Battery cell, battery, and electric device

Abstract

The application provides a battery monomer, a battery and an electric device. The battery monomer comprises a shell, an end cover, an electrode assembly, a current collecting member and an insulating piece. The shell has an opening. The end cover is used for covering the opening. The electrode assembly is accommodated in the shell and comprises a main body part, a first tab and a second tab, the first tab and the second tab are opposite in polarity and are arranged on the same side of the main body part. The current collecting member is connected to the first tab. At least part of the insulating piece is arranged between the first tab and the second tab and is used for limiting the deformation of the first tab towards the second tab. The application can save the space inside the battery monomer, the shell can provide more space for the main body part, and the energy density of the battery monomer is improved.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application based on application number 202180089729.9, filed on December 17, 2021, by CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited), entitled "Battery cell and manufacturing method and equipment thereof, battery and electrical equipment".

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications This application claims priority to PCT patent application PCT / CN2021 / 133705, filed on November 26, 2021, entitled “Battery cell, battery, electrical device and method and apparatus for manufacturing battery cell”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and more specifically, to a battery cell, a battery, and an electrical device. Background Technology

[0004] Energy conservation and emission reduction are key to the sustainable development of the automotive industry, and electric vehicles, due to their energy-saving and environmentally friendly advantages, have become an important component of this sustainable development. For electric vehicles, battery technology is a crucial factor in their development.

[0005] In battery technology, both the safety and performance of individual battery cells need to be considered, as the energy density of a single cell directly impacts battery performance. Therefore, improving the energy density of individual battery cells is a pressing technical challenge in battery technology. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a battery cell, its manufacturing method and equipment, battery, and electrical equipment, which can improve the energy density and safety of the battery cell.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a battery cell, including a housing, an end cap, an electrode assembly, a current collector, and an insulating member. The housing has an opening. The end cap is used to close the opening. The electrode assembly is housed within the housing and includes a main body, a first electrode tab, and a second electrode tab, the first and second electrode tabs having opposite polarities and being disposed on the same side of the main body. The current collector is connected to the first electrode tab. At least a portion of the insulating member is disposed between the first and second electrode tabs and is used to limit deformation of the first electrode tab toward the second electrode tab.

[0008] In the above design, the second tab and the first tab are located on the same side of the main body, thus achieving same-side tab output for the main body. This saves internal space within the battery cell, allowing the casing to provide more space for the main body, which is beneficial for increasing the energy density of the battery cell. The insulating component restricts the deformation of the first tab toward the second tab and separates the first and second tabs, thereby reducing the risk of short circuits caused by contact between the first and second tabs and improving the safety of the battery cell. The insulating component also limits the degree of deformation of the first tab, reducing the risk of tearing due to excessive deformation, thus ensuring the overcurrent capacity of the battery cell and improving safety.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first electrode includes a base portion and a protrusion portion, the base portion extending from the main body portion, and the protrusion portion protruding radially from the first outer peripheral surface of the base portion.

[0010] The above solution increases the local flow area of ​​the first electrode tab and improves the flow capacity by setting a protrusion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the protrusion is configured to be formed by pressing the end of the first tab facing the end cap. The insulating member is configured to be mounted on the body portion before the protrusion is formed.

[0012] When the first tab is compressed to form a protrusion, the first tab is easily deformed under pressure. The above solution installs an insulating component onto the main body before compressing the first tab. This insulating component restricts the deformation of the first tab towards the second tab, reducing the risk of short circuits caused by contact between the first and second tabs and improving the safety of the battery cell. The protrusion increases the radial dimension of the first tab along the main body. The above solution pre-installs the insulating component onto the main body, thus avoiding interference from the protrusion with the installation of the insulating component.

[0013] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the protrusion is located on the side of the insulating member away from the main body in the axial direction of the main body.

[0014] In the above solution, the insulating member can separate at least part of the protrusion from the main body, thereby reducing the risk of the protrusion inserting into the main body when the battery cell vibrates, and improving safety. At the same time, the protrusion can also restrict the insulating member axially, reducing the amplitude of the insulating member's sway when the battery cell vibrates.

[0015] In some embodiments, the protrusion and the main body clamp the insulating member from both sides.

[0016] In the above scheme, the protrusion and the main body fix the insulating component, reducing the shaking amplitude of the insulating component when the battery cell vibrates and improving the stability of the insulating component.

[0017] In some embodiments, the insulating member includes a first insulating portion, at least a portion of which is disposed between the base portion and the second tab to limit deformation of the base portion toward the second tab. In the axial direction of the main body, at least a portion of the first insulating portion is located between the protrusion and the main body to limit deformation of the protrusion toward the main body.

[0018] In the above solution, the first insulating part can simultaneously restrict the deformation of the base part and the protrusion part, thereby reducing the risk of the base part and the second electrode ear overlapping and the risk of the protrusion part inserting into the main body part, thus improving safety.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first insulating portion has a second outer peripheral surface parallel to the axial direction of the main body portion. In the radial direction of the main body portion, the minimum distance between the second outer peripheral surface and the base portion is less than or equal to 5 mm.

[0020] During the assembly and use of battery cells, the base portion can deform under pressure. Excessive deformation of the base portion may cause it to insert into the main body, thus posing a short circuit risk. In the above solution, the distance between the second outer peripheral surface of the first insulating portion and the base portion is small. This allows the first insulating portion to effectively support the base portion, reduce the degree of deformation of the base portion, lower the risk of the base portion inserting into the main body, and improve safety.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second outer peripheral surface abuts against the first outer peripheral surface of the base portion to effectively support the base portion, reduce the degree of deformation of the base portion, reduce the risk of the base portion being inserted into the main body portion, and improve safety.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first electrode and the second electrode are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the main body.

[0023] The above solution allows the first and second electrodes to have larger dimensions in the radial direction of the main body, thereby improving the current-carrying capacity of the first and second electrodes.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first insulating part has a first through hole, the main body part has a wound structure and has a second through hole, and the first through hole and the second through hole are arranged opposite to each other along the axial direction of the main body part.

[0025] In the above scheme, the first through hole and the second through hole can be used as positioning references when assembling electrode components and insulating parts, thereby simplifying the assembly process.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first insulating portion has a first through hole located between the first tab and the second tab. In the radial direction of the main body, the end of the protrusion facing away from the base portion does not extend beyond the wall of the first through hole.

[0027] In the above solution, the end of the protrusion that is away from the base does not extend beyond the wall of the first through hole. This can prevent the protrusion from extending into the first through hole, reduce the risk of the protrusion being inserted into the main body through the first through hole, and improve safety.

[0028] In some embodiments, the insulating member further includes a second insulating portion connected to the first insulating portion and disposed on one side of the base portion along the circumferential direction of the main body portion, so as to limit the deformation of the base portion along the circumferential direction of the main body portion.

[0029] In the above solution, the insulating component can limit the circumferential deformation of the base portion along the main body portion, thereby further reducing the risk of the base portion tearing due to excessive deformation, thus ensuring the overcurrent capacity of the battery cell and improving safety.

[0030] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second insulating portion is located between the protrusion and the main body in the axial direction of the main body to limit the deformation of the protrusion toward the main body.

[0031] In the above solution, the second insulating part can limit the deformation of the protrusion to reduce the risk of the protrusion inserting into the main body, thereby improving safety.

[0032] In some embodiments, two second insulating portions are provided, with the two second insulating portions located on both sides of the base portion along the circumference of the main body portion.

[0033] In the above scheme, the two second insulating parts can restrict the base part from both sides in the circumferential direction to shape the base part in the circumferential direction, further reducing the risk of the base part tearing due to excessive deformation, thereby ensuring the overcurrent capacity of the battery cell and improving safety.

[0034] In some embodiments, the insulating member further includes a third insulating portion connected to the end of the second insulating portion away from the first insulating portion, and the third insulating portion is located on the side of the base portion away from the first insulating portion, so as to limit the deformation of the base portion in the direction away from the first insulating portion.

