Battery monomer, battery, power utilization device and energy storage device

Abstract

The invention provides a battery monomer, a battery, a power utilization device and an energy storage device. The battery monomer provided by the invention comprises a shell, the shell is provided with an accommodating space, the shell is provided with an opening facing a first direction, the shell is provided with an end surface and an inner circumferential surface, the end surface is arranged on one side, facing the first direction, of the shell and surrounds the opening, and the inner circumferential surface is connected with the end surface; the electrode assembly is arranged in the accommodating space; the end cover seals and covers the opening, and the end cover comprises a first section and a second section which are connected with each other; wherein the surface, facing the electrode assembly, of the first section abuts against the end face, and the surface, perpendicular to one side of the first direction, of the second section abuts against the inner circumferential face.

Description

Battery cell, battery, electric device and energy storage device TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of batteries, in particular to a battery cell, a battery, an electric device and an energy storage device. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the popularization and promotion of the concept of green development, new energy batteries are increasingly widely used in life and industry. For example, new energy vehicles equipped with batteries have been widely used, and batteries are also increasingly used in the field of energy storage and the like.

[0003] A battery includes a plurality of battery cells electrically connected to each other. The battery cell usually includes an electrode assembly, a case and an end cover. The end cover is connected to an opening of the case and encloses the electrode assembly in the case. However, when the end cover and the case are connected, the positions of the two are prone to relative deviation, which may cause poor connection and reduce the connection reliability. Therefore, how to improve the connection reliability of the end cover and the case is one of the research directions in the industry.

[0004] SUMMARY

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a battery cell, a battery, an electric device and an energy storage device capable of reducing the deviation when the end cover and the case are connected and improving the connection reliability.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present disclosure adopts the following technical solutions.

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a battery cell, comprising: a case, the case having an accommodation space, the case being configured with an opening facing a first direction, the case having an end face and an inner peripheral surface, the end face being arranged on one side of the case facing the first direction and surrounding the opening, and the inner peripheral surface being connected with the end face; an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly being arranged in the accommodation space; an end cover, the end cover covering the opening, the end cover comprising a first segment and a second segment connected to each other; wherein a surface of the first segment facing the electrode assembly abuts against the end face, and a surface of the second segment perpendicular to one side of the first direction abuts against the inner peripheral surface.

[0008] The surface of the first section of the end cover facing the electrode assembly abuts against the end surface, and the surface of the second section perpendicular to the first direction abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the shell. In the first direction, the end cover can be limited by the end surface of the shell; in the direction perpendicular to the first direction, the end cover can be limited by the inner circumferential surface of the shell, so that the position of the end cover relative to the shell is fixed, the relative displacement between the end cover and the shell can be reduced when the end cover and the shell are connected, the risk of poor connection due to displacement is reduced, and the connection gap between the end cover and the shell is also reduced, and the connection strength is enhanced. Since the electrode assembly is arranged in the accommodation space, the shell and the end cover cooperate to isolate the electrode assembly from the outside, so that the electrode assembly can be protected.

[0009] In some embodiments, the end cover has a notch, the first section and the second section are arranged along a second direction, and along a third direction, the size of the second section is smaller than the size of the first section to form the notch, the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other; the shell includes a protrusion, the protrusion is arranged on the end surface, the protrusion is arranged opposite to the second section along the third direction and is at least partially accommodated in the notch, and the surface of the second section on the side of the third direction abuts against the inner wall surface of the protrusion.

[0010] Since the protrusion is accommodated in the notch, the notch can guide the protrusion to extend into the notch during the extension of the protrusion into the notch, and the relative positions of the shell and the end cover are fixed after the protrusion extends into the notch.

[0011] In some embodiments, the surface of the protrusion facing the second direction abuts against the surface of the first section.

[0012] Thus, the notch and the protrusion are closely matched, the second section of the end cover is limited by the protrusion in the third direction, and the first section of the end cover is limited by the protrusion in the second direction, so that the relative positions of the end cover and the protrusion are further fixed, the relative displacement between the end cover and the shell can be reduced when the end cover and the shell are connected, the risk of poor connection due to displacement is reduced, and the connection gap between the end cover and the shell is also reduced.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first section is a plurality of sections, and the second section is arranged between two adjacent first sections.

[0014] The first segments can limit the protrusion from both sides of the protrusion in the second direction when the protrusion is accommodated in the gap, and the protrusion is tightly fitted with the gap, so that the position of the end cover relative to the shell is fixed, the relative displacement between the end cover and the shell is reduced when the end cover and the shell are connected, the risk of poor connection due to deviation is reduced, and the connection gap between the end cover and the shell is also reduced.

[0015] In some embodiments, the two adjacent first segments have a height difference along the first direction, and the shell has a raised portion protruding towards the end cover, and the raised portion is connected with the first segment farther away from the electrode assembly along the first direction.

[0016] Since the two adjacent first segments have a height difference along the first direction, and the raised portion of the shell is connected with the first segment farther away from the electrode assembly, the first segment farther away from the electrode assembly and the raised portion jointly form an additional space, which can be used to accommodate part of the structure of the electrode terminal and the tab, and other first segments can be arranged closer to the electrode assembly, so that the overall volume of the battery cell is reduced.

[0017] In some embodiments, the raised portion is connected with the second segment, and the protrusion is at least partially arranged on the raised portion.

[0018] Since the first segments have a height difference along the first direction, and the second segment is connected with the two adjacent first segments, the second segment generally extends obliquely. Since the raised portion is in abutment with one side surface of the second segment in the third direction through the protrusion, and the one side surface of the second segment in the third direction is a plane, the abutment between the planes has a lower requirement for machining precision and can be more tightly fitted than the abutment between the inclined surfaces of the second segment facing the electrode assembly, so that the connection gap between the end cover and the shell is reduced, and the subsequent welding operation is facilitated.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second segment includes a transition segment and two connection segments parallel to the second direction, and the connection segments are located on both sides of the transition segment in the second direction and are connected with the first segments, respectively.

[0020] In this way, the gap extends from the transition segment to the connection segment, and a larger abutment area is provided for the inner wall surface of the protrusion in the third direction, so that the stability of the abutment between the protrusion and the gap is improved, and the position of the end cover relative to the shell is fixed.

[0021] In some embodiments, there are a plurality of second segments, and the first segment farther away from the electrode assembly is connected with the second segments on both sides in the second direction, or the first segment farther away from the electrode assembly is connected with the second segments on one side in the second direction.

[0022] Thus, the side of the first section farther away from the electrode assembly in the second direction is connected with the second section when the first section is located at the edge of the end cover; the two sides of the first section farther away from the electrode assembly are provided with flat sections when the first section is located at the edge of the end cover, and the two sides of the first section in the second direction are respectively connected with the second section. No matter where the first section farther away from the electrode assembly is located, the second section can be connected with the adjacent first section having a height difference, so that the planar part of the end cover and the planar part of the shell are abutted, which can not only limit each other, but also tightly fit each other.

[0023] In some embodiments, the end cover is provided with a plurality of notches, and the notches are respectively located at the two sides of the second section in the third direction. The shell is provided with a plurality of protrusions, and the protrusions are at least partially accommodated in the notches.

[0024] Thus, the protrusions corresponding to the notches are located at the two sides of the shell in the third direction, the opposite inner wall surfaces of the protrusions limit the end cover in the third direction, and the two ends of the protrusions in the second direction abut the two first sections respectively, so as to limit the end cover in the second direction. The end cover is limited by the shell in the first direction, the second direction and the third direction, so that when the end cover and the shell are connected, the relative displacement between the two can be reduced, the risk of poor connection caused by deviation can be reduced, and the connection gap between the two can also be reduced.

