the opening edge of the housing, which helps to reduce the shaking of the top cover body relative to the housing.

[0015] In some embodiments, the engaging step has a guide rib located within the mounting groove. The guide rib is located inside the housing. The guide rib has a guide surface on the side facing the side wall of the housing. The distance between the guide surface and the side wall of the housing is a preset distance that gradually increases along the direction from the bottom of the top cover body to the top of the top cover body.

[0016] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, during the process of installing the top cover body into the housing, the guide surface of the guide rib guides the opening edge of the housing to move, so that the opening edge of the housing is close to the outer side wall of the mounting groove, thereby guiding the opening of the housing to a predetermined position in the mounting groove, and the guide rib and the outer side wall of the mounting groove can better constrain the opening edge of the housing.

[0017] In some embodiments, the top cover is glued to the housing.

[0018] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the top cover body is glued to the housing, which makes it easier to install the top cover body onto the housing.

[0019] In some embodiments, the top cover assembly further includes a first connector and a second connector disposed on the top cover body, the first connector including a first connecting portion and a first exposed portion connected to the first connecting portion, the second connector including a second connecting portion and a second exposed portion connected to the second connecting portion, both the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion including a connecting surface extending along a first direction, the first exposed portion and the second exposed portion being exposed outside the housing;

[0020] The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode tab and a negative electrode tab extending along the first direction. The connecting surface of the first connecting portion is connected to the surface of the positive electrode tab or the negative electrode tab, and the connecting surface of the second connecting portion is connected to the surface of the positive electrode tab or the negative electrode tab that is not connected to the first connecting portion.

[0021] In this embodiment, since the connecting surfaces of the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab of the electrode assembly all extend along the first direction (e.g., the up and down direction in the figure), the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab of the electrode assembly are connected to the connecting surfaces of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion without bending. This reduces the risk of breakage of the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab, and also reduces the possibility of gaps between the tabs (positive electrode tab, negative electrode tab) and the connecting surfaces of the connecting portions (first connecting portion, second connecting portion), reducing the risk of poor soldering, making the connection more reliable, and improving battery stability.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first connector further includes a third connector connected to the first connector portion, the third connector portion including a connector surface extending along the first direction; the number of the second connectors is an even number.

[0023] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the first connecting portion and the third connecting portion of the first connector are connected together, so that one first connector can be electrically connected to two tabs.

[0024] In some embodiments, the battery includes at least two of the electrode assemblies.

[0025] The first connecting portion of the first connector is connected to the positive or negative electrode tab of one of the electrode assemblies, and the third connecting portion of the first connector is connected to the positive or negative electrode tab of another of the electrode assemblies.

[0026] The tabs in each electrode assembly that are not connected to the first connector are respectively connected to the second connecting portion of the second connector.

[0027] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the positive and negative terminals of the electrode assembly series can be led out from the second exposed portions of each of the two second connectors.

[0028] In some embodiments, an insulating shield is provided between the second connection portions of two adjacent second connectors.

[0029] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulating shield can block the positive and negative electrode tabs connected to the connecting surfaces of two adjacent second connecting parts, thereby preventing short circuits and improving battery reliability.

[0030] In some embodiments, the insulating shielding member protrudes from both ends of the second connector along the first direction.

[0031] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulating shielding member protrudes from both ends of the second connector along the first direction, so that the two second connectors can be better separated at both ends of the first direction, which is beneficial to increasing the electrical clearance and creepage distance between the two second connectors and improving the insulation performance.

[0032] In some embodiments, the battery further includes an insulating support connected to the insulating shield, wherein the insulating shield is provided with the insulating support on both sides of the insulating shield along the direction in which the two second connectors are arranged, the insulating support being located on the side of the top cover body facing the electrode assembly along the first direction, and one end of the second connector facing away from the second exposed portion abuts against the side of the insulating support facing the top cover body.

[0033] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulating supports on both sides of the insulating shield support the ends of the second connecting parts of the two second connectors that are away from the second exposed parts, thereby increasing the distance from the end of the second connecting part of one of the two second connectors away from the second exposed parts along the surface of the insulating shield through the insulating supports to the second connecting part of the other second connector. This increases the creepage distance between the corresponding second connecting parts of the two second connectors and improves the insulation performance.

[0034] In some embodiments, in the second connection portions of two adjacent second connectors, the side of the second connection portion of each second connector that faces away from the corresponding other second connection portion protrudes from the insulating support.

[0035] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the second connecting portion of each second connector protrudes from the insulating base on the side opposite to the corresponding second connecting portion, so that the positive or negative electrode tab connected to the second connecting portion will hardly come into contact with the insulating base, thereby reducing the possibility of interference between the insulating base and the positive or negative electrode tab.

[0036] In some embodiments, the insulating shield includes:

[0037] An insulating body is connected to the side of the insulating platform facing the top cover body, and the insulating body is clamped between the second connecting portions of two adjacent second connecting members;

[0038] An insulating accessory is connected to the side of the insulating support away from the top cover body. The thickness of the insulating accessory along the arrangement direction of two adjacent second connectors is less than the thickness of the insulating body along the arrangement direction of two adjacent second connectors. The dimension of the insulating accessory along the first direction is greater than the thickness of the insulating accessory along the arrangement direction of two adjacent second connectors.

[0039] In this embodiment of the disclosure, while minimizing the impact on the creepage distance between the second connection portions of two adjacent second connectors, the mass of the insulating auxiliary components can be reduced as much as possible, which is beneficial to improving the mass energy density of the battery.

[0040] In some embodiments, the insulating shield further includes an insulating separator connected to the side of the insulating body away from the insulating support. The insulating separator protrudes along the first direction from the side of the second exposed portion away from the second connecting portion. The thickness of the insulating separator along the arrangement direction of two adjacent second connecting portions is less than the thickness of the insulating body along the arrangement direction of two adjacent second connecting portions. The dimension of the insulating separator along the first direction is greater than the thickness of the insulating separator along the arrangement direction of two adjacent second connecting portions.

[0041] In this embodiment of the disclosure, while minimizing the impact on the creepage distance between the second exposed portions of two adjacent second connectors, the mass of the insulating separator can be reduced as much as possible, which is beneficial to improving the mass energy density of the battery.

[0042] In some embodiments, the connecting surface of the first connecting portion is welded to the positive electrode tab or the negative electrode tab surface, and the connecting surface of the second connecting portion is welded to the positive electrode tab or the negative electrode tab surface that is not connected to the first connecting portion.

[0043] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the connection between the connecting surface of the first connecting part and the positive or negative electrode tab is achieved by welding, and the connection between the connecting surface of the second connecting part and the positive or negative electrode tab that is not connected to the first connecting part is achieved by welding.

[0044] In some embodiments, the housing has a pressure relief port that communicates with the accommodating space.

[0045] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure relief port is connected to the containment space of the shell, and the thermal runaway gas in the containment space can be discharged through the pressure relief port, thereby realizing the pressure relief of the containment space.

[0046] In some embodiments, the battery further includes a pressure relief cover connected to the housing, the pressure relief cover being disposed over the pressure relief port.

[0047] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, by covering the pressure relief port with a pressure relief cover, the accommodating space connected to the pressure relief port can be sealed to a certain extent, preventing objects in the accommodating space from falling out, and reducing the possibility of external debris entering the accommodating space.

[0048] In some embodiments, the pressure relief cover is an insulating film with a melting point less than or equal to 500°C, or the pressure relief cover has a weakening zone for pressure relief.

[0049] In this embodiment, the pressure relief cover is an insulating film, which helps reduce the possibility of short circuits in the electrode components within the housing. The melting point of the insulating film is less than or equal to ℃, which is relatively low and facilitates the thermal runaway gas in the containment space to melt and rupture the insulating film to relieve pressure in the containment space.

[0050] In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the weakened area is less than the wall thickness of the rest of the pressure relief cover.

[0051] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing a weakened area on the pressure relief cover, the pressure relief cover can effectively block the pressure relief port when thermal runaway does not occur, and can effectively relieve pressure when thermal runaway occurs.

[0052] In some embodiments, the battery further includes a sealing bag fitted over the outside of the electrode assembly, the sealing bag being located inside the housing.

[0053] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the electrolyte is sealed in a sealing bag, so that the electrode assembly is immersed in the electrolyte.

[0054] A second aspect of this application provides a battery pack, including:

[0055] Box;

[0056] The battery of any of the above types is located inside the casing.

[0057] A third aspect of this application provides an electrical device, including any of the above-described batteries or battery packs.

[0058] A fourth aspect of this application provides an energy storage device, comprising:

[0059] The battery or battery pack of any of the above types is capable of storing electrical energy and providing electrical energy.

[0060] The battery pack provided in this embodiment has a top cover body that engages with the opening edge of the housing via a locking step. When there is a gap between the side of the top cover body and the side wall of the housing, the gas escaping from the gap between the side of the top cover body and the side wall of the housing along the first direction is blocked to a certain extent by the locking step, which helps to reduce gas escape and thus better seals the opening of the housing. Attached Figure Description

[0061] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle structure provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0062] Figure 2 Schematic diagrams of the battery pack structure provided for some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0063] Figure 3 Schematic diagrams of a battery without its casing provided for some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0064] Figure 4 Another structural schematic diagram of a battery without its casing, provided for some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0065] Figure 5 Exploded perspective view of the top cover assembly provided for some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0066] Figure 6 Schematic diagrams of the top cover assembly provided for other embodiments of this disclosure;

[0067] Figure 7 An exploded perspective view of a top cover assembly provided for further embodiments of this disclosure;

[0068] Figure 8 A perspective view of a top cover assembly provided in some other embodiments of this disclosure;

[0069] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Another perspective view of the top cover assembly;

[0070] Figure 10 for Figure 8 An exploded 3D view of the top cover assembly;

[0071] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the bottom surface structure of the top cover body provided for some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0072] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of top cover assemblies connected in groups according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0073] Figure 13 Flowcharts of battery manufacturing methods provided for some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0074] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the structure of a battery provided for some embodiments of this disclosure, showing the inlet and outlet of the temperature-regulating container extending out of the receiving space;

[0075] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the structure of a battery provided for some embodiments of this disclosure is shown, illustrating conductive terminals;

[0076] Figure 16 Exploded views of batteries provided for some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0077] Figure 17 Assembly drawings of the housing and insulating layer provided for some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0078] Figure 18 for Figure 17 A schematic diagram of position AA in the middle;

[0079] Figure 19 for Figure 18 A magnified view at position B in the middle;

[0080] Figure 20 Arrangement diagrams of temperature-regulating containers and battery cells provided for some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0081] Figure 21 Schematic diagrams of the structure of a temperature-regulating container provided for some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0082] Figure 22 Assembly drawings of the top cover and housing provided for some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0083] Figure 23 An arrangement diagram of at least two batteries arranged sequentially, provided for some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0084] Figure 24 A schematic diagram of the structure of a battery provided for some embodiments of this disclosure is shown, illustrating the cross-sectional locations of the battery;

[0085] Figure 25 for Figure 24 Sectional view at position CC;

[0086] Figure 26 for Figure 25 A magnified view at position D in the middle.

[0087] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0088] Vehicle 1000; Battery pack 100; Controller 200; Motor 300; Battery 4; Housing 10; Top cover assembly 20; Top cover body 21; Engaging step 211; Engaging protrusion 212; Recess 213; First connector 22; First connecting part 221; First exposed part 222; Third connecting part 223; First bending part 224; First flow bottleneck part 225; Second connector 23; Second connecting part 231; Second exposed part 232; Fourth connecting part 241; Electrode assembly 30; Positive electrode tab 31; Negative electrode tab 32; First direction X; Second direction Y; Third direction Z; Wrapping structure 1; Receiving space 11; Pressure relief port 12; Bending plate 131; Flanged edge 141; Insulating layer 15; Conductive terminal 2; Adapter electrode 902; Sampling electrode 903; Battery cell 3; Flame retardant cover 904; Score 41; Through hole 42; Temperature regulating container 5; Temperature regulating cavity 51; Inlet 52; Outlet 53; Container body 54; First guide plate 55; Second guide plate 56; Reinforcing plate 6. Detailed Implementation

[0089] The embodiments of the technical solutions disclosed herein will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical solutions disclosed herein and are therefore intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0090] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims and foregoing description of the drawings of this disclosure are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0091] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, technical terms such as "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and "fifth" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary or secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0092] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0093] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0094] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, the technical terms "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "circumferential," 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 disclosure and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, operated, or used in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0095] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0096] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the technical term "contact" should be interpreted broadly, and can be direct contact, contact through an intermediate medium layer, contact between two contacting parties with substantially no interaction force, or contact between two contacting parties with interaction force.

[0097] The following is a detailed description of this disclosure.

[0098] Currently, new energy batteries are being used more and more widely in daily life and industry. They are not only used in energy storage systems for hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but also extensively in electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as aircraft. With the continuous expansion of the application areas of power batteries, the market demand is also constantly increasing.

[0099] In the battery manufacturing process, it is sometimes necessary to electrically connect multiple electrode assemblies into a group. In related technologies, the top cover body is installed on the housing, but the top cover body does not have a structure that abuts against the housing along a first direction. When there is a gap between the side of the top cover body and the side wall of the housing, the gas inside the housing can escape from the gap between the top cover body and the side wall of the housing in a general direction along the first direction, making it difficult for the top cover body to effectively seal the opening of the housing.

[0100] In response, this disclosure provides a battery in which the engaging step of the top cover body engages with the opening edge of the housing, so that the opening edge of the housing abuts against the bottom surface of the top cover body away from the top surface of the top cover body along a first direction. When there is a gap between the side of the top cover body and the side wall of the housing, the gas escaping from the gap between the side of the top cover body and the side wall of the housing along the first direction is blocked to a certain extent by the engaging step, which helps to reduce gas escape and thus better seals the opening of the housing.

