Battery monomer, battery and electric device

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a single battery, a battery and a power utilization device, the battery comprises a box body and the single battery, the box body comprises an upper box cover and a lower box cover, and the upper box cover and the lower box cover jointly define a mounting space; the single battery is arranged in the mounting space and comprises a lower pole, an electrode assembly and a top bracket, and the lower pole is positioned on one side, facing the lower box cover, of the single battery; the electrode assembly comprises a pole piece and a lower pole lug, one part of the top support abuts against the pole piece in the vertical direction, and the other part of the top support and the pole piece are spaced in the vertical direction to form an avoiding space; at least part of the connecting position of the lower tab and the pole piece is located in the avoiding space, and in a projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, the projection of the connecting position of the lower tab and the pole piece is located outside the projection of the abutting position of the top support and the pole piece. According to the battery provided by the embodiment of the invention, the avoiding space is arranged, so that the probability that the connecting position of the lower tab and the pole piece is extruded along the vertical direction between the top bracket and the pole piece is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In recent years, the new energy industry has flourished. Batteries are an indispensable part of the new energy industry.

[0003] The battery cell includes an end cap kit, a top bracket, and an electrode assembly. The top bracket is located between the electrode assembly and the end cap kit to separate the two, and also to support the electrode assembly when the battery cell is inverted.

[0004] The electrode assembly is formed by multiple electrodes wound or stacked. An electrode tab is provided at the end of the electrode facing the end cap assembly. Each electrode tab needs to be folded up and bypassed by the top bracket to be electrically connected to the electrode post on the end cap assembly.

[0005] Due to the different manufacturing processes of the electrode components, the mechanical properties, dimensions, and other parameters of the tabs corresponding to the positive and negative electrodes differ, which makes the electrode components prone to damage when the top support is in contact with them. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a battery cell, battery, and electrical device that can reduce the probability of compression of the tabs of the electrode assembly.

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

[0008] This invention provides a battery, the battery comprising:

[0009] The box body includes an upper box cover and a lower box cover, which together enclose an installation space;

[0010] A battery cell is disposed within the installation space. The battery cell includes a lower terminal post, an electrode assembly, and a top bracket. The lower terminal post is located on the side of the battery cell facing the lower casing cover. The electrode assembly includes an electrode plate and a lower tab. The lower tab is disposed on one side of the electrode plate along the vertical direction and is electrically connected to the lower terminal post. The top bracket is located between the lower terminal post and the electrode plate. A portion of the top bracket abuts against the electrode plate, and another portion is spaced apart from the electrode plate to form a clearance space.

[0011] At least a portion of the connection position between the lower electrode tab and the electrode plate is located within the clearance space, and in a projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, the projection of the connection position between the lower electrode tab and the electrode plate is outside the projection of the contact position between the top support and the electrode plate.

[0012] In the battery embodiment of the present invention, when the battery cell 10 is in an inverted state, the top support abuts against the electrode in the vertical direction, which constrains the relative position between the top support and the electrode in the vertical direction, and can limit and support the electrode assembly. By setting the clearance space, it is beneficial to reduce the probability of damage caused by the top support and the electrode pressing on the connection position between the lower electrode tab and the electrode in the vertical direction, which is beneficial to provide more space for the arrangement of the lower electrode tab, improve space utilization, and adapt to the arrangement requirements of different manufacturing processes, arrangement methods and sizes of the lower electrode tab.

[0013] In some embodiments, the clearance space is open on at least one side perpendicular to the vertical direction, allowing the lower tab to extend out of the clearance space. This achieves the purpose of the lower tab avoiding the top support for electrical connection with other components in the battery cell, while simultaneously preventing solid impurities entering the clearance space from easily escaping through the opening.

[0014] In some embodiments, the connection point between the lower tab and the electrode sheet forms a roll-welded section, at least a portion of which is located within a clearance space. The clearance space, in the vertical direction, is larger than the vertical dimension of the roll-welded section. This clearance space prevents the roll-welded section from being compressed by the top support and the electrode sheet in the vertical direction, thereby reducing the likelihood of desoldering under stress and lowering the probability of connection failure between the lower tab and the electrode sheet, thus improving the safety of the battery cell.

[0015] In some embodiments, the substrate material of the electrode is PP, and the material of the lower electrode tab is aluminum, so that the electrode and the lower electrode tab of different materials can be electrically connected and fixed by roll welding.

[0016] In some embodiments, there are multiple lower tabs, which converge perpendicularly to the vertical direction to form a contact area and a converged area. The converged area connects the electrode and the contact area. In a projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, the projection of the converged area is outside the projection of the contact position between the top support and the electrode. This allows the top support to avoid the converged area, reducing the probability of interference between the converged area and the top support during assembly, and also reducing the likelihood of damage to the electrode portion within the converged area due to compression along the top support and the electrode.

[0017] In some embodiments, the number of electrode assemblies is at least two and they are arranged along a third direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The convergence area includes a first convergence portion, and at least two of the first convergence portions of the two electrode assemblies are spaced apart along the third direction. A portion of the top support is located between the two first convergence portions and abuts against the electrode sheet. This allows the top support to avoid the convergence area while utilizing the space between the two first convergence portions to increase the contact area between the top support and the electrode sheet.

[0018] In some embodiments, the number of electrode assemblies is at least two and they are arranged along a third direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The convergence area decreases in the direction away from the electrode. The convergence area includes a second convergence portion. In a projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, the end of the second convergence portion connected to the electrode has the same dimension along the third direction as the electrode has along the third direction. The top support is located between the two second convergence portions and is spaced apart from them along the vertical direction and along the third direction. This allows the top support to avoid the convergence area while facilitating the shape of the top support to adapt to the contour of the second convergence portions.

[0019] In some embodiments, the lower tab includes a first tab and a second tab with opposite polarities. The top support includes a first blocking portion and a second blocking portion. The first blocking portion is located on one side of the second blocking portion along a second direction, which intersects the vertical direction. The clearance space includes a first clearance space and a second clearance space. A portion of the first blocking portion abuts against the electrode sheet, and another portion is spaced apart from the electrode sheet along the vertical direction to form the first clearance space. The second blocking portion is spaced apart from the electrode sheet to form the first clearance space. At least a portion of the first tab is located in the first clearance space, and at least a portion of the second tab is located in the second clearance space. Thus, by configuring the first clearance space corresponding to the first tab and the second clearance space corresponding to the second tab, it is beneficial to adapt the first clearance space and the second clearance space to the different contour shapes and sizes of the lower tabs with different polarities, thereby reducing the probability of damage caused by compression between the lower tab and the top support and the electrode sheet.

