Battery monomer, battery device and electric device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a battery monomer, a battery device and a power utilization device, the battery monomer comprises a shell, an end cover, an electrode assembly, a switching mechanism, an insulating part and a supporting structure, and the shell forms a containing cavity with an opening; the end cover covers the opening, and an electrode terminal is arranged on the end cover; the switching mechanism is arranged between the electrode assembly and the end cover and is electrically connected with the electrode assembly and the electrode terminal; the insulating part is arranged between the switching mechanism and the end cover, the supporting structure is arranged between the switching mechanism and the end cover, the supporting structure is an insulating structure, and the melting point of the supporting structure is higher than that of the insulating part; the supporting structure is arranged between the end cover and the insulating part; the end cover is provided with a clamping position, and the supporting structure is installed at the clamping position. Or, the supporting structure is arranged between the switching mechanism and the insulating part; or the supporting structure is arranged in the avoiding hole in the insulating part in a penetrating manner. According to the battery monomer, the risk of failure caused by short circuit of the battery monomer due to melting loss of the insulating part caused by thermal runaway and lap joint of the end cover and the switching mechanism is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of power batteries, and in particular to a battery cell, a battery device and an electrical device. Background Art

[0002] In the related art, the end cap and the adapter of the battery cell are separated by a plastic part, which acts as an insulator. When the battery cell is in use, the plastic part inside the battery cell will melt when heated, and there is a risk of overlap between the end cap and the adapter. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main purpose of the present application is to provide a battery cell, a battery device and an electrical device, aiming to at least improve the technical problem of the risk of overlap between the end cover and the adapter plate of the battery cell.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, according to some embodiments of the present application, the present application provides a battery cell, the battery cell comprising a shell, an end cover, an electrode assembly, a switching mechanism, an insulating member and a supporting structure, the shell forming a receiving cavity with an opening; the end cover is arranged on the opening, the end cover is provided with an electrode terminal, and the electrode assembly is arranged in the receiving cavity; the switching mechanism is arranged between the electrode assembly and the end cover, and is electrically connected to the electrode assembly and the electrode terminal; the insulating member is arranged between the switching mechanism and the end cover, the supporting structure is arranged between the switching mechanism and the end cover, the supporting structure is an insulating structure, and the melting point of the supporting structure is higher than the melting point of the insulating member;

[0005] The support structure is arranged between the end cover and the insulating member; the end cover is provided with a snap-fit ​​position, and the support structure is installed at the snap-fit ​​position; or,

[0006] The supporting structure is arranged between the switching mechanism and the insulating member; or,

[0007] The insulating member is provided with an avoidance hole, and the supporting structure is passed through the avoidance hole.

[0008] By setting a support structure between the adapter mechanism and the end cover, physical isolation between the adapter mechanism and the end cover is achieved. At the same time, the support structure is made of insulating material, which can play the role of electrical isolation between the adapter mechanism and the end cover. The melting point of the support structure is higher than the melting point of the insulating member. In the case of melting of the insulating member, it can still play an isolation role, and can effectively prevent the end cover and the adapter mechanism from contacting each other, reducing the risk of thermal runaway causing the melting of the insulating member, and the overlap of the end cover and the adapter mechanism causing the battery cell to short-circuit and fail. Specifically, a clamping position can be set on the end cover, and the support structure can be clamped in the clamping position, which is not only very convenient for installation and disassembly, but also improves the connection strength between the support structure and the end cover, and can also avoid the installation misalignment affecting the internal space of the battery cell. Alternatively, the support structure is set between the end cover and the adapter mechanism, that is, the adapter mechanism, the support structure, the insulating member and the end cover are stacked in sequence, so that after the insulating member is melted, there is still a support structure between the end cover and the adapter mechanism to play an isolation and insulation role.

[0009] Alternatively, an avoidance hole is set on the insulating part, and the support structure is set corresponding to the avoidance hole and passes through the avoidance hole. This can effectively reduce the impact of setting the support structure on the arrangement of internal components of the battery cell, and will not cause excessive increase in the space required inside the battery cell due to the support structure.

[0010] In some embodiments, the support structure includes support pads.

[0011] By using a support pad as a supporting structure, it is not only easy to manufacture and install, and has a low manufacturing cost, but also can reduce the impact on the overall structure of the battery cell.

[0012] In some embodiments, the support structure is a ceramic piece.

[0013] By using ceramic parts made of insulating ceramic materials as the supporting structure, they not only have a higher melting point and are not easy to melt under thermal runaway, but also have higher hardness and can effectively provide support.

[0014] In some embodiments, the support structure includes an inner layer and an outer layer covering the inner layer, the inner layer is a metal member, and the outer layer is an insulating layer.

[0015] By designing the support structure into two layers, the inner metal part provides sufficient structural strength, and the outer insulation layer serves to insulate the end cap and the switching mechanism, thereby reducing the risk of short circuit inside the battery cell.

[0016] In some embodiments, it is defined that in a first direction, the distance between the outer edge of the switching mechanism and the outer edge of the supporting structure is A, then 0≤A≤5mm, and the first direction is the thickness direction of the electrode assembly.

[0017] By setting the distance between the outer edge of the adapter mechanism and the outer edge of the support structure within a preset range, it is possible to reduce the impact of the additional support structure on the internal space of the battery cell and reduce the risk of the adapter mechanism folding and overlapping the end cover under the collision of the electrode assembly.