[0101] Based on this design concept, this disclosure provides a battery including a housing and a top cover assembly. The housing defines an accommodating space and has an opening on one side. The top cover assembly is disposed on the housing and closes the opening. The top cover assembly includes a top cover body, and the bottom surface of the top cover body opposite to the top surface of the top cover body along a first direction is provided with an engaging step. The top cover body engages with the edge of the opening of the housing through the engaging step to close the opening of the housing. An electrode assembly is accommodated in the accommodating space.

[0102] Because the top cover body engages with the opening edge of the shell through the engaging step, when there is a gap between the side of the top cover body and the side wall of the shell, the gas escaping from the gap between the side of the top cover body and the side wall of the shell along the first direction is blocked to a certain extent by the engaging step, which helps to reduce the gas escape and thus better seal the opening of the shell.

[0103] The battery provided in this disclosure can be used, but is not limited to, in electrical devices such as energy storage power systems, vehicles, ships, or aircraft. Because the tabs of the battery in this disclosure can achieve a bend-free connection, reducing the risk of tab breakage, the reliability of the electrical device can be improved.

[0104] The batteries provided in this disclosure can also be grouped together to form a battery pack. The battery pack can also be used, but is not limited to, in electrical devices such as energy storage power systems, vehicles, ships, or aircraft.

[0105] This disclosure provides an electrical device including the aforementioned battery or battery pack for providing electrical energy. The electrical device can be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, electric toy, power tool, electric vehicle, electric car, ship, aircraft, etc. Electric toys can include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. Aircraft can include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc.

[0106] In the following embodiments, for ease of explanation, a vehicle 1000 is used as an example of an electrical device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The description is as follows, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0107] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle 1000 provided for some embodiments of this disclosure. The vehicle 1000 can be a gasoline-powered vehicle, a natural gas-powered vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, or a range-extended electric vehicle, etc. Figure 1 As shown, a battery pack 100 is installed inside the vehicle 1000. The battery pack 100 can be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 1000. The battery pack 100 can be used to power the vehicle 1000; for example, the battery pack 100 can serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000. The vehicle 1000 may also include a controller 200 and a motor 300. The controller 200 is used to control the battery pack 100 to supply power to the motor 300, for example, to meet the power needs of the vehicle 1000 during starting, navigation, and driving.

[0108] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the battery pack 100 can not only serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000, but also as the driving power source for the vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1000.

[0109] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery pack 100 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2As shown, the battery pack 100 includes at least one battery 4. The battery pack may also include a housing (not shown), in which the at least one battery 4 is housed within a receiving space formed by the housing. There may be multiple batteries 4, which can be connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof. A combination thereof means that some of the multiple batteries 4 are connected in series and others in parallel. Multiple batteries 4 can be directly connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof, and then the entire assembly of the multiple batteries 4 is placed within the receiving space formed by the housing. Alternatively, the battery pack 100 may consist of multiple batteries 4 first connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof to form battery modules, and then these battery modules are connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof to form a whole, which is then housed within the receiving space formed by the housing. The battery pack 100 may also include other structures; for example, the battery pack 100 may also include a busbar component for realizing electrical connections between the multiple batteries 4.

[0110] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the battery can be a secondary battery, which refers to a battery that can be used again after being discharged by recharging to activate the active materials.

[0111] The battery can be a lithium-ion battery, sodium-ion battery, sodium-lithium-ion battery, lithium metal battery, sodium metal battery, lithium-sulfur battery, magnesium-ion battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, nickel-cadmium battery, lead-acid battery, etc., and this disclosure does not limit it.

[0112] A battery typically consists of an electrode assembly. This assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. During charging and discharging, active ions (such as lithium ions) repeatedly insert and extract between the positive and negative electrodes. The separator, positioned between the positive and negative electrodes, prevents short circuits while allowing active ions to pass through.

[0113] In some embodiments, the positive electrode may be a positive electrode sheet, which may include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material disposed on at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector.

[0114] As an example, the positive current collector has two surfaces opposite each other in its own thickness direction, and the positive active material is disposed on either or both of the two opposite surfaces of the positive current collector.

[0115] As an example, the positive electrode current collector can be a metal foil or a composite current collector. For example, as a metal foil, it can be aluminum or stainless steel with a silver surface treatment, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, carbon electrode, carbon, nickel, or titanium, etc. Composite current collectors can include a polymer material base layer and a metal layer. Composite current collectors can be formed by forming a metal material (aluminum, aluminum alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, silver and silver alloy, etc.) on a polymer material substrate (such as a substrate of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0116] As an example, the positive electrode active material may include at least one of the following materials: lithium phosphate, lithium transition metal oxide, and their respective modified compounds. However, this disclosure is not limited to these materials, and other conventional materials that can be used as positive electrode active materials for batteries may also be used. These positive electrode active materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Examples of lithium phosphate include, but are not limited to, at least one of lithium iron phosphate (such as LiFePO4 (also referred to as LFP)), lithium iron phosphate and carbon composites, lithium manganese phosphate (such as LiMnPO4), lithium manganese phosphate and carbon composites, lithium manganese iron phosphate, and lithium manganese iron phosphate and carbon composites.

[0117] In some embodiments, the positive electrode can be a foamed metal. The foamed metal can be foamed nickel, foamed copper, foamed aluminum, foamed alloy, or foamed carbon, etc. When foamed metal is used as the positive electrode, the surface of the foamed metal may or may not contain a positive electrode active material. As an example, lithium source material, potassium metal, or sodium metal may also be filled and / or deposited within the foamed metal, where the lithium source material is lithium metal and / or a lithium-rich material.

[0118] In some embodiments, the negative electrode may be a negative electrode sheet, and the negative electrode sheet may include a negative electrode current collector.

[0119] As an example, the negative electrode current collector can be a metal foil, a foamed metal, or a composite current collector. For example, as a metal foil, it can be silver-treated aluminum or stainless steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, carbon electrodes, carbon, nickel, or titanium, etc. Composite current collectors can include a polymer material base layer and a metal layer. Foamed metal can be foamed nickel, foamed copper, foamed aluminum, foamed alloy, or foamed carbon, etc. Composite current collectors can be formed by forming a metal material (copper, copper alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, silver, and silver alloy, etc.) on a polymer material substrate (such as a substrate of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.). In some embodiments, the material of the positive electrode current collector can be aluminum, and the material of the negative electrode current collector can be copper.

[0120] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly further includes an isolator disposed between the positive and negative electrodes.

[0121] In some embodiments, the separator is a separator membrane. This disclosure does not impose any particular limitation on the type of separator membrane; any known porous separator membrane with good chemical and mechanical stability can be selected.

[0122] As an example, the main material of the separator can be selected from at least one of glass fiber, non-woven fabric, polyethylene, polypropylene and polyvinylidene fluoride, and ceramic.

[0123] In some embodiments, the separator is a solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte is disposed between the positive and negative electrodes, serving both to transport ions and to isolate the positive and negative electrodes.

[0124] In some embodiments, the battery cell also includes an electrolyte, which acts as a conductor of ions between the positive and negative electrodes. This disclosure does not impose specific limitations on the type of electrolyte; it can be selected according to requirements. The electrolyte can be liquid, gel, or solid.

[0125] In some implementations, the electrode assembly is a wound structure. The positive and negative electrode sheets are wound into a wound structure.

[0126] In some implementations, the electrode assembly is a stacked structure.

[0127] As an example, multiple positive and negative electrodes can be set, and multiple positive and multiple negative electrodes can be stacked alternately.

[0128] As an example, multiple positive electrode plates can be provided, and negative electrode plates can be folded to form multiple stacked folded segments, with a positive electrode plate sandwiched between adjacent folded segments.

[0129] As an example, both the positive and negative electrode plates are folded to form multiple stacked folded segments.

[0130] As an example, multiple separators can be provided, each positioned between any adjacent positive or negative electrode plates.

[0131] As an example, the separators can be continuously arranged, either by folding or rolling between any adjacent positive or negative electrode plates.

[0132] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly can be cylindrical, flat, or polygonal, etc.

[0133] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly has tabs that allow current to be drawn from the electrode assembly. The tabs include a positive tab and a negative tab.

[0134] In some embodiments, the battery may include a casing. The casing is used to house components such as electrode assemblies and electrolytes. The casing may be made of steel, aluminum, plastic (such as polypropylene), composite metal (such as copper-aluminum composite), or aluminum-plastic film, etc.

[0135] As an example, the battery can be a cylindrical battery, a prismatic battery, a pouch battery, or a battery of other shapes. Prismatic batteries include square-shell batteries, blade-shaped batteries, and multi-prismatic batteries, such as hexagonal prismatic batteries. There are no particular limitations in this disclosure.

[0136] In some embodiments, the housing has an opening, and an end cap closes the opening to form a sealed space for accommodating substances such as electrode assemblies and electrolytes. The housing may have one or more openings. One or more end caps may also be provided.

[0137] In some embodiments, the housing is provided with at least one electrode terminal, which is electrically connected to the tab. The electrode terminal can be directly connected to the tab or indirectly connected to the tab via an adapter. The electrode terminal can be located on the end cap or on the housing.

[0138] In some embodiments, a pressure relief mechanism is provided on the end cap. The pressure relief mechanism is used to release the internal pressure of the battery cell.

[0139] Embodiments of this disclosure also provide a battery pack comprising a single physical module of one or more batteries to provide higher voltage and capacity. When multiple batteries are present, they are connected in series, parallel, or mixed via a busbar.

[0140] In some embodiments, the battery pack includes a housing and batteries, with the batteries housed within the housing.

[0141] In some embodiments, the housing may be part of the vehicle's chassis structure. For example, a portion of the housing may be at least a part of the vehicle's floor, or a portion of the housing may be at least a part of the vehicle's crossbeams and longitudinal beams.

[0142] First implementation method:

[0143] Below, refer to Figures 2 to 12 Some embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail.

[0144] This disclosure provides a battery 4, please refer to... Figures 2-4 , Figure 11 and Figure 26 The battery 4 includes a housing 10, a top cover assembly 20, and an electrode assembly 30. The housing 10 defines an accommodating space and has an opening on one side. The top cover assembly 20 is disposed on the housing 10 and closes the opening. The top cover assembly 20 includes a top cover body 21. The bottom surface of the top cover body 21, which is opposite to the top surface of the top surface of the top cover body 21, is provided with an engaging step 211. The top cover body 21 engages with the edge of the opening of the housing 10 through the engaging step 211 to close the opening of the housing 10. The electrode assembly 30 is accommodated in the accommodating space.

[0145] The housing 10 can be a rigid housing or a flexible housing. The housing 10 can have various shapes, depending on the structure of the electrode assembly 30. For example, the housing 10 can be circular, square, polygonal, or other shapes.

[0146] The top cover assembly 20 is disposed on the housing 10 and closes the opening to enclose the electrode assembly 30 within the receiving space defined by the housing 10.

[0147] The electrode assembly 30 includes stacked positive and negative electrode plates. The positive electrode plate includes a positive current collector and a positive lead connected to the end of the positive current collector, the positive lead serving as a positive electrode tab. The negative electrode plate includes a negative current collector and a negative lead connected to the end of the negative current collector, the negative lead serving as a negative electrode tab. Alternatively, the positive lead is connected to a positive adapter, so that the positive lead and the positive adapter together constitute a positive electrode tab; the negative lead is connected to a negative adapter, so that the negative lead and the negative adapter together constitute a negative electrode tab.

[0148] Please see Figures 2-7 as well as Figure 11 The side of the top cover body 21 facing the electrode assembly 30 along the first direction X is the bottom, and the side of the top cover body 21 away from the electrode assembly 30 along the first direction X is the top.

[0149] In this embodiment, since the top cover body 21 engages with the opening edge of the housing 10 via the engaging step 211, when there is a gap between the side of the top cover body 21 and the side wall of the housing 10, the gas escaping from the gap between the side of the top cover body 21 and the side wall of the housing 10 along the first direction X is blocked to a certain extent by the engaging step 211, which helps to reduce gas escape and thus better seals the opening of the housing 10.

[0150] On the other hand, the top cover body 21 engages with the opening edge of the housing 10 via the engaging step 211, and the opening edge of the housing 10 can abut against the bottom surface of the top cover body 21 away from the top surface of the top cover body 21 along the first direction X, so that the top cover body 21 can be better positioned relative to the housing 10 along the first direction X.

[0151] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 11 ,as well as Figures 24-26 The locking step 211 is recessed into the top surface of the top cover body 21 to form a mounting groove, and the opening edge of the housing 10 is inserted into the mounting groove.

[0152] The mounting groove is a recessed structure that accommodates the opening edge of the housing 10.

[0153] The opening edge of the housing 10 is inserted into the mounting groove, and the opening edge of the housing 10 is located between the inner wall of the mounting groove and the outer wall of the mounting groove.

[0154] For example, the mounting slot is a groove.

[0155] In this embodiment, the opening edge of the housing 10 is inserted into the mounting groove, and the opening edge of the housing 10 is constrained by the groove wall of the mounting groove, which helps to reduce the shaking of the top cover body 21 relative to the housing 10.

[0156] In some embodiments, the top cover 21 is bonded to the housing 10.

[0157] For example, adhesive can be applied between the top cover body 21 and the housing 10 to achieve bonding.

[0158] For example, the top cover body 21 can be glued to the housing 10 using tape.

[0159] For example, the tape used to bond the top cover body 21 to the housing 10 can be a ceramic composite tape.

[0160] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the top cover body 21 is glued to the housing 10, so that the top cover body 21 can be installed on the housing 10 relatively easily.

[0161] In some embodiments, the top cover body 21 and the housing 10 can also be connected by a connector. For example, the top cover body 21 and the housing 10 are connected by rivets.

[0162] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 11 and Figure 26 The engaging step 211 has a guide rib 901 located in the mounting groove. The guide rib 901 is located inside the housing 10. The guide rib 901 has a guide surface 9011 on the side facing the side wall of the housing. The distance between the guide surface 9011 and the side wall of the housing 10 is a preset distance. The preset distance gradually increases along the direction from the bottom of the top cover body 21 to the top of the top cover body.

[0163] The guide rib 901 is a structure that guides the edge of the opening of the housing 10 to a predetermined position in the mounting groove.