[0025] In some embodiments, the side of the first section farther away from the electrode assembly facing the accommodation space is provided with a receiving space, the receiving space is in communication with the accommodation space, the electrode assembly includes a first tab and a second tab, and the first tab and the second tab are partially accommodated in the receiving space. The battery monomer further includes a first electrode terminal electrically connected with the first tab and a second electrode terminal electrically connected with the second tab, and the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal are arranged apart from each other on the first section farther away from the electrode assembly.

[0026] Since the side of the first section farther away from the electrode assembly facing the accommodation space is provided with a receiving space, and the first tab and the second tab are partially accommodated in the receiving space, the other first sections can be arranged closer to the electrode assembly, which helps to reduce the overall volume of the battery monomer.

[0027] In some embodiments, two first sections farther away from the electrode assembly are provided, and the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal are respectively arranged on the two first sections farther away from the electrode assembly.

[0028] Thus, part of the structure of the first electrode terminal can be accommodated in one accommodation space, and part of the structure of the second electrode terminal can be accommodated in another accommodation space, which can not only reduce the risk of conduction of the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal, but also enable the other first segment to be arranged closer to the electrode assembly, thereby helping to reduce the overall volume of the battery monomer.

[0029] In some embodiments, the surface of the end cover close to the containing space has a limiting portion protruding towards the containing space, and the limiting portion is in abutment with the inner circumferential surface.

[0030] Thus, the end cover can extend into the shell through the limiting portion, and the inner circumferential surface of the shell and the limiting portion cooperate to further limit the end cover, so that the end cover is difficult to deviate relative to the shell, reducing the risk of poor connection caused by deviation, and also helping to reduce the gap between the end cover and the shell.

[0031] In some embodiments, the shell and the end cover are connected by welding.

[0032] Thus, welding is performed between the relatively flat surface of the shell and the relatively flat surface of the end cover, which helps to reduce the weld seam between the shell and the end cover and improve the welding effect.

[0033] In some embodiments, the battery monomer further comprises an insulating member located between the end cover and the electrode assembly and connected to the end cover, and along the first direction, the projection of the insulating member does not exceed the projection of the end cover in the same projection plane.

[0034] Since the insulating member is arranged between the end cover and the electrode assembly, the electrode assembly can be insulated from the end cover, reducing the probability of accidental conduction. Since along the first direction, the projection of the insulating member does not exceed the projection of the end cover in the same projection plane, the probability of the insulating member being stuck in the shell is reduced, and the probability of the insulating member blocking the structure protruding from the end cover such as the limiting portion is also reduced.

[0035] The second aspect of the present disclosure provides a battery comprising a box body and at least two battery monomers provided by the first aspect, wherein the battery monomers comprise first electrode terminals and second electrode terminals respectively electrically connected to the electrode assemblies.

[0036] Since the battery comprises battery monomers with high connection strength between the end cover and the shell, the battery has high use reliability.

[0037] In some embodiments, at least one of the box walls of the box has a boss formed by bulging in a direction away from the battery cell, the boss forms a receiving portion on a side facing the battery cell, the projections of the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal do not exceed the projection of the boss in a direction perpendicular to the box wall on which the boss is formed, and the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal are at least partially received in the receiving portion.

[0038] In this way, by receiving the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal in the receiving portion, the overall volume of the box is reduced, and the volume utilization in the box is improved.

[0039] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a power consuming device comprising a plurality of the battery cell provided in the first aspect or the battery provided in the second aspect, the battery cell or the battery powering the power consuming device.

[0040] In this way, the power consuming device with the battery having a strong connection strength between the end cover and the shell and carrying the battery cell is provided, and the use reliability of the power consuming device is improved.

[0041] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides an energy storage device comprising a plurality of the battery cell provided in the first aspect or the battery provided in the second aspect, the battery cell or the battery storing and providing electric energy.

[0042] In this way, the energy storage device with the battery having a strong connection strength between the end cover and the shell and carrying the battery cell is provided, and the use reliability of the energy storage device is improved.

[0043] The above description is only a summary of the technical solutions of the present disclosure, in order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present disclosure, the specific embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented according to the content of the description, and in order to make the above and other purposes, characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure more obvious and easy to understand, the following specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0044] FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic diagram of a battery provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG. 3 is an exploded schematic diagram of a battery cell provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of part A in FIG. 3;

[0048] FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the cooperation between a shell and an end cover provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Fig. 6 is a partial enlarged view of part B in Fig. 5;

[0050] Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Fig. 8 is a schematic view of a battery cell according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Fig. 9 is a schematic view of an end cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Fig. 10 is a partial enlarged view of part C in Fig. 9;

[0054] Fig. 11 is a schematic view of a housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] Fig. 12 is a partial enlarged view of part D in Fig. 11;

[0056] Fig. 13 is a top view of an end cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] Fig. 14 is a front view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0058] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of E-E in Fig. 14;

[0059] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of F-F in Fig. 14;

[0060] Fig. 17 is a schematic view of a battery provided with a boss according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Legend of reference signs 1000, vehicle; 100, battery; 200, controller; 300, motor; 10, battery cell; 20, box; 20A, upper box; 20B, lower box; 201, boss; 11, housing; 11a, accommodation space; 111, end face; 112, inner peripheral face; 113, protruding portion; 114, raised portion; 12, electrode assembly; 121, first tab; 122, second tab; 13, end cover; 13a, accommodation space; 131, first section; 132, second section; 1321, transition section; 1322, connecting section; 133, notch; 134, limiting portion; 14, first electrode terminal; 15, second electrode terminal; 16, insulating member; Z, first direction; X, second direction; Y, third direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] It should be noted that the embodiments in the present disclosure and the technical features in the embodiments can be combined with each other without conflict, and the detailed description in the specific embodiments should be understood as an explanation of the purpose of the present disclosure, and should not be regarded as an improper limitation of the present disclosure.

[0063] 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 use of the terms "including," "comprising," "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

[0064] In the description of the disclosure, the technical terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth" and the like are only used to distinguish different objects, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number, specific order or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the disclosure, the meaning of "a plurality of" is more than two, unless otherwise explicitly and specifically limited.

[0065] Reference herein to "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The occurrence of the phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, nor is it necessarily independent or alternative embodiments to each other. Those skilled in the art explicitly and implicitly understand that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0066] In the description of the disclosure, the term "and / or" is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B, which can represent the three cases of A alone, A and B together, and B alone. In addition, the character " / " herein generally represents an "or" relationship between the front and rear associated objects.

[0067] In the description of the embodiments of the disclosure, the technical terms "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "circumferential" and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the disclosure and simplifying the description, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the indicated device or element must have a particular orientation, be constructed in a particular orientation, be operated or used, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the disclosure.

[0068] In the description of the disclosure, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the technical terms "mounting", "connection", "connection", "fixing" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be fixedly connected, or it can be detachably connected, or it can be integrated; it can be mechanical connection, or it can be electrical connection; it can be directly connected, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal communication of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the disclosure can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0069] In the description of the present disclosure, unless explicitly defined and limited otherwise, the technical term "contact" should be interpreted broadly, which can be direct contact or contact through an intermediate medium layer, and can be contact between two objects in contact with each other without interaction force or contact between two objects in contact with each other with interaction force.