[0018] In some embodiments, the dimension of the switching mechanism along the second direction is defined as A1, and the dimension of the supporting structure along the second direction is defined as A2, then A2 / A1≥1 / 5, and the second direction is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the electrode assembly.

[0019] By setting the size ratio of the support structure to the switching mechanism along the second direction to be greater than 1 / 5, the possibility of generating excessive local stress can be reduced.

[0020] In some embodiments, the dimension of the switching mechanism along the second direction is A1, and the dimension of the supporting structure along the second direction is A2, then A2 / A1≥1 / 2.

[0021] By setting the size ratio of the support structure to the switching mechanism along the second direction to be greater than 1 / 2, the possibility of generating excessive local stress can be reduced.

[0022] In some embodiments, chamfers are provided on the support structure.

[0023] By providing chamfers on the support structure, the risk of excessive local stress in production can be reduced, and the risk of scratching other components in the battery cell can also be reduced.

[0024] In some embodiments, the number of the supporting structures is two, and the transition mechanism includes a first transition member and a second transition member, wherein one supporting structure is disposed between the first transition member and the end cover, and the other supporting structure is disposed between the second transition member and the end cover.

[0025] By designing a suitable number of support structures, each first adapter and each second adapter is provided with a support structure, which can more effectively achieve isolation and insulation between the end cover and the adapter mechanism, and is conducive to reducing the risk of short circuit of the battery cell.

[0026] In some embodiments, the support structure has a thickness of 1 mm-3 mm.

[0027] By setting the thickness of the support structure within an appropriate range, it is possible to minimize the impact on the battery cell structure itself while ensuring the isolation effect.

[0028] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present application. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present application, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are listed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0031] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a battery according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0032] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell of some embodiments of the present application;

[0033] Figure 4 Another schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell of some embodiments of the present application;

[0034] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure at a cross section;

[0035] Figure 6 It is another structural schematic diagram of a battery cell of some embodiments of the present application;

[0036] Figure 7 It is another structural schematic diagram of a battery cell of some embodiments of the present application;

[0037] Figure 8 A partial structural schematic diagram of a battery cell from one perspective of a battery in some embodiments of the present application;

[0038] Fig. 9 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure at A;

[0039] Fig.10 A partial structural schematic diagram of a battery cell from one perspective of a battery in some embodiments of the present application;

[0040] Fig.11 for Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the structure at B;

[0041] Fig.12 A partial structural schematic diagram of a battery cell from one perspective of a battery in some embodiments of the present application;

[0042] Fig.13A partial structural schematic diagram of a battery cell from one perspective of a battery in some embodiments of the present application;

[0043] Fig.14 for Fig.13 A schematic diagram of the structure at C;

[0044] Fig.15 A partial structural schematic diagram of a battery cell from one perspective of a battery in some embodiments of the present application;

[0045] Fig.16 for Fig.15 Schematic diagram of the structure at D;

[0046] Fig.17 A schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell having an electrode assembly in some embodiments of the present application;

[0047] Fig.18 A partial structural schematic diagram of a battery cell having an electrode assembly from one perspective in some embodiments of the present application;

[0048] Fig.19 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a battery cell having two electrode assemblies from one perspective in some embodiments of the present application.

[0049] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0050] 1000. Vehicles;

[0051] 100, battery device; 200, controller; 300, motor;

[0052] 10. Box body; 11. First part; 12. Second part;

[0053] 20. Battery cells;

[0054] 1. Electrode assembly; 2. End cap; 21. Electrode terminal; 22. Explosion-proof valve; 23. Clamping position; 3. Adapter mechanism; 31. First adapter; 32. Second adapter; 4. Support structure; 5. Insulator; 51. Avoidance hole; 6. Casing.

[0055] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The following will be combined with the drawings in this embodiment to clearly and completely describe the technical solution in this embodiment. Obviously, the described embodiment is only a part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0057] It should be noted that all directional indications in this embodiment (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0058] In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. in this application are only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of this application, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0059] In this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connection", "fixation", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "fixation" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0060] In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the fact that ordinary technicians in the field can implement it. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by this application. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described here are only used to explain this application and are not used to limit this application.

[0061] The descriptions of directions such as "up", "down", "front", "back", "left" and "right" in this application are based on the directions shown in the figure and are only used to explain the relative position relationship between the components in the posture shown in the figure. If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0062] In the related art, short circuits often occur in battery cells during use, especially when the electrode assembly suffers from thermal runaway.

[0063] After research, the applicant found that in the related art, the end cap and adapter of the battery cell are separated by a plastic sheet, which acts as an insulator. However, due to the low melting point of the plastic sheet, in the scenario of thermal runaway of an electrode assembly, the temperature of the adjacent battery cells will rise and the plastic sheet will melt, which will cause the risk of overlap between the end cap and the adapter. At the same time, the explosion-proof valve will open under thermal runaway of the battery, and the electrode assembly will move toward the end cap. During the movement, it will hit the adapter, causing the adapter to overlap with the end cap, resulting in a short circuit and premature failure of the electrode assembly.