[0035] In the above scheme, the third insulating part can limit the deformation in the direction away from the first insulating part, thereby further reducing the risk of the base part tearing due to excessive deformation, thus ensuring the overcurrent capacity of the battery cell and improving safety.

[0036] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the third insulating portion is located between the protrusion and the main body in the axial direction of the main body to limit the deformation of the protrusion toward the main body.

[0037] In the above solution, the third insulating part can simultaneously restrict the deformation of the protrusion to reduce the risk of the protrusion inserting into the main body, thereby improving safety.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first insulating portion, two second insulating portions, and the third insulating portion form a third through hole, through which the first electrode tab passes.

[0039] In the above scheme, the wall of the third through hole can restrict the first electrode tab from all sides, thereby shaping the first electrode tab and reducing the degree of deformation of the first electrode tab under pressure, thus reducing the risk of tearing of the first electrode tab.

[0040] In some implementations, the insulating element is also used to limit the deformation of the second tab toward the first tab.

[0041] In the above solution, the insulating component can simultaneously limit the deformation of the first tab and the second tab, thereby reducing the risk of the first tab and the second tab tearing due to excessive deformation and the risk of short circuit caused by contact between the first tab and the second tab, thus further improving the safety of the battery cell.

[0042] In some embodiments, the insulating element includes a third through hole and a fourth through hole, a first tab passing through the third through hole, the wall of the third through hole restricting the deformation of the first tab from the outside, and a second tab passing through the fourth through hole, the wall of the fourth through hole restricting the deformation of the second tab from the outside.

[0043] In the above scheme, the walls of the third through hole and the fourth through hole respectively shape the first and second electrodes, thereby reducing the degree of deformation of the first and second electrodes under pressure and reducing the risk of tearing of the first and second electrodes.

[0044] In some embodiments, the insulating member includes a first insulating portion, two second insulating portions, a third insulating portion, two fourth insulating portions, and a fifth insulating portion. The two second insulating portions and the two fourth insulating portions are sequentially disposed outside the first insulating portion along the circumferential direction of the main body. Each second insulating portion connects to the first insulating portion and the third insulating portion, and the first insulating portion, the two second insulating portions, and the third insulating portion form a third through hole. Each fourth insulating portion connects to the first insulating portion and the fifth insulating portion; the first insulating portion, the two fourth insulating portions, and the fifth insulating portion form a fourth through hole.

[0045] In some embodiments, the insulating member further includes two reinforcing portions, and a third insulating portion, another reinforcing portion, and a fifth insulating portion are connected sequentially along the circumference of the main body to form a ring structure.

[0046] In the above scheme, the reinforcing part can enhance the overall strength of the insulating component, thereby reducing the deformation of the insulating component when subjected to the compression of the first tab, the compression of the second tab, and other forces, thus effectively supporting the first tab and the second tab.

[0047] In some embodiments, the end face of the main body facing the end cap is composed of a first region and a second region, with a first tab and a second tab extending from the first region. The area of ​​the second region is S1, and the area of ​​the portion of the second region covered by the insulating member is S2. The value of S2 / S1 is 0.5-0.95.

[0048] In the above scheme, the insulating component covers a large area of ​​the main body. In this way, the insulating component can protect the main body, reduce the risk of the casing falling onto the main body during the battery cell molding process, and improve safety.

[0049] In some embodiments, both the first and second tabs are annular structures, with the first tab surrounding the outside of the second tab. The insulating element is annular and located between the first and second tabs.

[0050] In some embodiments, the projection of the insulating element is located within the projection of the main body in the axial direction of the main body.

[0051] In the above solution, the insulating component does not occupy additional space within the housing in the radial direction of the main body, thereby improving space utilization.

[0052] In some embodiments, the insulating element is fixed to the main body to reduce the shaking of the insulating element when the battery vibrates, thereby reducing the risk of the insulating element damaging other components and improving safety.

[0053] In some implementations, the insulating element is bonded to the main body.

[0054] In some embodiments, the insulating element is clamped between the end cap and the main body.

[0055] In the above solution, the end cap and the main body clamp the insulating component to fix it in place. Simultaneously, the end cap can also limit the movement of the main body through the insulating component, reducing the space for movement of the main body within the casing, thereby lowering the risk of tearing of the first and second tabs during battery cell vibration.

[0056] In some embodiments, the minimum distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the main body.

[0057] The above solution ensures sufficient spacing between the first and second tabs to reduce the risk of them bridging when the battery cell vibrates, thus avoiding short circuits and improving safety.

[0058] In some implementations, the insulating element is integrally formed. This provides excellent integrity, facilitating manufacturing and installation.

[0059] In some embodiments, the battery cell includes a first electrode lead connected to a current collector. The first electrode lead is an end cap, or a housing, or the electrode lead includes a first electrode terminal disposed on the end cap.

[0060] In some embodiments, the battery cell further includes a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal disposed on the end cap, wherein the first electrode tab is used for electrical connection to the first electrode terminal and the second electrode tab is used for electrical connection to the second electrode terminal. In other embodiments, the battery cell further includes a second electrode terminal disposed on the end cap, wherein the first electrode tab is used for electrical connection to the end cap and the second electrode terminal is used for electrical connection to the second electrode terminal.

[0061] In some implementations, the battery cell is a cylindrical battery cell.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first tab includes multiple tab layers, which are stacked radially along the body portion.

[0063] In some implementations, the ends of the multiple tab layers facing the end cap are bent toward the side closer to the second tab, and adjacent tab layers are in contact.

[0064] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a battery comprising a plurality of battery cells according to any of the embodiments of the first aspect.

[0065] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide an electrical device including a battery cell according to any of the embodiments of the first aspect, wherein the battery cell is used to provide electrical energy.

[0066] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a method for manufacturing a single battery cell, comprising: Provide a housing with an opening; An electrode assembly and an insulating member are provided. The electrode assembly includes a main body, a first electrode tab, and a second electrode tab. The first electrode tab and the second electrode tab have opposite polarities and are disposed on the same side of the main body. At least a portion of the insulating member is disposed between the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab. Install the electrode assembly and insulation components into the housing; Provide end caps and close the end caps to the opening; The insulating component is used to limit the deformation of the first electrode tab toward the second electrode tab.

[0067] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a manufacturing apparatus for a battery cell, including a first providing device, a second providing device, a first assembly device, and a second assembly device. The first providing device provides a housing having an opening. The second providing device provides an electrode assembly and an insulating member. The electrode assembly includes a main body, a first tab, and a second tab. The first and second tabs have opposite polarities and are disposed on the same side of the main body. At least a portion of the insulating member is disposed between the first and second tabs. The first assembly device installs the electrode assembly and the insulating member into the housing. The second assembly device provides an end cap and closes the end cap to the opening. The insulating member restricts deformation of the first tab toward the second tab. Attached Figure Description

[0068] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without creative effort.

[0069] Figure 1 This application provides structural schematic diagrams of vehicles for some embodiments; Figure 2 Explosion diagrams of batteries provided for some embodiments of this application; Figure 3 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 4 for Figure 3 The enlarged schematic diagram of the battery cell shown at point A in the circle; Figure 5 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the electrode assembly and insulating components during the assembly process; Figure 6 for Figure 5 A partial sectional view along the BB direction; Figure 7 for Figure 5 Another schematic diagram showing the electrode assembly and insulating components during the assembly process; Figure 8 for Figure 7 A partial sectional view along the CC direction; Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of the insulating component of a battery cell provided in other embodiments of this application; Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of the insulating component of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 11A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a battery cell provided in another embodiment of this application; Figure 12 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a battery cell provided for some embodiments of this application; Figure 13 A schematic flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a single battery cell according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 14 This is a schematic block diagram of a battery cell manufacturing apparatus provided for some embodiments of this application.