[0020] In some embodiments, the surface of the top support facing away from the electrode in the vertical direction is a reference surface. The distance between the surface of the first blocking part that abuts against the electrode and the reference surface in the vertical direction is a first distance. The distance between the end of the second blocking part facing the electrode in the vertical direction and the reference surface in the vertical direction is a second distance. The first distance is greater than the second distance. Thus, by arranging the first and second blocking parts flush along one side in the vertical direction, the arrangement of the top support is adapted to the arrangement of other components in the battery cell, making the battery cell structure more compact. The dimension of the first blocking part in the vertical direction is greater than that of the second blocking part in the vertical direction, so that when the first blocking part abuts against the electrode in the vertical direction, a first clearance space is formed between the second blocking part and the electrode.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first clearance space and the second clearance space are separated along the second direction. This reduces the risk of a short circuit caused by contact between the first and second tabs, thus improving battery safety.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first blocking portion includes a first abutting portion and a first clearance portion. The surface of the first abutting portion near one end of the electrode sheet along the vertical direction is a first end face, which abuts against the electrode sheet. The first clearance portion is connected to the edge of the first abutting portion perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the first clearance portion gradually moves away from the electrode sheet in a direction away from the first abutting portion, thereby forming a first clearance space with the electrode sheet. In this way, the first clearance portion can both block solid impurities falling from the electrode sheet and allow the shape of the surface of the first clearance portion facing the electrode sheet to better adapt to the contour of the first electrode tab, reducing the probability of the first clearance portion squeezing the lower electrode tab and causing damage to the first electrode tab.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first blocking portion further includes a second abutting portion. Both the first abutting portion and the first clearance portion are located on the side of the second abutting portion away from the second blocking portion along the second direction. The surface of the second abutting portion near one end of the electrode in the vertical direction is a second end face. The second end face extends along a third direction to opposite sides of the top support along the third direction. The vertical direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other. The second end face abuts against the electrode. Thus, the second abutting portion increases the contact area between the top support and the electrode in the vertical direction, making the support of the top support for the electrode more stable. The second abutting portion also facilitates the separation of the first and second electrode tabs, reducing the risk of short circuits caused by contact between them.

[0024] In some embodiments, the second blocking portion includes a second clearance portion, wherein, in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, the distance between the first end of the second clearance portion and the electrode is greater than the distance between its second end and the electrode. Thus, the shape of the surface of the second clearance portion facing the electrode can better adapt to the contour of the second electrode tab, reducing the likelihood of the second clearance portion causing damage to the second electrode tab due to compression.

[0025] In some embodiments, the second blocking portion further includes a third clearance portion, the side surface of the third clearance portion facing the electrode plate being perpendicular to the vertical direction, the second end of the second clearance portion being connected to the edge of the third clearance portion perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the first end of the second clearance portion being away from the third clearance portion. This allows the second and third clearance portions to better adapt to the contour shape of the second electrode tab, and also increases the size of the second clearance space, facilitating the adaptation to second electrode tabs of different sizes, and particularly to second electrode tabs with larger dimensions in the vertical direction.

[0026] This invention also provides a battery cell, the battery cell comprising:

[0027] An electrode assembly includes an electrode plate and a lower electrode tab, wherein the lower electrode tab is disposed on one side of the electrode plate along a first direction;

[0028] A top support is disposed on one side of the electrode along the first direction, a portion of the top support abuts against the electrode along the first direction, and another portion is spaced apart from the electrode along the first direction to form a clearance space;

[0029] At least a portion of the connection position between the lower electrode tab and the electrode plate is located within the clearance space, and in a projection perpendicular to the first direction, the projection of the connection position between the lower electrode tab and the electrode plate is outside the projection of the abutment position between the top support and the electrode plate.

[0030] In this embodiment of the invention, the battery cell abuts against the electrode along the first direction via a top bracket, which constrains the relative position between the top bracket and the electrode along the first direction, thus limiting and supporting the electrode assembly. By providing clearance space, the probability of damage caused by the top bracket and the electrode pressing against the connection position between the lower tab and the electrode along the first direction is reduced. This also provides more space for the arrangement of the lower tab, improves space utilization, and helps to adapt to the arrangement requirements of different manufacturing processes, layout methods, and sizes of the lower tabs.

[0031] In some embodiments, the lower tab includes a roll-welded portion connected to the electrode sheet. At least a portion of the roll-welded portion is located within the clearance space, the clearance space being larger in dimension along the first direction than the roll-welded portion in the first direction. Thus, the clearance space prevents the roll-welded portion from being squeezed by the top support and the electrode sheet along the first direction, thereby reducing the probability of the roll-welded portion detaching under stress and lowering the probability of connection failure between the lower tab and the electrode sheet, which is beneficial for improving the safety of the battery cell.

[0032] In some embodiments, there are multiple lower tabs, which converge perpendicularly to the first direction to form a contact area and a converged area. The converged area connects the electrode sheet and the contact area, and at least a portion of the converged area is located within the clearance space. This allows the top support to avoid the converged area, reducing the likelihood of interference between the converged area and the top support during assembly, and also reducing the chance of damage to the electrode sheet within the converged area due to compression along the top support and the electrode sheet.

[0033] This invention also provides an electrical device, which includes the battery described in the foregoing embodiments, and the battery is used as a power source for the electrical device.

[0034] By using the battery described in the foregoing embodiments, it is beneficial to extend the service life of the electrical device and improve its safety. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention in which the electrical device is a vehicle;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the end cap kit, top bracket, and electrode assembly in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional diagram of position AA in the middle;

[0039] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A magnified view of the area at position C in the middle;

[0040] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the BB position in the middle;

[0041] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion of position D in the middle;

[0042] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the top support in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram of an embodiment from another perspective;

[0044] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the end cap kit, top bracket, and electrode assembly in the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 11 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the EE position;

[0046] Figure 12 for Figure 4 A magnified view of the area at position G in the middle;

[0047] Figure 13 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the FF position in the middle;

[0048] Figure 14 for Figure 6 A magnified view of the area at position H in the middle;

[0049] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the top support in the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the explosion of a single battery cell in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0052] 1000, Vehicle; 100, Battery; 200, Controller; 300, Motor; 10, Battery Cell; 10a, Clearance Space; 10b, First Clearance Space; 10c, Second Clearance Space; 10d, Opening; 11, Electrode Assembly; 111, Electrode Sheet; 112, Lower Tab; 112a, Closing Area; 112b, Bonding Area; 112c, Roll Welding Section; 112d, First Closing Section; 112e, Second Closing Section; 1121, First Tab; 1122, Second Tab; 12 12a. Top bracket; 12b. Reference plane; 12c. First blocking part; 12c. First abutting part; 12c. First clearance part; 12c. Second abutting part; 12c. Second blocking part; 12c. Second clearance part; 12c. Third clearance part; 13. End cap assembly; 13c. First pole post; 13c. Second pole post; 13c. Lower pole post; 14. Housing; 14a. Receiving cavity; 15. Explosion-proof valve; 20. Box body; 20a. Installation space; 21. Upper box cover; 22. Lower box cover. Detailed Implementation

[0053] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and technical features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, and the detailed descriptions in the specific embodiments should be understood as explanations of the spirit of the present invention and should not be regarded as undue limitations on the present invention.

[0054] 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 invention pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification and the foregoing description of the invention are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0055] In the description of the embodiments of this invention, technical terms such as "first," "second," and "third" 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 and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this invention, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0056] 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 the invention. 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.

[0057] In the description of the embodiments of this invention, 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, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0058] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, for ease of explanation, as follows: Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 10 and Figure 16 As shown, the direction of arrow X is defined as the "first direction" and the "up / down direction," where x1 represents "up" and x2 represents "down." Figure 8 and Figure 15 As shown, the direction of arrow Y is defined as the "second direction"; as... Figure 8 and Figure 15 As shown, the direction of arrow Z is defined as the "third direction".

[0059] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the 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 the present invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0060] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly 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.

[0061] Currently, batteries are being used more and more widely in daily life and industry. They are not only used in energy storage systems such as 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 in aerospace and other fields. As the application areas of batteries continue to expand, the market demand for them is also constantly increasing.