[0064] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle 1000 provided for some embodiments of the present application. The power-consuming device may be a vehicle 1000, and the vehicle 1000 may be a fuel vehicle, a gas vehicle, or a new energy vehicle, and the new energy vehicle may be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or an extended-range vehicle, etc. A battery device 100 is provided inside the vehicle 1000, and the battery device 100 may be provided at the bottom, head, or tail of the vehicle 1000. The battery device 100 may be used to power the vehicle 1000, for example, the battery device 100 may be used as an operating power source for the vehicle 1000. The vehicle 1000 may also include a controller 200 and a motor 300, and the controller 200 is used to control the battery device 100 to power the motor 300, for example, for the working power demand of the vehicle 1000 during starting, navigation, and driving.

[0065] In some embodiments of the present application, the battery device 100 can not only serve as an operating power source for the vehicle 1000, but also serve as a driving power source for the vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1000.

[0066] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2Schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the battery device 100 provided in some embodiments of the present application. The battery device 100 includes a box 10 and a battery cell 20, and the battery cell 20 is contained in the box 10. Among them, the box 10 is used to provide a storage space for the battery cell 20, and the box 10 can adopt a variety of structures. In some embodiments, the box 10 may include a first part 11 and a second part 12, the first part 11 and the second part 12 cover each other, and the first part 11 and the second part 12 jointly define a storage space for accommodating the battery cell 20. The second part 12 can be a hollow structure with one end open, the first part 11 can be a plate-like structure, and the first part 11 covers the open side of the second part 12, so that the first part 11 and the second part 12 jointly define a storage space; the first part 11 and the second part 12 can also be hollow structures with one side open, and the open side of the first part 11 covers the open side of the second part 12. Of course, the box 10 formed by the first part 11 and the second part 12 can be in a variety of shapes, such as a cylinder, a cuboid, etc.

[0067] In the battery device 100, there may be multiple battery cells 20, and the multiple battery cells 20 may be connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed connection. A mixed connection means that the multiple battery cells 20 are both connected in series and in parallel. The multiple battery cells 20 may be directly connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed connection, and then the whole formed by the multiple battery cells 20 is accommodated in the box 10; of course, the battery device 100 may also be a battery module formed by connecting multiple battery cells 20 in series, in parallel, or in a mixed connection, and then the multiple battery modules are connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed connection to form a whole, and accommodated in the box 10. The battery device 100 may also include other structures, for example, the battery device 100 may also include a busbar component for realizing electrical connection between the multiple battery cells 20.

[0068] Each battery cell 20 may be a secondary battery or a primary battery, or a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-ion battery, or a magnesium-ion battery, but is not limited thereto. The battery cell 20 may be cylindrical, flat, rectangular, or in other shapes.

[0069] Reference Figure 3 The battery cell 20 refers to the smallest unit constituting the battery device 100. The battery cell 20 includes an end cap 2, a housing 6, an electrode assembly 1, a switching mechanism 3 and other functional components.

[0070] The housing 6 is a hollow structure with one side open, and the end cap 2 refers to a component that covers the opening of the housing 6 to isolate the internal environment of the battery cell 20 from the external environment. Without limitation, the shape of the end cap 2 can be adapted to the shape of the housing 6 to match the housing 6. Optionally, the end cap 2 can be made of a material with a certain hardness and strength (such as an aluminum alloy), so that the end cap 2 is not easily deformed when squeezed and collided, so that the battery cell 20 can have a higher structural strength and the safety performance can also be improved. Functional components such as electrode terminals 21 can be provided on the end cap 2. The electrode terminal 21 can be electrically connected to the electrode assembly 1 through the adapter mechanism 3 to output or input the electrical energy of the battery cell 20. In some embodiments, the end cap 2 can also be provided with a pressure relief mechanism for releasing the internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 reaches a threshold. The material of the end cap 2 can also be a variety of materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and the embodiment of the present application does not impose any special restrictions on this.

[0071] In some embodiments, an insulating member 5 (lower plastic) may be provided on the inner side of the end cap 2, and the insulating member 5 may be used to isolate the electrical connection components in the housing 6 from the end cap 2 to reduce the risk of short circuit. The insulating member 5 may be provided with multiple hot melt points, and the multiple hot melt points are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the insulating member 5. The battery cell 20 may also include an insulating film, and the insulating film is bonded to the hot melt point by a hot melt process to assemble the electrode assembly 1, the end cap 2 and the insulating film together. After the electrode assembly 1, the end cap 2 and the insulating film are assembled, they are loaded into the housing 6 together, which is convenient for assembly. Exemplarily, the insulating member 5 may be a plastic member, a rubber member, etc.

[0072] The shell 6 is a component used to cooperate with the end cap 2 to form the internal environment of the battery cell 20, wherein the formed internal environment can be used to accommodate the electrode assembly 1, the insulating member 5, the electrolyte and other components. The shell 6 and the end cap 2 can be independent components, and an opening can be set on the shell 6, and the internal environment of the battery cell 20 is formed by covering the opening with the end cap 2 at the opening. Without limitation, the end cap 2 and the shell 6 can also be integrated. Specifically, the end cap 2 and the shell 6 can form a common connection surface before other components are put into the shell, and when the interior of the shell 6 needs to be encapsulated, the end cap 2 is covered with the shell 6. The shell 6 can be of various shapes and sizes, such as a rectangular parallelepiped, a cylindrical shape, a hexagonal prism, etc. Specifically, the shape of the shell 6 can be determined according to the specific shape and size of the electrode assembly 1. The material of the shell 6 can be various, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and the embodiment of the present application does not impose any special restrictions on this.