[0070] The accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0071] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0072] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0073] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0074] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0075] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0076] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals denote the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components are omitted in different embodiments. It should be understood that the thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of various components in the embodiments of this application shown in the accompanying drawings, as well as the overall thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the integrated device, are merely illustrative and should not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0077] In this application, "multiple" means two or more (including two).

[0078] In this application, the battery cell may include a lithium-ion secondary battery cell, a lithium-ion primary battery cell, a lithium-sulfur battery cell, a sodium-lithium-ion battery cell, a sodium-ion battery cell, or a magnesium-ion battery cell, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. The battery cell may be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. Battery cells are generally classified into three types according to their packaging method: cylindrical battery cells, square battery cells, and pouch battery cells, and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0079] The battery mentioned in the embodiments of this application refers to a single physical module comprising one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery mentioned in this application may include a battery module or a battery pack. A battery generally includes a housing for encapsulating one or more battery cells. The housing prevents liquids or other foreign matter from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells.

[0080] A battery cell includes an electrode assembly and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly consists of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. The battery cell primarily functions by the movement of metal ions between the positive and negative electrodes. The positive electrode includes a positive current collector and a positive active material layer. The positive active material layer is coated on the surface of the positive current collector, and the uncoated positive current collector protrudes beyond the coated one, serving as the positive electrode tab. Taking a lithium-ion battery cell as an example, the positive current collector can be made of aluminum, and the positive active material can be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganese oxide, etc. The negative electrode includes a negative current collector and a negative active material layer. The negative active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative current collector, and the uncoated negative current collector protrudes beyond the coated one, serving as the negative electrode tab. The negative electrode current collector can be made of copper, and the negative electrode active material can be carbon or silicon, etc. The separator can be made of PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene), etc. In addition, the electrode assembly can be a wound structure or a stacked structure, and the embodiments of this application are not limited to these.

[0081] In a battery cell, a battery cell generally includes a casing, an electrode assembly, and an end cap. The electrode assembly is located inside the casing, and the end cap is closed to the casing to provide a sealed space for the electrode assembly and the electrolyte. The battery cell generates electrical energy by the movement of metal ions (such as lithium ions) between the positive and negative electrode plates of the electrode assembly.

[0082] A battery cell typically has two output terminals with opposite polarities to output its electrical energy. Currently, battery cells usually have two electrode leads, which are electrically connected to two tabs of opposite polarity on an electrode assembly, serving as the two output terminals of the battery cell. The inventors discovered that the two tabs of opposite polarity on the electrode assembly are located at opposite ends of the main body of the electrode assembly. Each tab occupies a portion of the internal space of the casing, reducing the space available for the main body of the electrode assembly and consequently decreasing the energy density of the battery cell.

[0083] The inventors attempted to place the two tabs of the electrode assembly at the same end of the electrode assembly to save internal space in the battery cell. In this way, the casing can provide more space for the main body of the electrode assembly, which is beneficial to improving the energy density of the battery cell.

[0084] To ensure overcurrent capacity, the two tabs of the electrode assembly should have sufficient overcurrent area. Due to the limited size of the electrode assembly, when the two tabs are led out from the same end, the distance between the two tabs will be relatively small to ensure the overcurrent area of ​​each tab. When the battery cell is subjected to vibration and impact, the two tabs may deform or overlap, causing a short circuit and posing a safety risk.

[0085] In view of this, this application provides a technical solution in which a battery cell includes a housing, an end cap, an electrode assembly, and an insulating member. The housing has an opening, and the end cap is used to close the opening. The electrode assembly is housed within the housing and includes a main body, a first electrode tab, and a second electrode tab. The first and second electrode tabs have opposite polarities and are disposed on the same side of the main body. At least a portion of the insulating member is disposed between the first and second electrode tabs and is used to limit the deformation of the first electrode tab toward the second electrode tab. The insulating member in this technical solution can limit the deformation of the first electrode tab toward the second electrode tab and can separate the first and second electrode tabs, thereby reducing the risk of short circuit caused by contact between the first and second electrode tabs and improving the safety of the battery cell. The insulating member can limit the degree of deformation of the first electrode tab, which can reduce the risk of the first electrode tab tearing due to excessive deformation, thereby ensuring the overcurrent capacity of the battery cell and improving safety.

[0086] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application are applicable to batteries and electrical devices that use batteries.

[0087] Electrical equipment can include vehicles, mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, ships, spacecraft, electric toys, and power tools, etc. Vehicles can be gasoline-powered cars, natural gas-powered cars, or new energy vehicles; 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.

[0088] For ease of explanation, the following embodiments use a vehicle as an example of electrical equipment.

[0089] Figure 1 The diagram shows the structural features of a vehicle provided in some embodiments of this application. Please refer to... Figure 1The vehicle 1000 has a battery 100 installed inside it. The battery 100 can be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 can be used to power the vehicle 1000, for example, the battery 100 can be used as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000.

[0090] The vehicle 1000 may also include a controller 200 and a motor 300. The controller 200 is used to control the battery 100 to supply power to the motor 300, for example, for the power needs of the vehicle 1000 during startup, navigation and driving.

[0091] In some embodiments of this application, the battery 100 can not only serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000, but also as the driving power source for the vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1000.

[0092] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a battery explosion provided for some embodiments of this application. Please refer to... Figure 2 The battery 100 includes a housing 10 and a battery cell 20, with the housing 10 used to house the battery cell 20.

[0093] The housing 10 is a component that houses the battery cell 20, providing a space for the battery cell 20. The housing 10 can adopt various structures. In some embodiments, the housing 10 may include a first part 11 and a second part 12, which overlap each other to define a space for accommodating the battery cell 20. The first part 11 and the second part 12 can be various shapes, such as cuboids, cylinders, etc. The first part 11 can be a hollow structure open on one side, and the second part 12 can also be a hollow structure open on one side, with the open side of the second part 12 overlapping the open side of the first part 11, thus forming a housing 10 with a accommodating space. Alternatively, the first part 11 can be a hollow structure open on one side, and the second part 12 can be a plate-like structure, with the second part 12 overlapping the open side of the first part 11, thus forming a housing 10 with a accommodating space. The first part 11 and the second part 12 can be sealed using a sealing element, such as a sealing ring or sealant.

[0094] In battery 100, there can be one or more battery cells 20. If there are multiple battery cells 20, they can be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner. A mixed connection means that multiple battery cells 20 are connected in both series and parallel. Alternatively, multiple battery cells 20 can be first connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a battery module, and then multiple battery modules can be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a whole, which is then housed within the housing 10. Another option is that all battery cells 20 can be directly connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner, and then the whole consisting of all battery cells 20 is housed within the housing 10.

[0095] In some embodiments, the battery 100 may further include a busbar component, through which multiple battery cells 20 can be electrically connected to each other, enabling series, parallel, or mixed connection of the multiple battery cells 20. The busbar component may be a metallic conductor, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, etc.

[0096] Figure 3 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 4 for Figure 3 The enlarged schematic diagram of the battery cell shown at point A in the circle; Figure 5 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the electrode assembly and insulating components during the assembly process; Figure 6 for Figure 5 A partial sectional view along the BB direction; Figure 7 for Figure 5 Another schematic diagram showing the electrode assembly and insulating components during the assembly process; Figure 8 for Figure 7 A partial sectional view along the CC direction.

[0097] Please refer to Figures 3 to 8 This application provides a battery cell 20, which includes a housing 21, an end cap 23, an electrode assembly 22, and an insulator 25. The housing 21 has an opening. The end cap 23 is used to close the opening. The electrode assembly 22 is housed within the housing 21 and includes a main body 221, a first tab 222, and a second tab 223. The first tab 222 and the second tab 223 have opposite polarities and are disposed on the same side of the main body 221. The insulator 25 is at least partially located between the first tab 222 and the second tab 223 and is used to limit the deformation of the first tab 222 toward the second tab 223.

