Batteries and electrical devices

Abstract

This application belongs to the field of battery technology and discloses a battery and an electrical device. The battery includes a casing, an electrode assembly, and a current collector. The casing forms a receiving cavity and includes a first wall with a groove on the side of the first wall facing the receiving cavity. The electrode assembly is disposed within the receiving cavity and has tabs on the side facing the first wall. The current collector is disposed within the casing and electrically connected to the tabs. The current collector has a protrusion facing the first wall, which is electrically connected to the groove wall and can slide along a first direction; the first direction is the axial direction of the electrode assembly. The battery provided by this application reduces the risk of connection failure between the current collector and the casing and improves connection reliability.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Cylindrical batteries are highly favored by the market due to their advantages such as high energy density, excellent rate performance, mature manufacturing process, and good consistency.

[0003] In related technologies, cylindrical batteries include a casing, a winding core disposed within the casing, and a busbar electrically connected between the electrode tabs of the winding core and the casing. When the silicon content in the winding core of a cylindrical battery is high, the winding core will expand significantly along the axial direction of the cylindrical battery during charging and discharging. This expansion of the winding core causes the busbar to move relative to the casing. Since the connection between the casing and the busbar is fixed by welding, connection failure is more likely to occur between the busbar and the casing, resulting in low connection reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One embodiment of this application provides a battery that reduces the risk of connection failure between the busbar and the housing, and improves connection reliability.

[0005] One embodiment of this application provides an electrical device with high reliability.

[0006] Based on the above concept, the technical solution adopted in this application is: The battery includes: A housing that forms a receiving cavity, the housing including a first wall having a groove on the side of the first wall facing the receiving cavity; An electrode assembly is disposed within the receiving cavity, and the electrode assembly has a tab on the side facing the first wall; A busbar is disposed inside the housing and electrically connected to the tab. The busbar has a protrusion facing the first wall. The protrusion is electrically connected to the groove wall of the groove and can slide along a first direction. Wherein, the first direction is the axial direction of the electrode assembly.

[0007] In one or more embodiments of this application, the battery further includes an elastic electrical connector located between the sidewall of the groove and the protrusion, the protrusion being electrically connected to the sidewall of the groove via the elastic electrical connector; the elastic electrical connector is capable of elastic deformation in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0008] In one or more embodiments of this application, the elastic electrical connector is fixedly connected to one of the groove wall and the protrusion, and elastically abuts against the other of the groove wall and the protrusion. Alternatively, the elastic electrical connector may elastically abut against the protrusion and the groove wall.

[0009] In one or more embodiments of this application, the resilient electrical connection includes: First connecting part; The second connecting portion is spaced apart from the first connecting portion in the first direction; The deformable portion is provided at least one, the deformable portion is connected between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, and the deformable portion elastically abuts against at least one of the protrusion and the sidewall of the groove.

[0010] In one or more embodiments of this application, the deformable portion has a first protrusion protruding toward the protruding portion. The first protrusion protrudes from the surface of the first connecting portion toward the protruding portion and the surface of the second connecting portion toward the protruding portion. The first protrusion is elastically abutting or fixedly connected to the protruding portion. And / or, the deformable portion has a second protrusion that protrudes toward the sidewall of the groove, the second protrusion protruding from the surface of the first connecting portion opposite to the protrusion and the surface of the second connecting portion opposite to the protrusion, the second protrusion elastically abutting or fixedly connected to the protrusion.

[0011] In one or more embodiments of this application, the groove has a first groove wall and a second groove wall, the first groove wall and the second groove wall being disposed opposite each other in a direction perpendicular to the first direction; The elastic electrical connector is provided between the first groove wall and / or the second groove wall and the protrusion.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of this application, the bottom of the groove is provided with a weak region, the weak region extends circumferentially along the bottom of the groove, and the thickness of the weak region is less than the thickness of the first wall.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of this application, a plurality of protrusions are provided, and the plurality of protrusions are spaced apart along the circumference of the housing. An exhaust port is formed between two adjacent protrusions, and the exhaust port communicates with the groove.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of this application, the protrusion and the bottom of the groove are spaced apart in the first direction; the surface of the manifold facing the first wall and the surface of the first wall facing the manifold are spaced apart in the first direction.

[0015] Electrical devices, including the batteries mentioned above.