[0073] The electrode assembly 1 is a component in the battery cell 20 where electrochemical reactions occur. The electrode assembly 1 is mainly formed by winding or stacking positive and negative electrode sheets, and a separator is usually provided between the positive and negative electrode sheets. The parts of the positive and negative electrode sheets with active materials constitute the main body of the electrode assembly 1, and the parts of the positive and negative electrode sheets without active materials each constitute a tab. The positive tab and the negative tab may be located together at one end of the main body or respectively at both ends of the main body. During the charge and discharge process of the battery cell 20, the positive active material and the negative active material react with the electrolyte, and the tab is connected to the electrode terminal 21 through the adapter mechanism 3 to form a current loop.

[0074] Reference Figure 3-Figure 7 According to some embodiments of the present application, the present application provides a battery cell 20, including a shell 6, an end cover 2, an electrode assembly 1, a switching mechanism 3, an insulating member 5 and a support structure 4, the shell 6 forms a accommodating cavity with an opening; the end cover 2 is covered on the opening, the end cover 2 is provided with an electrode terminal 21, and the electrode assembly 1 is arranged in the accommodating cavity; the switching mechanism 3 is arranged between the electrode assembly 1 and the end cover 2, and is electrically connected to the electrode assembly 1 and the electrode terminal 21; the insulating member 5 is arranged between the switching mechanism 3 and the end cover 2, the support structure 4 is arranged between the switching mechanism 3 and the end cover 2, the support structure 4 is an insulating structure, and the melting point of the support structure 4 is higher than the melting point of the insulating member 5; the support structure 4 is arranged between the end cover 2 and the insulating member 5, the end cover 2 is formed with a snap-fit ​​position 23, and the support structure 4 is installed at the snap-fit ​​position 23; or, the support structure 4 is arranged between the switching mechanism 3 and the insulating member 5; or, the insulating member 5 is provided with an avoidance hole 51, and the support structure 4 is penetrated through the avoidance hole 51.

[0075] In the related art, the battery cell 20 includes a shell 6, an electrode assembly 1 installed in the accommodating cavity of the shell 6, the electrode assembly 1 can be a bare battery cell, and the electrode assembly 1 is sequentially stacked with a switching mechanism 3, an insulating member 5 and an end cap 2, and the insulating member is generally made of a plastic sheet, which can be called a lower plastic. The end cap 2 is provided with an electrode terminal 21 and an explosion-proof valve 22, and the electrode terminal 21 can be a pole. The above-mentioned switching mechanism 3 can be a sheet-shaped switching piece, which is used to electrically connect the electrode terminal 21 and the electrode assembly 1. The insulating member 5 is arranged between the switching piece and the end cap 2 to separate the switching piece and the end cap 2 to achieve physical insulation. However, the insulating member 5 is easily melted by heat, resulting in the overlapping of the switching mechanism 3 and the support structure 4, causing the battery cell 20 to short-circuit. Therefore, a support structure 4 is also arranged between the switching mechanism 3 and the end cap 2, and the melting point of the support structure 4 is greater than the melting point of the insulating member 5. In this way, even if the insulating member 5 is melted by heat, as long as the melting point does not reach the melting point of the support structure 4, the support structure 4 will not be melted. Meanwhile, the support structure 4 is made of insulating material and is disposed between the switching mechanism 3 and the end cover 2 to play an isolation role.

[0076] It should be noted that the support structure 4 and the insulating part 5 here are both made of existing known materials. What needs to be protected here is not a new material with a melting point greater than that of the insulating part 5, but the support structure 4 made of known materials with a melting point greater than that of the insulating part 5.

[0077] In the above-mentioned embodiment of the present application, the support structure 4 is arranged between the adapter mechanism 3 and the end cover 2, and the support structure 4 is used to separate the adapter mechanism 3 and the end cover 2, block the end cover 2 and the adapter mechanism 3 from overlapping, and realize physical isolation. At the same time, since it is necessary to avoid electrical conduction between the adapter mechanism 3 and the end cover 2 as much as possible, the support structure 4 needs to be made of insulating material, that is, the support structure 4 is an insulating structure. By using a material with a higher melting point to make the support structure 4, after the insulating member 5 reaches the melting point, the support structure 4 can still maintain its original state without melting, effectively playing the role of isolation and insulation, and reducing the risk of short circuit of the battery cell 20. It should be noted here that the insulating structure here can be that the entire support structure 4 is insulated, or that at least one side of the support structure 4 close to the adapter mechanism 3 is insulated. Of course, it can also be that at least one side of the support structure 4 close to the end cover 2 is insulated. As long as the form of the support structure 4 that can set the adapter mechanism 3 and the end cover 2 to be insulated is within the scope of protection of this application.

[0078] The support structure 4 here blocks the overlap of the end cap 2 and the adapter 3, which is mainly reflected in two aspects. On the one hand, the support structure 4 itself has a certain thickness, and being arranged between the end cap 2 and the adapter 3 can make a certain gap between the end cap 2 and the adapter 3, thereby realizing the physical isolation between the end cap 2 and the adapter 3, or the spatial isolation, and it is difficult for the end cap 2 and the adapter 3 to directly overlap and cause a short circuit. On the other hand, the support structure 4 is made of insulating material and has an insulating effect, and the melting point of the support structure 4 is higher than the melting point of the insulating member 5. In the case of melting of the insulating member 5, it can still play an isolating role, which can reduce the risk of the end cap 2 and the adapter 3 being electrically connected through the support structure 4. By setting the support structure 4, the direct overlap between the end cap 2 and the adapter 3 can be effectively blocked, insulation can be achieved, and the risk of the end cap 2 and the adapter 3 indirectly achieving electrical conduction through the support structure 4 and causing a short circuit can be reduced.