[0070] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless explicitly defined and limited otherwise, the technical terms "parallel" and "perpendicular" allow a certain degree of tolerance and / or error, including approximately parallel and approximately perpendicular.

[0071] Next, the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0072] With the popularization and promotion of the concept of green development, new energy batteries are increasingly widely used in life and industry. For example, new energy vehicles equipped with batteries have been widely used, and batteries are also increasingly used in the field of energy storage and the like.

[0073] The battery includes a plurality of battery cells electrically connected to each other. The battery cell usually includes an electrode assembly, a case, and an end cover. The end cover is connected to the opening of the case and encloses the electrode assembly in the case. However, when the end cover and the case are connected, the positions of the two are prone to relative deviation, which may cause poor connection and reduce the connection reliability. Therefore, how to improve the connection reliability of the end cover and the case is one of the research directions in the industry.

[0074] The present disclosure provides a battery cell capable of offsetting when connected and improving the connection reliability.

[0075] Based on such design concept, the inventors of the present disclosure designed a battery cell, which includes: a case, the case having an accommodation space, the case being configured with an opening facing a first direction, the case having an end face and an inner peripheral face, the end face being arranged on one side of the case facing the first direction and surrounding the opening, and the inner peripheral face being connected with the end face; an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly being arranged in the accommodation space; and an end cover, the end cover covering the opening, the end cover including a first segment and a second segment connected to each other; wherein a surface of the first segment facing the electrode assembly abuts against the end face, and a surface of the second segment perpendicular to one side of the first direction abuts against the inner peripheral face.

[0076] Since the surface of the first section of the end cover facing the electrode assembly abuts against the end surface, and the surface of the side of the second section perpendicular to the first direction abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the shell, in the first direction, the end cover can be limited by the end surface of the shell, and in the direction perpendicular to the first direction, the end cover can be limited by the inner circumferential surface of the shell, so that the position of the end cover relative to the shell is fixed, which can reduce the relative displacement between the end cover and the shell when they are connected, reduce the risk of poor connection due to displacement, and also help to reduce the connection gap between the two and enhance the connection strength. Since the electrode assembly is placed in the accommodation space, the cooperation of the shell and the end cover can isolate the electrode assembly from the outside, thereby protecting the electrode assembly.

[0077] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery cell can be a secondary battery, which refers to a battery cell that can be activated by charging after discharging.

[0078] The battery cell can be a lithium ion battery, a sodium ion battery, a sodium lithium ion battery, a lithium metal battery, a sodium metal battery, a lithium sulfur battery, a magnesium ion battery, a nickel-hydrogen battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a lead-acid battery, etc., and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0079] The battery cell includes an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator. During the charging and discharging process of the battery cell, active ions (such as lithium ions) are inserted and extracted between the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet. The separator is arranged between the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet, which can prevent the positive and negative electrodes from short-circuiting, and at the same time allow the active ions to pass through. The positive electrode sheet generally includes a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material attached to the positive electrode current collector. Exemplarily, the positive electrode current collector can be an aluminum foil. The negative electrode sheet generally includes a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material attached to the negative electrode current collector. Exemplarily, the negative electrode current collector can be a copper foil.

[0080] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is provided with tabs, which can guide the current out of the electrode assembly. The tabs include positive tabs and negative tabs. The positive tabs can be connected to the positive electrode current collector, and the negative tabs can be connected to the negative electrode current collector.

[0081] In some embodiments, the battery cell can include a shell. The shell is used to package components such as the electrode assembly and the electrolyte. The shell can be a steel shell, an aluminum shell, a plastic shell (such as polypropylene), a composite metal shell (such as a copper-aluminum composite shell), or an aluminum-plastic film, etc.

[0082] In some embodiments, at least one electrode terminal is provided on the shell, and the electrode terminal is electrically connected to the tab. The electrode terminal and the tab can be directly connected, or connected through an adapter, etc.

[0083] The battery mentioned in the embodiments of the present disclosure can include one or more battery monomers to provide a single physical module with higher voltage and capacity. When there are multiple battery monomers, the multiple battery monomers are connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed connection, where the mixed connection means that there are both series and parallel connections among the multiple battery monomers.

[0084] The battery monomer provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be used in, but is not limited to, an electrical device such as an energy storage device, a vehicle, a ship, or an aircraft.

[0085] The battery monomer provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be used in groups as a battery (also sometimes referred to as a battery pack). The battery can also be used in, but is not limited to, an electrical device such as an energy storage device, a vehicle, a ship, or an aircraft.

[0086] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide an electrical device including the battery monomer or the battery described above. The electrical device can be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a tablet, a notebook computer, an electric toy, an electric tool, an electric vehicle, an electric car, a ship, a spacecraft, and the like. The electric toy can include a fixed or mobile electric toy, such as a game console, an electric car toy, an electric ship toy, and an electric aircraft toy, and the like. The spacecraft can include an airplane, a rocket, a space shuttle, a spacecraft, and the like.

[0087] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide an energy storage device including the battery monomer or the battery described above. The energy storage device can include an energy storage container, an energy storage cabinet, and the like.

[0088] For convenience of description, the electrical device of an embodiment of the present disclosure is taken as a vehicle 1000 for example. The following description is made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0089] FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle 1000 can be a fuel automobile, a gas automobile, or a new energy automobile, which can be a pure electric automobile, a hybrid electric automobile, or a range extended automobile, and the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 1000 is internally provided with a battery 100, which can be arranged at the bottom, the head, or the tail of the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 can be used for power supply of the vehicle 1000, for example, the battery 100 can be used as an operating power source of the vehicle 1000. The vehicle 1000 can also include a controller 200 and a motor 300, the controller 200 being used to control the battery 100 to supply power to the motor 300, for example, to meet the working power demand of the vehicle 1000 during starting, navigation, and driving.

[0090] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery 100 can not only be used as an operating power source of the vehicle 1000, but also be used as a driving power source of the vehicle 1000, to replace or partially replace fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1000.

[0091] FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic view of a battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the battery 100 includes a box 20, which can be divided into an upper box 20A and a lower box 20B. The upper box 20A and the lower box 20B are opposite to each other, and a space for arranging the battery cells 10 is formed between the upper box 20A and the lower box 20B.

[0092] In the battery 100, the battery cells 10 can be multiple. The multiple battery cells 10 can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed manner. The mixed manner means that the multiple battery cells 10 are connected in series and in parallel. The multiple battery cells 10 can be directly connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed manner. The whole of the multiple battery cells 10 is arranged in the space defined by the upper box 20A and the lower box 20B. Of course, the battery 100 can also be in the form of multiple battery modules. The multiple battery modules are connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a whole, and are accommodated in the space defined by the upper box 20A and the lower box 20B. The battery 100 can also include other structures. For example, the battery 100 can also include a busbar (not shown in FIG. 2) for realizing electrical connection between the multiple battery cells 10.

[0093] In the following, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 25.

[0094] FIG. 3 is an exploded schematic view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged view of part A in FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a shell and an end cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged view of part B in FIG. 5; FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a battery cell according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an end cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 is a partial enlarged view of part C in FIG. 9; FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a shell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 12 is a partial enlarged view of part D in FIG. 11; FIG. 13 is a top view of an end cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 14 is a front view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 15 is a sectional view of E-E in FIG. 14; FIG. 16 is a sectional view of F-F in FIG. 14; and FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a battery provided with a boss according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the direction in which the arrow Z is located is referred to as a “first direction”, the direction in which the arrow X is located is referred to as a “second direction”, and the direction in which the arrow Y is located is referred to as a “third direction”.