[0016] One embodiment of this application has at least the following beneficial effects: The first wall of the housing has a groove, and the busbar has a protrusion facing the first wall. The protrusion is electrically connected to the groove wall, so that the busbar and the housing can be electrically connected through the protrusion. The protrusion can slide in a first direction. When the electrode assembly changes size in the first direction, the electrode assembly will drive the busbar to slide in the first direction because the electrode tabs of the electrode assembly are connected to the busbar. When the protrusion slides in the first direction, it can also maintain electrical connection with the groove wall. This ensures that the movement of the electrode assembly in the first direction will not affect the electrical connection between the busbar and the housing, nor will it affect the electrical connection between the busbar and the tabs. Therefore, the risk of connection failure between the housing and the busbar is reduced, and even the problem of connection failure between the housing and the busbar is avoided. This ensures the stability and reliability of the circuit formed by the tabs, the busbar, and the housing, and improves the reliability of the battery and the power device. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of this application and these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery structure provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the battery provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This application Figure 3 The enlarged view at point A is shown below; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the flexible electrical connector provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 6 This is a partially enlarged view of the flexible electrical connector provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of the first wall from one perspective, provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the battery provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram of the first wall from another perspective provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bus provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 11 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the battery provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle structure provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Housing; 11. Receiving cavity; 12. First wall; 13. Groove; 131. First groove wall; 132. Second groove wall; 133. Groove bottom; 14. Weak area; 2. Electrode assembly; 3. Busbar; 31. Protrusion; 32. Exhaust port; 4. Flexible electrical connector; 41. First connecting part; 42. Second connecting part; 43. Deformable part; 431. First protrusion; 432. Second protrusion; 10. Battery; 100. Vehicle; X, First direction. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the technical problems solved by this application, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for explaining this application and not for limiting it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to this application are shown in the accompanying drawings, not all of them.

[0021] It should be understood that the phrase "an embodiment" or "one embodiment" throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, "in one embodiment" or "in one embodiment" appearing throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0022] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0023] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" 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 this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature. In the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" specifically refers to two or more.

[0025] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of description and simplification of operation. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0026] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or it can be located in between the component.

[0027] The technical solution of this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0028] This embodiment provides a battery that can reduce the risk of connection failure and has high connection reliability.

[0029] It is understandable that the battery can be a prismatic battery, a cylindrical battery, etc. This application uses a cylindrical battery as an example for illustration.

[0030] This application provides a battery including a housing and an electrode assembly, with at least a portion of the electrode assembly housed within the housing.

[0031] For example, such as Figures 1 to 10 As shown, the battery 10 includes a housing 1, an electrode assembly 2, and a current collector 3. The housing 1 forms a receiving cavity 11 for housing the electrode assembly 2 and the current collector 3. Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the housing 1 includes a first wall 12, and a groove 13 is provided on the side of the first wall 12 facing the receiving cavity 11. The recess of the groove 13 can be in a direction away from the receiving cavity 11.

[0032] In some alternative embodiments, the first wall 12 may be a wall in the housing 1 near the tab of the electrode assembly 2. For example, the first wall 12 may be an end wall of the housing 1 in the axial direction of the cylindrical battery 10. Of course, it is understood that the first wall 12 may also be a side wall of the housing 1, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0033] In at least one possible implementation, the housing 1 can be a split structure. For example, the housing 1 may include a housing body (not shown in the figure) and an end cap (not shown in the figure), with the end cap connected to an opening in the housing body. The first wall 12 may be part of the end cap.

[0034] The shell 1 can be made of various materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, etc.

[0035] The shape of the end cap can be adapted to the shape of the housing to fit the housing. The material of the end cap can be the same as or different from that of the housing. Optionally, the end cap can be made of a material with a certain degree of hardness and strength (such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc.), so that the end cap is not easily deformed when subjected to compression and impact, enabling the cylindrical battery cell 7 to have higher structural strength and improve reliability.

[0036] The end cap is connected to the housing 1 by welding, bonding, snap-fitting or other means.

[0037] The housing 1 may be open at one end or at both ends to form a receiving cavity. In some examples, the housing may be a structure with an opening on one side, with one end cap covering the housing 1. In other examples, the housing may be a structure with openings on both sides, with two end caps covering the two openings of the housing 1 respectively.

[0038] In this embodiment, the electrode assembly 2 is disposed within the receiving cavity 11 and protected by the housing 1. A tab (not shown in the figure) is provided on the side of the electrode assembly 2 facing the first wall 12. The tab is used for external electrical connection of the electrode assembly; "external" here refers to the connection relative to the electrode assembly.

[0039] Electrode assemblies are the components in a battery where electrochemical reactions occur. One or more electrode assemblies may be contained within the battery casing.

[0040] The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode. During the charging and discharging process of a single battery cell, active ions (such as lithium ions) move back and forth between the positive and negative electrodes, inserting and de-inserting.

[0041] In some embodiments, the positive electrode may be a positive electrode sheet, which may include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode film layer disposed on at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector.

[0042] As an example, the positive current collector has two surfaces opposite each other in its own thickness direction, and the positive electrode film layer is disposed on either or both of the two opposite surfaces of the positive current collector.