[0079] The insulating member 5 here can be a plastic sheet. It should be noted that, in the scenario where the support structure 4 is set, the end cap 2 and the insulating member 5 can be insulated. However, in order to further improve the insulation effect, the setting of the insulating member 5 can be retained. Specifically, the shape and size of the insulating member 5 are not much different from the shape and size of the end cap 2, so that it can play an insulating role from all positions of the end cap 2. The relative position design between the support structure 4 and the insulating plate can include at least the following three specific implementations:

[0080] Reference Figure 4 In the first embodiment, the support structure 4 is arranged between the end cover 2 and the insulating member 5 .

[0081] Specifically, the bottom surface of the support structure 4 may be arranged on the insulating member 5, or abut against the insulating member 5, and the top surface of the support structure 4 may be arranged on the end cover 2, or abut against the end cover 2. Of course, there may also be a certain gap between the support structure 4 and the insulating member 5, or there may be a certain gap between the support structure 4 and the end cover 2. With this design, when the insulating member 5 is melted due to high temperature, the support structure 4 can play a role of isolation and insulation between the end cover 2 and the transfer mechanism 3. By arranging the support structure 4 between the end cover 2 and the insulating member 5, that is, the transfer mechanism 3, the insulating member 5, the support structure 4 and the end cover 2 are stacked in sequence, after the insulating member 5 is melted, the support structure 4 can still play a role of isolation and insulation between the end cover 2 and the transfer mechanism 3. The support structure 4 can be connected to the end cover 2, or the support structure 4 can be connected to the insulating member 5. Regarding the installation method of the support structure 4, the support structure 4 can be installed on the end cover 2 by bonding, clamping or hot melting, or can be installed on the insulating member 5 by bonding, clamping or hot melting. As long as the installation method can provide a supporting position for the support structure 4, it is within the protection scope of this application. Figure 5 , the end cover 2 is formed with a snap-in position 23, and the support structure 4 is installed at the snap-in position 23. The snap-in position 23 refers to an area that provides an installation position for the support structure 4, and can be snap-in with the support structure 4. Specifically, the snap-in position 23 can be a groove formed on the end cover 2, and the support structure 4 partially penetrates into the groove, and can be snap-in with the groove wall of the groove by interference fit, or it can be snap-in by providing a snap-in or snap-in in the snap-in position 23 and the support structure 4. Of course, the snap-in position 23 can also be a protrusion provided on the end cover 2, and a groove that cooperates with the protrusion is provided on the support structure 4, or other snap-in structures are used to realize the snap-in of the support structure 4 on the snap-in position 23. Of course, a layer of glue can also be applied between the support structure 4 and the snap-in position 23, and the connection strength between the support structure 4 and the end cover 2 can be further improved by bonding. Obviously, in some other embodiments, the support structure 4 can also be bonded to the snap-in position 23 only by glue.

[0082] By setting a snap-in position 23 on the end cover 2 and snapping the support structure 4 into the snap-in position 23, not only is installation and disassembly very convenient, but the connection strength between the support structure 4 and the end cover 2 is also improved. Setting the snap-in position 23 for positioning can also avoid installation misalignment affecting the internal space of the battery cell 20.

[0083] In some embodiments, the thickness of the support structure 4 is 1 mm-3 mm.

[0084] The thickness of the support structure is Figure 5 As shown in H. The thickness of the support structure 4 cannot be designed to be too small, otherwise it will not play an isolating role. The specific thickness can be 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm or 3mm, or any value within the above range. Of course, the thickness of the support structure 4 cannot be designed to be too large, otherwise it will have a greater impact on the internal structure or volume of the battery cell 20, because the battery cell 20 needs to provide a larger space to accommodate the support structure 4, resulting in an increase in the volume of the battery cell 20.

[0085] By setting the thickness of the support structure 4 within a suitable range, it is possible to minimize the impact on the structure of the battery cell 20 while ensuring the isolation effect.

[0086] Reference Figure 6 In the second embodiment, the supporting structure 4 is arranged between the switching mechanism 3 and the insulating member 5 .

[0087] Specifically, the top surface of the support structure 4 may be arranged on the insulating member 5, or abut against the insulating member 5, and the bottom surface of the support structure 4 may be arranged on the switching mechanism 3, or abut against the switching mechanism 3. Of course, there may also be a certain gap between the support structure 4 and the insulating member 5, or there may be a certain gap between the support structure 4 and the switching mechanism 3. With such a design, when the insulating member 5 is melted due to high temperature, the support structure 4 can play a role of isolation and insulation between the end cover 2 and the switching mechanism 3.

[0088] By arranging the support structure 4 between the end cover 2 and the transition mechanism 3, that is, the transition mechanism 3, the support structure 4, the insulating part 5 and the end cover 2 are stacked in sequence, after the insulating part 5 is melted, the support structure 4 can still play an isolation and insulation role between the end cover 2 and the transition mechanism 3.