[0062] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery 100 provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, the battery 100 includes a housing 20 and at least one battery cell 10.

[0063] The housing 20 includes an upper cover 21 and a lower cover 22. The upper cover 21 covers the lower cover 22, thereby creating an installation space between the lower cover 22 and the upper cover 21 for placing the battery cell 10.

[0064] In battery 100, there can be multiple battery cells 10, which can be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner. A mixed connection means that multiple battery cells 10 are connected in both series and parallel configurations. Multiple battery cells 10 can be directly connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner, and then the entire assembly of multiple battery cells 10 is placed in the receiving space formed by the lower cover 22 and the upper cover 21. Alternatively, battery 100 can also be composed of multiple battery cells 10 first connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a battery module, and then multiple battery modules are connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a whole, which is also housed in the receiving space formed by the lower cover 22 and the upper cover 21. Battery 100 may also include other structures; for example, battery 100 may also include a busbar component for realizing the electrical connection between multiple battery cells 10.

[0065] The battery cell 10 involved in this embodiment of the invention includes an electrode assembly and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly consists of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. The battery cell 10 mainly relies on the movement of metal ions between the positive and negative electrode plates to operate. The positive electrode includes a positive current collector and a positive active material layer. The positive active material layer is coated on the surface of the positive current collector. The current collector without the positive active material layer protrudes from the current collector with the positive active material layer. The current collectors without the positive active material layer are stacked together to form the positive electrode tab. Taking a lithium-ion battery as an example, the material of the positive current collector can be aluminum, and the positive active material can be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganese oxide, etc. The negative electrode includes a negative current collector and a negative active material layer. The negative active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative current collector. The current collector without the negative active material layer protrudes from the current collector with the negative active material layer. The current collectors without the negative active material layer are stacked together to form the negative electrode tab. The negative electrode current collector can be made of copper, and the negative electrode active material can be carbon or silicon, etc. The separator can be made of PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene), etc. In addition, the electrode assembly can be a wound structure or a stacked structure.

[0066] The battery cell 10 can be a secondary battery, which means that the battery cell 10 can be used again after being discharged by recharging to activate the active materials.

[0067] The battery cell 10 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 the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this.

[0068] The battery cell 10 can be a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, a pouch battery cell, or other shapes. Prismatic battery cells include prismatic battery cells, blade-shaped battery cells, and multi-prismatic batteries, such as hexagonal prismatic batteries. There are no particular limitations in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0069] In this embodiment of the invention, the battery 100 refers to a single physical module comprising one or more battery cells 10 to provide higher voltage and capacity.

[0070] The electrical device involved in this embodiment of the invention is powered by the aforementioned battery. The electrical device can be, but is not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, electric toys, power tools, electric vehicles, electric cars, ships, spacecraft, etc. Among them, electric toys can include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc., and spacecraft can include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc.

[0071] In the following embodiments, for ease of explanation, an example of an electrical device of the present invention, a vehicle 1000, will be used for description. The description is as follows, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0072] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle 1000 provided in one embodiment of the present invention. 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 100 is installed inside the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 can be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 can be used to power the vehicle 1000; for example, the battery 100 can serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000. The vehicle 1000 may also include a controller 200 and a motor 300. The controller 200 is used to control the battery 100 to supply power to the motor 300, for example, to meet the power needs of the vehicle 1000 during startup, navigation, and driving.

[0073] In some embodiments of the present invention, the battery 100 can not only serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000, but also as the driving power source for the vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1000.

[0074] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail.

[0075] In related technologies, a battery cell includes an end cap assembly, an electrode assembly, and a top support, with the top support sandwiched between the end cap assembly and the electrode assembly. When the battery cell is inverted, the top support provides support for the electrode assembly and also shields the electrode assembly from solid materials such as carbon powder, reducing the likelihood of these materials falling onto the end cap assembly and causing a short circuit in the battery cell.

[0076] The electrode assembly includes an electrode sheet and a tab, with the tab located at one end of the electrode sheet. Due to factors such as manufacturing process, connection method, and arrangement, the structural strength of the connection point between the electrode sheet and the tab is relatively low. If the connection point between the electrode sheet and the tab is subjected to pressure from the top support and the electrode sheet when the battery cell is inverted, it may be damaged, thereby affecting the conduction of current.

[0077] Based on the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a battery in which the battery cell is inverted and the part of the top support of the battery cell that abuts against the electrode avoids the connection position of the tab and the electrode, so as to reduce the probability of damage caused by the top support and the electrode pressing against the connection position of the tab and the electrode.

[0078] Specifically, see Figures 2 to 7 , Figures 10 to 14, Figure 16 The battery 100 includes a housing 20 and a battery cell 10.

[0079] The housing 20 includes an upper cover 21 and a lower cover 22, which together enclose an installation space 20a. A battery cell 10 is disposed within the installation space 20a. The battery cell 10 includes a lower terminal post 133, an electrode assembly 11, and a top bracket 12. The lower terminal post 133 is located on the side of the battery cell 10 facing the lower cover 22. The electrode assembly 11 includes an electrode plate 111 and a lower tab 112, with the lower tab 112 positioned along the vertical direction of the electrode plate 111. On one side; the top bracket 12 is located between the lower pole post 133 and the pole piece 111. A portion of the top bracket 12 abuts against the pole piece 111 in the vertical direction, and another portion forms a clearance space 10a with the pole piece 111 in the vertical direction. In the projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, at least a portion of the projection of the connection position between the pole piece 112 and the pole piece 111 is located within the projection of the clearance space 10a, and is completely outside the projection of the abutment position between the top bracket 12 and the pole piece 111.

[0080] The housing 20 provides an installation location for the battery cells 10 and provides a certain degree of protection.

[0081] The lower terminal post 133 refers to the terminal post on the side of the battery cell 10 facing the lower cover 22. It can be that all the terminals on the battery cell 10 are lower terminal posts 133, or it can be that some of the terminals are lower terminal posts 133.

[0082] The electrode 111 includes a positive electrode 111 and a negative electrode 111, which together undergo an electrochemical reaction with the electrolyte in the battery cell 10 to realize the charging and discharging functions of the battery cell 10.

[0083] It is understandable that there are multiple electrodes 111, which are stacked, wound, or formed into a multi-layered structure.

[0084] The tabs are used to electrically connect to the terminals on the end cap assembly 13 in the battery cell 10, so as to conduct current out of or into the electrode 111.

[0085] The lower tab 112 refers to the tab in the battery cell 10 used to achieve electrical connection with the lower terminal post 133. It can be that all the tabs in the battery cell 10 are lower tabs 112, or some of the tabs are lower tabs 112.

[0086] It is understandable that the top support 12 and the lower electrode tab 112 are located on the same side of the electrode 111.

[0087] The top support 12 can be used to block solid materials such as carbon powder from falling from the electrode 111 under the action of gravity when the battery cell 10 is in an inverted state.

[0088] The inverted state of the battery cell 10 refers to the state in which the battery cell 10 is placed with the top support 12 of the end cover assembly located below the electrode 111 along the direction of gravity.

[0089] The top support 12 abuts against the electrode 111 in the vertical direction to apply a constraint force to the electrode 111 in the vertical direction, thereby supporting and positioning the electrode 111 in the vertical direction.