[0043] As an example, the positive electrode current collector can be a metal foil or a composite current collector. For example, as a metal foil, it can be aluminum or stainless steel with a silver surface treatment, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, carbon electrode, carbon, nickel, or titanium, etc. Composite current collectors can include a polymer material base layer and a metal layer. Composite current collectors can be formed by forming a metal material (aluminum, aluminum alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, silver and silver alloy, etc.) on a polymer material substrate (such as a substrate of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0044] As an example, the positive electrode film layer includes a positive electrode active material, which may include at least one of the following materials: lithium phosphate, lithium transition metal oxide, and their respective modified compounds. However, this application is not limited to these materials, and other conventional materials that can be used as positive electrode active materials for batteries may also be used. These positive electrode active materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Examples of lithium phosphate include, but are not limited to, at least one of lithium iron phosphate (such as LiFePO4 (also referred to as LFP)), lithium iron phosphate and carbon composites, lithium manganese phosphate (such as LiMnPO4), lithium manganese phosphate and carbon composites, lithium manganese iron phosphate, and lithium manganese iron phosphate and carbon composites. Examples of lithium transition metal oxides may include, but are not limited to, at least one of lithium cobalt oxides (such as LiCoO2), lithium nickel oxides (such as LiNiO2), lithium manganese oxides (such as LiMnO2, LiMn2O4), lithium nickel cobalt oxides, lithium manganese cobalt oxides, lithium nickel manganese oxides, lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxides (such as LiNi1 / 3Co1 / 3Mn1 / 3O2 (also abbreviated as NCM333), LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (also abbreviated as NCM523), LiNi0.5Co0.25Mn0.25O2 (also abbreviated as NCM211), LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (also abbreviated as NCM622), LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (also abbreviated as NCM811), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxides (such as LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2) and their modified compounds.

[0045] In some embodiments, the positive electrode can be foamed metal or foamed carbon. The foamed metal can be foamed nickel, foamed copper, foamed aluminum, foamed alloys, etc. When foamed metal is used as the positive electrode, a positive electrode film layer may or may not be provided on the surface of the foamed metal. As an example, lithium source material, potassium metal, or sodium metal may also be filled and / or deposited within the foamed metal, where the lithium source material is lithium metal and / or lithium-rich material.

[0046] In some embodiments, the negative electrode may be a negative electrode sheet, and the negative electrode sheet may include a negative electrode current collector.

[0047] As an example, the negative electrode current collector can be a metal foil, foamed metal, foamed carbon, or a composite current collector. For example, as a metal foil, it can be silver-treated aluminum or stainless steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, carbon electrode, carbon, nickel, or titanium, etc. Foamed metal can be foamed nickel, foamed copper, foamed aluminum, foamed alloy, etc. Composite current collectors can include a polymer material base layer and a metal layer. Composite current collectors can be formed by forming a metal material (copper, copper alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, silver and silver alloy, etc.) on a polymer material substrate (such as a substrate of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0048] As an example, the negative electrode sheet may include a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode film layer disposed on at least one surface of the negative electrode current collector.

[0049] As an example, the negative electrode current collector has two surfaces opposite each other in its own thickness direction, and the negative electrode film layer is disposed on either or both of the two opposite surfaces of the negative electrode current collector.

[0050] As an example, the negative electrode film layer includes a negative electrode active material. As an example, the negative electrode active material may include at least one of the following materials: artificial graphite, natural graphite, soft carbon, hard carbon, silicon-based materials, tin-based materials, and lithium titanate, etc. The silicon-based material may be selected from at least one of elemental silicon, silicon oxide compounds, silicon-carbon composites, silicon-nitrogen composites, and silicon alloys. The tin-based material may be selected from at least one of elemental tin, tin oxide compounds, and tin alloys. However, this application is not limited to these materials, and other conventional materials that can be used as negative electrode active materials for batteries may also be used. These negative electrode active materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0051] In some embodiments, the positive current collector can be made of aluminum, and the negative current collector can be made of copper.

[0052] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly further includes a spacer disposed between the positive and negative electrodes. The spacer serves to prevent short circuits between the positive and negative electrodes while allowing active ions to pass through.

[0053] In some embodiments, the separator is a separator membrane. Any known porous separator membrane with good chemical and mechanical stability can be selected from the embodiments of this application.

[0054] As an example, the main material of the separator can be selected from at least one of glass fiber, non-woven fabric, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, and ceramic. The separator can be a single-layer film or a multi-layer composite film. When the separator is a multi-layer composite film, the materials of each layer can be the same or different. The separator can be a separate component located between the positive and negative electrodes, or it can be attached to the surfaces of the positive and negative electrodes.

[0055] In some embodiments, the separator is a solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte is disposed between the positive and negative electrodes, serving both to transport ions and to isolate the positive and negative electrodes.

[0056] In some embodiments, the battery 7 further includes an electrolyte that acts as a conductor of ions between the positive and negative electrodes. The type of electrolyte can be selected according to requirements. The electrolyte can be liquid, gel, or solid.

[0057] Liquid electrolytes include electrolyte salts and solvents.

[0058] In some embodiments, the electrolyte salt may be selected from at least one of lithium hexafluorophosphate, lithium tetrafluoroborate, lithium perchlorate, lithium hexafluoroarsenate, lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate, lithium difluorophosphate, lithium difluorooxalate borate, lithium dioxalate borate, lithium difluorodioxalate phosphate, and lithium tetrafluorooxalate phosphate.