[0164] For example, the guide rib 901 can be in the shape of a plate structure.

[0165] For example, the number of guide ribs 901 can be at least two, and at least two guide ribs 901 are arranged at circumferential intervals along the top cover body 21.

[0166] Along the direction from the bottom of the top cover body 21 to the top of the top cover body 21, the preset distance gradually increases, and the guide surface 901 gradually approaches the side wall of the housing 10 from bottom to top along the first direction X.

[0167] For example, please refer to Figure 26 The distance between the guide surface 9011 and the side wall of the housing 10 is a preset distance, which is D3 shown in the figure.

[0168] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, during the process of installing the top cover body 21 onto the housing 10, the guide surface 9011 of the guide rib 901 guides the opening edge of the housing 10 to move, so that the opening edge of the housing 10 is close to the outer side wall of the mounting groove, thereby guiding the opening of the housing 10 to a predetermined position in the mounting groove, and the guide rib 901 and the outer side wall of the mounting groove can better constrain the opening edge of the housing 10.

[0169] In some embodiments, the engaging step 211 may not have a guide rib 901.

[0170] It should be noted that after the tabs of the electrode assemblies of multiple batteries 4 are connected to each other to form a group, they are connected to the connectors (e.g., tabs) of the top cover assembly, and then further connected to the connectors via a busbar component to form a group of batteries 4. The tabs of multiple electrode assemblies are usually welded to the connectors of the top cover assembly in a bent state (e.g., bent at 90 degrees). The stress concentration at the bending position of the tabs can easily lead to the risk of breakage, and gaps can easily appear at the overlap between the bent part and the connector, resulting in poor soldering and potentially causing the connection between the tabs and the connector to be unreliable.

[0171] Therefore, in some embodiments, please refer to Figures 2 to 12 The top cover assembly 20 also includes a first connector 22 and a second connector 23 disposed on the top cover body 21. The first connector 22 includes a first connecting portion 221 and a first exposed portion 222 connected to the first connecting portion 221. The second connector 23 includes a second connecting portion 231 and a second exposed portion 232 connected to the second connecting portion 231. Both the first connecting portion 221 and the second connecting portion 231 include a connecting surface extending along the first direction X. The first exposed portion 222 and the second exposed portion 232 are exposed outside the housing 10. The electrode assembly 30 is accommodated in the accommodating space. The electrode assembly 30 includes a positive electrode tab 31 and a negative electrode tab 32 extending along the first direction X. The connecting surface of the first connecting portion 221 is connected to the surface of the positive electrode tab 31 or the negative electrode tab 32. The connecting surface of the second connecting portion 231 is connected to the surface of the positive electrode tab 31 or the negative electrode tab 32 that is not connected to the surface of the first connecting portion 221.

[0172] The first connector 22 and the second connector 23 can be made of conductive metal, such as copper, aluminum, steel, or copper-aluminum alloy. The first connecting portion 221 of the first connector 22 and the second connecting portion 231 of the second connector 23 are respectively used to connect one of the positive electrode tab 31 and the negative electrode tab 32 of the electrode assembly 30 to the other. The first exposed portion 222 of the first connector 22 and the second exposed portion 232 of the second connector 23 are exposed to the outside of the housing 10 for connecting to external busbar components to achieve electrical connections between multiple batteries 4, such as series, parallel, or mixed connections. The first connector 22 and the second connector 23 may sometimes be referred to as a connector plate or adapter plate.

[0173] The connecting surface of the first connecting portion 221 is connected to the positive electrode tab 31 or the negative electrode tab 32 surface, and the connecting surface of the second connecting portion 231 is connected to the positive electrode tab 31 and the negative electrode tab 32 surface that are not connected to the connecting surface of the first connecting portion 221. Optionally, the connecting surface of the first connecting portion 221 may be connected to the positive electrode tab 31, and the connecting surface of the second connecting portion 231 may be connected to the negative electrode tab 32; or, the connecting surface of the first connecting portion 221 may be connected to the negative electrode tab 32, and the connecting surface of the second connecting portion 231 may be connected to the positive electrode tab 31.

[0174] The term "surface connection" can refer to, for example, a portion where the connecting surface of the first connecting portion 221 overlaps with the surface of the positive electrode tab 31 in a third direction Z (e.g., the left-right direction in the figure) perpendicular to the first direction X. This overlapping portion allows for a bend-free connection and reduces gaps. In some embodiments, the positive electrode tab 31 and the negative electrode tab 32 extend from the positive and negative electrode plates in the electrode assembly 30 along the first direction X, respectively, with bend-free extensions. These bend-free positive electrode tabs 31 and 32 are then surface-connected via welding to the connecting surfaces of the first connecting portion 221 and the second connecting portion 231, respectively.

[0175] For example, the connecting surface of the first connecting part 221 is welded to the connecting surface of the positive electrode tab 31 or the connecting surface of the negative electrode tab 32, and the connecting surface of the second connecting part 231 is welded to the connecting surface of the positive electrode tab 31 or the connecting surface of the negative electrode tab 32 that is not connected to the first connecting part 231.

[0176] Since the connecting surfaces of the first connecting portion 221, the second connecting portion 231, and the positive electrode tab 31 and negative electrode tab 32 of the electrode assembly 30 all extend along the first direction X (e.g., the up and down direction in the figure), the positive electrode tab 31 and negative electrode tab 32 of the electrode assembly 30 are connected to the connecting surfaces of the first connecting portion 221 and the second connecting portion 231 without bending, thereby reducing the risk of breakage of the positive electrode tab 31 and negative electrode tab 32, and reducing the possibility of gaps between the tabs (positive electrode tab, negative electrode tab) and the connecting surfaces of the connecting portions (first connecting portion, second connecting portion), reducing the risk of poor soldering, making the connection more reliable, and improving battery stability.

[0177] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, in the first connector 22, the first connecting portion 221 is bent and connected to the first exposed portion 222; in the second connector 23, the second connecting portion 231 is bent and connected to the second exposed portion 232.

[0178] The first connecting portion 221 and the first exposed portion 222 can be bent together, with an included angle between them. In one example, the first connecting portion 221 and the first exposed portion 222 are perpendicular to each other. The first connecting portion 221 and the first exposed portion 222 can be located on opposite sides of the top cover body 21 in the first direction X, for example, like... Figure 5 As shown, the first connecting portion 221 is located below the top cover body 21, and the first exposed portion 222 is located above the top cover body 21. Alternatively, depending on the specific circumstances, the first connecting portion 221 and the first exposed portion 222 may not be bent.

[0179] The second connecting portion 231 and the second exposed portion 232 can be bent together, with an included angle between them. In one example, the second connecting portion 231 and the second exposed portion 232 are perpendicular to each other. The second connecting portion 231 and the second exposed portion 232 can be located on opposite sides of the top cover body 21 in the first direction X, for example, like... Figure 5 As shown, the second connecting portion 231 is located below the top cover body 21, and the second exposed portion 232 is located above the top cover body 21. Alternatively, depending on the specific situation, the second connecting portion 231 and the second exposed portion 232 may not be bent.

[0180] Here, the bent structure can be achieved, for example, through bending processing, or of course, through other suitable methods.

[0181] By bending and connecting the first connecting part 221 to the first exposed part 222, and bending and connecting the second connecting part 231 to the second exposed part 232, the space occupied by the first connecting part 22 and the second connecting part 23 on the battery is reduced, providing more space for battery pack assembly.

[0182] In some embodiments, the first exposed portion 222 and the second exposed portion 232 are both parallel to the top surface of the top cover body 21.

[0183] The first exposed portion 222 and the second exposed portion 232 can extend parallel to a third direction Z that is perpendicular to the first direction X.

[0184] The first exposed portion 222 and the second exposed portion 232 may extend parallel to each other in the third direction Z, including the case where the first exposed portion 222 and / or the second exposed portion 232 are substantially flush with the top surface of the top cover body 21, and also the case where a table surface difference is formed relative to the top cover body 21.

[0185] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, a recess 213 may be formed on the top surface of the top cover body 21, so that the first exposed portion 222 and the second exposed portion 232 are partially or completely submerged in the recess 213.

[0186] Since both the first exposed portion 222 and the second exposed portion 232 are parallel to the top surface of the top cover body 21, it is convenient to connect them through the busbar component to realize the series, parallel or mixed connection of multiple batteries. Moreover, it helps to reduce the space occupied by the first exposed portion 222, the second exposed portion 232 and the busbar component above the top cover body 21 (on the side away from the housing 10 along the first direction X).

[0187] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the first connector 22 and the second connector 23 are arranged side by side along the second direction Y on the top cover body 21, and / or, as shown in the figure. Figure 5 As shown, the first connector 22 and the second connector 23 are arranged side by side on the top cover body 21 along the third direction Z, with the first direction X, the second direction Y and the third direction Z being perpendicular to each other.

[0188] In some embodiments, the first connector 22 and the second connector 23 are arranged in pairs. Since each electrode assembly 30 includes two tabs (positive tab 31 and negative tab 32), each tab is connected to a connector. In some embodiments, there is one electrode assembly 30, and the first connector 22 and the second connector 23 are respectively connected to the positive tab 31 and the negative tab 32 of that electrode assembly 30. In some embodiments, there are multiple electrode assemblies 30, and each tab of each electrode assembly 30 is connected to a connector (first connector 22 or second connector 23). The paired first connectors 22 and second connectors 23 can be arranged side by side along the second direction Y on the top cover body 21; or side by side along the third direction Z on the top cover body 21. The arrangement direction and position of the first connectors 22 and the second connectors 23 can be set according to the arrangement position of the positive tab 31 and the negative tab 32 of the electrode assembly 30.

[0189] By arranging the first connector 22 and the second connector 23 side by side, it is easier to connect to the positive electrode tab 31 and the negative electrode tab 32, thereby improving battery manufacturing efficiency. The first connector 22 and the second connector 23 can be arranged side by side in any direction, either the second direction Y or the third direction Z, to adapt to different specifications / types of electrode assemblies, making the connection more flexible.

[0190] See Figure 6 An exemplary illustration shows a pair of first connectors 22 and second connectors 23 arranged side-by-side along a second direction Y on the top cover body 21. See also Figure 5 An exemplary illustration shows a pair of first connectors 22 and second connectors 23 arranged side by side along a third direction Z on the top cover body 21.

[0191] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, the first connector 22 also includes a third connector 223 connected to the first connector 221, and the third connector 223 includes a connecting surface extending along the first direction X; the number of the second connectors 23 is an even number.

[0192] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the connector having a first connecting portion 221 and a third connecting portion 223 is referred to as the first connector 22, and the connector including only the connecting portion and the exposed portion is referred to as the second connector 23. That is, in Figure 7 The example shown illustrates one first connector 22 and two second connectors 23. Of course, there can also be two or more first connectors 22 and four, six, or more pairs of second connectors 23. Since the first connecting portion 221 of the first connector 22 is connected to the third connecting portion 223, one connector 22 can electrically connect the two tabs.

[0193] In some embodiments, the battery 4 includes at least two electrode assemblies. The first connecting portion 221 of the first connector 22 is connected to the positive electrode tab 31 or the negative electrode tab 32 of one electrode assembly 30. The third connecting portion 223 of the first connector 22 is connected to the positive electrode tab 31 or the negative electrode tab 32 of another electrode assembly 20. The tabs of each electrode assembly 20 that are not connected to the first connector 22 are respectively connected to the second connecting portion of the second connector 23.

[0194] The first connector 22 can connect to two tabs, and each of the second connectors 23 can connect to one tab. For example, there are two second connectors 23. The first connecting portion 221 of the first connector 22 and the second connecting portion 231 of the second connector 23 are respectively connected to the positive tab 31 and the negative tab 32 of the same electrode assembly 20. The third connecting portion 223 and the second connecting portion 231 of the other second connector 23 are respectively connected to the negative tab 32 and the positive tab 31 of another electrode assembly 30, thereby forming a series electrode assembly 30 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "electrode assembly series"). In this case, the positive and negative terminals of the electrode assembly series can be led out from the second exposed portions 232 of each of the two second connectors 23.

[0195] For example, there are two second connectors 23. The first connecting portion 221 of the first connector 22 and the second connecting portion 231 of the second connector 23 are respectively connected to the positive electrode tab 31 and the negative electrode tab 32 of the same electrode assembly 20. The third connecting portion 223 and the second connecting portion 231 of the other second connector 23 are respectively connected to the positive electrode tab 31 and the negative electrode tab 32 of another electrode assembly 30, thereby forming a parallel electrode assembly 30 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "parallel electrode assembly"). In this case, the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the parallel electrode assembly can be led out from the second exposed portion 222 of the first connector 22 and the second exposed portion 232 of any one of the second connectors 23, respectively. It should be noted that two second connectors 23 connected to the same type of tab can be electrically connected through a busbar.

[0196] Therefore, multiple electrode assemblies without bending tabs can be connected in series or in parallel through a single top cover 20, which improves connection reliability, enhances the efficiency of series and parallel connections, and helps reduce the number of components in the battery.

[0197] As an example, a first connector 22 and two second connectors 23 can constitute a connection group, and each connection group can connect two electrode assemblies in series or in parallel. Figure 7An exemplary diagram shows a top cover body 21 with a connection group provided to connect two electrode assemblies in series or in parallel. It can be understood that multiple connection groups can also be arranged side by side on a top cover body 21 to form multiple electrode assembly series or electrode assembly parallel.

[0198] In some embodiments, see Figure 7 The first exposed portion 222 is integrally formed with the first connecting portion 221 and the third connecting portion 223. This integral structure facilitates integral molding with the top cover body 21, reduces processing steps, and improves connection reliability.

[0199] In some embodiments, see Figure 7 The first connecting portion 221 and the third connecting portion 223 are connected by a first bending portion 224. The first bending portion 224 bends relative to the first connecting portion 221 and the third connecting portion 223. One end of the first connecting portion 221 in the first direction X is connected to the first exposed portion 222. The other end of the first connecting portion 221 in the first direction X is connected to one end of the first bending portion 224. The other end of the first bending portion 224 is connected to one end of the third connecting portion 223 in the first direction X. The third connecting portion 223 extends parallel to the first connecting portion 221.