[0098] The housing 21 is a component used to house the electrode assembly 22. The housing 21 can be a hollow structure with an opening at one end, or it can be a hollow structure with openings at both ends. The housing 21 can be made of various materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, steel, or aluminum alloy. The housing 21 can also be in various shapes, such as a cylinder or a cuboid. For example, the housing 21 is a cylinder.

[0099] Electrode assembly 22 is a component in battery cell 20 where electrochemical reactions occur. First tab 222 and second tab 223 both protrude from the main body 221. First tab 222 and second tab 223 can be disposed on the same side of the main body 221. One of the first tab 222 and the other tab 223 is a positive tab and the other is a negative tab.

[0100] The electrode assembly 22 can be a wound structure formed by winding a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode, or a stacked structure formed by arranging the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode in layers. One of the first electrode and the second electrode is a positive electrode, and the other is a negative electrode.

[0101] The main body 221 may include a portion of the positive electrode plate coated with an active material layer, a portion of the negative electrode plate coated with an active material layer, and a separator. The active material in the active material layer is used to undergo an electrochemical reaction with an electrolyte or the like to generate a charge-discharge process.

[0102] The positive electrode tab can be the part of the positive electrode sheet that is not coated with an active material layer, and the negative electrode tab can be the part of the negative electrode sheet that is not coated with an active material layer. The positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab conduct electrical energy generated by the main body 221.

[0103] Along the axial direction Z of the main body 221, the first electrode tab 222 and the second electrode tab 223 protrude from the same end of the main body 221. Exemplarily, the first electrode tab 222 and the second electrode tab 223 protrude from the same end of the main body 221 facing the end cap 23; in other words, the first electrode tab 222 and the second electrode tab 223 are located on the same side of the main body 221 facing the end cap 23. Exemplarily, the axial direction Z of the main body 221 is parallel to the thickness direction of the end cap 23.

[0104] By way of example, a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode are wound along a winding axis to form a wound electrode assembly 22. The winding axis is parallel to the axial direction Z of the main body portion 221. The radial direction of the main body portion 221 is perpendicular to the axial direction Z of the main body portion 221 and passes through the winding axis.

[0105] For example, the main body 221 is a cylindrical structure.

[0106] The first electrode tab 222 and the second electrode tab 223 can be arranged radially spaced along the main body 221; for example, the first electrode tab 222 and the second electrode tab 223 can be annular structures, with the first electrode tab 222 located on the outer periphery of the second electrode tab 223, such that the first electrode tab 222 and the second electrode tab 223 are arranged in large and small rings. The first electrode tab 222 and the second electrode tab 223 can also be spaced circumferentially Y along the main body 221, for example, the first electrode tab 222 and the second electrode tab 223 can be strip-shaped structures, fan-shaped structures or other structures.

[0107] End cap 23 is a component that closes onto the opening of housing 21 to isolate the internal environment of battery cell 20 from the external environment. End cap 23 closes onto the opening of housing 21, and end cap 23 and housing 21 together define a sealed space for accommodating electrode assembly 22 and electrolyte. End cap 23 can form a sealed connection with housing 21 through a sealing element. The shape of end cap 23 can be adapted to the shape of housing 21. For example, if housing 21 is a cuboid structure, end cap 23 can be a rectangular plate structure adapted to housing 21; or if housing 21 is a cylindrical structure, end cap 23 can be a circular plate structure adapted to housing 21. The material of end cap 23 can also be various. For example, end cap 23 can be made of metal, such as copper, iron, aluminum, steel, aluminum alloy, etc.

[0108] In the battery cell 20, there can be one or two end caps 23. If the housing 21 is a hollow structure with an opening at one end, one end cap 23 is provided accordingly; if the housing 21 is a hollow structure with openings at both ends, two end caps 23 are provided accordingly, and the two end caps 23 respectively cover the two openings of the housing 21.

[0109] The insulating member 25 is a component that separates the first tab 222 and the second tab 223, insulating and isolating the first tab 222 and the second tab 223. The insulating member 25 can be made of various materials, such as rubber or plastic. The insulating member 25 is at least partially located between the first tab 222 and the second tab 223. It can be understood that the insulating member 25 can be entirely located between the first tab 222 and the second tab 223, or it can be partially located between the first tab 222 and the second tab 223.

[0110] In the radial direction of the main body 221, the insulating member 25 can directly abut against the first electrode 222, or it can be spaced a certain distance from the first electrode 222.

[0111] This embodiment does not require the insulating member 25 to completely restrict the deformation of the first tab 222, as long as the insulating member 25 can limit the range of deformation of the first tab 222. For example, under normal conditions, the insulating member 25 and the first tab 222 can be spaced apart; when the battery cell 20 vibrates, the first tab 222 may deform and come into contact with the insulating member 25, and the insulating member 25 can then limit the excessive deformation of the first tab 222.

[0112] The insulating element 25 can be used to limit the deformation of the first tab 222 alone, or it can be used to limit the deformation of both the first tab 222 and the second tab 223 at the same time.

[0113] For example, the insulating member 25 is fixedly disposed within the battery cell 20. For instance, the insulating member 25 may be fixed to the main body 221 or to other structures of the battery cell 20.

[0114] In this embodiment, the second tab 223 and the first tab 222 are located on the same side of the main body 221, thereby achieving tabs on the same side of the main body 221, saving internal space of the battery cell 20. The housing 21 can provide more space for the main body 221, which is beneficial to improving the energy density of the battery cell 20. The insulating member 25 can limit the deformation of the first tab 222 toward the second tab 223 and separate the first tab 222 and the second tab 223, thereby reducing the risk of short circuit caused by contact between the first tab 222 and the second tab 223 and improving the safety of the battery cell 20. The insulating member 25 can limit the degree of deformation of the first tab 222, which can reduce the risk of the first tab 222 tearing due to excessive deformation, thereby ensuring the overcurrent capacity of the battery cell 20 and improving safety.

[0115] In some embodiments, the battery cell 20 is provided with a first electrode lead and a second electrode lead. The first electrode lead is used to be electrically connected to a first tab 222, and the second electrode lead is used to be electrically connected to a second tab 223. The first electrode lead and the second electrode lead are components of the battery cell 20 for connecting to external components (such as a busbar) to output electrical energy.

[0116] The first electrode lead and the second electrode lead are exposed conductive structures of the battery cell 20, and they are insulated from each other.

[0117] This embodiment does not limit the structure of the first electrode lead and the second electrode lead. Taking the first electrode lead as an example, the first electrode lead can be an end cap 23, a housing 21, or other conductive structures disposed on the end cap 23.

[0118] In some embodiments, the battery cell 20 further includes a first electrode terminal 26 and a second electrode terminal 24 disposed on the end cap 23, the first tab 222 being electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 26, and the second tab 223 being electrically connected to the second electrode terminal 24.

[0119] The first electrode terminal 26 and the second electrode terminal 24 serve as the first electrode lead-out and the second electrode lead-out, respectively.

[0120] The electrical connection between the first electrode terminal 26 and the first tab 222 means that the first electrode terminal 26 and the first tab 222 are in a connected state where charge can move from one to the other. The first electrode terminal 26 and the first tab 222 can be directly connected to each other, such as by contacting or welding; or they can be indirectly connected, such as by connecting them through a current collector or conductive adhesive. The electrical connection between the second electrode terminal 24 and the second tab 223 means that the second electrode terminal 24 and the second tab 223 are in a connected state where charge can move from one to the other. The second electrode terminal 24 and the second electrode tab 223 can be directly connected to achieve electrical connection between them, such as by abutting or welding the second electrode terminal 24 and the second electrode tab 223; the second electrode terminal 24 and the second electrode tab 223 can also be indirectly connected to achieve electrical connection between them, such as by connecting the second electrode terminal 24 and the second electrode tab 223 through a current collector or conductive adhesive.

[0121] For example, both the first electrode terminal 26 and the second electrode terminal 24 protrude from the outer surface of the end cap 23 to facilitate electrical connection with external components.