[0059] In some embodiments, the solvent may be selected from at least one of ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, methyl ethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, dipropyl carbonate, methyl propyl carbonate, ethyl propyl carbonate, butyl carbonate, fluoroethylene carbonate, methyl formate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, propyl propionate, methyl butyrate, ethyl butyrate, 1,4-butyrolactone, sulfolane, dimethyl sulfone, methyl ethyl sulfone, and diethyl sulfone. The solvent may also be an ether solvent. Ether solvents may include one or more of ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol diethyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, triethylene glycol dimethyl ether, tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether, 1,3-dioxolane, tetrahydrofuran, methyl tetrahydrofuran, diphenyl ether, and crown ethers.

[0060] Among them, the gel electrolyte includes a polymer as the electrolyte backbone network, combined with an ionic liquid - lithium salt.

[0061] Solid electrolytes include polymer solid electrolytes, inorganic solid electrolytes, and composite solid electrolytes.

[0062] As an example, polymer solid electrolytes can be polyether (polyoxyethylene), polysiloxane, polycarbonate, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinylidene fluoride, polymethyl methacrylate, monoionic polymers, polyionic liquids-lithium salts, cellulose, etc.

[0063] As an example, inorganic solid electrolytes can be one or more of the following: oxide solid electrolytes (crystalline perovskite, sodium superconducting ion conductor, garnet, amorphous LiPON thin film), sulfide solid electrolytes (crystalline lithium superconducting ion conductor (lithium germanium phosphorus sulfide, silver sulfide germanium ore), amorphous sulfides), halide solid electrolytes, nitride solid electrolytes, and hydride solid electrolytes.

[0064] As an example, composite solid electrolytes are formed by adding inorganic solid electrolyte fillers to polymer solid electrolytes.

[0065] In some optional embodiments, the electrode assembly 2 is a wound structure and may include a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator. The separator is disposed between the positive and negative electrode sheets and serves to insulate and isolate them. The positive electrode sheet includes a positive electrode material, and the negative electrode sheet includes a negative electrode material, wherein the negative electrode material has a relatively high silicon content.

[0066] For example, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the busbar 3 is disposed inside the housing 1 and is electrically connected to the electrode tab. The busbar 3 has a protrusion 31 facing the first wall 12; that is, the protrusion 31 protrudes from the busbar 3 towards the first wall 12. Furthermore, the protrusion 31 is electrically connected to the groove wall of the groove 13 to achieve electrical connection between the busbar 3 and the housing 1, thereby achieving electrical connection between the electrode assembly 2 and the housing 1.

[0067] In some optional embodiments, the electrical connection between the tab of the electrode assembly 2 and the busbar 3 can be achieved by a fixed connection. For example, the tab and the busbar 3 can be connected by welding to improve the connection strength between the busbar 3 and the tab. Optionally, the tab is flattened or kneaded before being welded to the busbar 3 to make the end face of the tab flat, which is beneficial to the welding of the tab and the busbar 3 and improves the welding quality.

[0068] In this embodiment, the protrusion 31 is capable of sliding along a first direction X. Here, the first direction X is the axial direction of the electrode assembly 2. It can be seen that the protrusion 31 in this embodiment can slide relative to the housing 1 along the axial direction of the electrode assembly 2, indicating that the busbar 3 in this embodiment is capable of sliding relative to the housing 1 along the axial direction of the electrode assembly 2. This makes the connection between the busbar 3 and the housing 1 not a fixed connection that cannot move relative to each other, but a more flexible sliding connection. It should be noted that the axial direction of the electrode assembly 2 is the same as the axial direction of the housing 1 and the axial direction of the battery 10.

[0069] The battery 10 provided in this embodiment has a groove 13 on the first wall 12 of the housing 1, and a protrusion 31 facing the first wall 12. The protrusion 31 is electrically connected to the groove wall of the groove 13, so that the current collector 3 and the housing 1 can be electrically connected through the protrusion 31. The protrusion 31 can slide along the first direction X. When the electrode assembly 2 deforms (e.g., expands or contracts) along the first direction X, the electrode assembly 2 will drive the current collector 3 to slide in the first direction X because the electrode tab of the electrode assembly 2 is connected to the current collector 3. When the protrusion 31 slides along the first direction X, it can also maintain the electrical connection with the groove wall of the groove 13. This ensures that the deformation of the electrode assembly 2 in the first direction X will not affect the electrical connection between the current collector 3 and the housing 1, that is, the first wall 12, nor will it affect the electrical connection between the current collector 3 and the electrode tab. Therefore, the risk of connection failure between the housing 1 and the current collector 3 is reduced, and even the problem of connection failure between the housing 1 and the current collector 3 is avoided. This ensures the stability and reliability of the circuit formed by the electrode tab, the current collector 3 and the housing 1.

[0070] In one or more embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the battery 10 also includes a flexible electrical connector 4. The flexible electrical connector 4 is located between the side wall of the groove 13 (i.e., the groove side wall) and the protrusion 31, and the protrusion 31 and the side wall of the groove 13 are electrically connected through the flexible electrical connector 4. That is, the protrusion 31 and the side wall of the groove 13 are not directly in contact to achieve electrical connection, but are indirectly connected through the flexible electrical connector 4.