[0200] The first connecting part 221 and the third connecting part 223 are connected by the first bending part 224 to form a roughly U-shaped integral structure, which facilitates integral molding with the top cover body 21, reduces processing steps, and improves connection reliability.

[0201] Optionally, the first exposed portion 222 can be as follows: Figure 5 As shown, it can be formed in the second direction Y with the same length as the first connecting portion 221, or it can be as follows: Figure 7 As shown, it is formed in the second direction Y and is shorter than the first connecting portion 221.

[0202] When the first exposed portion 222 is shorter than the first connecting portion 221, optionally, the first exposed portion 222 can be as follows: Figure 7 It can be formed at one end of the first connecting portion 221 as shown, or it can be formed in the middle part between the two ends of the first connecting portion 221 (not shown in the figure).

[0203] Optionally, the first connector 221 can be as follows: Figure 7 As shown, the first exposed portion 222 is disposed on the top cover body 21 with the orientation near one end of the top cover body 21 along the second direction Y, or the first exposed portion 222 is disposed on the top cover body 21 with the orientation at the middle part of the top cover body 21 along the second direction Y (not shown in the figure).

[0204] In some embodiments, see Figure 7Two second connectors 23 are arranged side-by-side along a third direction Z, and the first connector 22 and the second connector 23 are arranged side-by-side along a second direction Y. The first electrode assembly and the second electrode assembly can be arranged side-by-side along a third direction Z. That is, the first connecting portion 221 of the first connector 22 and the second connector 23 located on the same side as the first connecting portion 221 along the third direction Z are respectively connected to the positive and negative electrode tabs of the same electrode assembly (e.g., the first electrode assembly); the third connecting portion 223 of the first connector 22 and the second connector 23 located on the same side as the third connecting portion 223 along the third direction Z are respectively connected to the positive and negative electrode tabs of another electrode assembly (e.g., the second electrode assembly).

[0205] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 24-26 An insulating shield 25 is provided between the second connection portions 231 of two adjacent second connectors 23. The insulating shield 25 can be a separate component or part of the top cover body 21.

[0206] The insulating shield 25 can block the positive and negative electrode tabs connected to the connection surfaces of two adjacent second connection portions 231, preventing short circuits and improving battery reliability.

[0207] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 24-26 The insulating shield 25 protrudes from both ends of the second connector 23 along the first direction X.

[0208] For example, the insulating shield 25 protrudes along the first direction X from one end of the second connector 23 toward the electrode assembly 30.

[0209] For example, the insulating shield 25 protrudes along the first direction X from one end of the second connector 23 away from the electrode assembly 30.

[0210] Electrical clearance refers to the shortest spatial distance measured between two conductive components or between a conductive component and the protective interface of an equipment.

[0211] Creepage distance is the shortest path between two conductive parts or between a conductive part and the protective interface of an equipment, measured along an insulating surface.

[0212] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulating shield 25 protrudes from both ends of the second connector 23 along the first direction X, so that the two second connectors 23 can be better separated at both ends of the first direction X, which is beneficial to increasing the electrical clearance and creepage distance between the two second connectors 23 and improving the insulation performance.

[0213] For example, the insulating shield 25 may not protrude from the second connector 23 along the first direction X.

[0214] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 26 The battery 4 also includes an insulating support 26 connected to the insulating shield 25. The insulating shield 25 is provided with insulating supports 26 on both sides of the direction in which the two second connectors 23 are arranged. The insulating support 26 is located on the side of the top cover body 21 facing the electrode assembly 30 in the first direction X. The end of the second connector 231 away from the second exposed part 232 abuts against the side of the insulating support 26 facing the top cover body 21.

[0215] The insulating support 26 is a structure that supports the second connector 23 on the side facing the electrode assembly 30 along the first direction X.

[0216] For example, the insulating shield 25 is connected to an insulating base 26 on one side of the direction in which the two second connectors 23 are arranged, and the insulating shield 25 is connected to an insulating base 26 on the other side of the direction in which the two second connectors 23 are arranged.

[0217] For example, the insulating base 26 is located inside the housing 10.

[0218] In this embodiment, the insulating supports 26 on both sides of the insulating shield 25 support the ends of the second connecting portions 231 of the two second connectors 23 that are away from the second exposed portion 232. This increases the distance from the end of the second connecting portion 231 of one of the two second connectors 23 that is away from the second exposed portion 232 along the surface of the insulating shield 25 through the insulating supports 26 to the second connecting portion 231 of the other second connector 23. This increases the creepage distance between the corresponding second connecting portions 231 of the two second connectors 23, thereby improving the insulation performance.

[0219] It is understandable that battery 4 may not require an insulating support 26.

[0220] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 26 In the second connecting portion 231 of two adjacent second connecting members 23, the side of the second connecting portion 231 of each second connecting member 23 protrudes from the insulating support 26 away from the side of the corresponding second connecting portion 231.

[0221] For example, please refer to Figure 26 The second connecting portions 231 of the two second connectors 23 protrude from the insulating support on opposite sides.

[0222] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the second connecting portion 231 of each second connector 23 protrudes from the insulating base 26 on the side opposite to the corresponding second connecting portion 231, so that the positive electrode tab 31 or negative electrode tab 32 connected to the second connecting portion 231 will hardly come into contact with the insulating base 26, thereby reducing the possibility of interference between the insulating base 26 and the positive electrode tab 31 or negative electrode tab 32.

[0223] In some embodiments, the insulating base may protrude from the second connection portion 231 along the arrangement direction of two adjacent second connectors 23.

[0224] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 26 The insulating shield 25 includes an insulating body 251 and an insulating auxiliary member 252. The insulating body 251 is connected to the side of the insulating support 26 facing the top cover body 21, and is sandwiched between the second connecting portions 231 of two adjacent second connectors 23. The insulating auxiliary member 252 is connected to the side of the insulating support 26 away from the top cover body 21. The thickness of the insulating auxiliary member 252 along the arrangement direction of the two adjacent second connectors 23 is less than the thickness of the insulating body 251 along the arrangement direction of the two adjacent second connectors 23, and the dimension of the insulating auxiliary member 252 along the first direction X is greater than the thickness of the insulating auxiliary member 252 along the arrangement direction of the two adjacent second connectors 23.

[0225] The insulating body 251 is clamped between the second connecting portions 231 of two adjacent second connectors 23, which serves to separate the two second connectors 23. The structure of the insulating body 251 that separates the two second connectors 23 can provide a suitable electrical clearance for the two adjacent second connectors 23.

[0226] The insulating accessory 252 is located on the side of the insulating base 26 away from the top cover body 21. Two adjacent second connectors 23 are connected to the positive electrode tab 31 or negative electrode tab 32 of the corresponding electrode assembly, so that the insulating accessory 252 is located between the positive electrode tab 31 and / or negative electrode tab 32 of the two adjacent electrode assemblies. The insulating accessory 252 can effectively separate the positive electrode tab 31 and / or negative electrode tab 32 on the side away from the top cover body 21.

[0227] For example, please refer to Figure 26 The thickness of the insulating main body 251 along the arrangement direction of two adjacent second connectors 23 is D4, and the thickness of the insulating auxiliary part 252 along the arrangement direction of two adjacent second connectors 23 is D5. <D4。

[0228] For example, please refer to Figure 26 The dimension of the insulating accessory 252 along the first direction X is D6, where D6 > D5.

[0229] In this embodiment, since the dimension of the insulating auxiliary member 252 along the first direction X is greater than the thickness of the insulating auxiliary member 252 along the arrangement direction of the two adjacent second connectors 23, the creepage distance between the second connectors 23 of the two adjacent second connectors 23 is mainly provided by the dimension of the insulating auxiliary member 252 along the first direction X. Reducing the thickness of the insulating auxiliary member 252 along the arrangement direction of the two adjacent second connectors 23 has little impact on the creepage distance between the second connection portions 231 of the two adjacent second connectors 23. Since the dimension of the insulating auxiliary member 252 along the first direction X is greater than the thickness of the insulating auxiliary member 252 along the arrangement direction of the two adjacent second connectors 23, the area of ​​the cross-section of the insulating auxiliary member 252 perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the two adjacent second connectors 23 is larger. Reducing the thickness of the insulating auxiliary member 252 along the arrangement direction of the two adjacent second connectors 23 is beneficial to minimize the mass of the insulating auxiliary member 252 and improve the mass energy density. Therefore, by making the thickness of the insulating auxiliary component 252 along the arrangement direction of the two adjacent second connectors 23 smaller than the thickness of the insulating body 251 along the arrangement direction of the two adjacent second connectors 23, the thickness of the insulating auxiliary component 252 is smaller. While minimizing the impact on the creepage distance between the second connection portions 231 of the two adjacent second connectors 23, the mass of the insulating auxiliary component 252 can be reduced as much as possible, which is beneficial to improving the mass energy density of the battery.

[0230] In some embodiments, the thickness of the insulating accessory 252 along the arrangement direction of two adjacent second connectors 23 may be greater than or equal to the thickness of the insulating body 251 along the arrangement direction of two adjacent second connectors 23.

[0231] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 26 The insulating shield 25 also includes an insulating separator 253, which is connected to the side of the insulating body 251 away from the insulating support 26. The insulating separator 253 protrudes from the side of the second exposed portion 232 away from the second connecting portion 231 along the first direction X. The thickness of the insulating separator 253 along the arrangement direction of the two adjacent second connecting members 23 is less than the thickness of the insulating body 251 along the arrangement direction of the two adjacent second connecting members 23. The dimension of the insulating separator 253 along the first direction X is greater than the thickness of the insulating separator 253 along the arrangement direction of the two adjacent second connecting members 23.

[0232] The insulating separator 253 mainly serves to separate and insulate the second exposed portion 232.

[0233] The creepage distance between the second exposed portions 232 of two adjacent second connectors 23 is increased by the insulating separator 253 protruding from the second exposed portion 232.

[0234] For example, please refer to Figure 26The thickness of the insulating separator 253 along the arrangement direction of the two adjacent second connectors 23 is D7. <D4。

[0235] For example, please refer to Figure 26 The insulating separator 253 has a dimension of D8 along the first direction X, where D8 > D7.

[0236] In this embodiment, since the dimension of the insulating separator 253 along the first direction X is greater than the thickness of the insulating separator 253 along the arrangement direction of the two adjacent second connectors 23, the creepage distance between the second exposed portions 232 of the two adjacent second connectors 23 is mainly provided by the dimension of the insulating separator 253 along the first direction X. Reducing the thickness of the insulating separator 253 along the arrangement direction of the two adjacent second connectors 23 has little impact on the creepage distance between the second exposed portions 232 of the two adjacent second connectors 23. Since the dimension of the insulating separator 253 along the first direction X is greater than the thickness of the insulating separator 253 along the arrangement direction of the two adjacent second connectors 23, the area of ​​the insulating separator 253 in the cross section perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the two adjacent second connectors 23 is larger. Reducing the thickness of the insulating separator 253 along the arrangement direction of the two adjacent second connectors 23 is beneficial to minimizing the mass of the insulating separator 253 and improving the mass energy density of the battery.

[0237] In some embodiments, the thickness of the insulating separator 253 along the arrangement direction of two adjacent second connectors 23 may be greater than or equal to the thickness of the insulating body 251 along the arrangement direction of two adjacent second connectors 23.

[0238] In some embodiments, see Figures 8 to 10 In addition to the first exposed portion 222 and the first connecting portion 221, the first connector 222 also includes a third connecting portion 223 connected to the first connecting portion 221. The first connecting portion 221 includes a connecting surface extending along the first direction X, and the third connecting portion 223 also includes a connecting surface extending along the first direction X. In addition to the second exposed portion 232 and the second connecting portion 231, the second connector 233 also includes a fourth connecting portion 241 connected to the second connecting portion 231. The second connecting portion 231 includes a connecting surface extending along the first direction X, and the fourth connecting portion 241 also includes a connecting surface extending along the first direction X.

[0239] The battery 4 may include at least two electrode assemblies 30. One electrode assembly 30 has a positive electrode tab 31 that can be connected to the first connecting portion 221 of the first connector 22, and a negative electrode tab 32 that can be connected to the second connecting portion 223 of the second connector 23. The other electrode assembly 30 has a positive electrode tab 31 that can be connected to the third connecting portion 223 of the first connector 22, and a negative electrode tab 32 that can be connected to the fourth connecting portion 241 of the second connector 23. This allows the two electrode assemblies 30 to be connected in parallel to form a parallel electrode assembly. Specifically, the tabs connected to the connecting surfaces of the first connecting portion 221 and the third connecting portion 223 have the same polarity, and the tabs connected to the connecting surfaces of the second connecting portion 231 and the fourth connecting portion 241 have the same polarity.

[0240] A first connector 22 and a second connector 23, each comprising two connecting parts as described above, can be used as a connecting group, with each connecting group corresponding to a parallel electrode assembly. More parallel electrode assemblies connected by connecting groups can be formed by using more electrode assemblies 30 (e.g., 4, 6, 8) and more first connectors 22 (e.g., 4, 6, 8) and second connectors 23 (e.g., 4, 6, 8).

[0241] As an example, the plurality of electrode assemblies 30 include a first electrode assembly and a second electrode assembly. One of the connecting surfaces of the first connecting portion 221 and the second connecting portion 231 is connected to the positive electrode tab 31 of the first electrode assembly, and the other is connected to the negative electrode tab 32 of the first electrode assembly. One of the connecting surfaces of the third connecting portion 223 and the fourth connecting portion 241 is connected to the positive electrode tab 31 of the second electrode assembly, and the other is connected to the negative electrode tab 32 of the second electrode assembly. The tabs connected to the connecting surfaces of the first connecting portion 221 and the third connecting portion 223 have the same polarity, and the tabs connected to the connecting surfaces of the second connecting portion 231 and the fourth connecting portion 241 have the same polarity.

[0242] Therefore, by connecting at least two electrode assemblies without bending tabs in parallel through a top cover 20, the connection reliability is improved and the parallel connection efficiency is increased.