[0089] Reference Figure 7 In the third embodiment, an avoidance hole 51 is provided on the insulating member 5 , and the supporting structure 4 is passed through the avoidance hole 51 .

[0090] The avoidance hole 51 is a through hole or a through hole formed on the insulating member 5. The avoidance hole 51 is formed at a position corresponding to the support structure 4. The number of the support structures 4 is the same as the number of the avoidance holes 51 and the two are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The support structure 4 passes through the avoidance hole 51. Here, the thickness of the support structure 4 may be greater than the thickness of the insulating member 5, or may be equal to the thickness of the insulating member 5. In other embodiments, it may also be less than the thickness of the insulating member 5.

[0091] By setting the avoidance hole 51 on the insulating part 5, the support structure 4 is set corresponding to the avoidance hole 51 and passes through the avoidance hole 51, so that the influence of setting the support structure 4 on the arrangement of internal components of the battery cell 20 can be effectively reduced, and the support structure 4 will not cause excessive increase in the space required inside the battery cell 20.

[0092] In the above-mentioned embodiment of the present application, a support structure 4 is provided between the adapter mechanism 3 and the end cover 2 to achieve physical isolation between the adapter mechanism 3 and the end cover 2. At the same time, the support structure 4 is made of insulating material, which can play a role of electrical isolation between the adapter mechanism 3 and the end cover 2. The melting point of the support structure 4 is higher than the melting point of the insulating component 5. When the insulating component 5 is melted, it can still play an isolation role, thereby reducing the risk of failure of the related technology due to thermal runaway causing the insulating component 5 to melt, and the overlap of the end cover 2 and the adapter mechanism 3 causing a short circuit in the battery cell 20.

[0093] Reference Figure 4~Figure 7 As shown in any of the Figures, in some embodiments, the support structure 4 includes support pads.

[0094] Regarding the specific form of the support structure 4, there can be many kinds, which can be discs, squares, cylinders or other irregular shapes. The present application adopts block-shaped support pads, and specifically multiple support pads can be used to support from various positions. Compared with the use of a whole sheet structure, the use of support pads can reduce the production cost of the support structure 4, and can also reduce the impact on the overall structure and internal space of the battery cell 20.

[0095] By using the support pad as the support structure 4 , not only is it easy to manufacture and install, and the manufacturing cost is low, but it can also reduce the impact on the overall structure of the battery cell 20 .

[0096] In some embodiments, the support structure 4 is a ceramic piece.

[0097] The support structure 4 can be made entirely of insulating materials, such as plastic, ceramic or other non-metallic insulating materials. Plastic is softer and is easy to soften when heated even if it does not reach the melting point. Ceramic materials not only have a higher melting point, but also have a harder texture. The ceramic parts here refer to insulating ceramic parts made of non-conductive ceramic materials.

[0098] The ceramic member made of insulating ceramic material is used as the support structure 4, which not only has a higher melting point and is not easy to melt under thermal runaway, but also has a higher hardness and can effectively provide support.

[0099] In some embodiments, the support structure 4 includes an inner layer and an outer layer covering the inner layer, the inner layer is a metal part, and the outer layer is an insulating layer.

[0100] The support structure 4 is composed of two layers, the inner layer is the inner part, which can also be said to be the inner core, and the outer layer is the part wrapped around the outer surface of the inner layer, which can be completely covered or partially covered. When partially covered, it is necessary to ensure that the end cover 2 and the adapter 3 can be insulated. The inner layer is made of metal parts, so that the support structure 4 has sufficient structural strength under high temperature, preventing the insulating part 5 from melting due to high temperature inside the battery cell 20, resulting in a short circuit between the adapter 3 and the end cover 2. At the same time, the insulating plastic / insulating rubber coated on the outer layer ensures that the battery cell 20 will not conduct electricity during normal use, that is, the insulation of the adapter 3 and the end cover 2 is achieved.

[0101] By designing the support structure 4 into two layers, the inner metal part provides sufficient structural strength, and the outer insulating layer serves to insulate and isolate the end cover 2 and the switching mechanism 3, thereby reducing the risk of short circuit inside the battery cell 20.

[0102] Reference Figure 8~Figure 11 In some embodiments, it is defined that in the first direction, the distance between the outer edge of the switching mechanism 3 and the outer edge of the supporting structure 4 is A, then 0≤A≤5mm, and the first direction is the thickness direction of the electrode assembly 1.