[0090] Another part of the top support 12 forms a first clearance space 10b with the electrode 111 in the vertical direction. In other words, this part of the top support 12 cannot support or limit the electrode 111 in the vertical direction.

[0091] At least a portion of the connection point between the lower tab 112 and the electrode 111 is located within the clearance space 10a, such that a portion of the lower tab 112 is located within the clearance space 10a. Because a portion of the top support 12 abuts against the electrode 111 in the vertical direction, the vertical position of the top support 12 and the electrode 111 is stable, and the portion of the lower tab 112 located within the clearance space 10a is not subjected to vertical compression from the top support 12 and the electrode 111.

[0092] The projection of the connection position between the lower tab 112 and the electrode 111 is outside the projection of the contact position between the top bracket 12 and the electrode 111. In other words, the top bracket 12 will not squeeze the connection position between the lower tab 112 and the electrode 111 in the vertical direction.

[0093] In this embodiment of the invention, the battery 100, when the battery cell 10 is inverted, abuts against the electrode 111 in the vertical direction through the top support 12, which constrains the relative position between the top support 12 and the electrode 111 in the vertical direction, thus limiting and supporting the electrode assembly 11. By providing the clearance space 10a, it is beneficial to reduce the probability of damage caused by the pressure between the top support 12 and the electrode 111 on the connection position between the lower tab 112 and the electrode 111 in the vertical direction, which is beneficial to provide more space for the arrangement of the lower tab 112, improve space utilization, and adapt to the arrangement requirements of different manufacturing processes, arrangement methods and sizes of the lower tab 112.

[0094] The specific number of electrode assemblies 11 is not limited; there can be one or more.

[0095] It is understandable that the portion of the inner wall of the top support 12 forming the clearance space 10a coincides with the projection portion of the electrode 111 on the projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, thereby playing the role of blocking solid impurities in the electrode 111 along the vertical direction.

[0096] It is understandable that when the battery cell 10 is inverted, solid impurities falling from the electrode 111 will enter the clearance space 10a.

[0097] See Figure 16 The battery cell 10 includes an end cap kit 13, which is located on the side of the top bracket 12 away from the electrode 111 in the vertical direction. The end cap kit 13 is provided with a terminal post, and the lower electrode tab 112 needs to be electrically connected to the terminal post.

[0098] In some embodiments, see Figures 4 to 7 , Figures 11 to 14 The clearance space 10a is opened on at least one side perpendicular to the vertical direction to form an opening 10d, so that the lower electrode ear 112 can extend out of the clearance space 10a from the opening 10d.

[0099] In other words, a portion of the lower electrode tab 112 is located in the clearance space 10a, and a portion of the lower electrode tab 112 extends out of the clearance space 10a through the opening 10d, so that the extended portion of the lower electrode tab 112 can be electrically connected to the electrode post.

[0100] Understandably, the opening of the clearance space 10a does not face either the end cap assembly 13 or the electrode plate 111.

[0101] In this way, the lower tab 112 avoids the top bracket 12 to achieve electrical connection with other devices in the battery cell 10. At the same time, solid impurities that enter the avoidance space 10a are difficult to remove from the avoidance space 10a through the opening of the avoidance space 10a.

[0102] It is understandable that the setting of the clearance space 10a is adapted to the specific manufacturing process of the lower tab 112.

[0103] For example, see Figure 7 At least a portion of the connection position between the lower electrode tab 112 and the electrode plate 111, forming the roll-welded portion 112c, is located in the clearance space 10a. The vertical dimension of the clearance space 10a is greater than the vertical dimension of the roll-welded portion 112c. That is, L3 > L4.

[0104] Roll welding refers to the welding of the lower electrode lug 112 and the electrode sheet 111 by means of roller electrodes. The two parts to be welded move between the rollers to produce multiple overlapping weld nuggets to achieve the welding.

[0105] Roll welding section 112c is the area on the lower electrode tab 112 where roll welding is performed. Roll welding section 112c is connected to electrode 111 to form the connection position between lower electrode tab 112 and electrode 111.

[0106] Thus, by avoiding the space 10a, the roller welding part 112c is not squeezed by the top support 12 and the electrode 111 in the vertical direction, thereby reducing the probability of the roller welding part 112c detaching under stress and reducing the probability of connection failure between the lower electrode tab 112 and the electrode 111, which is beneficial to improving the safety of the battery cell 10.

[0107] In some embodiments with a roll-welding section 112c, the base material of the electrode 111 is PP (Polypropylene), and the material of the lower electrode tab 112 is aluminum, so that the electrode 111 and the lower electrode tab 112 of different materials can be electrically connected and fixed by roll welding.

[0108] In some embodiments, the lower tab 112 is positively polarized and made of aluminum.

[0109] In some embodiments, see Figure 5 , Figure 12 and Figure 14 There are multiple lower tabs 112. The multiple lower tabs 112 are gathered together in a vertical direction to form a fitting area 112b and a gathering area 112a. The gathering area 112a is connected between the electrode 111 and the fitting area 112b.

[0110] The closing area 112a refers to the area where each lower electrode tab 112 closes up to each other until they fit together.

[0111] Understandably, the spacing between the lower tabs 112 in the gathering area 112a gradually decreases in the direction away from the electrode 111 until the lower tabs 112 fit together.

[0112] The convergence area 112a is connected to the electrode 111 to form the connection position between the lower electrode tab 112 and the electrode 111.

[0113] The mating area 112b refers to the area where each lower tab 112 is mated to the other. The mating area 112b is used for electrical connection with the electrode post.

[0114] By bringing the lower tabs 112 together to form a fitting area 112b, it is easier for each lower tab 112 to be electrically connected to the lower tab 112 simultaneously, which helps to reduce the difficulty of assembly and manufacturing.

[0115] Because there are gaps between the individual electrodes 111 in the gathering region 112a, the structural strength of the gathering region 112a is low, and the electrodes 111 are prone to bending and deformation.

[0116] In embodiments where the lower tab 112 is the negative electrode and is made of aluminum, when the electrode sheet 111 is manufactured by a winding process, one lower tab 112 is provided for each one or three / four turns of winding. Alternatively, when the electrode sheet 111 is manufactured by a stacking process, the space occupied by the gathering area 112a is larger in the vertical direction.

[0117] In some embodiments, see Figure 5 , Figure 12 and Figure 14 In the projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, the projection of the convergence area 112a is outside the projection of the contact position between the top support 12 and the pole piece 111.

[0118] This helps the top support 12 to avoid the retractable area 112a, reducing the chance of interference between the retractable area 112a and the top support 12 during assembly, and reducing the chance of damage caused by the retractable area 112a being squeezed along the top support 12 and the electrode 111.

[0119] The electrode 111 is formed by winding or stacking multiple sub-electrodes. Each sub-electrode can have a lower electrode tab 112, commonly known as the electrode 111 having a lower electrode tab 112. Alternatively, some sub-electrodes can have a lower electrode tab 112, while others do not.

[0120] In some embodiments, see Figures 4 to 7 The number of electrode assemblies 11 is at least two and arranged along a third direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The folding area 112a includes a first folding portion 112d. At least two first folding portions 112d of the two electrode assemblies 11 are spaced apart along the third direction. A portion of the top support 12 is located between the two first folding portions 112d and abuts against the electrode sheet 111.