[0071] In some optional embodiments, the elastic electrical connector 4 can elastically deform in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X. This configuration ensures that, on the one hand, although the elastic electrical connector 4 is disposed between the sidewalls of the protrusion 31 and the groove 13, it does not interfere with the sliding of the protrusion 31 along the first direction X, thus meeting the requirements for dimensional changes in the electrode assembly 2 in the first direction X; on the other hand, the elastic electrical connector 4 can compensate for dimensional deviations in the protrusion 31 and the groove 13, meaning that even if the protrusion 31 and the groove 13 are slightly larger or smaller, the busbar 3 and the housing 1 can be successfully assembled, reducing the manufacturing requirements of the busbar 3 and the housing 1, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency.

[0072] It should be noted that the elastic electrical connector 4 can undergo elastic deformation in the direction perpendicular to the first direction X, which means that the elastic electrical connector 4 undergoes elastic deformation when subjected to an external force in the direction perpendicular to the first direction X, and the elastic electrical connector 4 can return to its original shape when the external force disappears.

[0073] In some optional embodiments, the elastic electrical connector 4 is fixedly connected to one of the groove wall and the protrusion 31 of the groove 13, and elastically abuts against the other of the groove wall and the protrusion 31. This arrangement prevents the elastic electrical connector 4 from falling off during assembly, reduces assembly difficulty, and improves assembly efficiency and success rate.

[0074] In at least one possible implementation, the elastic electrical connector 4 can be fixed to the groove wall or protrusion 31 of the groove 13 by point fixing, which is convenient for fixing by spot welding. It can also be fixed by other fixing methods, which are not limited in this embodiment.

[0075] In some embodiments, the elastic electrical connector 4 is fixedly connected to the groove wall of the groove 13, thereby achieving pre-fixation of the elastic electrical connector 4 and the housing 1, and then assembling the busbar 3, which facilitates assembly.

[0076] In some other alternative embodiments, the elastic electrical connector 4 can also elastically abut against the protrusion 31 and the groove wall of the groove 13. That is, the elastic electrical connector 4 is in an elastic abutment relationship with both the protrusion 31 and the groove wall of the groove 13, rather than a fixed connection. This arrangement achieves an interference fit between the elastic electrical connector 4 and the housing 1 and the protrusion 31, allowing the elastic electrical connector 4 to be locked in place with both the housing 1 and the protrusion 31, preventing the elastic electrical connector 4 from falling off during assembly.

[0077] The specific structure of the elastic electrical connector 4 can be varied. This embodiment provides an example of an elastic electrical connector 4.

[0078] The flexible electrical connector 4 can be a flexible contact finger, a specially molded flexible electrical connection element used for flexible electrical connections between electrical components. Flexible contacts are typically made of highly elastic conductive materials, such as beryllium bronze alloy, phosphor bronze, or copper alloy sheets, precision stamped into a strip structure. The surface is stamped with many elastic deformation sections, enabling the establishment of multiple parallel contact points between two electrical contact surfaces and providing a certain contact force. This allows the contact finger to break down contaminant layers (dust, oil film, metal compounds) on the metal surface, thereby achieving an effective electrical connection.

[0079] For example, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the elastic electrical connector 4 includes a first connecting portion 41, a second connecting portion 42, and a deformable portion 43. The second connecting portion 42 is spaced apart from the first connecting portion 41 in the first direction X. In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 41 and the second connecting portion 42 are arranged opposite to each other. At least one deformable portion 43 is provided, and the deformable portion 43 is connected between the first connecting portion 41 and the second connecting portion 42. The deformable portion 43 elastically abuts against at least one of the protrusion 31 and the sidewall of the groove 13. In this embodiment, the deformable portion 43 can elastically deform in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X, thereby elastically abutting against the sidewall of the protrusion 31 and / or the groove 13.

[0080] In some embodiments, the deformable portion 43 may elastically abut against the protrusion 31, while rigidly contacting or not contacting the sidewall of the groove 13. When the deformable portion 43 does not contact the sidewall of the groove 13, the first connecting portion 41 and / or the second connecting portion 42 contact the sidewall of the groove 13 to achieve an electrical connection between the protrusion 31 and the sidewall of the groove 13.

[0081] In other embodiments, the deformable portion 43 may elastically abut against the sidewall of the groove 13, while rigidly contacting or not contacting the protrusion 31. When the deformable portion 43 does not contact the protrusion 31, the first connecting portion 41 and / or the second connecting portion 42 contact the protrusion 31 to achieve an electrical connection between the protrusion 31 and the sidewall of the groove 13.

[0082] In some other embodiments, the deformable portion 43 can elastically abut against the protrusion 31 and the sidewall of the groove 13, thereby achieving electrical connection between the protrusion 31 and the sidewall of the groove 13. In this case, the first connecting portion 41 and the second connecting portion 42 may or may not contact the sidewall of the protrusion 31 or the sidewall of the groove 13; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0083] It should be noted that "at least one" means that "the deformable part 43" can have one or more deformable parts 43.