[0096] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a battery cell 10, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, comprising: a casing 11 having a containing space 11a, the casing 11 being configured with an opening facing a first direction Z, the casing 11 having an end face 111 and an inner peripheral face 112, the end face 111 being disposed on a side of the casing 11 facing the first direction Z and surrounding the opening, the inner peripheral face 112 being connected with the end face 111; an electrode assembly 12 disposed in the containing space 11a; and an end cover 13 covering the opening, the end cover 13 comprising a first section 131 and a second section 132 connected with each other; wherein a surface of the first section 131 facing the electrode assembly 12 abuts against the end face 111, and a surface of the second section 132 perpendicular to a side of the second section 132 facing the first direction Z abuts against the inner peripheral face 112.

[0097] The battery cell 10 comprises the casing 11, the electrode assembly 12 and the end cover 13. The casing 11 has the containing space 11a and the opening, the electrode assembly 12 is put into the containing space 11a from the opening, and the end cover 13 covers the opening so that the electrode assembly 12 is enclosed in the casing 11.

[0098] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 12 comprises a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet and a separator. During charging and discharging of the battery cell 10, active ions (e.g. lithium ions) are inserted into and extracted from the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The separator is disposed between the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet, and can prevent the positive electrode and the negative electrode from short-circuiting while allowing the active ions to pass through. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, as the electrode assembly 12, two laminated jelly rolls formed by laminating and winding the positive electrode sheet, the negative electrode sheet and the separator are shown, but the electrode assembly 12 is not limited to the jelly roll type shown in FIG. 3, and can be, for example, a stacked sheet type or other structural forms.

[0099] The electrode assembly 12 is provided with tabs that can conduct current out of the electrode assembly 12. The tabs comprise a first tab 121 and a second tab 122. In the specific embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the first tab 121 and the second tab 122 are shown as being disposed on the same side of the electrode assembly 12 along the first direction Z and being disposed near one end of the electrode assembly 12 along the second direction X. Of course, the first tab 121 and the second tab 122 can also be disposed on opposite sides of the electrode assembly 12; the first tab 121 and the second tab 122 can also be disposed near both ends of the electrode assembly 12 along the second direction X, respectively. The first tab 121 and the second tab 122 can have the same polarity or opposite polarity. In the present disclosure, the case where the tabs are led out on one side along the second direction X is taken as an example for illustration, but it is obvious that the present disclosure is also applicable to the case where the tabs are led out on both sides. In the case where the tabs are led out on both sides, the scheme of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be used on only one side, or the scheme of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be used on both sides.

[0100] The housing 11 encloses a receiving space 11a, and is configured with an opening toward one side, through which the electrode assembly 12 can enter the receiving space 11a of the housing 11. The opening of the housing 11 is oriented parallel to the first direction Z. The housing 11 includes a plurality of housing walls. Optionally, four housing walls extending parallel to the first direction Z are provided, which are connected end to end to form a frame shape (which can be formed by sequentially connecting the housing walls, or by bending a piece of base material and connecting the ends) with two open sides, and a housing wall extending perpendicular to the first direction Z is provided, which covers one of the open sides.

[0101] The housing 11 has an inner circumferential surface 112, which is the surface of the housing walls extending parallel to the first direction Z facing the receiving space 11a, and serves to define the receiving space 11a. The housing 11 also has an end surface 111, which is connected to the inner circumferential surface 112 and is the edge of the housing walls near the opening, and which faces one side of the first direction Z and surrounds the opening.

[0102] The end cover 13 serves to cover the opening and isolate the receiving space 11a from the outside. In the same projection plane along the first direction Z, the projection of the end cover 13 and the projection of the end surface 111 have an overlap. The end cover 13 includes a first section 131 and a second section 132, the first section 131 abuts against either of the end surface 111 and the inner circumferential surface 112, and at least a portion of the second section 132 abuts against the other of the end surface 111 and the inner circumferential surface 112.

[0103] A protrusion can be configured on one side of the first section 131 or the second section 132 perpendicular to the first direction Z, and a recess corresponding to the protrusion is provided on the end surface 111 of the housing 11, which accommodates the protrusion; or a recess can be configured on one side of the first section 131 or the second section 132 perpendicular to the first direction Z, and a protrusion corresponding to the recess is provided on the end surface 111 of the housing 11, which accommodates the recess, so that the end cover 13 and the housing 11 are limited in position relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the first direction Z.

[0104] In one specific embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, either of the first section 131 and the second section 132 is configured with a protruding portion extending perpendicular to the first direction Z, and a notch corresponding to the protruding portion is configured in the housing 11, the end cover 13 extends into the housing 11, and the protruding portion is accommodated in the notch. The other of the first section 131 and the second section 132 has surfaces on both sides perpendicular to the first direction Z abutting against the inner circumferential surface 112 of the housing 11, and the surface of the protruding portion facing the electrode assembly 12 abuts against the surface of the notch facing the end cover.

[0105] In another specific embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the shell 11 is configured with a protrusion 113 protruding from the end face 111 along the first direction Z, and the end cover 13 is configured with a gap 133 corresponding to the protrusion 113, and the portion configured with the gap 133 can be regarded as a second section 132 of the end cover 13. The end cover 13 is pressed from the opening to the end face 111, and the protrusion 113 is accommodated in the gap 133. The surface of the first section 131 facing the electrode assembly 12 is in abutment with the end face 111, and the surface of the second section 132 perpendicular to the first direction Z is in abutment with the inner wall surface of the protrusion 113. The inner circumferential surface 112 includes the inner wall surface of the protrusion 113.

[0106] Since the surface of the first section 131 of the end cover 13 facing the electrode assembly 12 is in abutment with the end face 111, and the surface of the second section 132 perpendicular to the first direction Z is in abutment, in the first direction Z, the end cover 13 can be limited by the end face 111 of the shell 11; in the direction perpendicular to the first direction Z, the end cover 13 can be limited by the inner circumferential surface 112 of the shell 11, so that the position of the end cover 13 relative to the shell 11 is fixed, which can reduce the relative displacement between the end cover 13 and the shell 11 when they are connected, reduce the risk of poor connection due to displacement, and also help to reduce the connection gap between the two and enhance the connection strength. Since the electrode assembly 12 is placed in the accommodation space 11a, the shell 11 and the end cover 13 cooperate to isolate the electrode assembly 12 from the outside, thereby protecting the electrode assembly 12.

[0107] In some embodiments, continuing to refer to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the end cover 13 has a gap 133, the first section 131 and the second section 132 are arranged along the second direction X, and along the third direction Y, the size of the second section 132 is smaller than the size of the first section 131 to form the gap 133, and the first direction Z, the second direction X and the third direction Y are perpendicular to each other; the shell 11 includes a protrusion 113, the protrusion 113 is arranged on the end face 111, the protrusion 113 is arranged opposite to the second section 132 along the third direction Y and is at least partially accommodated in the gap 133, and the surface of the second section 132 on the side of the third direction Y is in abutment with the inner wall surface of the protrusion 113.

[0108] The second direction X is perpendicular to the first direction Z. For a prismatic battery, the direction in which the longest side of the battery cell 10 is located can be regarded as the second direction X. The prismatic battery cell includes a square battery cell, a blade-shaped battery cell, a multi-prismatic battery, such as a hexagonal prismatic battery, and the like, and the present disclosure does not have a particular limitation thereon.

[0109] The third direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction Z and the second direction X, respectively.