[0243] In one example, the connecting surface of the first connecting part 221 is connected to the positive electrode tab 31 of the first electrode assembly, the connecting surface of the second connecting part 231 is connected to the negative electrode tab 32 of the first electrode assembly, the connecting surface of the third connecting part 223 is connected to the positive electrode tab 31 of the second electrode assembly, and the connecting surface of the fourth connecting part 241 is connected to the negative electrode tab 32 of the second electrode assembly.

[0244] In another example, the connecting surface of the first connecting part 221 is connected to the negative electrode tab 32 of the first electrode assembly, the connecting surface of the second connecting part 231 is connected to the positive electrode tab 31 of the first electrode assembly, the connecting surface of the third connecting part 223 is connected to the negative electrode tab 32 of the second electrode assembly, and the connecting surface of the fourth connecting part 241 is connected to the positive electrode tab 31 of the second electrode assembly.

[0245] The first connector 22 and the second connector 23 can form a connection group, and each connection group can connect two electrode assemblies in parallel. Figure 10 An exemplary diagram shows a top cover body 21 with a connection group arranged to connect two electrode assemblies in parallel. It can be understood that multiple connection groups can also be arranged side by side on a top cover body 21 to connect multiple electrode assemblies in parallel.

[0246] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion 221, the first exposed portion 222, and the third connecting portion 223 are integral structures; the second connecting portion 231, the second exposed portion 232, and the fourth connecting portion 241 are integral structures. This facilitates connection with the positive and negative electrode tabs and ensures more reliable connection, improving battery reliability and reducing the number of parts.

[0247] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 10 The first connecting portion 221 is connected to the third connecting portion 223 via the first bending portion 224. The first bending portion 224 bends relative to the first connecting portion 221 and the third connecting portion 223. One end of the first connecting portion 221 in the first direction X is connected to the first exposed portion 222. The other end of the first connecting portion 221 in the first direction X is connected to one end of the first bending portion 224. The other end of the first bending portion 224 is connected to one end of the third connecting portion 223 in the first direction X. The third connecting portion 223 extends parallel to the first connecting portion 221.

[0248] The second connecting portion 231 and the fourth connecting portion 241 are connected by a second bending portion 234. The second bending portion 234 bends relative to the second connecting portion 231 and the fourth connecting portion 241. One end of the second connecting portion 231 in the first direction X is connected to the second exposed portion 232, and the other end of the second connecting portion 231 in the first direction X is connected to one end of the second bending portion 234. The other end of the second bending portion 234 is connected to one end of the fourth connecting portion 241 in the first direction X. The fourth connecting portion 241 extends parallel to the second connecting portion 231.

[0249] The first connecting part 221 and the third connecting part 223 are connected by the first bending part 224 to form a roughly U-shaped integrated structure; the second connecting part 231 and the fourth connecting part 241 are connected by the second bending part 234 to form a roughly U-shaped integrated structure, which facilitates connection to the positive and negative electrode tabs of the electrode assembly respectively, and the parallel connection of the electrode assembly is more reliable, thus improving the reliability of the battery.

[0250] In some embodiments, the first connector 22 and the second connector 23 are arranged side by side along the second direction Y. The first connecting portion 221 of the first connector 22 and the second connecting portion 231 of the second connector 23 are located on the same side of the third direction Z, and the third connecting portion 223 of the first connector 22 and the fourth connecting portion 241 of the second connector 23 are located on the other side of the third direction Z. Thus, a top cover 20 can connect two electrode assemblies arranged side by side along the third direction Z.

[0251] in addition, Figure 5 The illustrated embodiments Figure 7 The illustrated embodiments and Figure 10 The embodiments shown can be combined with each other. Figure 5 The embodiments shown can be used to form a series connection of electrode assemblies or a parallel connection of electrode assemblies; Figure 7 The embodiments shown can be used to form a series connection of electrode assemblies or a parallel connection of electrode assemblies; Figure 10 The illustrated embodiments can be used to form parallel electrode assemblies. Therefore, the above embodiments can be used individually or in combination, depending on the requirements for series, parallel, or mixed connection of electrode assemblies.

[0252] In some embodiments, the first exposed portion 222 is connected to the first connecting portion 221 via a first flow bottleneck portion 225. And / or, the second exposed portion 232 is connected to the second connecting portion 231 via a second flow bottleneck portion.

[0253] See Figure 7 Taking the connection between the first exposed portion 222 and the first connecting portion 221 via the first overcurrent bottleneck portion 225 as an example, the first overcurrent bottleneck portion 225 is used to melt and disconnect the first exposed portion 222 and the first connecting portion 221 when the current passing through the first connecting member 22 is too large (when the bottleneck is reached), thereby eliminating the spread of excessive current to the electrode assembly 30, reducing the risk of thermal runaway, and improving battery reliability. It can be seen that the so-called overcurrent bottleneck portion refers to the part of the first connecting member 22 or the second connecting member 23 with the lowest current carrying capacity (the minimum allowable current). When an excessive current continuously passes through this part, this part can melt and disconnect the current path.

[0254] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow bottleneck portion 225 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first connection portion 221.

[0255] Here, cross-sectional area refers to the area of ​​the conductor's cross-section perpendicular to the direction of current flow. Figure 7 In the example shown, for the first overcurrent bottleneck section 225, the current direction is consistent with the first direction X, and the cross-section is parallel to both the second direction Y and the third direction Z.

[0256] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, the first current bottleneck 225 is formed by two thin strips extending along the first direction X and connected to the first connecting portion 221, with the conductor between the two thin strips removed. Of course, there may only be one thin strip. The current bottleneck may also be formed in other suitable forms.

[0257] The cross-sectional area of ​​the first current bottleneck 225 is smaller than that of the first connection 221. Therefore, when the current flowing through the first connector is too large, the first current bottleneck 225 will melt first compared to the first connection 221, thereby cutting off the first exposed part 222 and the first connection 221, suppressing or eliminating the spread of excessive current to the electrode assembly 30, and reducing the risk of thermal runaway.

[0258] Similarly, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow bottleneck is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second connection.

[0259] For example, the first current bottleneck 225 includes an electrical connection that is narrower than the first exposed portion 222 and the first connecting portion 221. The second current bottleneck includes an electrical connection that is narrower than the second exposed portion and the second connecting portion.

[0260] In some embodiments, the first connector 22 and the second connector 23 are respectively injection molded to the top cover body 21. Thus, the first connector 22 and the second connector 23 are integrally formed with the top cover body 21, resulting in a more stable connection and improved battery reliability.

[0261] In some embodiments, the top cover body 21 is provided with a locking step 211 on the bottom surface opposite to the top surface along the first direction X. Figure 11 As shown, the top cover body 21 closes the opening of the housing 10 by engaging with the opening edge of the housing 10 through the engagement step 211.

[0262] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 14-17 ,as well as Figure 22 The housing 10 has a pressure relief port 12, which is connected to the accommodating space 11.

[0263] The pressure relief port 12 is an opening for the gas to escape from the containment space 11.

[0264] In this embodiment, the pressure relief port 12 is connected to the accommodating space 11 of the housing 10, and the thermal runaway gas in the accommodating space 11 can be discharged through the pressure relief port 12, thereby realizing the pressure relief of the accommodating space 11.

[0265] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 14-17 The battery 4 also includes a pressure relief cover connected to the housing 10, which is located on the pressure relief port 12.

[0266] The pressure relief cover is a sealing structure that covers the pressure relief port 12.

[0267] For example, please refer to Figures 14-17 The pressure relief cover is a flame-retardant 904 cover.

[0268] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, by covering the pressure relief port 12 with a pressure relief cover, the accommodating space 11 connected to the pressure relief port 12 can be sealed to a certain extent, preventing objects in the accommodating space 11 from falling out, and reducing the possibility of external debris entering the accommodating space 11.

[0269] In some embodiments, the pressure relief cover is an insulating film with a melting point less than or equal to 500°C.

[0270] For example, the melting point of the insulating film may be 100°C, 200°C, 300°C, 400°C or 500°C.

[0271] In this embodiment, the pressure relief cover is an insulating film, which helps reduce the possibility of short circuits in the electrode assembly 30 within the housing 10. The melting point of the insulating film is less than or equal to 500°C. The relatively low melting point of the insulating film facilitates the thermal runaway gas within the containment space 11 to melt and rupture the insulating film, thereby relieving pressure in the containment space 11.

[0272] In some embodiments, the pressure relief cover has a weakened area for pressure relief.

[0273] A pressure relief cover refers to the area on a pressure relief cover that has a relatively low pressure-bearing capacity.

[0274] Gas is continuously injected into the containment space 11, and the area on the pressure relief cover that is damaged first is the weakened area of ​​the pressure relief cover.

[0275] In this embodiment of the disclosure, by providing a weakened area on the pressure relief cover, the pressure relief cover can effectively block the pressure relief port 10 when thermal runaway does not occur, and can effectively relieve pressure when thermal runaway occurs.

[0276] In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the weakened area is less than the wall thickness of the rest of the pressure relief cover.

[0277] For example, the weakened area is the groove on the pressure relief cover.

[0278] In this embodiment of the disclosure, by setting a region with a smaller wall thickness on the pressure relief cover, the strength of the pressure relief cover in the region with a smaller wall thickness is lower due to the smaller wall thickness, and the pressure bearing capacity of the pressure relief cover in the region with a smaller wall thickness is lower. The pressure relief cover is weakened in the region with a smaller wall thickness compared to other regions, which is beneficial for the pressure relief cover to release pressure in the region with a smaller wall thickness.

[0279] In some embodiments, the battery 4 further includes a sealing bag fitted over the outside of the electrode assembly 30, the sealing bag being located inside the housing 10.

[0280] For example, the sealing bag can be a bag-shaped insulating material or an aluminum-plastic film.

[0281] The sealed bag and the electrode assembly located inside the sealed bag constitute a single soft-pack battery cell.

[0282] The electrolyte is sealed in a sealed bag, immersing the electrode assembly 30 in the electrolyte.

[0283] The specific embodiments of this disclosure are further described below.

[0284] One embodiment of this disclosure provides a battery, with reference to... Figure 7 As shown, the battery includes: a housing 10, a top cover assembly 20, and an electrode assembly 30. The housing 10 defines an accommodating space and has an opening on one side; the top cover assembly 20 is disposed on the housing 10 and closes the opening. The top cover assembly 20 includes a top cover body 21 and a first conductive connector 22 and two spaced-apart second connectors 23 disposed on the top cover body 21. The first connector 22 includes a first connecting portion 221 and a third connecting portion 223 connected together, and a first exposed portion 222 bent to connect with the first connecting portion 221; each of the second connectors 23 includes a second connecting portion 231 and a second exposed portion 232 bent to connect with the second connecting portion 231. The first connecting portion 221, the second connecting portion 231, and the two third connecting portions 223 all include a connecting surface extending along a first direction X. The first exposed portion 222 and the second exposed portion 232 are both exposed outside the housing 10. The electrode assembly 30 is housed in the receiving space. Two electrode assemblies are provided. Each electrode assembly 30 includes a positive electrode tab 31 and a negative electrode tab 32 extending without bending along the first direction X. The connecting surface of the first connecting part 221 is connected to the positive electrode tab 31 of one electrode assembly 30. The connecting surface of the second connecting part 231 of a second connector located on the same side as the first connecting part 221 along the third direction Z is connected to the negative electrode tab 32 of the same electrode assembly 30. The third connecting part 223 is connected to the negative electrode tab 32 of the other electrode assembly 30. The second connecting part 231 of another second connector 23 located on the same side as the third connecting part 223 along the third direction Z is connected to the positive electrode tab 31 of the other electrode assembly 30, thereby realizing that one top cover assembly 20 connects two electrode assemblies 30 in series.

[0285] The top cover body 21 is provided with an insulating shielding part 25 located between the second connecting parts 231 of the two second connecting parts 23, which is used to prevent the negative electrode tab 32 and the positive electrode tab 31 connected to the two second connecting parts 231 from short-circuiting.

[0286] An overcurrent bottleneck 225 is provided between the first exposed portion 222 and the first connecting portion 221. This bottleneck 225 is used to melt when the current passing through the first connecting member 22 is too large (when the bottleneck is reached), thereby cutting off the connection between the first exposed portion 222 and the first connecting portion 221, eliminating the spread of excessive current to the electrode assembly 30, reducing the risk of thermal runaway, and improving battery reliability.

[0287] Reference Figure 2 As shown, multiple batteries 4 can be connected together through the top cover assembly 20 to further form a battery pack 100.

[0288] Another embodiment of this disclosure provides a battery, referring to... Figure 10 As shown, the battery includes: a housing 10, a top cover assembly 20, and an electrode assembly 30. The housing 10 defines an accommodating space and has an opening on one side; the top cover assembly 20 is disposed on the housing 10 and closes the opening, the top cover assembly 20 includes a top cover body 21 and a first connector 22 and a second connector 23 disposed on the top cover body 21, which are capable of conducting electricity. The first connector 22 includes a first connecting portion 221 and a third connecting portion 223 connected together, and a first exposed portion 222 bent and connected to the first connecting portion 221; the second connector 23 includes a second connecting portion 231 and a fourth connecting portion 241 connected together, and a second exposed portion 232 bent and connected to the second connecting portion 231. The first connecting portion 221, the second connecting portion 231, the third connecting portion 223, and the fourth connecting portion 241 all include a connecting surface extending along the first direction X. The first exposed portion 222 and the second exposed portion 232 are both exposed outside the housing 10. The electrode assembly 30 is accommodated in the receiving space. Two electrode assemblies are provided. Each electrode assembly 30 includes a positive electrode tab 31 and a negative electrode tab 32 extending without bending along the first direction X. The connecting surface of the first connecting portion 221 is connected to the positive electrode tab 31 of one electrode assembly 30. The connecting surface of the second connecting portion 231 is connected to the negative electrode tab 32 of the same electrode assembly 30. The third connecting portion 223 is connected to the positive electrode tab 31 of the other electrode assembly 30. The fourth connecting portion 241 is connected to the negative electrode tab 32 of the other electrode assembly 30, thereby realizing that one top cover assembly 20 connects two electrode assemblies 30 in parallel.