[0084] It should also be noted that when the elastic electrical connector 4 is fixedly connected to the groove wall or protrusion 31 of the groove 13, the deformable part 43 can be fixedly connected to the groove wall or protrusion 31 of the groove 13 (e.g., spot welding), or the first connecting part 41 and / or the second connecting part 42 can be fixedly connected to the groove wall or protrusion 31 of the groove 13. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0085] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 4As shown, the deformable portion 43 has a first protrusion 431 that protrudes toward the protruding portion 31. The first protrusion 431 protrudes from the surface of the first connecting portion 41 toward the protruding portion 31 and the surface of the second connecting portion 42 toward the protruding portion 31, and the first protrusion 431 is elastically abutted or fixedly connected to the protruding portion 31. By providing the first protrusion 431, it is convenient for the deformable portion 43 to elastically abut or be fixedly connected to the protruding portion 31, and it is also convenient to control the contact or connection area between the deformable portion 43 and the protruding portion 31, thereby facilitating the control of the flow area between the busbar 3 and the housing 1. This is beneficial for maintaining the flow area between the busbar 3 and the housing 1 constant or allowing for slight changes when the electrode assembly 2 moves.

[0086] In this embodiment, the first protrusion 431 protrudes from the surface of the first connecting portion 41 facing the protrusion 31 and the surface of the second connecting portion 42 facing the protrusion 31, so that the first connecting portion 41 and the second connecting portion 42 do not contact the protrusion 31, which can reduce wear on the protrusion 31, extend the service life of the protrusion 31, and also make the cross-sectional dimensions of the first connecting portion 41 and the second connecting portion 42 smaller, which is conducive to the miniaturization and weight reduction of the elastic electrical connector 4, and thus conducive to the weight reduction of the battery 10.

[0087] Optionally, when the elastic electrical connector 4 is fixedly connected to the protrusion 31, the first protrusion 431 can be fixedly connected to the protrusion 31 (e.g., by spot welding).

[0088] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 6 As shown, the deformable portion 43 has a second protrusion 432 protruding towards the sidewall of the groove 13. The second protrusion 432 protrudes from the surface of the first connecting portion 41 away from the surface of the protruding portion 31 and the surface of the second connecting portion 42 away from the surface of the protruding portion 31. The second protrusion 432 is elastically abutted or fixedly connected to the protruding portion 31. By providing the second protrusion 432, it is convenient for the deformable portion 43 to elastically abut or be fixedly connected to the groove wall of the groove 13. It is also convenient to control the contact or connection area between the deformable portion 43 and the groove wall of the groove 13, thereby facilitating the control of the flow area between the busbar 3 and the housing 1. This is beneficial for controlling the flow area between the busbar 3 and the housing 1 to remain constant or change slightly when the electrode assembly 2 moves.

[0089] In this embodiment, the second protrusion 432 protrudes from the surface of the first connecting portion 41 away from the surface of the protruding portion 31 and the second connecting portion 42 away from the surface of the protruding portion 31, so that the first connecting portion 41 and the second connecting portion 42 do not contact the side wall of the groove 13, which makes the cross-sectional dimensions of the first connecting portion 41 and the second connecting portion 42 smaller, which is beneficial to the miniaturization and weight reduction of the elastic electrical connector 4, and thus beneficial to the weight reduction of the battery 10.

[0090] Optionally, when the elastic electrical connector 4 is fixedly connected to the groove wall of the groove 13, the second protrusion 432 can be fixedly connected to the groove wall of the groove 13 (e.g., by spot welding).

[0091] It should be noted that the deformable part 43 may have only the first protrusion 431, or only the second protrusion 432, or both the first protrusion 431 and the second protrusion 432. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0092] When the deformable part 43 has both a first protrusion 431 and a second protrusion 432, the first protrusion 431 and the second protrusion 432 can be distributed in the first direction X, or in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X, or in other directions. This embodiment does not limit this distribution.

[0093] In this embodiment, when the deformable portion 43 simultaneously has a first protrusion 431 and a second protrusion 432, the first protrusion 431 abuts against the protrusion 31, and the second protrusion 432 abuts against the groove wall of the groove 13, ensuring the continuity of the electrical connection. Furthermore, during the expansion of the electrode assembly 2, the contact area between the protrusion 31 of the busbar 3 and the first protrusion 431, and the contact area between the second protrusion 432 and the groove wall of the groove 13, remain constant, resulting in a more stable mechanical resistance of the battery 10 and promoting the consistency of the battery 10.

[0094] In some alternative embodiments, when the deformable portion 43 has a first protrusion 431, each deformable portion 43 may have one or more first protrusions 431. When the deformable portion 43 has multiple first protrusions 431, the multiple first protrusions 431 may be spaced apart along a first direction X.

[0095] In some alternative embodiments, when the deformable portion 43 has a second protrusion 432, each deformable portion 43 may have one or more second protrusions 432. When the deformable portion 43 has a plurality of second protrusions 432, the plurality of second protrusions 432 may be spaced apart along a first direction X.