[0110] The first segments 131 and the second segments 132 are arranged along the second direction X. The first segments 131 and the second segments 132 can be provided in plurality. Alternatively, the first segments 131 and the second segments 132 are alternately arranged along the second direction X.

[0111] Along the third direction Y, the size of the second segment 132 is smaller than the size of the first segment 131 to form the gap 133. Alternatively, the difference between the size of the second segment 132 and the size of the first segment 131 along the third direction Y can be the thickness of one shell wall, and the gap 133 is located on one side of the second segment 132 along the third direction Y. Alternatively, the difference between the size of the second segment 132 and the size of the first segment 131 along the third direction Y can be the sum of the thicknesses of two shell walls, and the gap 133 is located on both sides of the second segment 132 along the third direction Y. The thickness of the shell wall is the size of the shell wall along the second direction X or the third direction Y.

[0112] When the second segments 132 are provided in plurality, at least one side of each second segment 132 along the third direction Y forms the gap 133, and the gap 133 can be located on either side of each second segment 132 along the third direction Y.

[0113] The shell 11 comprises the protruding portion 113 provided on the end face 111, and the protruding portion 113 protrudes along the first direction Z relative to the end face 111. The height difference between the edge of the end cover 13 close to the protruding portion 113 and the end face 111 without the protruding portion 113 along the first direction Z can be the thickness of the end cover 13, and the height difference can also be greater than the thickness of the end cover 13. The thickness of the end cover 13 is the size of the end cover 13 along the first direction Z. Along the third direction Y, the projection of the protruding portion 113 and the projection of the second segment 132 have overlap in the same projection plane.

[0114] The protruding portion 113 is at least partially accommodated in the gap 133, and the inner wall surface of the protruding portion 113 abuts against the surface of one side of the second segment 132 along the third direction Y. When the gap 133 is located on both sides of the second segment 132 along the third direction Y, the end face 111 without the protruding portion 113 abuts against the surface of the first segment 131 facing the electrode assembly 12. When the gap 133 is located on one side of the second segment 132 along the third direction Y, a part of the end face 111 without the protruding portion 113 abuts against the surface of the second segment 132 close to the other side along the third direction Y facing the electrode assembly 12, and another part abuts against the surface of the first segment 131 facing the electrode assembly 12.

[0115] Since the protruding portion 113 is accommodated in the gap 133, the gap 133 can guide the protruding portion 113 to extend into during the process of the protruding portion 113 extending into the gap 133, which helps to align the shell 11 and the end cover 13 with each other. After the protruding portion 113 extends into the gap 133, the inner wall surface of the protruding portion 113 can limit the surface of one side of the third direction Y of the gap 133, so as to fix the relative position of the end cover 13 and the shell 11.

[0116] In some embodiments, the protruding portion 113 and the surface of the first section 131 facing the second direction X abut.

[0117] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the second section 132 is located between the first sections 131 along the second direction X. The first sections 131 located on both sides of the second section 132 respectively have surfaces facing the gap 133 along the second direction X, and the two surfaces are opposite to each other. The protruding portion 113 is accommodated in the gap 133 and located between the two surfaces. The protruding portion 113 abuts against the surfaces of at least one of the first sections 131 located on both sides of the second section 132 facing the gap 133.

[0118] Optionally, the size of the second section 132 along the third direction Y is smaller than the size of the first section 131, so that the gap 133 is formed on at least one side of the second section 132 along the third direction Y. The two first sections 131 have surfaces facing the gap 133, and the two surfaces are opposite to each other and separated from each other along the second direction X. The protruding portion 113 is accommodated in the gap 133 and located between the two surfaces. The protruding portion 113 abuts against the surfaces of the first sections 131 facing the gap 133 and / or the surfaces of the second section 132 facing the gap 133.

[0119] Therefore, the gap 133 and the protruding portion 113 cooperate with each other. The second section 132 of the end cover 13 is limited by the protruding portion 113 along the third direction Y, and the first section 131 of the end cover 13 is limited by the protruding portion 113 along the second direction X, so as to further fix the relative position of the end cover 13 and the protruding portion 113. When the end cover 13 and the shell 11 are connected, the relative displacement between the two can be reduced, the risk of poor connection due to deviation can be reduced, and the connection gap between the two can also be reduced.

[0120] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 10, the first section 131 is a plurality of, and the second section 132 is arranged between two adjacent first sections 131.

[0121] In one specific embodiment, the first segments 131 and the second segments 132 are arranged alternately along the second direction X. The first segments 131 are located at both ends of the end cover 13 along the second direction X, respectively. The notch 133 is formed on at least one side of the second direction Y of the second segment 132, the protrusion 113 is accommodated in the notch 133, the surfaces on both sides of the protrusion 113 along the second direction X are respectively in abutment with the surfaces of the first segments 131 facing the second direction X, and the inner wall surface of the protrusion 113 is in abutment with the surface on one side of the third direction Y at the notch 133.

[0122] In some embodiments, the number of the second segments 132 can be one less than the number of the first segments 131. For example, two first segments 131 are provided, and the second segment 132 is arranged between the two first segments 131. Three first segments 131 are provided, and two second segments 132 are arranged, with the second segment 132 arranged between every two adjacent first segments 131. Four first segments 131 are provided, and three second segments 132 are arranged, with the second segment 132 arranged between every two adjacent first segments 131. The first segments 131 can also be provided in a larger number, and the number of the second segments 132 is one less than the number of the first segments 131. The specific number of the first segments 131 is not specially limited in the present disclosure.

[0123] Since the second segments 132 with a smaller third direction Y dimension are arranged between adjacent first segments 131 with a larger third direction Y dimension, when the protrusion 113 is accommodated in the notch 133, the first segments 131 can limit the protrusion 113 from both sides of the protrusion 113 along the second direction X, so that the protrusion 113 is closely fitted with the notch 133, thereby fixing the position of the end cover 13 relative to the shell 11. When the end cover 13 and the shell 11 are connected, the relative displacement between the two can be reduced, the risk of poor connection due to displacement can be reduced, and the connection gap between the two can also be reduced.

[0124] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 14, the adjacent two first segments 131 have a height difference along the first direction Z, and the shell 11 has a protrusion 114 protruding towards the end cover 13, and along the first direction Z, the protrusion 114 is connected to at least the first segment 131 farther away from the electrode assembly 12.

[0125] Along the second direction X, the first segments 131 and the second segments 132 are arranged alternately, the first segments 131 are spaced apart from each other, and the second segments 132 are connected to the first segments 131 on both sides, respectively. The two first segments 131 connected to the same second segment 132 are regarded as adjacent two first segments 131. The adjacent first segments 131 have a height difference along the first direction Z, and the second segment 132 connected to the adjacent two first segments 131 with a height difference is inclined or perpendicular relative to the second direction X.

[0126] The part end surface 111 of the case 11 is formed with a protrusion 114 protruding in the first direction Z, and the protrusion 114 cooperates with the second section 132 and the first section 131 farther from the electrode assembly 12 to enclose an additional space, which can be regarded as a receiving space 13a, which communicates with the accommodation space 11a. The protrusions 114 are arranged apart from each other in the third direction Y, and a side surface of the protrusion 114 in the first direction Z abuts against a surface of the first section 131 facing the electrode assembly 12.

[0127] Since the two adjacent first sections 131 have a difference in height in the first direction Z, the protrusion 114 of the case 11 is connected to the first section 131 farther from the electrode assembly 12, and the first section 131 farther from the electrode assembly 12 cooperates with the protrusion 114 to enclose an additional space, which can be used to accommodate part of the structure of the electrode terminal and can also be used to accommodate the tab, so that the other first sections 131 can be arranged closer to the electrode assembly 12, thereby helping to reduce the overall volume of the battery cell 10.