[0289] The battery provided in the embodiments of this disclosure has been described above by way of example. In addition, the embodiments of this disclosure also provide a top cover assembly 20 for the battery described above. The structure of the top cover assembly 20 is as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0290] This disclosure also provides a battery pack 100, including: at least one battery 4 as mentioned above; and at least one busbar component that electrically connects each battery 4 via a first exposed portion 222 and a second exposed portion 232. Each battery 4 may be connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof.

[0291] Since the battery 4 provided in this embodiment does not require bending the tabs to connect the tabs to the connectors, the risk of tab breakage is reduced, thus improving the reliability of the battery pack 100.

[0292] Additionally, although not shown in the figures, the battery pack 100 may further include a housing for accommodating one or more batteries 4. In some embodiments, the housing further includes a cover to form an enclosed space for accommodating the batteries 4. In the battery pack 100, multiple batteries 4 may be arranged along a second direction Y and / or a third direction Z.

[0293] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 2 The top cover assemblies 20 of adjacent batteries 4 are connected to each other, and each top cover assembly 20 closes the opening of its corresponding housing 10.

[0294] In each battery 4, the tabs are connected to the top cover assembly. Multiple top cover assemblies 20 are connected in pairs to form a battery pack 100. Compared with the traditional method of first assembling the batteries (electrode assemblies) and then connecting the tabs and connectors, this method facilitates the connection between the tabs and connectors, and reduces or even eliminates the risk of the tabs breaking due to bending, resulting in higher connection reliability.

[0295] In some embodiments, among two adjacent top cover assemblies 20, one top cover assembly 20 is provided with an engaging protrusion 212. Figure 5 As shown), another top cover assembly 20 is provided with a locking groove, and the top cover assemblies 20 of adjacent batteries 4 are connected to each other by the locking protrusion 212 engaging with the locking groove.

[0296] like Figure 5 As shown, a protrusion extending in the second direction Y can be formed on one of the two end faces of the top cover body 21 in the third direction Z, and a groove extending in the second direction Y can be formed on the other. The two top cover bodies 21 are joined together by the engagement of the protrusion of one top cover body 21 with the groove of the adjacent top cover body 21. The first exposed portion 222 and the second exposed portion 232 provided on the top cover body 21 can be connected by a busbar component. This allows the batteries 4 to be positioned close to each other and electrically connected as a group.

[0297] The engagement protrusion 212 of the top cover assembly 20 of adjacent batteries 4 engages with the engagement groove to form a battery pack 100 by grouping multiple batteries 4 together, thereby improving the grouping efficiency.

[0298] In some embodiments, the battery pack 100 contains a plurality of batteries 4. The connection method (series or parallel) of the electrode assemblies of these batteries 4, as well as the shape and combination of the first connector 22 and the second connector 23 in the top cover assembly 20, may be the same or different.

[0299] This disclosure also provides an electrical device 1000, including at least one battery 4 or at least one battery pack 100 for providing electrical power.

[0300] This disclosure also provides an energy storage device, including at least one battery 4 or at least one battery pack 100, wherein the battery is capable of storing electrical energy and providing electrical energy.

[0301] The following describes a battery manufacturing method provided in this disclosure.

[0302] Reference Figure 13 The battery manufacturing method disclosed herein includes:

[0303] S01 Top cover assembly forming step, forming a conductive first connector and a conductive second connector on the top cover body to form an integral top cover assembly, wherein the first connector includes a first connecting portion and a first exposed portion connected to the first connecting portion, and the second connector includes a second connecting portion and a second exposed portion connected to the second connecting portion;

[0304] In the S02 tab connection step, one of the connecting surfaces of the first connecting part and the second connecting part of the top cover assembly is connected to the positive or negative tab surface of the electrode assembly, and the other is connected to the positive or negative tab surface of the electrode assembly that is not connected to the first connecting part. The positive tab, the negative tab, the connecting surfaces of the first connecting part and the second connecting part all extend along the first direction.

[0305] S03 Electrode Assembly Installation Step: The electrode assembly connected to the top cover assembly is placed into the housing space defined by the housing opening, and the opening is closed by the top cover assembly, wherein the first exposed part and the second exposed part are exposed outside the housing.

[0306] Since the extension direction of the connection surface of the first connection part and the second connection part is the same as the extension direction of the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab, the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab can be connected to the first connection member and the second connection member respectively without bending. This eliminates the step of bending the tab, reduces the risk of tab breakage, improves connection reliability, and increases battery manufacturing efficiency.

[0307] In some embodiments, the S01 top cover assembly forming step includes:

[0308] The first connector, the second connector, and the top cover body are injection molded into a single top cover assembly.

[0309] The first and second connectors form an integrated injection-molded structure with the top cover body, resulting in a more stable connection and improved battery reliability.

[0310] In some embodiments, the S03 tab connection step includes:

[0311] One of the connecting surfaces of the first connecting portion in the first connector and the second connecting portion in the second connector is connected to the positive electrode tab of the first electrode assembly, and the other is connected to the negative electrode tab of the first electrode assembly.

[0312] One of the connecting surfaces of the third connecting portion in the first connector and the second connecting portion in another second connector is connected to the positive electrode tab of the second electrode assembly, and the other is connected to the negative electrode tab of the second electrode assembly. The third connecting portion is connected to the first connecting portion, and the tabs connected to the connecting surfaces of the first connecting portion and the third connecting portion have opposite polarities. The tabs connected to the connecting surfaces of the second connecting portions of the two second connectors have opposite polarities.

[0313] Therefore, at least two electrode assemblies without bent tabs can be connected in series through a single top cover, improving connection reliability and increasing battery manufacturing efficiency.

[0314] In some embodiments, the S02 tab connection step includes:

[0315] One of the connecting surfaces of the first connecting part and the second connecting part is connected to the positive electrode tab of the first electrode assembly, and the other is connected to the negative electrode tab of the first electrode assembly.

[0316] One of the connecting surfaces of the third and fourth connecting parts of the top cover assembly is connected to the positive electrode tab of the second electrode assembly, and the other is connected to the negative electrode tab of the second electrode assembly. The first connecting part is connected to the third connecting part, and the second connecting part is connected to the fourth connecting part. The electrode tabs connected to the connecting surfaces of the first and third connecting parts have the same polarity, the electrode tabs connected to the connecting surfaces of the second and fourth connecting parts have the same polarity, and the electrode tabs connected to the connecting surfaces of the first and second connecting parts have opposite polarities.

[0317] Therefore, by connecting at least two electrode assemblies without bending tabs in parallel through a top cover, the connection reliability is improved and the battery manufacturing efficiency is increased.

[0318] In some embodiments, after the S02 electrode assembly housing step, the method further includes: a battery assembly step: sequentially connecting the top cover assemblies of each battery.

[0319] Each battery can be connected to the top cover assembly via the tabs, and then connected to form a battery pack via their respective top cover assemblies. Compared to the traditional method of assembling batteries into groups and then connecting the tabs and connectors, this method facilitates the connection of the tabs and connectors and provides higher reliability.

[0320] Second implementation method:

[0321] For battery 4 in this embodiment of the disclosure, please refer to... Figures 14-16 The battery 4 includes a casing structure 1, conductive terminals 2, and battery cells 3. The casing structure 1 forms a receiving space 11, and a pressure relief port 12 communicating with the receiving space 11 is formed on one side of the casing structure 1. The rest of the casing structure 1 is a sealed structure. The conductive terminals 2 are connected to the casing structure 1, and the conductive terminals 2 and the pressure relief port 12 are located on different sides of the casing structure 1. The battery cells 3 are located within the receiving space 11, and the tabs of the battery cells 3 are electrically connected to the conductive terminals 2.

[0322] The encapsulation structure 1 is a structure that encapsulates the battery cell 3. The accommodating space 11 of the encapsulation structure 1 is mainly used to accommodate the battery cell 3.

[0323] The conductive terminal 2 is electrically connected to the tab of the battery cell 3. The battery cell 3 supplies power to the outside through the conductive terminal 2, or the external power supply supplies power to the battery cell 3 through the conductive terminal 2.

[0324] For example, the conductive terminal 2 is a tab. Multiple batteries 4 within the battery pack are connected in series, parallel, or mixed via tabs.

[0325] For example, the battery cell 3 includes a bare cell and an outer packaging covering the bare cell for protection. The bare cell includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator located between the positive and negative electrode.

[0326] The encapsulation structure 1 is equivalent to the structure formed by the shell 10 and the top cover assembly 20 in the first embodiment.

[0327] The battery cell 3 is equivalent to the structure formed by combining the electrode assembly 30 and the sealing bag in the first embodiment.

[0328] The electrode includes a positive electrode 31 and a negative electrode 32.

[0329] One side of the encapsulation structure 1 forms a pressure relief port 12 that connects to the receiving space 11. The remaining part of the encapsulation structure 1 is a sealed structure, meaning that the parts of the encapsulation structure 1 covering the battery cell 3, except for the pressure relief port 12, are essentially sealed. In other words, the parts of the encapsulation structure 1 covering the battery cell 3, except for the pressure relief port 12, can be completely sealed or incompletely sealed. For cases where the parts of the encapsulation structure 1 covering the battery cell 3, except for the pressure relief port 12, are not completely sealed, as long as the gap at the incompletely sealed location of the encapsulation structure 1 can, to a certain extent, suppress the ejection of thermal runaway gas from the incompletely sealed location, thereby guiding the thermal runaway gas to eject from the pressure relief port 12, it is sufficient.

[0330] The conductive terminal 2 and the pressure relief port 12 are located on different sides of the enclosure structure 1, and the thermal runaway gas emitted from the pressure relief port 12 can be kept as far away from the conductive terminal 2 as possible.

[0331] For example, the number of battery cells 3 within the package structure 1 can be one or at least two.

[0332] In this embodiment, when a battery cell 3 within the enclosure structure 1 of the battery 4 experiences thermal runaway, the generated thermal runaway gas faces significant resistance to escape from the enclosure structure 1 except for the pressure relief port 12, as one side of the enclosure structure 1 forms a pressure relief port 12 connected to the accommodating space 11. This makes it difficult for the thermal runaway gas to flow out of the enclosure structure 1 except for the pressure relief port 12. The enclosure structure 1 guides the thermal runaway gas out of the enclosure structure 1 from the pressure relief port 12, thereby depressurizing the accommodating space 11 within the enclosure structure 1 and achieving directional ejection of the thermal runaway gas. Since the conductive terminal 2 and the pressure relief port 12 are located on different sides of the enclosure structure 1, the thermal runaway gas ejected from the pressure relief port 12 and the substances carried by the thermal runaway gas can be kept as far away from the conductive terminal 2 as possible.

[0333] In one embodiment, the battery cell 3 is a pouch cell.

[0334] The outer packaging of the bare cell of the pouch battery is a plastic sealing film used to protect the bare cell.

[0335] For example, the sealing film is an aluminum-plastic film.

[0336] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, when the battery cell 3 experiences thermal runaway, the thermal runaway gas generated by the bare cell breaks through the plastic seal and sprays out in all directions. Under the guidance of the encapsulation structure 1, the thermal runaway gas is directionally ejected from the pressure relief port 12.

[0337] It is understood that the battery cell 3 is not limited to a pouch battery cell. For example, the battery cell 3 can be a hard-shell battery cell 3, with the bare cell of the hard-shell battery cell 3 encased in an outer metal or plastic shell.

[0338] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 23 The battery pack contains at least two batteries 4, which are arranged sequentially. The conductive terminals 2 of the sequentially arranged batteries 4 are oriented in the same direction. The orientation of the conductive terminals 2 of the sequentially arranged batteries 4 is intersected with the direction in which the batteries 4 are arranged sequentially.

[0339] The orientation of the conductive terminal 2 of battery 4, that is, the direction of the battery 4's enclosure structure 1 toward the conductive terminal 2.

[0340] For example, please refer to Figure 23 In at least two batteries 4 arranged in sequence, the orientation of the conductive terminal 2 is perpendicular to the direction in which the at least two batteries 4 are arranged in sequence.

[0341] In this embodiment, since the conductive terminal 2 and the pressure relief port 12 are located on different sides of the enclosure structure 1, and the conductive terminals 2 of the at least two batteries 4 arranged in sequence have the same orientation, and the orientation of the conductive terminals 2 of the at least two batteries 4 arranged in sequence is intersected with the direction in which the at least two batteries 4 are arranged in sequence, the pressure relief ports 12 of the at least two batteries 4 arranged in sequence can all avoid the conductive terminals 2 of the at least two batteries 4 arranged in sequence. This reduces the possibility that the thermal runaway gas ejected from the pressure relief port 12 of any of the at least two batteries 4 arranged in sequence will short-circuit the conductive terminals 2 of the adjacent batteries 4, thereby helping to suppress the thermal runaway of the battery 4 from spreading to the adjacent batteries.

[0342] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 15 and Figure 16 The battery 4 contains at least two battery cells 3. The conductive terminal 2 includes a sampling electrode 903 and at least two adapter electrodes 902. One adapter electrode 902 is electrically connected to the tab of one battery cell 3, and the other adapter electrode 902 is electrically connected to the tab of another battery cell 3. The polarities of the tabs corresponding to the two adapter electrodes 902 are opposite. The sampling electrode 903 is electrically connected to the tabs of the two corresponding battery cells 3 respectively. The polarities of the tabs of the two battery cells 3 electrically connected to the sampling electrode 903 are opposite.

[0343] At least two of the adapter electrodes 902 have opposite polarities for their corresponding tabs, with one adapter electrode 902 being positive and the other being negative. The battery cells 3 of the battery 4 can supply power to the outside via the adapter electrodes 902, and can also charge the corresponding battery cells 3 of the battery 4 via the adapter electrodes 902.

[0344] The sampling electrode 903 is electrically connected to the tabs of two corresponding battery cells 3, and the polarities of the tabs of the two corresponding battery cells 3 connected to the sampling electrode 903 are opposite. Each sampling electrode 903 is electrically connected to the tab of the positive terminal of one battery cell 3 and the tab of the negative terminal of the other battery cell 3, and the battery cells 3 of the battery 4 are connected in series through the sampling electrode 903.