[0121] Some sub-electrodes are provided with lower electrode tabs 112, while other sub-electrodes are not provided with lower electrode tabs 112, so that in the projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, the dimension of the end of the first folding portion 112d connected to the electrode 111 along the third direction is smaller than the dimension of the electrode 111 along the third direction.

[0122] In this way, while avoiding the retracted area 112a, the top support 12 increases the contact area between the top support 12 and the electrode 111 by utilizing the space between the two first retracted portions 112d.

[0123] In some embodiments, see Figures 11 to 14The number of electrode assemblies 11 is at least two and they are arranged along a third direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The convergence area 112a shrinks in the direction away from the electrode 111. The convergence area 112a includes a second convergence portion 112e. In a projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, the dimension of the end of the second convergence portion 112e connected to the electrode 111 along the third direction is the same as the dimension of the electrode 111 along the third direction. A portion of the top support 12 is located between the two second convergence portions 112e and is spaced apart from them along the vertical direction and along the third direction. When the electrode 111 is fully extended beyond the lower electrode tab 112, a portion of the top support is located in the space formed by the contraction of the two second convergence portions 112e in the third direction and does not contact the electrode 111 or the second convergence portions 112e.

[0124] In this way, the top support 12 avoids the retracting area 112a while making its shape adapt to the contour of the second retracting part 112e.

[0125] It is understandable that there are multiple lower electrode tabs 112, some of which are positive polarity lower electrode tabs 112 and others are negative polarity lower electrode tabs 112. The shape, size and other parameters of the two different types of lower electrode tabs 112 may differ.

[0126] The specific arrangement of the clearance space 10a is adapted to the lower pole lugs 112 of different polarities.

[0127] For example, see Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 12 and Figure 14 The lower tab 112 includes a first tab 1121 and a second tab 1122 with opposite polarities. The top support 12 includes a first blocking portion 121 and a second blocking portion 122. The first blocking portion 121 is located on one side of the second blocking portion 122 along a second direction, which intersects with the vertical direction. The clearance space 10a includes a first clearance space 10b and a second clearance space 10c. A portion of the first blocking portion 121 abuts against the electrode 111, and another portion is spaced apart from the electrode 111 along the vertical direction to form the first clearance space 10b. The second blocking portion 122 is spaced apart from the electrode 111 to form the first clearance space 10b. At least a portion of the first tab 1121 is located in the first clearance space 10b, and at least a portion of the second tab 1122 is located in the second clearance space 10c.

[0128] The first electrode 1121 and the second electrode 1122 have opposite polarities, that is, one of them is a positive electrode 112 and the other is a negative electrode 112.

[0129] It is understandable that, in the projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, the projection of the first blocking part 121 and the projection of the second blocking part 122 respectively at least partially coincide with the projection of the electrode 111.

[0130] The intersection of the vertical direction and the second direction means that the straight lines in which the two directions are located form an angle between them.

[0131] The specific angle between the vertical direction and the second direction is not limited. For example, the vertical direction is perpendicular to the second direction, that is, the angle between the two is 90°.

[0132] The first blocking part 121, by abutting against the electrode 111 in the vertical direction, serves to achieve vertical contact and limit the position between the top support 12 and the electrode 111; when the battery cell 10 is inverted, it can block solid impurities falling from the electrode 111; the first blocking part 121 and the electrode 111 form a first clearance space 10b to accommodate part or all of the first tab 1121.

[0133] The second blocking part 122 does not contact the electrode 111 in the vertical direction. That is to say, the second blocking part 122 cannot limit the distance between the top support 12 and the electrode 111. It can only be used to block solid impurities falling from the electrode 111 and to accommodate part or all of the second tab 1122.

[0134] Thus, by configuring the first clearance space 10b corresponding to the first electrode tab 1121 and the second clearance space 10c corresponding to the second electrode tab 1122, it is beneficial to make the first clearance space 10b and the second clearance space 10c adapt to the different contour shapes and sizes of the lower electrode tab 112 with different polarities, so as to reduce the probability of damage caused by compression between the lower electrode tab 112 and the top support 12 and the electrode plate 111.

[0135] In some embodiments, the second direction is the length direction of the battery cell 10.

[0136] The length direction of the battery cell 10 is the straight line direction of the largest of the three-dimensional dimensions of the battery 100.

[0137] This is beneficial to increase the size of the first blocking part 121 and the second blocking part 122, so as to increase the contact area between the first blocking part 121 and the electrode 111, and to improve the blocking effect of the first blocking part 121 and the second blocking part 122 on solid impurities falling into the electrode 111.

[0138] The specific manner in which the second blocking part 122 forms the second avoidance space 10c is not limited.

[0139] For example, see Figure 9The surface of the top support 12 facing away from the electrode 111 in the vertical direction is the reference surface 12a. The vertical distance between the surface of the first blocking part 121 that abuts against the electrode 111 and the reference surface 12a is the first distance. The vertical distance between the end of the second blocking part 122 facing the electrode 111 in the vertical direction and the reference surface 12a is the second distance. The first distance is greater than the second distance. That is, L1 > L2.

[0140] The reference surface 12a, which is the end face of the top bracket 12 away from the electrode 111 in the vertical direction, is close to the end cap assembly 13 in the battery cell 10. The extension direction of the reference surface 12a is perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0141] The first spacing is the dimension of the first blocking part 121 in the vertical direction.

[0142] The second spacing is the dimension of the second blocking part 122 in the vertical direction.

[0143] That is, the ends of the first blocking part 121 and the second blocking part 122 that are away from the electrode 111 in the vertical direction are flush.

[0144] Thus, by arranging the first blocking part 121 and the second blocking part 122 flush with each other on one side in the vertical direction, it is beneficial for the arrangement of the top support 12 to adapt to the arrangement of other components in the battery cell 10, and to make the structure of the battery cell 10 more compact. The dimension of the first blocking part 121 in the vertical direction is larger than that of the second blocking part 122 in the vertical direction, so that when the first blocking part 121 is in contact with the electrode 111 in the vertical direction, the second blocking part 122 and the electrode 111 form a first clearance space 10b.

[0145] The specific method for measuring the first and second gaps is not limited. For example, at a room temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, using a vernier caliper, the main scale jaws of the vernier caliper are brought into contact with the reference surface 12a in the vertical direction. The vernier is moved so that the vernier jaws are in contact with the surface of the first blocking part 121 that is in contact with the electrode 111. The data read by the vernier caliper is the value of the first gap. The vernier is moved so that the vernier jaws are in contact with the surface of the second blocking part 122 that is in contact with the end of the electrode 111 in the vertical direction. The data read by the vernier caliper is the value of the second gap.

[0146] The specific manner in which the first blocking part 121 forms the first avoidance space 10b is not limited.

[0147] For example, see Figure 5 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 12 and Figure 15The first blocking part 121 includes a first abutting part 1211 and a first clearance part 1212. The surface of the first abutting part 1211 near the end of the electrode 111 in the vertical direction is a first end face. The first end face abuts against the electrode 111. The first clearance part 1212 is connected to the edge of the first abutting part 1211 perpendicular to the vertical direction. The first clearance part 1212 gradually moves away from the electrode 111 in a direction away from the first abutting part 1211, so as to form a first clearance space 10b with the electrode 111.