[0128] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the protrusion 114 is connected to the second section 132, and the extension 113 is partially arranged on the protrusion 114.

[0129] The protrusions 114 are arranged apart from each other in the third direction Y. A part of the extension 113 is arranged on the protrusion 114. Thus, a part of the protrusion 114 is connected to the second section 132 through the extension 113. A surface of the first section 131 facing the electrode assembly 12 abuts against a side surface of the protrusion 114 in the first direction Z, and an inner wall surface of the extension 113 abuts against a side surface of the notch 133 in the third direction Y.

[0130] In an alternative embodiment, the notch 133 is located on the side of the second section 132 in the third direction Y, and the extension 113 is arranged on the protrusion 114 on the same side of the case 11 in the third direction Y. A side surface of the protrusion 114 in the first direction Z abuts against a surface of the first section 131 facing the electrode assembly 12, and an inner wall surface of the extension 113 abuts against a side surface of the notch 133 in the third direction Y. A side surface of the protrusion 114 on the other side of the case 11 in the third direction Y abuts against surfaces of the first section 131 and the second section 132 facing the electrode assembly 12.

[0131] In another optional embodiment, the notch 133 is located on both sides of the third direction Y of the second section 132, the protruding portion 113 is arranged on the protruding portion 114 on both sides of the third direction Y of the shell 11, the surface on one side of the first direction Z of each protruding portion 114 abuts against the surface of the first section 131 facing the electrode assembly 12, and the inner wall surface of each protruding portion 113 abuts against the surface on one side of the third direction Y at the notch 133. During welding, the end cover 13 and the shell 11 are pressed tightly along the first direction Z, so that the gap between the first section 131 and the end surface 111 is reduced; the shell 11 is pressed tightly from both sides to the middle along the third direction Y, so that the gap between the second section 132 and the shell 11 is reduced, and welding is performed in the state of smaller gap, which can reduce the welding seam and improve the strength of welding.

[0132] Since the first section 131 has a height difference along the first direction Z, the second section 132 connects two adjacent first sections 131, and therefore, the second section 132 generally extends obliquely. Since the protruding portion 114 abuts against the surface on one side of the third direction Y of the second section 132 through the protruding portion 113, and the surface on one side of the third direction Y of the second section 132 is a plane, the abutment between the planes has lower requirement on machining precision and can be more closely fitted than the abutment between the inclined surfaces of the second section 132 facing the electrode assembly 12 and the protruding portion 113, which helps to reduce the connecting gap between the end cover 13 and the shell 11 and facilitates subsequent welding operation.

[0133] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 13, the second section 132 includes a transition section 1321 and two connecting sections 1322 parallel to the second direction X, and the connecting sections 1322 are located on both sides of the second direction X of the transition section 1321 and respectively connect the first sections 131.

[0134] The second section 132 includes the transition section 1321 and the two connecting sections 1322. For two adjacent first sections 131 with a height difference, one connecting section 1322 connects one first section 131 and extends along the extension direction of the first section 131, and the other connecting section 1322 connects the other first section 131 and extends along the extension direction of the first section 131. The transition section 1321 connects the two connecting sections 1322 on both sides of the second direction X, and the connecting sections 1322 can be configured as corners or rounded corners to smoothly connect the transition section 1321 and the first sections 131.

[0135] Therefore, the notch 133 extends from the transition section 1321 to the connecting section 1322, and provides a larger abutment area for the inner wall surface of the protruding portion 113 in the third direction Y, which helps to improve the stability of the abutment between the protruding portion 113 and the notch 133, and thus helps to fix the position of the end cover 13 relative to the shell 11.

[0136] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second section 132 is provided in plurality, and the first section 131 farther away from the electrode assembly 12 is connected to the second section 132 on both sides in the second direction X, or the first section 131 farther away from the electrode assembly 12 is connected to the second section 132 on one side in the second direction X.

[0137] The second section 132 can be provided in plurality, and the second section 132 can be connected to the first section 131 having a height difference in the first direction Z or the first section 131 having the same height in the first direction Z. In the case that the first section 131 connected to the second section 132 on both sides has a height difference, it means that the end cover 13 can have one protruding portion or two or more protruding portions. Moreover, the protruding portions can be located at any position on the end cover 13.

[0138] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, the first section 131 farther away from the electrode assembly 12 is spaced apart from both ends of the end cover 13 in the second direction X, and the first section 131 farther away from the electrode assembly 12 is connected to the second section 132 on both sides in the second direction X. That is, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the end cover 13 can have two protruding portions, and the two protruding portions are spaced apart from both ends of the end cover 13 in the second direction X.

[0139] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, the first section 131 farther away from the electrode assembly 12 is located at both ends of the end cover 13 in the second direction X, and the first section 131 farther away from the electrode assembly 12 is connected to the second section 132 on one side in the second direction X. That is, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the end cover 13 can have two protruding portions, and the two protruding portions are located at both ends of the end cover 13 in the second direction X.

[0140] Thus, when the first section 131 farther away from the electrode assembly 12 is located at the edge of the end cover 13, the first section 131 farther away from the electrode assembly 12 is connected to the second section 132 on one side in the second direction X, and when the first section 131 farther away from the electrode assembly 12 has a flat section on both sides, the first section 131 farther away from the electrode assembly 12 is connected to the second section 132 on both sides in the second direction X. Regardless of the position of the first section 131 farther away from the electrode assembly 12 on the end cover 13, the second section 132 can connect the adjacent first section 131 having a height difference, so that the flat section of the end cover 13 and the flat section of the case 11 abut each other, and can be positioned and tightly fitted to each other.

[0141] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, the end cover 13 has a plurality of notches 133, and the notches 133 are located on both sides of the second section 132 in the third direction Y. The case 11 has a plurality of protrusions 113, and the protrusions 113 are at least partially accommodated in the notches 133.

[0142] The second section 132 is provided with a plurality of notches 133 on both sides of the third direction Y, and the notches 133 are symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the second direction X of the end cover 13. The second section 132 is provided with a plurality of notches 133 on both sides of the third direction Y of at least part of the second section 132. The shell 11 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 113 corresponding to the positions of the notches 133, and the protrusions 113 are at least partially accommodated in the notches 133.

[0143] Therefore, the protrusions 113 corresponding to the notches 133 are located on both sides of the third direction Y of the shell 11, and the opposite inner wall surfaces of the protrusions 113 limit the end cover 13 in the third direction Y, and the two ends of the protrusions 113 in the second direction X abut the two first sections 131 respectively, thereby limiting the end cover 13 in the second direction X. The end cover 13 is limited in the first direction Z, the second direction X and the third direction Y by the shell 11, thereby reducing the relative displacement between the end cover 13 and the shell 11 when they are connected, reducing the risk of poor connection due to deviation, and also helping to reduce the connection gap between the two.

[0144] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, the first section 131 farther away from the electrode assembly 12 has a receiving space 13a on the side facing the accommodation space 11a, the receiving space 13a communicates with the accommodation space 11a, the electrode assembly 12 includes a first tab 121 and a second tab 122, the first tab 121 and the second tab 122 are partially accommodated in the receiving space 13a, the battery cell 10 further includes a first electrode terminal 14 electrically connected to the first tab 121 and a second electrode terminal 15 electrically connected to the second tab 122, the first electrode terminal 14 and the second electrode terminal 15 are arranged apart from each other on the first section 131 farther away from the electrode assembly 12.