[0096] In one or more embodiments of this application, such as Figure 7 As shown, the groove 13 has a first groove wall 131 and a second groove wall 132. The first groove wall 131 and the second groove wall 132 are arranged opposite each other in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X; that is, the first groove wall 131 and the second groove wall 132 are the sidewalls of the groove 13. Figure 7 In this embodiment, the first groove wall 131 is the groove wall close to the center of the housing 1, and the second groove wall 132 is the groove wall away from the center of the housing 1. Of course, it can be understood that the first groove wall 131 can also be the groove wall away from the center of the housing 1, and this embodiment does not limit it to this.

[0097] In at least one possible implementation, such as Figure 8 As shown, elastic electrical connectors 4 are provided between the first groove wall 131 and the protrusion 31, and between the second groove wall 132 and the protrusion 31. This arrangement increases the electrical connection area between the protrusion 31 and the housing 1, meeting the requirements for high-power overcurrent.

[0098] In other alternative embodiments, an elastic electrical connector 4 may be provided between the first groove wall 131 and the protrusion 31, while no elastic electrical connector 4 may be provided between the second groove wall 132 and the protrusion 31. In still some embodiments, an elastic electrical connector 4 may be provided between the second groove wall 132 and the protrusion 31, while no elastic electrical connector 4 may be provided between the first groove wall 131 and the protrusion 31. The specific configuration can be made according to requirements, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0099] In some other optional embodiments of this application, the battery 10 may not include the elastic electrical connector 4, and the protrusion 31 and the side wall of the groove 13 may be electrically connected by other structures such as wires, or the protrusion 31 and the side wall of the groove 13 may be directly in contact to achieve electrical connection. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0100] In one or more embodiments of this application, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the bottom 133 of the groove 13 has a weak region 14, which extends circumferentially along the bottom 133 of the groove 13. The thickness of the weak region 14 is less than the thickness of the first wall 12. By providing the weak region 14, and ensuring that its thickness is less than that of the first wall 12, the weak region 14 can be used for venting. That is, in this embodiment, the weak region 14 can be used as an explosion-proof valve for the battery 10, eliminating the need for an additional explosion-proof valve for the battery 10. When thermal runaway occurs inside the battery 10, the internal pressure increases. Since the weak region 14 has lower structural strength than other parts of the first wall 12, it can be breached to vent the gas, thus improving the safety of the battery 10. By setting a weak area 14 that extends circumferentially along the bottom 133 of the groove 13, when the weak area 14 breaks, under the impact of air pressure, the sidewall of the groove 13 deforms to both sides. When the sidewall of the groove 13 and the elastic electrical connector 4 are in elastic contact, the deformation of the sidewall of the groove 13 causes the sidewall of the groove 13 to lose contact with the elastic electrical connector 4, which can cut off the power in time, protect the battery 10, and further improve safety.

[0101] In some alternative embodiments, the weak region 14 may be a groove formed on the bottom 133 of the groove 13, specifically formed on the surface of the bottom 133 of the groove 13 facing away from the receiving cavity 11.

[0102] In some possible implementations, such as Figure 10As shown, multiple protrusions 31 are provided, and these protrusions 31 are spaced apart circumferentially along the housing 1. An exhaust port 32 is formed between two adjacent protrusions 31, and the exhaust port 32 communicates with the groove 13. With this arrangement, when gas is generated inside the battery 10, the gas can flow along the exhaust port 32 into the groove 13 and can break through the weak area 14 of the bottom 133 of the groove 13 to exhaust the gas. This makes full use of the spacing between the protrusions 31 and also improves the safety of the battery 10.

[0103] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, a groove 13 can be provided, and the groove 13 can be annular, which facilitates the processing and manufacturing of the groove 13. When multiple protrusions 31 are provided, the multiple protrusions 31 are placed in the groove 13 and are spaced apart. That is, some areas of the groove 13 are not provided with protrusions, so as to form an exhaust channel.

[0104] In some embodiments, when the groove 13 is provided, such as Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, an annular elastic electrical connector 4 may be provided between the first groove wall 131 (or the second groove wall 132) of the groove 13 and the protrusion 31.

[0105] In other embodiments, when the groove 13 is provided, each protrusion 31 may be provided with an elastic electrical connector 4 between the first groove wall 131 (or the second groove wall 132) of the groove 13, and multiple elastic electrical connectors 4 may be provided at intervals along the circumferential direction of the groove 13.

[0106] In some optional embodiments, the groove 13 may be provided in multiple ways. In this case, the protrusion 31 and the elastic electrical connector 4 are provided in multiple ways, and the elastic electrical connector 4 is provided between the protrusion 31 and the groove wall of the corresponding groove 13.

[0107] In one or more embodiments of this application, such as Figure 11 As shown, the protrusion 31 and the bottom 133 of the groove 13 have a first gap a in the first direction X; the surface of the manifold 3 facing the first wall 12 and the surface of the first wall 12 facing the manifold 3 have a second gap b in the first direction X. This arrangement ensures that the manifold 3 has spatial movement in the first direction X.

[0108] Optionally, the values ​​of the first interval a and the second interval b can be the same or different, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0109] This embodiment also provides an electrical device, including the battery described above. The electrical device provided in this embodiment has high connection reliability.