[0122] In some embodiments, the projection of the insulating member 25 is located within the projection of the main body 221 along the axial direction Z.

[0123] The projections of the insulating component 25 and the main body 221 both refer to projections within the same plane perpendicular to the axial direction Z.

[0124] In this embodiment, the insulating member 25 does not occupy additional space within the housing 21 in the radial direction of the main body 221, thereby improving space utilization.

[0125] In some embodiments, the insulating member 25 is fixed to the main body portion 221.

[0126] The insulating component 25 can be fixed to the main body 221 by adhesive, snap-fit ​​or other means.

[0127] In this embodiment, the insulating component 25 is fixed to the main body 221 to reduce the shaking amplitude of the insulating component 25 when the battery cell 20 vibrates, reduce the risk of the insulating component 25 damaging other components, and improve safety.

[0128] In some embodiments, the insulating member 25 is bonded to the main body portion 221. Exemplarily, during assembly, adhesive can be applied to the surface of the insulating member 25 facing the main body portion 221 to bond the insulating member 25 to the main body portion 221.

[0129] In some embodiments, the minimum distance between the first tab 222 and the second tab 223 is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction Z of the main body 221.

[0130] In this embodiment, in any direction perpendicular to the axial direction Z of the main body 221, the minimum distance between the first electrode 222 and the second electrode 223 is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm.

[0131] This embodiment ensures sufficient spacing between the first tab 222 and the second tab 223 to reduce the risk of the first tab 222 and the second tab 223 overlapping when the battery cell 20 vibrates, thereby avoiding short circuits and improving safety.

[0132] In some embodiments, the end face of the main body 221 facing the end cap 23 is composed of a first region and a second region, the first tab 222 and the second tab 223 are led out from the first region, the area of ​​the second region is S1, and the area of ​​the portion of the second region covered by the insulating member 25 is S2.

[0133] The first region is the area on the end face of the main body 221 that corresponds to the first tab 222 and the second tab 223. In other words, the projections of the first tab 222 and the second tab 223 along the axial direction Z on the end face of the main body 221 completely overlap with the first region. The other regions on the end face of the main body 221 besides the first region constitute the second region.

[0134] The area of ​​the insulator 25 projected along the axial direction Z onto the second region is S2.

[0135] In some embodiments, the first tab 222 includes a base portion 2221 and a protrusion 2222, the base portion 2221 extending from the main body portion 221, and the protrusion 2222 protruding radially from the first outer peripheral surface 222a of the base portion 2221.

[0136] The first outer peripheral surface 222a is generally annular. The surface of the base portion 2221 facing the end cap 23 is the end face of the base portion 2221, and the end face of the base portion 2221 is connected to the first outer peripheral surface 222a.

[0137] For example, the base portion 2221 is generally a columnar structure.

[0138] This embodiment does not limit the number or shape of the protrusions 2222. In some examples, the protrusions 2222 can be a continuous structure extending circumferentially from the base portion 2221, which can be a closed ring or an open semi-ring, etc. In other examples, the protrusions 2222 can also be multiple and arranged at intervals along the circumferential Y direction of the base portion 2221.

[0139] In this embodiment, the protrusion 2222 is provided to increase the local flow area of ​​the first electrode 222 and improve the flow capacity.

[0140] For example, the protrusion 2222 protrudes from the end of the first outer peripheral surface 222a near the end cap 23. The protrusion 2222 can be used to abut against other conductive structures (such as the first electrode terminal 26) to improve current carrying capacity.

[0141] In some embodiments, the protrusion 2222 is configured to be formed by pressing the end of the first tab 222 facing the end cap 23. The insulating member 25 is configured to be mounted on the body portion 221 before the protrusion 2222 is formed.

[0142] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first tab 222 includes multiple tab layers 222b, which are stacked radially along the main body 221. After the electrode assembly 22 is formed, the tab layers 222b generally extend along the axial direction Z of the main body 221, and the gaps between adjacent tab layers 222b are relatively large. The inventors have found that if the multiple tab layers 222b are directly connected to the conductive structure (e.g., the first electrode terminal 26), the connection area between the conductive structure and each tab layer 222b is small, resulting in weak connection strength and insufficient current-carrying area between the conductive structure and the tab layers 222b; when the battery cell 20 vibrates, the connection between the conductive structure and the tab layers 222b is prone to failure. In particular, when the conductive structure is connected to the tab layers 222b by laser welding, the laser may penetrate the gaps between the tab layers 222b and burn the main body 221.

[0143] In view of this, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the inventors squeeze the ends of the multiple tab layers 222b facing the end cap 23 to bend and deform the ends of the multiple tab layers 222b and abut against each other, thereby flattening the first tab 222 and forming a dense region. The dense region is used to connect to the conductive structure, thus ensuring the connection strength and current flow area between the conductive structure and the first tab 222. The dense region also blocks the gaps between the tab layers 222b to prevent laser light from passing through between the tab layers 222b.

[0144] When the first electrode tab 222 is pressed, the end of the first electrode tab 222 will protrude outwards according to the direction of the force to form a protrusion 2222.

[0145] When the first tab 222 is compressed to form the protrusion 2222, the first tab 222 is easily deformed under pressure. In this embodiment, the insulating member 25 is installed on the main body 221 before the first tab 222 is compressed. In this way, the insulating member 25 can limit the deformation of the first tab 222 toward the second tab 223, thereby reducing the risk of short circuit caused by the contact between the first tab 222 and the second tab 223 and improving the safety of the battery cell 20. The protrusion 2222 will increase the radial dimension of the first tab 222 along the main body 221. In this embodiment, the insulating member 25 is installed on the main body 221 in advance, which can avoid the protrusion 2222 interfering with the installation of the insulating member 25.

[0146] In some embodiments, in the axial direction Z of the main body 221, the end of the first tab 222 that is away from the main body 221 extends beyond the insulating member 25, and the portion of the first tab 222 that extends beyond the insulating member 25 is deformed and forms a protrusion 2222.

[0147] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the protrusion 2222 is located on the side of the insulating member 25 away from the main body 221 along the axial Z direction of the main body 221.

[0148] Along the Z-axis of the main body 221, the protrusion 2222 may be located only partially on the side of the insulating member 25 away from the main body 221, or it may be located entirely on the side of the insulating member 25 away from the main body 221.

[0149] In this embodiment, the insulating member 25 can separate at least a portion of the protrusion 2222 from the main body 221, thereby reducing the risk of the protrusion 2222 inserting into the main body 221 when the battery cell 20 vibrates, and improving safety. At the same time, the protrusion 2222 can also restrict the insulating member 25 in the axial Z direction, reducing the sway amplitude of the insulating member 25 when the battery cell 20 vibrates.

[0150] In some embodiments, the protrusion 2222 and the main body 221 clamp the insulating member 25 from both sides.

[0151] For example, the protrusion 2222 may be attached to the surface of the insulating member 25 that is away from the main body portion 221.

[0152] In this embodiment, the protrusion 2222 and the main body 221 fix the insulating member 25, reduce the shaking amplitude of the insulating member 25 when the battery cell 20 vibrates, and improve the stability of the insulating member 25.

[0153] In some embodiments, the insulating member 25 includes a first insulating portion 251, at least a portion of which is disposed between the base portion 2221 and the second tab 223 to limit deformation of the base portion 2221 toward the second tab 223. In the axial direction Z of the body portion 221, at least a portion of the first insulating portion 251 is located between the protrusion 2222 and the body portion 221 to limit deformation of the protrusion 2222 toward the body portion 221.

[0154] At least a portion of the protrusion 2222 protrudes from the first outer peripheral surface 222a toward the second tab 223.

[0155] The first insulating portion 251 may be entirely located between the base portion 2221 and the second tab 223, or it may be only partially located between the base portion 2221 and the second tab 223.