[0345] When the battery cells 3 of the battery 4 are connected in series through the sampling electrode 903, the transfer electrode 902 is equivalent to the second connector 23 in the first embodiment, and two adjacent transfer electrodes 902 are equivalent to two adjacent second connectors 23 in the first embodiment.

[0346] When the battery cells 3 of the battery 4 are connected in series via the sampling electrode 903, the sampling electrode 903 is equivalent to the first connector 22.

[0347] For example, please refer to Figure 15 and Figure 16 Both the adapter electrode 902 and the sampling electrode 903 are bar plates.

[0348] In this embodiment, the battery cells 3 of battery 4 are connected in series via sampling electrode 903, and the battery cells 3 of battery 4 are connected in series via transfer electrode 902 to supply power or charge the battery cells 3. The potential of sampling electrode 903 is the potential between the two battery cells 3 connected in series. By measuring and sampling the voltage between sampling electrode 903 and the corresponding transfer electrode 902, the operating state of the corresponding battery cell 3 can be identified. Since the conductive terminal 2 and the pressure relief port 12 are located on different sides of the enclosure structure 1, the thermal runaway gas ejected from the pressure relief port 12 can avoid the transfer electrode 902 and sampling electrode 903 as much as possible.

[0349] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 14-16 The battery 4 also includes a flame-retardant cover 904 that is placed over the pressure relief port 12, and the pressure-bearing capacity of the wrapping structure 1 is greater than that of the flame-retardant cover 904.

[0350] Pressure-bearing capacity refers to the ability to withstand fluid pressure.

[0351] The relative pressure-bearing capacity can be measured by filling the packaging structure 1 with gas. Specifically, since the flame-retardant cover 904 is located on the pressure relief port 12, the packaging structure 1 and the flame-retardant cover 904 essentially seal the containing space 11. When gas is filled into the containing space 11, the gas pressure inside the containing space 11 continuously increases, and the gas pressure borne by the packaging structure 1 and the flame-retardant cover 904 continuously increases. During the process of continuously filling the containing space 11 with gas, the flame-retardant cover 904 breaks before the packaging structure 1, that is, the pressure-bearing capacity of the flame-retardant cover 904 is less than the pressure-bearing capacity of the packaging structure 1, and the bearing capacity of the packaging structure 1 is greater than the bearing capacity of the flame-retardant cover 904.

[0352] The flame-retardant cover 904 has a certain flame-retardant capability. In the event of thermal runaway of battery 4, the flame-retardant cover 904 may deform due to the high temperature, but it will basically not be ignited.

[0353] In this embodiment, a flame-retardant cover 904 is disposed on the pressure relief port 12. The flame-retardant cover 904 has a certain flame-retardant capability, which can reduce the possibility of the flame-retardant cover 904 being ignited in the event of thermal runaway of the battery 4. The flame-retardant cover 904, disposed on the pressure relief port 12, can reduce the entry of thermal runaway gas generated by the adjacent battery 4 into the containment space 11 through the pressure relief port 12 in the event of thermal runaway of the adjacent battery 4, thus helping to suppress the spread of thermal runaway to a certain extent. In the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell 3 within the containment space 11, since the load-bearing capacity of the enclosure structure 1 is greater than that of the flame-retardant cover 904, the thermal runaway gas within the containment space 11 first breaks through the flame-retardant cover 904, causing the thermal runaway gas within the containment space 11 to be directionally ejected from the pressure relief port 12.

[0354] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 14-16 The flame-retardant cap 904 can be made of mica.

[0355] For example, the flame-retardant cap 904 is made of mica paper.

[0356] For example, the mica paper is bonded to the wrapping structure 1.

[0357] In this embodiment, the flame-retardant cover 904 is made of mica, which has a certain flame-retardant capability and will not be ignited in the event of thermal runaway of the battery 4. The relatively thin flame-retardant cover 904, made of mica, can have a lower pressure resistance.

[0358] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 14 The flame-retardant cap 904 can be formed with indentations 41.

[0359] For example, please refer to Figure 14 , Figure 16 and Figure 17 The notch 41 is located in the area corresponding to the pressure relief port 12.

[0360] In this embodiment of the disclosure, by processing grooves 41 on the flame-retardant cover 904, the pressure-bearing capacity of the flame-retardant cover 904 can be reduced. In the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell 3 in the containment space 11 of the enclosure structure 1, it is beneficial for the thermal runaway gas in the containment space 11 to break through the flame-retardant cover 904 and be ejected from the pressure relief port 12.

[0361] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 14 The flame-retardant cover 904 has a through hole 42 communicating with the receiving space 11.

[0362] The through hole 42 on the flame retardant cover 904 penetrates the flame retardant cover 904.

[0363] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, a portion of the structure within the receiving space 11 of the packaging structure 1 needs to extend out of the receiving space 11. This portion of the structure extends out of the receiving space 11 through the through hole 42 of the flame-retardant cover 904. The position where the flame-retardant cover 904 is placed is the pressure relief port 12 for pressure relief. Even if a portion of the structure of the receiving space 11 extends out of the through hole 42, the through hole 42 does not need to be sealed, which helps to simplify the structure of the battery 4.

[0364] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 16 , Figure 20 and Figure 21 The battery 4 also includes a temperature regulating container 5 partially located within the housing space 11. A battery cell 3 is provided on one side or opposite sides of the temperature regulating container 5. The temperature regulating container 5 has a temperature regulating cavity 51 and an inlet 52 and an outlet 53 respectively connected to the temperature regulating cavity 51. The temperature regulating container 5 passes through the through hole 42 so that the inlet 52 and the outlet 53 are exposed outside the housing space 11 along the side of the wrapping structure 1 facing the flame retardant cover 904.

[0365] The battery cell 3 generates heat during operation, and also generates significant heat in the event of thermal runaway. Fluid enters the temperature regulating chamber 51 of the temperature regulating container 5 through the inlet 52 and exits the temperature regulating chamber 51 from the outlet 53. The temperature of the battery cell 3 is regulated by the flow of fluid into and out of the temperature regulating chamber 51.

[0366] For example, the fluid flowing through the temperature control chamber 51 of the temperature control container 5 can be a liquid or a gas.

[0367] For example, a cooler liquid or gas is introduced into the temperature-regulating chamber 51 to cool the battery cell 3.

[0368] For example, the temperature-regulating container 5 can be an airbag.

[0369] For example, the material of the airbag can be rubber.

[0370] For example, please refer to Figure 16 and Figure 20 Battery cells 3 are provided on both sides of the temperature-regulating container 5.

[0371] For example, please refer to Figure 16 There are two battery cells 3 on each side, and the two battery cells 3 on each side are connected in series through the sampling electrode 903.

[0372] For example, please refer to Figure 20 The number of battery cells on each side is one.

[0373] For example, there is one battery cell 3 on each side, and the two battery cells 3 located on both sides of the temperature regulating container 5 are connected in series through the sampling electrode 903.

[0374] In this embodiment, the inlet 52 and outlet 53 of the temperature-regulating container 5 protrude outside the receiving space 11 through the through-hole 42 of the flame-retardant cover 904. This facilitates the connection of the temperature-regulating container 5 to an external fluid source through the inlet 52 and outlet 53, allowing external fluid to enter the temperature-regulating container 5 through the inlet 52 and flow out through the outlet 53, thereby regulating the temperature of the battery cell 3. Since the inlet 52 and outlet 53 of the temperature-regulating container 5 protrude outside the receiving space 11 through the through-hole 42 of the flame-retardant cover 904, the through-hole 42 does not need to be sealed, which simplifies the structure of the battery 4.

[0375] It is understandable that the container extending out of the containment space 11 of the wrapping structure 1 from the through hole 42 of the flame retardant cover 904 is not necessarily the temperature regulating container 5, but may also be other structures partially located within the containment space 11 of the wrapping structure 1.

[0376] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 21 The temperature-regulating container 5 includes a container body 54, a first guide plate 55, and a second guide plate 56. A temperature-regulating cavity 51, an inlet 52, and an outlet 53 are all formed within the container body 54. The end of the container body 54 facing the pressure relief port 12 is the target end, and both the outlet 53 and the inlet 52 are located at the target end of the container body 54. The first guide plate 55 is located within the temperature-regulating cavity 51, connected to the cavity wall of the temperature-regulating cavity 51 facing the target end, and spaced apart from the cavity wall of the temperature-regulating cavity 51 away from the target end. Multiple first guide plates 55 are located between the outlet 53 and the inlet 52. The second guide plate 56 is located inside the temperature regulating cavity 51. The second guide plate 56 is arranged at intervals with the cavity wall of the temperature regulating cavity 51 facing the target end. The second guide plate 56 is connected to the cavity wall of the temperature regulating cavity 51 away from the target end. The second guide plate 56 is located between the first guide plate 55 closest to the outlet 53 and the first guide plate 55 closest to the inlet 52.

[0377] The container body 54 is mainly used to contain temperature-controlled fluids.

[0378] The first guide plate 55 and the second guide plate 56 are used to guide the fluid to flow in the temperature control chamber 51.

[0379] In this embodiment, the first guide plate 55 is connected to the cavity wall of the cooling chamber facing the target end, and the first guide plate 55 is spaced apart from the cavity wall of the cooling chamber away from the target end. The second guide plate 56 is spaced apart from the cavity wall of the cooling chamber facing the target end, and the second guide plate 56 is connected to the cavity wall of the cooling chamber away from the target end. The second guide plate 56 is located between the first guide plate 55 closest to the outlet 53 and the first guide plate 55 closest to the inlet 52, so that the first guide plate 55 and the second guide plate 56 are distributed in an interlocking manner in the accommodating space 11. The fluid entering the temperature regulating cavity 51 from the inlet 52 flows through a longer path under the guidance of the first guide plate 55 and the second guide plate 56 and then flows out from the outlet 53, which is beneficial for the fluid to be fully regulated in the temperature regulating cavity 51.

[0380] It is understandable that the first guide plate 55 and the second guide plate 56 may not be installed in the temperature control cavity 51 depending on the situation.

[0381] In one embodiment, the ignition point of both the flame-retardant cap 904 and the ignition point of the wrapping structure 1 are greater than or equal to 800°C.

[0382] For example, the ignition point of the flame-retardant cap 904 can be 800°C, 810°C, 860°C or 900°C, etc.

[0383] For example, the ignition point of the flame-retardant cap 904 can be measured by heating it to a state where it is just about to burn.

[0384] For example, the ignition point of the wrapping structure 1 can be measured by heating the wrapping structure 1 to a state where it is just about to burn.

[0385] In this embodiment, the flame-retardant cover 904 and the wrapping structure 1 have high ignition points, so that even under the influence of thermal runaway gas at high temperatures, the flame-retardant cover 904 and the wrapping structure 1 will not be ignited.

[0386] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 14-16 ,as well as Figure 22 The enclosure structure 1 includes a housing 10 and a top cover body 21. A pressure relief port 12 is formed on one side of the housing 10. The top cover body 21 and the housing 10 enclose a receiving space 11, and conductive terminals 2 are installed on the top cover body 21.

[0387] For example, the mica paper is bonded to the housing 10.

[0388] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, before the top cover body 21 is installed on the housing 10, the conductive terminal 2 on the top cover body 21 can be electrically connected to the tab of the battery cell 3, and then the connected top cover body 21, conductive terminal 2 and battery cell 3 are installed on the housing 10, so as to facilitate the connection of the conductive terminal 2 and battery cell 3 before entering the housing.

[0389] It is understood that the wrapping structure 1 is not limited to a structure in which the top cover body 21 is mounted on the housing 10. For example, the wrapping structure 1 can be a one-piece molded structure.

[0390] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 14-16 ,as well as Figure 22 The top cover body 21 has a flange 141 covering the side wall of the housing 10, and the gap between the flange 141 and the side wall of the housing 10 is less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

[0391] For example, the gap between the flange 141 and the sidewall of the housing 10 can be 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.2 mm or 0.1 mm.

[0392] For example, before the top cover body 21 is installed into the housing 10 but before the top cover body 21 is connected to the housing 10, the dimensions between the flange 141 and the side wall of the housing 10 can be measured by a plug gauge, vernier caliper or micrometer.

[0393] For example, the span of the flange 141 of the top cover body 21 and the corresponding span of the housing 10 can be measured by using a vernier caliper or micrometer, and half of the difference between the two is the gap between the top cover body 21 and the housing 10.

[0394] For example, please refer to Figure 22 The gap between the flange 141 and the side wall of the shell 10 is D1, where D1 ≤ 0.5 mm.

[0395] In this embodiment, the flange 141 is not completely sealed to the side wall of the housing 10, and the gap between the flange 141 and the side wall of the housing 10 is appropriate, which makes the resistance to the thermal runaway gas escaping from between the flange 141 and the side wall of the housing 10 greater. This can better suppress the thermal runaway gas from spraying toward the top cover body 21, thereby better guiding the thermal runaway gas in the containment space 11 to spray out from the pressure relief port 12, which is beneficial to reducing the degree of thermal runaway of the battery 4.

[0396] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 17 and Figure 18The housing 10 includes a plurality of bent plates 131 bent in sequence. The bent plates 131 are connected along the two ends of the circumferential direction of the battery cell 3. The plurality of bent plates 131 surround a pressure relief port 12. The top cover body 21 and the pressure relief port 12 are located on opposite sides of the housing 10. The top cover body 21 and the plurality of bent plates 131 surround a receiving space 11. The enclosure structure 1 also includes an insulating layer 15, which covers the inner surface of the housing 10.

[0397] The housing 10 includes multiple bent plates 131. The housing 10 is formed by bending a single plate multiple times and then connecting the bent plates 131 at both ends. The housing 10 is in an unfolded state before bending.

[0398] For example, the insulating layer 15 is covered onto the housing 10 by hot pressing.

[0399] For example, the insulating layer 15 is coated on the housing 10.