[0103] Reference Figure 8~Figure 9 , under thermal runaway, the electrode assembly 1 moves upward and hits the adapter 3, which may cause the outer edge of the adapter 3 to fold and overlap with the end cap 2 to cause a short circuit. The outer edge of the adapter 3 refers to the outer edge of the adapter 3, and the outer edge of the support structure 4 refers to the outer edge of the support structure 4. For example, when the support structure 4 is a square pad, it refers to the outer edge of the square pad. The distance E between the outer edge of the adapter 3 and the outer edge of the support structure 4 refers to the thickness direction of the electrode assembly 1, that is, Fig. 9 In the direction indicated by the arrow X, the distance between the outer edge of the adapter mechanism 3 and the outer edge of the support structure 4 is as follows: Fig. 9 The distance between the upper edge of the outer edge of the intermediate transfer mechanism 3 and the upper edge of the outer edge of the corresponding support structure 4 is designed to be less than 5 mm, so that the space for the intermediate transfer mechanism 3 to be folded under the impact of the electrode assembly 1 is very small, or even if there is a small fold, it cannot reach the extent of overlapping with the end cover 2. At the same time, refer to Figure 10-11 In order to reduce the impact of the design of the support structure 4 on the internal space and component arrangement of the battery cell 20, the design of the support structure 4 is generally not to exceed the outer edge of the adapter mechanism 3. In the extreme case, the outer edge of the support structure 4 is generally coincident with the outer edge of the adapter mechanism 3, that is, the distance is 0. Fig.12It can also be defined by the distance between the adapter mechanism 3 and the supporting structure 4 and the shell 6. For example, the distance from the edge of the adapter mechanism 3 close to the shell 6 to the shell 6 is defined as L1, and the corresponding distance from the edge of the supporting structure 4 close to the shell 6 to the shell 6 is defined as L2, then 0≤L2-L1≤5mm, which can be 0, 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm or 5mm, or any value within the above range.

[0104] By setting the distance between the outer edge of the adapter mechanism 3 and the outer edge of the support structure 4 within a preset range, it is possible to reduce the impact of the additional support structure 4 on the internal space of the battery cell 20 and reduce the risk of the adapter mechanism 3 folding and overlapping with the end cover 2 under the collision of the electrode assembly 1.

[0105] Reference Figure 13~Figure 17 In some embodiments, the dimension of the switching mechanism 3 along the second direction is defined as A1, and the dimension of the supporting structure 4 along the second direction is defined as A2, then A2 / A1≥1 / 5, and the second direction is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the electrode assembly 1.

[0106] Fig.13 and Fig.14 What is shown is a schematic diagram showing that the support structure 4 is located in the middle position of the switching mechanism 3 . Fig.15 and Fig.16 The second direction here refers to the thickness direction perpendicular to the electrode assembly 1, or the length direction of the support structure 4, specifically Fig.14 or Fig.16 In the direction indicated by the arrow Y, the dimension of the support structure 4 along the Y direction is A2, and the dimension of the switching mechanism 3 along the Y direction is A1. A2 cannot be designed to be too small relative to A1, otherwise local stress may be generated. The dimension here may refer to the length. Therefore, A2 / A1 is designed to be ≥ 1 / 5, and the specific ratio may be 1 / 5, 2 / 5, 3 / 5 or 4 / 5, or greater than 4 / 5, or any value within the above range.

[0107] By setting the size ratio of the support structure 4 to the switching mechanism 3 along the second direction to be greater than 1 / 5, the possibility of generating excessive local stress can be reduced.

[0108] In some embodiments, the dimension of the transfer mechanism 3 along the second direction is A1, and the dimension of the support structure 4 along the second direction is A2, then A2 / A1≥1 / 2, and the specific ratio can be 1 / 2, 2 / 3, 1 or 2, or greater than 2, or any value within the above range.

[0109] As in the previous embodiment, the second direction here refers to the thickness direction perpendicular to the electrode assembly 1, or the length direction of the support structure 4, specifically Fig.14 or Fig.16 The dimension of the support structure 4 along the Y direction indicated by the arrow Y is A2, and the dimension of the switching mechanism 3 along the Y direction is A1. A2 cannot be designed to be too small relative to A1, otherwise local stress may be generated. The dimension here may refer to the length. Therefore, it is designed that A2 / A1≥1 / 2.

[0110] By setting the size ratio of the support structure 4 to the switching mechanism 3 along the second direction to be greater than 1 / 2, the possibility of generating excessive local stress can be reduced.

[0111] In some embodiments, a chamfer is formed on the support structure 4 .

[0112] The chamfer may be a round chamfer or a straight chamfer. In this embodiment, a round chamfer may be used. The chamfer design can avoid the top corner of the support structure 4 being too sharp, thereby reducing the risk of generating local stress or scratching the components in the battery cell 20 .

[0113] By providing chamfers on the support structure 4 , the risk of excessive local stress in production can be reduced, and the risk of scratching other components in the battery cell 20 can also be reduced.

[0114] In some embodiments, there are two support structures 4 , and the adapter mechanism 3 includes a first adapter 31 and a second adapter 32 , wherein one support structure 4 is disposed between the first adapter 31 and the end cover 2 , and the other support structure 4 is disposed between the second adapter 32 and the end cover 2 .

[0115] One battery cell 20 may have one electrode assembly 1 disposed in the housing 6, or may have two or more electrode assemblies 1 disposed therein. Fig.17 and Fig.18 When an electrode assembly 1 is arranged in the outer shell 6, the adapter mechanism 3 of the electrode assembly 1 includes a first adapter 31 and a second adapter 32. Specifically, the first adapter 31 and the second adapter 32 can be a copper adapter sub-component and an aluminum adapter sub-component, respectively. At this time, the number of support structures 4 is set to two, one of which is arranged between the copper adapter sub-component and the end cover 2, and the other support structure 4 is arranged between the aluminum adapter sub-component and the end cover 2.

[0116] Reference Fig.19 In other embodiments, when the number of electrode assemblies 1 is two, the two adapter mechanisms 3 are correspondingly provided with two first adapters 31 and two second adapters 32. At this time, the number of support structures 4 is four, and each support structure 4 corresponds to a first adapter 31 or a second adapter 32.