[0145] The battery cell 10 further includes a first electrode terminal 14 and a second electrode terminal 15. The electrode assembly 12 includes a first tab 121 and a second tab 122. The first electrode terminal 14 is arranged on the end cover 13 and penetrates the end cover 13 to be electrically connected to the first tab 121. The second electrode terminal 15 is arranged on the end cover 13 at a distance from the first electrode terminal 14 and penetrates the end cover 13 to be electrically connected to the second tab 122.

[0146] Further, the first electrode terminal 14 and the second electrode terminal 15 are arranged apart from each other on the first section 131 farther away from the electrode assembly 12, so that part of the structure of the first electrode terminal 14 and part of the structure of the second electrode terminal 15 can be accommodated in the space between the first section 131 and the electrode assembly 12, which is a receiving space 13a. Part of the first tab 121 and part of the second tab 122 are accommodated in the receiving space 13a.

[0147] Optionally, a first section 131 further away from the electrode assembly 12 is provided, and the first electrode terminal 14 and the second electrode terminal 15 are provided at a distance from each other on the first section 131.

[0148] Optionally, a plurality of first sections 131 further away from the electrode assembly 12 are provided, and the first electrode terminal 14 and the second electrode terminal 15 are provided at a distance from each other on one of the first sections 131, or the first electrode terminal 14 is provided on one of the first sections 131 and the second electrode terminal 15 is provided on one of the second sections 132.

[0149] Since the first section 131 further away from the electrode assembly 12 has the receiving space 13a on the side facing the accommodation space 11a, the first tab 121 and the second tab 122 are partially accommodated in the receiving space 13a, and thus the other first sections 131 can be arranged closer to the electrode assembly 12, which helps to reduce the overall volume of the battery monomer 10.

[0150] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 14, two first sections 131 further away from the electrode assembly 12 are provided, and the first electrode terminal 14 and the second electrode terminal 15 are arranged on the two first sections 131 further away from the electrode assembly 12, respectively.

[0151] The two first sections 131 further away from the electrode assembly 12 are provided, and at least two second sections 132 and one first section 131 are provided between the two first sections 131 further away from the electrode assembly 12. One of the two first sections 131 further away from the electrode assembly 12 is provided with the first electrode terminal 14, and the other of the two first sections 131 further away from the electrode assembly 12 is provided with the second electrode terminal 15. Part of the first electrode terminal 14 passes through the first section 131 to electrically connect with the first tab 121 and is accommodated in the receiving space 13a. Part of the second electrode terminal 15 passes through the first section 131 to electrically connect with the second tab 122 and is accommodated in the receiving space 13a.

[0152] Thus, part of the structure of the first electrode terminal 14 can be accommodated in one receiving space 13a, and part of the structure of the second electrode terminal 15 can be accommodated in another receiving space 13a, which can not only reduce the risk of conduction of the first electrode terminal 14 and the second electrode terminal 15, but also enable the other first sections 131 to be arranged closer to the electrode assembly 12, which helps to reduce the overall volume of the battery monomer 10.

[0153] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 15, the surface of the end cover 13 close to the accommodation space 11a has a limiting portion 134 protruding towards the accommodation space 11a, and the limiting portion 134 abuts against the inner circumferential surface 112.

[0154] The surface of the end cover 13 close to the accommodating space 11a is provided with a limiting portion 134 protruding towards the accommodating space 11a. The limiting portions 134 are arranged apart from each other along the third direction Y, so that one side surface of the limiting portions 134 along the third direction Y abuts against the inner wall surface of the shell 11, and / or the limiting portions 134 are arranged apart from each other along the second direction X, so that one side surface of the limiting portions 134 along the second direction X abuts against the inner wall surface of the shell 11.

[0155] Thus, the end cover 13 can extend into the shell 11 through the limiting portions 134, and the inner circumferential surface 112 of the shell 11 and the limiting portions 134 cooperate to further limit the end cover 13, so that the end cover 13 is difficult to deviate relative to the shell 11, the risk of poor connection due to deviation is reduced, and the gap between the end cover 13 and the shell 11 is also reduced.

[0156] In some embodiments, the shell 11 and the end cover 13 are welded.

[0157] Optionally, the welding includes laser welding.

[0158] When the two first sections 131 have a height difference along the first direction Z, the second section 132 is inclined relative to the first section 131. If a protruding portion 114 abutting against the inclined surface of the second section 132 facing the electrode assembly 12 is arranged on the shell 11, the protruding portion 114 needs to be configured to have a shape abutting against the end cover 13 at the transition position of the plane of the first section 131 and the inclined surface of the second section 132; and for the inclination angle of the inclined surface, the protruding portion 114 needs to be configured to have an inclined surface with the same angle to abut against the end cover 13. This requires high machining precision of the protruding portion 114 and the end cover 13, and if there is a large tolerance, the protruding portion 114 and the second section 132 are difficult to abut against each other tightly, so that the gap between the protruding portion 114 and the second section 132 is large, which is not conducive to welding.

[0159] In order to reduce the gap between the end cover 13 and the shell 11, notches 133 are arranged on both sides of the second section 132 along the third direction Y, and the inner wall surface of the protruding portion 113 abuts against the side surface along the third direction Y at the notches 133. During welding, the end cover 13 is pressed towards the shell 11 along the first direction Z to reduce the gap between the surface of the end cover 13 facing the electrode assembly 12 and the end surface 111; and the shell 11 is pressed from both sides to the middle along the third direction Y to reduce the gap between the inner wall surface of the protruding portion 113 and the side surface along the third direction Y at the notches 133.

[0160] Thus, the welding is performed between the relatively flat surface of the shell 11 and the relatively flat surface of the end cover 13, which helps to reduce the welding seam between the shell 11 and the end cover 13 and improve the welding effect.

[0161] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 10 and FIG. 15, the battery cell 10 further comprises an insulating piece 16, which is located between the end cap 13 and the electrode assembly 12 and connected to the end cap 13, and along the first direction Z, the projection of the insulating piece 16 does not exceed the projection of the end cap 13 in the same projection plane.

[0162] Since the insulating piece 16 is arranged between the end cap 13 and the electrode assembly 12, the electrode assembly 12 can be insulated from the end cap 13, reducing the probability of accidental conduction. Since along the first direction Z, the projection of the insulating piece 16 does not exceed the projection of the end cap 13 in the same projection plane, the probability of the insulating piece 16 being stuck in the shell 11 is reduced, and the probability of the insulating piece 16 blocking the structure protruding from the end cap 13 such as the limiting portion 134 is reduced.

[0163] The second aspect of the present disclosure provides a battery 100 comprising a box 20 and at least two battery cells 10 provided by the first aspect, wherein the battery cell 10 comprises a first electrode terminal 14 and a second electrode terminal 15 electrically connected to the electrode assembly 12, respectively.

[0164] The plurality of battery cells 10 are arranged in the box 20 at least along the third direction Y and are connected in series, in parallel or in a mixed manner.

[0165] Since the battery 100 comprises the battery cell 10 with high connection strength between the end cap 13 and the shell 11, the battery 100 has high use reliability.

[0166] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 17, at least one box wall of the box 20 has a boss 201 formed by the box wall bulging towards the direction away from the battery cell 10, the boss 201 forms a receiving portion on the side facing the battery cell 10, and along the direction perpendicular to the box wall where the boss 201 is formed, the projection of the first electrode terminal 14 and the second electrode terminal 15 does not exceed the projection of the boss 201, and the first electrode terminal 14 and the second electrode terminal 15 are at least partially received in the receiving portion.