[0148] In this way, the first clearance portion 1212 can not only block solid impurities falling from the electrode 111, but also the shape of the surface of the first clearance portion 1212 facing the electrode 111 can better adapt to the contour of the first electrode tab 1121, reducing the probability of the first clearance portion 1212 squeezing the lower electrode tab 112 and causing damage to the first electrode tab 1121.

[0149] In some embodiments, see Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 15 Both the first avoidance part 1212 and the first abutment part 1211 extend along the second direction. The first avoidance part 1212 is located on the side of the first abutment part 1211 along the third direction. The vertical direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0150] This makes it easier to adapt the first clearance portion 1212 to the extension direction of the first tab 1121 and the electrode 111, which helps to reduce the length required for the first tab 1121 to extend from the first clearance space 10b and bypass the top bracket 12 to make electrical connection with other devices in the battery cell 10, and also helps to reduce the size of the first tab 1121.

[0151] Understandably, since the first tab 1121 and the second tab 1122 have different polarities, it is necessary to reduce the probability of them coming into contact and causing a short circuit.

[0152] Specifically, the first clearance space 10b and the second clearance space 10c are separated along the second direction.

[0153] In other words, the first electrode 1121 cannot directly enter the second clearance space 10c along the second direction and come into contact with the portion of the second electrode 1122 located in the second clearance space 10c; similarly, the second electrode 1122 cannot directly enter the first clearance space 10b along the second direction and come into contact with the portion of the first electrode 1121 located in the first clearance space 10b.

[0154] This reduces the risk of short circuit caused by contact between the first tab 1121 and the second tab 1122, and improves the safety of using the battery 100.

[0155] The specific structural form that separates the first clearance space 10b and the second clearance space 10c along the second direction is not limited.

[0156] For example, see Figure 8 and Figure 15 The first blocking part 121 also includes a second abutting part 1213. The first abutting part 1211 and the first avoidance part 1212 are both located on the side of the second abutting part 1213 away from the second blocking part 122 along the second direction. The surface of the second abutting part 1213 near the end of the electrode 111 along the vertical direction is the second end face. The second end face extends along the third direction to the opposite sides of the top support 12 along the third direction. The vertical direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other. The second end face abuts against the electrode 111.

[0157] In other words, the second contact portion 1213 separates the first clearance space 10b and the second clearance space 10c by contacting the electrode 111 and extending in a third direction, so that the first clearance space 10b and the second clearance space 10c are not directly connected to each other.

[0158] It is understood that the first clearance space 10b and the second clearance space 10c are respectively located on one side of the second abutment portion 1213 along the second direction.

[0159] Thus, the second abutment portion 1213 can increase the contact area between the top support 12 and the electrode 111 in the vertical direction, making the support of the top support 12 on the electrode 111 more stable; the second abutment portion 1213 is conducive to separating the first electrode tab 1121 and the second electrode tab 1122, reducing the risk of short circuit caused by contact between the two.

[0160] In some embodiments, see Figure 8 The distance between the second abutment portion 1213 and the first end of the top support 12 along the second direction is less than the distance between the second abutment portion 1213 and the second end of the top support 12 along the second direction. This allows the first clearance space 10b and the second clearance space 10c to accommodate the first tab 1121 and the second tab 1122, which have different dimensions along the second direction, as needed.

[0161] In some embodiments, see Figure 15 The distance between the second abutment portion 1213 and the first end of the top support 12 along the second direction is equal to the distance between the second abutment portion 1213 and the second end of the top support 12 along the second direction. This is beneficial for positioning the second abutment portion 1213 at the middle position of the top support 12 along the second direction, so that the supporting effect of the top support 12 on the electrode 111 remains balanced.

[0162] In some embodiments, see Figure 7 and Figure 14 The second blocking part 122 includes a second clearance part 1221. In a direction perpendicular to the up and down direction, the distance between the first end of the second clearance part 1221 and the electrode 111 is greater than the distance between its second end and the electrode 111.

[0163] In other words, the surface of the second clearance portion 1221 facing the electrode 111 is inclined relative to the plane perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0164] In this way, the shape of the surface of the second clearance portion 1221 facing the electrode plate 111 can better adapt to the contour of the second electrode tab 1122, reducing the probability of the second clearance portion 1221 causing compression and damage to the second electrode tab 1122.

[0165] In some embodiments, see Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 The second blocking part 122 also includes a third clearance part 1222. The surface of the third clearance part 1222 facing the electrode 111 is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The second end of the second clearance part 1221 is connected to the edge of the third clearance part 1222 perpendicular to the vertical direction. The first end of the second clearance part 1221 is away from the third clearance part 1222.

[0166] In other words, the surface of the third clearance portion 1222 facing the electrode 111 is perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the distance between it and the electrode 111 in the vertical direction is a constant value.

[0167] This allows the second clearance portion 1221 and the third clearance portion 1222 to better adapt to the outline shape of the second electrode 1122. At the same time, it helps to increase the size of the second clearance space 10c, which is beneficial for adapting to second electrode 1122s of different sizes, and for adapting to second electrode 1122s with larger dimensions in the vertical direction.

[0168] In some embodiments, see Figure 8 and Figure 15 The second avoidance part 1221 and the third avoidance part 1222 both extend along the second direction. The second avoidance part 1221 is located on the side of the third avoidance part 1222 along the third direction. The vertical direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0169] This makes it easier for the second clearance portion 1221 and the third clearance portion 1222 to adapt to the extension direction of the second tab 1122, which helps to reduce the length required for the second tab 1122 to extend from the second clearance space 10c and bypass the top bracket 12 to make electrical connections with other devices in the battery cell 10, and also helps to reduce the size of the second tab 1122.

[0170] Understandably, see Figure 7 and Figure 14 The second clearance space 10c opens toward the side away from the third clearance section 1222.

[0171] In embodiments where there are two electrode assemblies 11, see [reference]. Figure 8 and Figure 15 The first contact portion 1211 is provided with a first clearance portion 1212 at both ends along the third direction, that is, two first clearance spaces 10b are formed so that the first tabs 1121 of each of the two electrode assemblies 11 are respectively located in a first clearance space 10b, and the first tabs 1121 of each electrode assembly 11 bypass one of the first clearance portions 1212.

[0172] The specific number of electrode assemblies 11 is not limited.

[0173] For example, see Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 11 and Figure 13 The number of electrode components 11 is two.

[0174] In embodiments where there are two electrode assemblies 11, see [reference]. Figure 8 and Figure 15 The third abutment is provided with a second clearance portion 1221 at both ends along the third direction, so that the second tabs 1122 of each of the two electrode assemblies 11 are located in the second clearance space 10c, and the second tabs 1122 in each electrode assembly 11 bypass one of the second clearance portions 1221 respectively.

[0175] An explosion-proof valve 15 is provided on the end cap kit 13. After thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell 10, the generated high-temperature and high-pressure gas acts on the explosion-proof valve 15 to open the explosion-proof valve 15 and discharge the gas from the battery cell 10, thereby reducing the risk of the battery cell 10 exploding.

[0176] In some embodiments, see Figure 8 and Figure 15 At least one of the first contact portion 1211, the second contact portion 1213, the first clearance portion 1212, the second clearance portion 1221 and the third clearance portion 1222 is provided with an exhaust hole that extends through in the vertical direction, so that in the event of thermal runaway of the battery 100, gas can pass through the top bracket 12 to trigger the explosion-proof valve 15 to open.