[0156] Along the axial direction Z of the main body 221, the end of the base portion 2221 that is away from the main body 221 extends beyond the first insulating portion 251.

[0157] In this embodiment, the first insulating portion 251 can simultaneously restrict the deformation of the base portion 2221 and the protrusion 2222, thereby reducing the risk of the base portion 2221 and the second tab 223 overlapping and the risk of the protrusion 2222 being inserted into the main body portion 221, thus improving safety.

[0158] In some embodiments, the second tab 223 also includes a base portion and a protrusion. At least a portion of the first insulating portion 251 is located between the base portion 2221 of the first tab 222 and the base portion of the second tab 223.

[0159] In some embodiments, the first insulating portion 251 has a second outer peripheral surface 251a parallel to the axial direction Z of the main body portion 221. In the radial direction of the main body portion 221, the minimum distance between the second outer peripheral surface 251a and the base portion 2221 is less than or equal to 5 mm.

[0160] The second outer peripheral surface 251a is an annular surface; for example, the second outer peripheral surface 251a is a cylindrical surface.

[0161] During the assembly and use of the battery cell 20, such as when the first tab 222 is compressed to form a dense region, the base portion 2221 may deform under pressure. Excessive deformation of the base portion 2221 may cause it to insert into the main body portion 221, thus posing a short-circuit risk. In this embodiment, the distance between the second outer peripheral surface 251a of the first insulating portion 251 and the base portion 2221 is small. This allows the first insulating portion 251 to effectively support the base portion 2221, reducing the degree of deformation of the base portion 2221, lowering the risk of the base portion 2221 inserting into the main body portion 221, and improving safety.

[0162] In some embodiments, the distance L1 between the first insulating portion 251 and the base portion 2221 in the radial direction of the main body portion 221 is 0.1mm-5mm, and exemplarily, L1 is 1mm-3mm.

[0163] In some embodiments, the second outer peripheral surface 251a abuts against the first outer peripheral surface 222a of the base portion 2221.

[0164] In this embodiment, the first insulating part 251 and the base part 2221 abut against each other to effectively support the base part 2221, reduce the degree of deformation of the base part 2221, reduce the risk of the base part 2221 being inserted into the main body part 221, and improve safety.

[0165] In some embodiments, the first tab 222 and the second tab 223 are spaced apart in the circumferential Y direction of the main body 221.

[0166] For example, the first tab 222 and the second tab 223 are located on opposite sides of a virtual plane, while the winding axis is located within the virtual plane.

[0167] In this embodiment, the first tab 222 and the second tab 223 may have larger dimensions in the radial direction of the main body 221, thereby improving the current carrying capacity of the first tab 222 and the second tab 223.

[0168] Specifically, multiple tab layers 222b of the first tab 222 are stacked radially along the main body 221. The larger the radial dimension of the first tab 222, the more tab layers 222b are present. Since each tab layer 222b can conduct current from the first electrode, this embodiment can increase the number of tab layers 222b, thereby increasing the conductive path on the first electrode, reducing resistance, improving the uniformity of current density, and improving the overcurrent capacity and charging efficiency of the battery cell 20.

[0169] In some embodiments, the first insulating portion 251 has a first through hole 251b, the main body portion 221 has a wound structure and has a second through hole 221a, and the first through hole 251b and the second through hole 221a are arranged opposite to each other along the axial direction Z of the main body portion 221.

[0170] In this embodiment, the first through hole 251b penetrates the first insulating portion 251 along the axial direction Z, and the second through hole 221a penetrates the main body portion 221 along the axial direction Z. The first through hole 251b and the second through hole 221a at least partially overlap in the axial direction Z. Exemplarily, the first through hole 251b and the second through hole 221a are coaxially arranged.

[0171] In this embodiment, the first through hole 251b and the second through hole 221a can serve as positioning references when assembling the electrode assembly 22 and the insulating component 25, thereby simplifying the assembly process.

[0172] The first through hole 251b and the second through hole 221a can also form channels for the flow of electrolyte, which can improve the wettability of the electrode assembly 22.

[0173] In some embodiments, the first insulating portion 251 has a first through hole 251b located between the first tab 222 and the second tab 223. In the radial direction of the main body portion 221, the end of the protrusion 2222 facing away from the base portion 2221 does not extend beyond the wall of the first through hole 251b.

[0174] The end of the protrusion 2222 that is away from the base portion 2221 is the free end of the protrusion 2222.

[0175] In this embodiment, the end of the protrusion 2222 that is away from the base portion 2221 does not extend beyond the wall of the first through hole 251b. This can prevent the protrusion 2222 from extending into the first through hole 251b, reduce the risk of the protrusion 2222 being inserted into the main body portion 221 through the first through hole 251b, and improve safety.

[0176] In this embodiment, the size of the protrusion 2222 protruding from the base portion 2221 is reduced to decrease the risk of overlap between the protrusion 2222 and the second tab 223.

[0177] In some embodiments, the insulating member 25 further includes a second insulating portion 252, which is connected to the first insulating portion 251 and disposed on one side of the base portion 2221 along the circumferential Y direction of the main body portion 221 to limit the deformation of the base portion 2221 along the circumferential Y direction of the main body portion 221.

[0178] The second insulating part 252 can be one and disposed on one side of the base part 2221 along the circumferential Y direction; the second insulating part 252 can also be two, with the two second insulating parts 252 respectively disposed on both sides of the base part 2221 along the circumferential Y direction of the main body part 221.

[0179] In this embodiment, the insulating member 25 can limit the deformation of the base portion 2221 along the circumferential Y direction of the main body portion 221, thereby further reducing the risk of the base portion 2221 tearing due to excessive deformation, thereby ensuring the overcurrent capacity of the battery cell 20 and improving safety.

[0180] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second insulating portion 252 is located between the protrusion 2222 and the main body 221 in the axial direction Z of the main body 221 to limit the deformation of the protrusion 2222 toward the main body 221.

[0181] At least a portion of the protrusion 2222 protrudes from the first outer peripheral surface 222a along the circumferential direction Y of the main body 221.

[0182] In this embodiment, the second insulating portion 252 can limit the deformation of the protrusion 2222 to reduce the risk of the protrusion 2222 being inserted into the main body portion 221, thereby improving safety.

[0183] In some embodiments, two second insulating portions 252 are provided, and the two second insulating portions 252 are respectively located on both sides of the base portion 2221 along the circumferential Y direction of the main body portion 221.

[0184] In this embodiment, the two second insulating portions 252 can restrict the base portion 2221 from both sides of the circumferential Y direction to shape the base portion 2221 in the circumferential Y direction, further reducing the risk of the base portion 2221 tearing due to excessive deformation, thereby ensuring the overcurrent capacity of the battery cell 20 and improving safety.

[0185] In some embodiments, the insulating member 25 further includes a third insulating portion 253, which is connected to the end of the second insulating portion 252 away from the first insulating portion 251, and the third insulating portion 253 is located on the side of the base portion 2221 opposite to the first insulating portion 251, so as to limit the deformation of the base portion 2221 in the direction opposite to the first insulating portion 251.

[0186] In this embodiment, the third insulating portion 253 can limit the deformation of the base portion 2221 in the direction away from the first insulating portion 251, thereby further reducing the risk of the base portion 2221 tearing due to excessive deformation, thereby ensuring the overcurrent capacity of the battery cell 20 and improving safety.

[0187] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the third insulating portion 253 is located between the protrusion 2222 and the main body 221 in the axial direction Z of the main body 221 to limit the deformation of the protrusion 2222 toward the main body 221.

[0188] In the radial direction of the main body 221, at least a portion of the protrusion 2222 protrudes toward the side opposite to the first insulating portion 251.

[0189] In this embodiment, the third insulating portion 253 can limit the deformation of the protrusion 2222 to reduce the risk of the protrusion 2222 being inserted into the main body portion 221, thereby improving safety.