[0110] In some optional embodiments, the electrical equipment can be a vehicle 100, a mobile phone, a portable device, a laptop computer, a ship, a spacecraft, an electric toy, and a power tool, etc. The vehicle 100 can be a gasoline-powered car, a natural gas-powered car, or a new energy vehicle; new energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles, etc.; spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc.; electric toys include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc.; power tools include metal cutting power tools, grinding power tools, assembly power tools, and railway power tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, impact drills, concrete vibrators, and electric planers, etc. This application does not impose any special limitations on the above-mentioned electrical equipment.

[0111] For ease of explanation, the following embodiments will be described using a vehicle 100 as an example of electrical equipment.

[0112] For example, such as Figure 12 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a vehicle 100 according to one embodiment of this application. The vehicle 100 can be a gasoline-powered vehicle, a natural gas-powered vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. New energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles, etc. The vehicle 100 can have a motor, a controller, and a battery 10 installed inside. The controller controls the battery 10 to supply power to the motor. For example, the battery 10 can be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 100. The battery 10 can be used to power the vehicle 100. For example, the battery 10 can serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 100's electrical system, such as meeting the power requirements for starting, navigation, and operation of the vehicle 100. In another embodiment of this application, the battery 10 can not only serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 100 but also as the driving power source, replacing or partially replacing gasoline or natural gas to provide driving power to the vehicle 100.

[0113] Obviously, the above embodiments of this application are merely examples for clear illustration and are not intended to limit the implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A battery, characterized by, include: The housing (1) forms a receiving cavity (11). The housing (1) includes a first wall (12) and a groove (13) is provided on the side of the first wall (12) facing the receiving cavity (11). An electrode assembly (2) is disposed in the receiving cavity (11), and an electrode tab is provided on the side of the electrode assembly (2) facing the first wall (12); A busbar (3) is disposed inside the housing (1) and electrically connected to the tab. The busbar (3) has a protrusion (31) facing the first wall (12). The protrusion (31) is electrically connected to the groove wall of the groove (13) and the protrusion (31) can slide along the first direction. Wherein, the first direction is the axial direction of the electrode assembly (2).

2. The battery of claim 1, wherein, The battery also includes an elastic electrical connector (4), which is located between the side wall of the groove (13) and the protrusion (31). The protrusion (31) and the side wall of the groove (13) are electrically connected through the elastic electrical connector (4). The elastic electrical connector (4) can undergo elastic deformation in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

3. The battery of claim 2, wherein, The elastic electrical connector (4) is fixedly connected to one of the groove wall of the groove (13) and the protrusion (31), and elastically abuts against the other of the groove wall of the groove (13) and the protrusion (31). Alternatively, the elastic electrical connectors (4) are elastically abutted against the protrusion (31) and the groove wall of the groove (13).

4. The battery according to claim 3, characterized in that: The flexible electrical connector (4) includes: First connecting part (41); The second connecting portion (42) is provided at a distance from the first connecting portion (41) in the first direction; The deformable portion (43) is provided at least one, the deformable portion (43) is connected between the first connecting portion (41) and the second connecting portion (42), and the deformable portion (43) elastically abuts against at least one of the sidewalls of the protrusion (31) and the groove (13).

5. The battery according to claim 4, characterized in that, The deformable part (43) has a first protrusion (431) protruding toward the protrusion (31). The first protrusion (431) protrudes from the surface of the first connecting part (41) toward the protrusion (31) and the surface of the second connecting part (42) toward the protrusion (31). The first protrusion (431) is elastically abutting or fixedly connected to the protrusion (31). And / or, the deformable part (43) has a second protrusion (432) protruding toward the sidewall of the groove (13), the second protrusion (432) protruding from the surface of the first connecting part (41) facing away from the protrusion (31) and the surface of the second connecting part (42) facing away from the protrusion (31), the second protrusion (432) elastically abutting or fixedly connected to the protrusion (31).

6. The battery according to claim 3, characterized in that, The groove (13) has a first groove wall (131) and a second groove wall (132), the first groove wall (131) and the second groove wall (132) being arranged opposite to each other in a direction perpendicular to the first direction; The elastic electrical connector (4) is provided between the first groove wall (131) and / or the second groove wall (132) and the protrusion (31).

7. The battery according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The bottom (133) of the groove (13) is provided with a weak area (14), which extends circumferentially along the bottom (133) of the groove (13), and the thickness of the weak area (14) is less than the thickness of the first wall (12).

8. The battery according to claim 7, characterized in that: The protrusions (31) are provided in multiple ways, and the multiple protrusions (31) are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the housing (1). An exhaust port (32) is formed between two adjacent protrusions (31), and the exhaust port (32) is connected to the groove (13).

9. The battery according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, There is a first gap between the protrusion (31) and the bottom (133) of the groove (13) in the first direction; the surface of the manifold (3) facing the first wall (12) and the surface of the first wall (12) facing the manifold (3) are separated in the first direction by a second gap.

10. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, Includes the battery as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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