[0177] In some embodiments, see Figure 16The battery cell 10 also includes an end cap assembly 13 and a housing 14. The housing 14 has a receiving cavity 14a, which is open on one side in the vertical direction. The electrode assembly 11 is disposed in the receiving cavity 14a. The end cap assembly 13 and the top support 12 are connected in the vertical direction and together cover the open position of the receiving cavity 14a. The top support 12 is located in the receiving cavity 14a and is sandwiched between the electrode 111 and the end cap assembly 13 in the vertical direction. In this way, the electrode assembly 11 is limited and fixed in the vertical direction by the top support 12 and the housing 14.

[0178] Understandably, the top support 12 is made of insulating material.

[0179] In some embodiments, see Figure 16 The end cap assembly 13 is provided with a first terminal post 131 and a second terminal post 132. The first terminal tab 1121 bypasses the top bracket 12 and is electrically connected to the first terminal post 131. The second terminal tab 1122 bypasses the top bracket 12 and is electrically connected to the second terminal post 132. The first terminal post 131 and the second terminal post 132 have opposite polarities to realize the charging and discharging functions of the battery cell 10.

[0180] The battery 100 in a specific embodiment of the present invention is described as follows:

[0181] The battery 100 includes a casing 20 and a battery cell 10, including an upper casing cover 21 and a lower casing cover 22, which together enclose an installation space 20a. The battery cell 10 is disposed within the installation space 20a and includes a lower terminal post 133, an electrode assembly 11, and a top bracket 12. The lower terminal post 133 is located on the side of the battery cell 10 facing the lower casing cover 22, and the lower electrode tab 112 is located on the side of the electrode 111 along the vertical direction. The top bracket 12 is located between the lower terminal post 133 and the electrode 111. A portion of the top bracket 12 abuts against the electrode 111 along the vertical direction, and another portion is spaced apart from the electrode 111 along the vertical direction to form a clearance space 10a, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction. At least one side of the direction is open so that the lower electrode tab 112 can extend out of the clearance space 10a from the opening of the clearance space 10a. The lower electrode tab 112 includes a roll-welded portion 112c, which is connected to the electrode 111. At least a portion of the roll-welded portion 112c is located in the clearance space 10a. The clearance space 10a is larger in the vertical direction than the roll-welded portion 112c. There are multiple lower electrode tabs 112. The multiple lower electrode tabs 112 are gathered together perpendicular to the vertical direction to form a fitting area 112b and a gathering area 112a. The gathering area 112a is connected between the electrode 111 and the fitting area 112b. At least a portion of the gathering area 112a is located within the clearance space 10a. The convergence area 112a shrinks in the direction away from the electrode 111. The number of electrode assemblies 11 is at least two and they are arranged along a third direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The convergence area 112a includes a first convergence portion 112d and a second convergence portion 112e. At least two first convergence portions 112d of the two electrode assemblies 11 are spaced apart along the third direction. A portion of the top support 12 is located between the two first convergence portions 112d and abuts against the electrode 111. The dimension of the end of the second convergence portion 112e connected to the electrode 111 along the third direction is the same as the dimension of the electrode 111 along the third direction. A portion of the top support 12 is located between the two second convergence portions 112e and is spaced apart from them along the vertical direction and along the third direction.The lower tab 112 includes a first tab 1121 and a second tab 1122 with opposite polarities. The top support 12 includes a first blocking portion 121 and a second blocking portion 122. The first blocking portion 121 is located on one side of the second blocking portion 122 along a second direction, which intersects with the vertical direction. The clearance space 10a includes a first clearance space 10b and a second clearance space 10c. A portion of the first blocking portion 121 abuts against the electrode plate 111, and another portion is spaced from the electrode plate 111 along the vertical direction to form the first clearance space 10b. The second blocking portion 122 is spaced from the electrode plate 111. A first clearance space 10b is formed, at least a portion of the first electrode tab 1121 is located in the first clearance space 10b, at least a portion of the second electrode tab 1122 is located in the second clearance space 10c, the surface of the top support 12 facing away from the electrode 111 in the vertical direction is the reference surface 12a, the vertical distance between the surface of the first blocking part 121 that abuts against the electrode 111 and the reference surface 12a is the first distance, the vertical distance between the end of the second blocking part 122 facing the electrode 111 in the vertical direction and the reference surface 12a is the second distance, and the first distance is greater than the second distance. The first blocking part 121 includes a first abutting part 1211 and a first clearance part 1212. The surface of the first abutting part 1211 that is close to one end of the electrode 111 in the vertical direction is a first end face. The first end face abuts against the electrode 111. The first clearance part 1212 is connected to the edge of the first abutting part 1211 that is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The first clearance part 1212 gradually moves away from the electrode 111 in a direction away from the first abutting part 1211, so as to form a first clearance space 10b with the electrode 111. The first blocking portion 121 also includes a second abutting portion 1213. The first abutting portion 1211 and the first clearance portion 1212 are both located on the side of the second abutting portion 1213 away from the second blocking portion 122 along the second direction. The surface of the second abutting portion 1213 near the end of the electrode 111 along the vertical direction is a second end face. The second end face extends along the third direction to the opposite sides of the top support 12 along the third direction. The vertical direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other. The second end face abuts against the electrode 111. The second blocking portion 122 includes a second clearance portion 1221. In the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, the distance between the first end of the second clearance portion 1221 and the electrode 111 is greater than the distance between its second end and the electrode 111. The second blocking part 122 also includes a third clearance part 1222. The surface of the third clearance part 1222 facing the electrode 111 is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The second end of the second clearance part 1221 is connected to the edge of the third clearance part 1222 perpendicular to the vertical direction. The first end of the second clearance part 1221 is away from the third clearance part 1222.

[0182] This invention also provides a battery cell 10, see below. Figures 3 to 7 , Figures 10 to 14 , Figure 1 The battery cell 10 includes an electrode assembly 11 and a top support 12.

[0183] The electrode assembly 11 includes an electrode plate 111 and a lower electrode tab 112, wherein the lower electrode tab 112 is disposed on one side of the electrode plate 111 along a first direction;

[0184] The top support 12 is disposed on one side of the electrode 111 along the first direction. A part of the top support 12 abuts against the electrode 111 along the first direction, and the other part is spaced apart from the electrode 111 along the first direction to form a clearance space 10a.

[0185] In the projection perpendicular to the first direction, at least a portion of the projection of the connection position between the lower tab 112 and the electrode 111 is located within the projection of the clearance space 10a, and completely outside the projection of the abutment position between the top support 12 and the electrode 111.

[0186] In this embodiment of the invention, the battery cell 10 abuts against the electrode 111 along the first direction via the top support 12, which constrains the relative position between the top support 12 and the electrode 111 along the first direction, thus limiting and supporting the electrode assembly 11. By providing the clearance space 10a, the probability of damage caused by the top support 12 and the electrode 111 squeezing the connection position between the lower tab 112 and the electrode 111 along the first direction is reduced. This also provides more space for the arrangement of the lower tab 112, improves space utilization, and helps to adapt to the arrangement requirements of different manufacturing processes, arrangement methods, and sizes of the lower tab 112.

[0187] In some embodiments, referring to the figures, the first direction is the up-down direction.

[0188] In some embodiments, see Figure 7 The lower electrode tab 112 includes a roll-welded portion 112c, which is connected to the electrode sheet 111. At least a portion of the roll-welded portion 112c is located in a clearance space 10a, and the dimension of the clearance space 10a along the first direction is greater than the dimension of the roll-welded portion 112c along the first direction. That is, L3 > L4.