[0400] In this embodiment, the housing 10 is generally flat in its unfolded state. The insulating layer 15 can be first placed over the unfolded housing 10, and then the housing 10 and the insulating layer 15 can be bent together. After the housing 10 is bent, the insulating layer 15 covers the inner surface of the housing 10. Placing the insulating layer 15 over the housing 10 in its unfolded state allows for convenient installation of the insulating layer 15 onto the housing 10.

[0401] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 17 and Figure 18 The casing 10 is made of metal. The battery 4 also includes a reinforcing plate 6, which is located on the inner surface of the casing 10. The bent plates 131 at both ends of the battery cell 3 are connected by welding. The welding position of the bent plates 131 at both ends of the battery cell 3 is the target position. The reinforcing plate 6 is welded to the casing 10 at the target position.

[0402] It should be noted that the reinforcing plate 6 is welded to the shell 10, and the material of the reinforcing plate 6 is a material that can be welded to the shell 10.

[0403] For example, the material of the housing 10 and the reinforcing plate 6 are both metal.

[0404] In this embodiment, the reinforcing plate 6 is welded to the housing 10 at the target position, thereby welding the housing 10 and the reinforcing plate 6 together. The reinforcing plate 6 supports the housing 10 at the target position, reducing the possibility that the bending plates 131 at both ends of the housing 10 may be welded through during the welding process.

[0405] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 19 The shell 10 is made of metal and has a thickness of 0.1mm to 1mm.

[0406] For example, please refer to Figure 19 The thickness of the shell 10 is D2, where 0.1mm≤D2≤1mm.

[0407] For example, the thickness of the housing 10 can be 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm or 1 mm.

[0408] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the thickness of the shell 10, which is made of metal, is set appropriately so that the shell 10 is lightweight while having sufficient load-bearing capacity.

[0409] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 19 The shell 10 is made of plastic and is a one-piece molded structure. The thickness of the shell 10 is 1mm to 3mm.

[0410] For example, please refer to Figure 19 The thickness of the shell 10 is D2, where 1mm ≤ D2 ≤ 3mm.

[0411] For example, please refer to Figure 19 The thickness of the shell 10 can be 1mm, 1.2mm, 1.5mm, 1.8mm, 2mm, 2.3mm, 2.6mm, 2.9mm or 3mm.

[0412] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the thickness of the shell 10, which is made of plastic material, is set appropriately so that the shell 10 is lightweight while having sufficient load-bearing capacity.

[0413] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 14-16 The top cover body 21 is made of plastic, and the shell 10 is made of metal or plastic.

[0414] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 14-16 The top cover body 21 is made of plastic, the shell 10 is made of metal or plastic, and the flame-retardant cover 904 is made of mica.

[0415] For example, the material of the housing 10 can be metals such as steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, or copper alloy.

[0416] For example, the aluminum alloy can be an aluminum-magnesium alloy.

[0417] For example, the material of the top cover body 21 can be engineering plastics such as polypropylene or polyethylene.

[0418] In this embodiment, the top cover body 21 made of plastic gives it a certain pressure-bearing capacity. The shell 10 made of plastic or metal gives it a certain pressure-bearing capacity.

[0419] It is understood that the material of the flame-retardant cap is not limited to mica. For example, the material of the flame-retardant cap may be glass fiber.

[0420] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 14-16 The conductive terminal 2 and the pressure relief port 12 are located on opposite sides of the wrapping structure 1.

[0421] In this embodiment, since the conductive terminal 2 and the pressure relief port 12 are located on opposite sides of the enclosure structure 1, the conductive terminal 2 can be as far away from the pressure relief port 12 as possible, and the thermal runaway gas ejected from the pressure relief port 12 and the substances carried by the thermal runaway gas can be kept away from the conductive terminal 2. Accordingly, in at least two batteries 4 arranged in sequence, the pressure relief ports 12 of the at least two batteries 4 arranged in sequence can be as far away from the conductive terminals 2 of the at least two batteries 4 arranged in sequence as possible, which can reduce the possibility of the thermal runaway gas ejected from the pressure relief ports 12 of the at least two batteries 4 spraying towards the conductive terminals 2 of the adjacent batteries 4 and causing the adjacent batteries 4 to short-circuit, thereby minimizing the possibility of thermal runaway spreading to the adjacent batteries 4.

[0422] It is understood that the arrangement of the conductive terminal 2 and the pressure relief port 12 is not limited. For example, the wrapping structure 1 is arranged in a cross direction towards the conductive terminal 2 and towards the pressure relief port 12.

[0423] This disclosure also provides a battery module; please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 23 The battery module includes at least two batteries 4 of any of the above embodiments. The at least two batteries 4 are arranged in sequence, and the conductive terminals 2 of the at least two batteries 4 arranged in sequence have the same orientation. The orientation of the conductive terminals 2 of the at least two batteries 4 arranged in sequence is intersected with the direction in which the at least two batteries 4 are arranged in sequence.

[0424] In this embodiment of the disclosure, by having the conductive terminals 2 and the pressure relief port 12 located on different sides of the enclosure structure 1, having the conductive terminals 2 facing the same direction, and having the orientation of the conductive terminals 2 intersecting with the direction in which the batteries 4 are arranged sequentially, the possibility of thermal runaway gas ejected from the pressure relief port short-circuiting the conductive terminals 2 of the adjacent batteries 4 can be reduced, thereby reducing the possibility of thermal runaway spreading to the adjacent batteries 4.

[0425] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 14-22The battery 4 includes a top cover body 21, a pouch battery cell, a housing 10, and mica paper. The top cover body 21 is used to assemble the housing 10. The housing 10 includes five bent plates 131 that are bent in sequence. The five bent plates 131 of the housing 10 seal the accommodating space 11 in four directions. The top cover body 21 is installed on the housing 10 and seals the accommodating space 11 in the direction facing the top cover body 21. That is, the housing 10 and the top cover body 21 seal the accommodating space 11 in five directions. The battery cell 3 is installed inside the housing 10, and the mica paper is placed over the pressure relief port 12 of the housing 10. In the event of thermal runaway of the pouch battery cell inside the housing 10, the gas generated by the thermal runaway and the substances carried by the gas are ejected from the mica paper at the pressure relief port 12, thereby achieving directional ejection of the pouch battery cell. The housing 10, the top cover body 21, and the mica paper-sealed containment space 11 do not need to be completely sealed; they only need to be able to guide the directional ejection of gas generated by thermal runaway. The mica paper is bonded to the housing 10. The mica paper has serrations 41 located in the area corresponding to the pressure relief port 12 of the housing 10. The serrations 41 can form a burst point during thermal runaway. Through holes 42 are formed on the mica paper for structures to extend from the containment space 11. The top cover body 21 is an injection-molded part, and the conductive terminal 2 is a tab embedded in the top cover body 21. Other metal inserts can also be embedded in the top cover body 21. The top cover body 21 and the housing 10 can be connected by various methods such as bonding, hot pressing, or welding. The top cover body 21 and the housing 10 do not need to be completely sealed. There can be a gap of less than or equal to 0.5 mm or other structures that can suppress the emission of thermal runaway gas from between the housing 10 and the top cover body 21 to a certain extent. A pouch battery cell is placed inside the housing 10. Other structures besides the pouch battery cell can also be placed inside the housing 10. The number of battery cells inside the housing 10 is greater than or equal to one and less than or equal to four. The housing 10 is a metal housing 10 with a thickness of 0.1 mm to 1 mm. The interior of the housing 10 is coated with an insulating coating or a hot-pressed insulating layer 15.

[0426] For example, please refer to Figure 17 and Figure 18 The shell 10 is formed by bending sheet metal. The shell 10 includes multiple bent plates 131 bent in sequence. The bent plates 131 at both ends of the circumferential direction of the battery cell 3 are connected by welding to splice a continuous annular shell 10. The shell 10 has one weld. A reinforcing plate 6 can be arranged at the weld position to reduce the possibility of the corresponding bent plate 131 being welded through.

[0427] For example, the two parts of the housing 10 can also be welded into a ring-shaped housing 10 by two welds at different locations.

[0428] For example, the housing 10 can also be integrally formed. No welding is performed on the housing 10.

[0429] For example, the bent plates 131 at both ends of the casing 10 along the circumferential direction of the battery cell 3 can be formed by welding or by bonding.

[0430] For example, the housing 10 can be integrally molded from high-temperature resistant plastic, and the thickness of the housing 10 can be 1mm to 3mm.

[0431] In some embodiments, the battery cell 3 is a pouch battery cell. The tabs of the pouch battery cell are first welded to the conductive terminals 2 on the top cover body 21, and then the welded pouch battery cell, the top cover body 21 and the conductive terminals are installed into the housing 10, so that the pouch battery cell is located inside the housing 10.

[0432] In some embodiments, the tabs of the electrode assembly 30 are first welded to the first connector 22 and / or the second connector 23, and then the electrode assembly 30, the first connector 22 and / or the second connector 23, and the top cover body 21 are installed into the housing 10, so that the electrode assembly 30 is located inside the housing 10.

[0433] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Various modifications and variations can be made to this disclosure by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery, comprising: The shell defines the receiving space and has an opening on one side; A top cover assembly is disposed on the housing and closes the opening. The top cover assembly includes a top cover body. The bottom surface of the top cover body opposite to the top surface of the top cover body is provided with an engaging step. The top cover body engages with the edge of the opening of the housing through the engaging step to close the opening of the housing. Electrode assembly, housed in the housing space; The top cover assembly further includes a first and a second conductive connector disposed on the top cover body. The first connector includes a first connecting portion and a first exposed portion connected to the first connecting portion. The second connector includes a second connecting portion and a second exposed portion connected to the second connecting portion. Both the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion include a connecting surface extending along a first direction. The first exposed portion and the second exposed portion are exposed outside the housing. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode tab and a negative electrode tab extending along the first direction. The connecting surface of the first connecting portion is connected to the surface of the positive electrode tab or the negative electrode tab, and the connecting surface of the second connecting portion is connected to the surface of the positive electrode tab or the negative electrode tab that is not connected to the first connecting portion.

2. The battery according to claim 1, wherein, The engaging step is recessed into the top surface of the top cover body to form a mounting groove, and the opening edge of the housing is inserted into the mounting groove.

3. The battery according to claim 2, wherein, The engaging step has a guide rib located in the mounting groove. The guide rib is located inside the housing. The guide rib has a guide surface on the side facing the side wall of the housing. The distance between the guide surface and the side wall of the housing is a preset distance. The preset distance gradually increases along the direction from the bottom of the top cover body to the top of the top cover body.

4. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The top cover body is glued to the shell.

5. The battery according to claim 1, wherein, The first connector further includes a third connector connected to the first connector, the third connector including a connecting surface extending along the first direction; the number of the second connectors is an even number.

6. The battery according to claim 5, wherein, The battery includes at least two of the electrode assemblies. The first connecting portion of the first connector is connected to the positive or negative electrode tab of one of the electrode assemblies, and the third connecting portion of the first connector is connected to the positive or negative electrode tab of another of the electrode assemblies. The tabs in each electrode assembly that are not connected to the first connector are respectively connected to the second connecting portion of the second connector.

7. The battery according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, An insulating shield is provided between the second connecting portions of two adjacent second connectors.

8. The battery according to claim 7, wherein, The insulating shielding member protrudes from both ends of the second connector along the first direction.

9. The battery according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The battery further includes an insulating support connected to the insulating shield. The insulating shield is provided with the insulating support on both sides of the direction in which the two second connectors are arranged. The insulating support is located on the side of the top cover body facing the electrode assembly in the first direction. The end of the second connector away from the second exposed portion abuts against the side of the insulating support facing the top cover body.

10. The battery according to claim 9, wherein, In the second connecting portion of two adjacent second connectors, the side of the second connecting portion of each second connector that faces away from the corresponding other second connecting portion protrudes from the insulating support.

11. The battery according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The insulating shielding element includes: An insulating body is connected to the side of the insulating platform facing the top cover body, and the insulating body is clamped between the second connecting portions of two adjacent second connecting members; An insulating accessory is connected to the side of the insulating support away from the top cover body. The thickness of the insulating accessory along the arrangement direction of two adjacent second connectors is less than the thickness of the insulating body along the arrangement direction of two adjacent second connectors. The dimension of the insulating accessory along the first direction is greater than the thickness of the insulating accessory along the arrangement direction of two adjacent second connectors.

12. The battery according to claim 11, wherein, The insulating shield also includes an insulating separator, which is connected to the side of the insulating body away from the insulating support. The insulating separator protrudes along the first direction from the side of the second exposed portion away from the second connecting portion. The thickness of the insulating separator along the arrangement direction of two adjacent second connecting portions is less than the thickness of the insulating body along the arrangement direction of two adjacent second connecting portions. The dimension of the insulating separator along the first direction is greater than the thickness of the insulating separator along the arrangement direction of two adjacent second connecting portions.

13. The battery according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting surface of the first connecting part is welded to the positive electrode tab or the negative electrode tab surface, and the connecting surface of the second connecting part is welded to the positive electrode tab or the negative electrode tab surface that is not connected to the first connecting part.

14. The battery according to claim 1, wherein, The housing has a pressure relief port, which is connected to the accommodating space.

15. The battery according to claim 14, wherein, The battery also includes a pressure relief cover connected to the housing, the pressure relief cover being disposed on the pressure relief port.

16. The battery according to claim 15, wherein, The pressure relief cover is an insulating film with a melting point less than or equal to 500°C, or the pressure relief cover has a weakening zone for pressure relief.

17. The battery according to claim 16, wherein, The wall thickness of the weakened zone is less than the wall thickness of the rest of the pressure relief cover.

18. The battery according to claim 1, wherein, The battery also includes a sealing bag fitted over the outside of the electrode assembly, the sealing bag being located inside the housing.

19. A battery pack, comprising: Box; The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 18 is located inside the casing.

20. An electrical device comprising a battery according to any one of claims 1 to 18 or a battery pack according to claim 19.

21. An energy storage device, comprising: The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 18 or the battery pack according to claim 19, wherein the battery is capable of storing electrical energy and providing electrical energy.

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