[0190] In some embodiments, the first insulating portion 251, the two second insulating portions 252 and the third insulating portion 253 form a third through hole 257, through which the first electrode tab 222 passes.

[0191] In this embodiment, the wall of the third through hole 257 can restrict the first electrode tab 222 from all sides, thereby shaping the first electrode tab 222 and reducing the degree of deformation of the first electrode tab 222 under pressure, thus reducing the risk of tearing of the first electrode tab 222.

[0192] During the process of compressing the first tab 222 to form a dense region and a protrusion 2222, it is difficult to precisely control the direction of the protrusion 2222. In this embodiment, the first insulating part 251, the two second insulating parts 252, and the third insulating part 253 form a ring structure. In this way, regardless of the direction in which the protrusion 2222 protrudes, the insulating member 25 can support the protrusion 2222, thereby preventing the protrusion 2222 from inserting into the main body 221, reducing the risk of short circuits, and improving safety.

[0193] In some embodiments, the insulating member 25 is also used to limit the deformation of the second tab 223 toward the first tab 222.

[0194] In this embodiment, the insulating member 25 can simultaneously limit the deformation of the first tab 222 and the second tab 223, thereby reducing the risk of the first tab 222 and the second tab 223 tearing due to excessive deformation and the risk of short circuit caused by contact between the first tab 222 and the second tab 223, thereby further improving the safety of the battery cell 20.

[0195] In some embodiments, the insulating member 25 includes a third through hole 257 and a fourth through hole 258, a first tab 222 passes through the third through hole 257, and the wall of the third through hole 257 restricts the deformation of the first tab 222 from the outside, and a second tab 223 passes through the fourth through hole 258, and the wall of the fourth through hole 258 restricts the deformation of the second tab 223 from the outside.

[0196] In this embodiment, the walls of the third through hole 257 and the fourth through hole 258 respectively shape the first tab 222 and the second tab 223, thereby reducing the degree of deformation of the first tab 222 and the second tab 223 under pressure and reducing the risk of tearing of the first tab 222 and the second tab 223.

[0197] In some embodiments, the insulating member 25 includes a first insulating portion 251, two second insulating portions 252, a third insulating portion 253, two fourth insulating portions 254, and a fifth insulating portion 255. The two second insulating portions 252 and the two fourth insulating portions 254 are sequentially disposed outside the first insulating portion 251 along the circumferential Y direction of the main body portion 221. Each second insulating portion 252 connects the first insulating portion 251 and the third insulating portion 253, and the first insulating portion 251, the two second insulating portions 252, and the third insulating portion 253 form a third through hole 257. Each fourth insulating portion 254 connects the first insulating portion 251 and the fifth insulating portion 255; the first insulating portion 251, the two fourth insulating portions 254, and the fifth insulating portion 255 form a fourth through hole 258.

[0198] In some embodiments, the insulating member 25 is an integrally formed structure. Exemplarily, the first insulating portion 251, the two second insulating portions 252, the third insulating portion 253, the two fourth insulating portions 254, and the fifth insulating portion 255 are integrally formed, for example, by injection molding.

[0199] In this embodiment, the insulating element 25 has good integrity, which facilitates manufacturing and installation.

[0200] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the insulating component of a battery cell provided in some other embodiments of this application.

[0201] like Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the insulating member 25 further includes two reinforcing portions 256. One reinforcing portion 256, a third insulating portion 253, another reinforcing portion 256 and a fifth insulating portion 255 are connected sequentially along the circumference of the main body to form a ring structure.

[0202] In this embodiment, the reinforcing part 256 can enhance the overall strength of the insulating member 25, thereby reducing the deformation of the insulating member 25 when subjected to the compression of the first electrode tab, the compression of the second electrode tab, and other forces, thus effectively supporting the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab.

[0203] In some embodiments, the reinforcing portion 256, the second insulating portion 252, the fourth insulating portion 254 and the first insulating portion 251 form a fifth through hole 259, which can provide a channel for electrolyte so that the electrolyte can wet the main body portion.

[0204] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the insulating component of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0205] In some embodiments, the insulating member 25 is a flat plate structure. For example, except for the first through hole 251b, the third through hole 257 and the fourth through hole 258, the other parts of the insulating member 25 are solid.

[0206] In some embodiments, the insulating element 25 is a circular plate.

[0207] In some embodiments, the end face of the main body facing the end cap is composed of a first region and a second region, a first tab and a second tab are led out from the first region, the area of ​​the second region is S1, the area of ​​the portion of the second region covered by the insulating member 25 is S2, and the value of S2 / S1 is 0.5-0.95.

[0208] In this embodiment, the insulating member 25 covers a large area of ​​the main body. In this way, the insulating member 25 can protect the main body, reduce the risk of particles generated during the battery cell molding process falling into the main body, and improve safety.

[0209] Figure 11 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a battery cell provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0210] like Figure 11 As shown, the insulating member 25 is clamped between the end cap 23 and the main body 221.

[0211] The end cap 23 can directly press against the insulating member 25, or indirectly press against the insulating member 25 through other components, so as to cooperate with the main body 221 and clamp the insulating member 25.

[0212] In this embodiment, the end cap 23 and the main body 221 clamp the insulating member 25 to fix the insulating member 25. At the same time, the end cap 23 can also limit the main body 221 through the insulating member 25 to reduce the movement space of the main body 221 within the housing 21, thereby reducing the risk of tearing of the first tab 222 and the second tab 223 when the battery cell 20 vibrates.

[0213] In some embodiments, the battery cell 20 further includes an insulating seal 27, at least a portion of which is disposed between the first electrode terminal 26 and the end cap 23 to insulate and seal the first electrode terminal 26 and the end cap 23. Exemplarily, the end cap 23 presses against the insulating member 25 via the insulating seal 27.

[0214] Figure 12 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a battery cell provided for some embodiments of this application.

[0215] like Figure 12 As shown, in some embodiments, both the first tab 222 and the second tab 223 are annular structures, with the first tab 222 surrounding the outside of the second tab 223. The insulating member 25 is annular and located between the first tab 222 and the second tab 223.

[0216] For example, the insulating member 25 includes only an annular first insulating portion.

[0217] In some embodiments, the battery cell 20 further includes a second electrode terminal 24 disposed on the end cap 23, the first tab 222 being electrically connected to the end cap 23, and the second electrode terminal 24 being electrically connected to the second electrode terminal 24.

[0218] In this embodiment, the end cap 23 and the second electrode terminal 24 serve as the first electrode lead-out and the second electrode lead-out, respectively. This eliminates the need for a traditional electrode terminal, thereby simplifying the structure of the battery cell 20.

[0219] In some embodiments of the battery cell provided in this application, the first tab and the second tab can also be tabs of the same polarity. Providing multiple tabs of the same polarity at the same end of the electrode assembly can improve the current carrying capacity. The insulating component can limit the deformation of the first tab, thus reducing the risk of the first tab tearing due to excessive deformation, thereby ensuring the current carrying capacity of the battery cell and improving safety.

[0220] Figure 13 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery cell according to some embodiments of this application.

[0221] like Figure 13 As shown in the figure, this application provides a method for manufacturing a single battery cell, which includes: S100, A housing is provided, the housing having an opening; S200. Provide an electrode assembly and an insulating member. The electrode assembly includes a main body, a first electrode tab, and a second electrode tab. The first electrode tab and the second electrode tab have opposite polarities and are disposed on the same side of the main body. At least a portion of the insulating member is disposed between the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab. S300. Install the electrode assembly and insulation into the housing; S400, Provide an end cap and close the end cap to the opening; The insulating component is used to limit the deformation of the first electrode tab toward the second electrode tab.

[0222] It should be noted that the relevant structure of the battery cell manufactured by the above-described battery cell manufacturing method can be found in the battery cells provided in the above embodiments.

[0223] When manufacturing a battery cell based on the above-described method, the steps do not necessarily need to be performed sequentially. That is, the steps can be performed in the order mentioned in the embodiments, or in a different order, or several steps can be performed simultaneously. For example, steps S100 and S200 can be performed concurrently without any order.