[0117] By designing a suitable number of support structures 4 , each first adapter 31 and each second adapter 32 is correspondingly provided with a support structure 4 , which helps to reduce the risk of short circuit of the battery cell 20 .

[0118] According to some embodiments of the present application, a battery cell 20 is provided, comprising a housing 6, an end cap 2, an electrode assembly 1, a switching mechanism 3, an insulating member 5 and a supporting structure 4, the housing 6 forming a receiving cavity with an opening; the end cap 2 is provided to cover the opening, the end cap 2 is provided with an electrode terminal 21, and the electrode assembly 1 is provided in the receiving cavity; the switching mechanism 3 is provided between the electrode assembly 1 and the end cap 2, and is electrically connected to the electrode assembly 1 and the electrode terminal 21; the insulating member 5 is provided between the switching mechanism 3 and the end cap 2, the supporting structure 4 is provided between the switching mechanism 3 and the end cap 2, the supporting structure 4 is an insulating structure, and the melting point of the supporting structure 4 is higher than the melting point of the insulating member 5. There are three types of setting positions of the supporting structure 4: 1. The supporting structure 4 is provided between the end cap 2 and the insulating member 5, the end cap 2 is formed with a snap-fit ​​position 23, and the supporting structure 4 is installed at the snap-fit ​​position 23. 2. The supporting structure 4 is provided between the switching mechanism 3 and the insulating member 5; 3. The insulating member 5 is provided with an avoidance hole 51, and the supporting structure 4 passes through the avoidance hole 51. The support structure 4 is a ceramic part or the support structure 4 includes an inner layer and an outer layer covering the inner layer, the inner layer is a metal part, and the outer layer is an insulating layer. The support structure 4 includes a support pad, a chamfer is formed on the support structure 4, and a support structure 4 is provided on each first adapter 31 and each second adapter 32. In terms of size, the size of the adapter mechanism 3 along the second direction is defined as A1, the second direction is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the electrode assembly 1, and the size of the support structure 4 along the second direction is A2, then A2 / A1≥1 / 5, and the thickness of the support structure 4 is 1mm-3mm. This embodiment can effectively prevent the overlap of the end cover 2 and the adapter mechanism 3, and reduce the risk of short circuit of the battery cell 20.

[0119] According to some embodiments of the present application, the present application further provides a battery device 100, which includes a box 10 and the above-mentioned battery cell 20, and the battery cell 20 is arranged in the box 10. The above-mentioned battery device 100 can be a battery pack. Since the battery device 100 includes any technical solution of all the above-mentioned embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought by any of the above-mentioned technical solutions, which will not be repeated here one by one.

[0120] According to some embodiments of the present application, the present application further provides an electric device, which includes a device body and the above-mentioned battery device 100, and the battery device 100 is arranged in the device body. The above-mentioned electric device can be a vehicle 1000. Since the electric device includes any technical solution of all the above-mentioned embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought by any of the above-mentioned technical solutions, which will not be repeated here one by one.

[0121] The above description is only an optional embodiment of the present application, and does not limit the patent scope of the present application. All equivalent structural changes made by using the contents of the present application specification and drawings under the application concept of the present application, or directly / indirectly applied in other related technical fields are included in the patent protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A battery cell, characterized in that: The battery cell comprises: A housing, wherein the housing forms a receiving cavity having an opening; an end cover, which is disposed on the opening and has an electrode terminal, An electrode assembly, disposed in the accommodating cavity; A switching mechanism, disposed between the electrode assembly and the end cover, and electrically connected to the electrode assembly and the electrode terminal; an insulating member, disposed between the switching mechanism and the end cover; and A support structure is provided between the switching mechanism and the end cover, the support structure is an insulating structure, and the melting point of the support structure is higher than the melting point of the insulating member; The support structure is arranged between the end cover and the insulating member; the end cover is provided with a snap-fit ​​position, and the support structure is installed at the snap-fit ​​position; or, The supporting structure is arranged between the switching mechanism and the insulating member; or, The insulating member is provided with an avoidance hole, and the supporting structure is passed through the avoidance hole.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support structure includes a support pad.

3. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The supporting structure is a ceramic piece.

4. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support structure comprises an inner layer and an outer layer covering the inner layer, the inner layer is a metal part, and the outer layer is an insulating layer.

5. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: It is defined that in the first direction, the distance between the outer edge of the switching mechanism and the outer edge of the supporting structure is A, then 0≤A≤5mm, and the first direction is the thickness direction of the electrode assembly.

6. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dimension of the switching mechanism along the second direction is defined as A1, and the dimension of the supporting structure along the second direction is defined as A2, then A2 / A1≥1 / 5, and the second direction is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the electrode assembly.

7. The battery cell according to claim 6, characterized in that: A2 / A1≥1 / 2.

8. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support structure is provided with a chamfer.

9. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the supporting structures is two, and the transition mechanism includes a first transition member and a second transition member, wherein one of the supporting structures is arranged between the first transition member and the end cover, and the other of the supporting structures is arranged between the second transition member and the end cover.

10. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thickness of the support structure is 1 mm-3 mm.

11. A battery device, characterized in that: The battery device comprises a box and a battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the battery cell is arranged in the box.

12. An electrical device, characterized in that: The electrical device comprises a device body and the battery device according to claim 11, wherein the battery device is arranged in the device body.

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