[0189] Thus, by avoiding the space 10a, the roller welding part 112c is not squeezed by the top support 12 and the electrode 111 along the first direction, thereby reducing the probability of the roller welding part 112c detaching under stress and reducing the probability of connection failure between the lower tab 112 and the electrode 111, which is beneficial to improving the safety of the battery cell 10.

[0190] In some embodiments, see Figure 5 , Figure 12 and Figure 14There are multiple lower tabs 112. The multiple lower tabs 112 converge perpendicularly to the first direction to form a fitting area 112b and a gathering area 112a. The gathering area 112a is connected between the electrode 111 and the fitting area 112b. The projection of the gathering area 112a is outside the projection of the contact position between the top support 12 and the electrode 111.

[0191] This helps the top support 12 to avoid the retractable area 112a, reducing the chance of interference between the retractable area 112a and the top support 12 during assembly. It also reduces the chance of damage to the electrode 111 in the retractable area 112a due to compression along the top support 12 and the electrode 111.

[0192] This invention also provides an electrical device, which includes the battery 100 from the foregoing embodiments, and the battery 100 is used as a power source for the electrical device.

[0193] By using the battery 100 in the aforementioned embodiments, it is beneficial to extend the service life of the electrical device and improve its safety.

[0194] The various embodiments / implementations provided by this invention can be combined with each other without creating contradictions.

[0195] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the embodiments of the present invention can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the embodiments of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery, characterized in that, The battery includes: The box body includes an upper box cover and a lower box cover, which together enclose an installation space; A battery cell is disposed within the installation space. The battery cell includes a lower terminal post, an electrode assembly, and a top bracket. The lower terminal post is located on the side of the battery cell facing the lower casing cover. The electrode assembly includes an electrode plate and a lower tab. The lower tab is disposed on one side of the electrode plate along the vertical direction and is electrically connected to the lower terminal post. The top bracket is located between the lower terminal post and the electrode plate. A portion of the top bracket abuts against the electrode plate, and another portion is spaced apart from the electrode plate to form a clearance space. At least a portion of the connection position between the lower electrode tab and the electrode plate is located within the clearance space, and in a projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, the projection of the connection position between the lower electrode tab and the electrode plate is outside the projection of the contact position between the top support and the electrode plate.

2. The battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clearance space is open on at least one side perpendicular to the vertical direction to form an opening, so that the lower electrode ear extends out of the clearance space from the opening.

3. The battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection position of the lower electrode lug and the electrode sheet forms a roll-welded portion. At least a portion of the roll-welded portion is located in the clearance space, and the clearance space is larger in the vertical direction than the roll-welded portion in the vertical direction.

4. The battery according to claim 3, characterized in that, The substrate material of the electrode sheet is PP, and the material of the lower electrode tab is aluminum.

5. The battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of lower tabs is multiple, and the multiple lower tabs converge perpendicularly to the vertical direction to form a fitting area and a closing area. The closing area is connected between the electrode and the fitting area. In the projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, the projection of the closing area is outside the projection of the contact position between the top support and the electrode.

6. The battery according to claim 5, characterized in that, The number of electrode assemblies is at least two and they are arranged along a third direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The convergence area includes a first convergence portion. At least two of the first convergence portions of the two electrode assemblies are spaced apart along the third direction. A portion of the top support is located between the two first convergence portions and abuts against the electrode sheet.

7. The battery according to claim 5, characterized in that, The number of electrode assemblies is at least two and they are arranged along a third direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The convergence area shrinks in the direction away from the electrode. The convergence area includes a second convergence portion. In a projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, the dimension of the end of the second convergence portion connected to the electrode along the third direction is the same as the dimension of the electrode along the third direction. The top support is located between the two second convergence portions and is spaced apart from them along the vertical direction and along the third direction.

8. The battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower tab includes a first tab and a second tab with opposite polarities. The top support includes a first blocking portion and a second blocking portion. The first blocking portion is located on one side of the second blocking portion along a second direction, which intersects the vertical direction. The clearance space includes a first clearance space and a second clearance space. A portion of the first blocking portion abuts against the electrode plate, and another portion is spaced apart from the electrode plate along the vertical direction to form a first clearance space. The second blocking portion is spaced apart from the electrode plate to form a second clearance space. At least a portion of the first tab is located in the first clearance space, and at least a portion of the second tab is located in the second clearance space.

9. The battery according to claim 8, characterized in that, The surface of the top support facing away from the electrode in the vertical direction is a reference surface. The distance between the surface of the first blocking part that abuts against the electrode and the reference surface in the vertical direction is a first distance. The distance between the end of the second blocking part facing the electrode in the vertical direction and the reference surface in the vertical direction is a second distance. The first distance is greater than the second distance.

10. The battery according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first clearance space and the second clearance space are separated along the second direction.

11. The battery according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first blocking portion includes a first abutting portion and a first clearance portion. The surface of the first abutting portion near one end of the electrode in the vertical direction is a first end face. The first end face abuts against the electrode. The first clearance portion is connected to the edge of the first abutting portion perpendicular to the vertical direction. The first clearance portion gradually moves away from the electrode in a direction away from the first abutting portion, so as to form a first clearance space with the electrode.

12. The battery according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first blocking portion further includes a second abutting portion. Both the first abutting portion and the first clearance portion are located on the side of the second abutting portion away from the second blocking portion along the second direction. The surface of the second abutting portion near one end of the electrode in the vertical direction is a second end face. The second end face extends along a third direction to the opposite sides of the top support along the third direction. The vertical direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other. The second end face abuts against the electrode.

13. The battery according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second blocking part includes a second clearance part, wherein in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, the distance between the first end of the second clearance part and the electrode is greater than the distance between its second end and the electrode.

14. The battery according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second blocking portion further includes a third clearance portion, the side surface of the third clearance portion facing the electrode is perpendicular to the vertical direction, the second end of the second clearance portion is connected to the edge of the third clearance portion perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the first end of the second clearance portion is away from the third clearance portion.

15. A single battery cell, characterized in that, The battery cell includes: An electrode assembly includes an electrode plate and a lower electrode tab, wherein the lower electrode tab is disposed on one side of the electrode plate along a first direction; A top support is disposed on one side of the electrode along the first direction, a portion of the top support abuts against the electrode along the first direction, and another portion is spaced apart from the electrode along the first direction to form a clearance space; At least a portion of the connection position between the lower electrode tab and the electrode plate is located within the clearance space, and in a projection perpendicular to the first direction, the projection of the connection position between the lower electrode tab and the electrode plate is outside the projection of the abutment position between the top support and the electrode plate.

16. The battery cell according to claim 15, characterized in that, The lower electrode lug includes a roll-welded portion connected to the electrode sheet. At least a portion of the roll-welded portion is located in the clearance space, and the clearance space along the first direction is larger than the size of the roll-welded portion along the first direction.

17. The battery cell according to claim 15, characterized in that, The number of lower electrodes is multiple, and the multiple lower electrodes converge perpendicular to the first direction to form a fitting area and a closing area. The closing area is connected between the electrode and the fitting area, and at least a portion of the closing area is located within the clearance space.

18. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, The electrical device includes a battery according to any one of claims 1-14, the battery being used as a power source for the electrical device.

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