[0167] The box 20 has a plurality of box walls, and the boss 201 is configured on at least one box wall, the boss 201 is formed by the box wall bulging towards the direction away from the battery cell 10, and the boss 201 forms a receiving portion on the side facing the battery cell 10. The plurality of battery cells 10 are arranged in the box 20 at least along the third direction Y, and the box wall close to the end cap 13 of the battery cell 10 has the boss 201. Along the first direction Z, the projection of the first electrode terminal 14 and the second electrode terminal 15 does not exceed the projection of the boss 201, so that the first electrode terminal 14 and the second electrode terminal 15 are at least partially received in the receiving portion.

[0168] Thus, by accommodating the first electrode terminal 14 and the second electrode terminal 15 in the accommodating portion, the overall volume of the box body 20 can be reduced, and the volume utilization rate in the box body 20 can be improved.

[0169] The third aspect of the present disclosure provides a power consumption device comprising a plurality of the battery monomer 10 provided in the first aspect or the battery 100 provided in the second aspect, and the battery monomer 10 or the battery 100 supplies power to the power consumption device.

[0170] Thus, the power consumption device provided with the battery 100 with high connection strength between the end cover 13 and the shell 11 of the battery monomer 10 can be provided, and the use reliability of the power consumption device is improved.

[0171] The fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides an energy storage device comprising a plurality of the battery monomer 10 provided in the first aspect or the battery 100 provided in the second aspect, and the battery monomer 10 or the battery 100 is used to store and provide electrical energy.

[0172] Thus, the energy storage device provided with the battery 100 with high connection strength between the end cover 13 and the shell 11 of the battery monomer 10 can be provided, and the use reliability of the energy storage device is improved.

[0173] A specific embodiment of the present disclosure is described below.

[0174] The two adjacent first sections 131 have a height difference in the first direction Z, and the second direction X of the second section 132 is connected to the first sections 131 with the height difference on both sides. The notches 133 are arranged on both sides of the third direction Y of the second section 132, and the protruding portions 113 protruding from the end surface 111 of the shell 11 and accommodated in the notches 133 are arranged on the end surface 111 of the shell 11. The surface on one side of the third direction Y at the notch 133 abuts against the inner wall surface of the protruding portion 113, and the protruding portion 113 can be pressed from both sides of the shell 11 to the middle along the third direction Y to fit the notch 133, so that the fitting gap between the second section 132 and the shell 11 can be reduced, and the welding effect can be improved. If the second section 132 is not provided with the notch 133, and the surface of the second section 132 facing the electrode assembly 12 is fitted with the end surface 111 of the shell 11, the transition between the first section 131 and the second section 132 and the inclined surface of the second section 132 itself will increase the fitting difficulty between the shell 11 and the end cover 13, and there may be a gap, which affects the welding.

[0175] The various embodiments / implementation modes provided by the present disclosure can be combined with each other without contradiction.

[0176] The above merely describes preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. The present disclosure can have various modifications and changes for those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present disclosure shall be included in the protection scope of the present disclosure. Industrial applicability

[0177] The present disclosure provides a battery cell, a battery, an electric device and an energy storage device. Since the surface of the first section of the end cover facing the electrode assembly abuts against the end face, and the surface of the side of the second section perpendicular to the first direction abuts, in the first direction, the end cover can be limited by the end face of the shell; in the direction perpendicular to the first direction, the end cover can be limited by the inner circumferential surface of the shell, so that the position of the end cover relative to the shell is fixed, the relative displacement between the end cover and the shell can be reduced when they are connected, the risk of poor connection due to deviation is reduced, and the connection gap between the two is also reduced, the connection strength is enhanced. Since the electrode assembly is placed in the accommodation space, the cooperation of the shell and the end cover separates the electrode assembly from the outside, so that the electrode assembly can be protected.

Claims

1. A battery cell, wherein, An electrode assembly is disposed in the accommodation space. An end cap seals the opening, the end cap including a first section and a second section connected to each other. The surface of the first section facing the electrode assembly abuts against the end surface, and the surface of the second section perpendicular to one side in the first direction abuts against the inner peripheral surface.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the end cap has a notch, the first section and the second section are arranged in a second direction, and along a third direction, the second section is smaller in size than the first section to form the notch, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction being perpendicular to each other; the housing includes a protrusion provided to the end surface, the protrusion being arranged opposite to the second section in the third direction and at least partially accommodated in the notch, and the surface of the second section on the side in the third direction abuts against an inner wall surface of the protrusion.

3. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein the protrusion and the surface of the first section facing the second direction abut.

4. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first section is plural, and the second section is provided between adjacent two of the first sections.

5. The battery cell according to claim 4, wherein adjacent two of the first sections have a difference in height in the first direction, the housing has a protrusion raised toward the end cap, and along the first direction, the protrusion is connected to at least the first section farther from the electrode assembly.

6. The battery cell according to claim 5, wherein the protrusion is connected to the second section, and the protrusion is at least partially provided to the protrusion.

7. The battery cell according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the second section includes a transition section and two connection sections parallel to the second direction, the connection sections being on both sides of the second direction of the transition section and respectively connected to the first sections.

8. The battery cell according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the second section is plural, the first section farther from the electrode assembly is respectively connected to the second section on both sides in the second direction, or the first section farther from the electrode assembly is connected to the second section on one side in the second direction.

9. The battery cell according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the end cap has plural notches, the notches being respectively on both sides of the second section in the third direction, and the housing has plural protrusions, the protrusions are at least partially accommodated in the notches.

10. The battery cell according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein ​ ​ The first segment farther away from the electrode assembly has a receiving space on a side facing the accommodation space, the receiving space being in communication with the accommodation space, The electrode assembly includes a first tab and a second tab, the first tab and the second tab being partially accommodated in the receiving space, The battery cell further includes a first electrode terminal electrically connected to the first tab and a second electrode terminal electrically connected to the second tab, the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal being arranged apart from each other farther away from the first segment of the electrode assembly.

11. The battery cell according to claim 10, wherein Two first segments farther away from the electrode assembly are provided, and the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal are arranged in the two first segments farther away from the electrode assembly, respectively.

12. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein The surface of the end cover close to the accommodation space has a limiting portion protruding toward the accommodation space, the limiting portion being in abutment with the inner circumferential surface.

13. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein The shell is welded to the end cover.

14. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein The battery cell further includes an insulating member between the end cover and the electrode assembly and connected to the end cover, a projection of the insulating member not exceeding a projection of the end cover in the same projection plane along the first direction.

15. A battery, wherein, A battery including a box and at least two battery cells according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the battery cells including first and second electrode terminals electrically connected to the electrode assemblies, respectively.

16. The battery according to claim 15, wherein At least one box wall of the box has a boss formed by bulging of the box wall toward a direction away from the battery cells, the boss forming a receiving portion on a side facing the battery cells, Along a direction perpendicular to the box wall in which the boss is formed, projections of the first and second electrode terminals do not exceed a projection of the boss, and the first and second electrode terminals are at least partially accommodated in the receiving portion.

17. An electrical device, comprising: The electric device includes a plurality of battery cells according to any one of claims 1 to 14, or a battery according to claim 15 or 16, the battery cells or the battery supplying power to the electric device.

18. An energy storage device, wherein, The energy storage device includes a plurality of battery cells according to any one of claims 1 to 14, or a battery according to claim 15 or 16, the battery cells or the battery being used to store and supply power.

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