[0224] Figure 14 This is a schematic block diagram of a battery cell manufacturing apparatus provided for some embodiments of this application.

[0225] like Figure 14As shown in the illustration, this application provides a battery cell manufacturing apparatus 2000, which includes a first providing device 2100, a second providing device 2200, a first assembly device 2300, and a second assembly device 2400. The first providing device 2100 provides a housing with an opening. The second providing device 2200 provides an electrode assembly and an insulating member. The electrode assembly includes a main body, a first electrode tab, and a second electrode tab. The first and second electrode tabs have opposite polarities and are disposed on the same side of the main body. At least a portion of the insulating member is disposed between the first and second electrode tabs. The first assembly device 2300 installs the electrode assembly and the insulating member into the housing. The second assembly device 2400 provides an end cap and closes the end cap to the opening. The insulating member restricts deformation of the first electrode tab toward the second electrode tab.

[0226] The relevant structure of the battery cell manufactured by the above-described manufacturing equipment can be found in the battery cells provided in the above embodiments.

[0227] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0228] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. However, these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A single battery cell, comprising: The shell has an opening; End cap, used to cover the opening; An electrode assembly is housed within the housing and includes a main body, a first electrode tab, and a second electrode tab, wherein the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab have opposite polarities and are disposed on the same side of the main body; A current collector is connected to the first electrode tab; as well as An insulating element is disposed at least partially between the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab, and is used to limit the deformation of the first electrode tab toward the second electrode tab.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The first electrode includes a base portion and a protrusion portion, the base portion extending from the main body portion, and the protrusion portion protruding radially from the first outer peripheral surface of the base portion.

3. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein, The protrusion is configured to be formed by pressing the end of the first tab facing the end cap; The insulating element is configured to be mounted on the main body before the protrusion is formed.

4. The battery cell according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, In the axial direction of the main body, at least a portion of the protrusion is located on the side of the insulating member opposite to the main body.

5. The battery cell according to claim 4, wherein, The protrusion and the main body clamp the insulating member from both sides.

6. The battery cell according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The insulating member includes a first insulating portion, at least a portion of which is disposed between the base portion and the second electrode tab to limit the deformation of the base portion toward the second electrode tab; In the axial direction of the main body, at least a portion of the first insulating portion is located between the protrusion and the main body to limit the deformation of the protrusion toward the main body.

7. The battery cell according to claim 6, wherein, The first insulating portion has a second outer peripheral surface parallel to the axial direction of the main body portion; in the radial direction of the main body portion, the minimum distance between the second outer peripheral surface and the base portion is less than or equal to 5 mm.

8. The battery cell according to claim 7, wherein, The second outer peripheral surface abuts against the first outer peripheral surface of the base portion.

9. The battery cell according to any one of claims 6-8, wherein, The first electrode and the second electrode are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the main body.

10. The battery cell according to claim 9, wherein, The first insulating part has a first through hole, and the main body part has a wound structure and a second through hole. The first through hole and the second through hole are arranged opposite to each other along the axial direction of the main body part.

11. The battery cell according to claim 9, wherein, The first insulating portion has a first through hole, which is located between the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab; In the radial direction of the main body, the end of the protrusion that is away from the base does not extend beyond the wall of the first through hole.

12. The battery cell according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein, The insulating member further includes a second insulating portion, which is connected to the first insulating portion and disposed on one side of the base portion along the circumferential direction of the main body portion, so as to limit the deformation of the base portion along the circumferential direction of the main body portion.

13. The battery cell according to claim 12, wherein, In the axial direction of the main body, at least a portion of the second insulating portion is located between the protrusion and the main body to limit the deformation of the protrusion toward the main body.

14. The battery cell according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The second insulating portion is provided in two parts, and the two second insulating portions are respectively located on both sides of the base portion along the circumference of the main body portion.

15. The battery cell according to any one of claims 12-14, wherein, The insulating member further includes a third insulating portion connected to the end of the second insulating portion away from the first insulating portion, and the third insulating portion is located on the side of the base portion away from the first insulating portion, so as to limit the deformation of the base portion in the direction away from the first insulating portion.

16. The battery cell according to claim 15, wherein, In the axial direction of the main body, at least a portion of the third insulating portion is located between the protrusion and the main body to limit the deformation of the protrusion toward the main body.

17. The battery cell according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, The first insulating part, the two second insulating parts, and the third insulating part form a third through hole, through which the first electrode tab passes.

18. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The insulating element also serves to limit the deformation of the second electrode tab toward the first electrode tab.

19. The battery cell according to claim 18, wherein, The insulating element includes a third through hole and a fourth through hole. The first electrode tab passes through the third through hole, and the wall of the third through hole restricts the deformation of the first electrode tab from the outside. The second electrode tab passes through the fourth through hole, and the wall of the fourth through hole restricts the deformation of the second electrode tab from the outside.

20. The battery cell according to claim 19, wherein, The insulating component includes a first insulating part, two second insulating parts, a third insulating part, two fourth insulating parts, and a fifth insulating part. The two second insulating parts and the two fourth insulating parts are sequentially arranged on the outside of the first insulating part along the circumference of the main body. Each of the second insulating portions connects the first insulating portion and the third insulating portion, and the first insulating portion, the two second insulating portions, and the third insulating portion form the third through hole; Each of the fourth insulating portions connects the first insulating portion and the fifth insulating portion; the first insulating portion, the two second insulating portions, and the third insulating portion form the fourth through hole.

21. The battery cell according to claim 20, wherein, The insulating component also includes two reinforcing parts. One of the reinforcing parts, the third insulating part, the other reinforcing part, and the fifth insulating part are connected sequentially along the circumference of the main body to form a ring structure.

22. The battery cell according to claim 19, wherein, The end face of the main body facing the end cap is composed of a first region and a second region. The first electrode and the second electrode extend from the first region. The area of ​​the second region is S1, and the area of ​​the portion of the second region covered by the insulating member is S2. The value of S2 / S1 is 0.5-0.

95.

23. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, Both the first electrode and the second electrode are annular structures, with the first electrode surrounding the outside of the second electrode. The insulating element is a ring structure and is located between the first electrode and the second electrode.

24. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-23, wherein, Along the axial direction of the main body, the projection of the insulating member lies within the projection of the main body.

25. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-23, wherein, The insulating component is fixed to the main body.

26. The battery cell according to claim 25, wherein, The insulating component is bonded to the main body.

27. The battery cell according to claim 25 or 26, wherein, The insulating element is clamped between the end cap and the main body.

28. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-27, wherein, In a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the main body, the minimum distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm.

29. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-28, wherein, The insulating component is an integrally formed structure.

30. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-29, wherein, The battery cell includes a first electrode lead-out, which is connected to the current collector. The first electrode lead is the end cap, or the first electrode lead is the housing, or the electrode lead includes a first electrode terminal disposed on the end cap.

31. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-30, wherein, The battery cell further includes a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal disposed on the end cap, wherein the first electrode tab is used for electrical connection to the first electrode terminal, and the second electrode tab is used for electrical connection to the second electrode terminal; or... The battery cell also includes a second electrode terminal disposed on the end cap, wherein the first electrode tab is used for electrical connection with the end cap, and the second electrode terminal is used for electrical connection with the second electrode terminal.

32. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-31, wherein, The battery cell is a cylindrical battery cell.

33. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-32, wherein, The first electrode includes multiple electrode layers, which are stacked radially along the main body.

34. The battery cell according to claim 33, wherein, The ends of the plurality of tab layers facing the end cap are bent toward the side closer to the second tab, and the adjacent tab layers are in contact.

35. A battery comprising a plurality of battery cells according to any one of claims 1-34.

36. An electrical device comprising a battery cell according to any one of claims 1-34, the battery cell being used to provide electrical energy.

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