Connecting piece, single battery, battery, electric device and limiting device

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of batteries, and provides a connecting piece, a single battery, a battery, a power utilization device and a limiting device, the provided connecting piece is used for being connected with a tab in a welded mode and used for electrically connecting the tab and a top cover assembly, the connecting piece is provided with a first limiting part, and the first limiting part is used for being connected with a second limiting part of the limiting device in a matched mode; the limiting device is used for limiting the connecting piece at least in the welding direction of the tab and the connecting piece. According to the scheme, the problem of poor welding caused by easy deviation of the connecting piece when the tab and the connecting piece are welded in the prior art can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In existing batteries, the tabs of the battery cells are electrically connected to the top cover assembly of the battery through connectors such as pins, so that the current generated by the battery cells is conducted to the external circuit through the tab-connector-top cover assembly.

[0003] In batteries of this structure, the connector is usually welded to the tab. During the welding process, the connector is easily moved or deformed by the welding force, causing the connector to be offset relative to the battery cell, thereby causing poor welding. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present application provides a connector, a battery cell, a battery, an electrical device and a limiting device to solve the problem in the prior art that when welding the tab and the connector, the connector is easily misaligned, resulting in poor welding.

[0005] In order to achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solutions:

[0006] A connector, used for welding to the pole lug, and for electrically connecting the pole lug and the top cover assembly,

[0007] The connector is provided with a first limiting portion, which is used to cooperate with the second limiting portion of the limiting device, so that the limiting device can limit the connector at least in the welding direction between the tab and the connector.

[0008] Optionally, the second limiting portion includes a limiting protrusion;

[0009] The first limiting portion includes a limiting recess, the limiting recess is used for at least a portion of the limiting protrusion to extend into, and is used for abutting and cooperating with the limiting protrusion at least in the welding direction.

[0010] Optionally, along the welding direction, the surface of the limiting recess for contacting the limiting protrusion is an inclined surface, and a line-to-surface angle α is formed between the inclined surface and the welding direction, and the line-to-surface angle α is not equal to 90°.

[0011] Optionally, the line-to-surface angle α is 30°-60°.

[0012] Optionally, the limiting recess also includes two first side walls, which are respectively connected to two opposite first side edges of the inclined surface and are relatively arranged along the width direction of the connecting piece, and the width direction intersects with the welding direction. The two first side walls are used to cooperate with the limiting protrusion in the width direction of the connecting piece.

[0013] Optionally, along the width direction, the distance between the two first side walls is W1, the minimum width of the connecting member is W2, and W1=W2.

[0014] Optionally, the inclined surface includes two opposite second side edges, one of the second side edges is located on the inner surface of the first side of the connecting member along the welding direction, and the other second side edge is located on the outer surface of the second side of the connecting member along the length direction, so that an opening is formed on the limiting recess for the limiting protrusion to extend into the limiting recess in the opposite direction of the welding direction and / or the length direction, and the length direction intersects with the welding direction.

[0015] Optionally, along the length direction, the length of the limiting recess is L1, the length of the connecting piece is L2, and L1=L2.

[0016] Optionally, in the length direction and along the direction from one end where the second side outer surface is located to the other end, the distance between the two first side walls gradually increases.

[0017] Optionally, the roughness of the surface of the limiting recess for cooperating with the limiting protrusion is a first roughness, the roughness of the area of ​​the connecting member other than the limiting recess is a second roughness, and the first roughness is greater than the second roughness.

[0018] Optionally, a clamping recess is provided on the surface of the limiting recess, and the clamping recess is used to clamp with a clamping protrusion on the limiting protrusion, and the clamping recess and the clamping protrusion can move relative to each other with the relative movement of the limiting recess and the limiting protrusion; and / or,

[0019] A clamping protrusion is provided on the surface of the limiting recess, and the clamping protrusion is used to clamp with the clamping recess on the limiting protrusion. The clamping recess and the clamping protrusion can move relative to each other as the limiting recess and the limiting protrusion move relative to each other.

[0020] A battery cell comprises a shell, a battery cell, a top cover assembly and any one of the above connectors, wherein the shell has a receiving cavity, the battery cell is received in the receiving cavity, the battery cell has two pole ears with opposite polarities, at least one of the pole ears is welded to the connector and is electrically connected to the top cover assembly via the connector.

[0021] Optionally, the second limiting portion includes a limiting protrusion, and the limiting device includes two second limiting portions spaced apart from each other;

[0022] Optionally, the first limiting portion includes a limiting recess, and the limiting recesses of the two connecting members are respectively used for allowing at least part of the limiting protrusions of the two second limiting portions to extend therein, and are respectively used for abutting and cooperating with the limiting protrusions of the two second limiting portions at least in the welding direction of the electrode tab and the connecting member;

[0023] The top cover assembly includes two conductive functional components, and the two pole ears with opposite polarities are respectively connected to the two connecting pieces by welding, and are respectively connected to the two conductive functional components through the two connecting pieces.

[0024] Optionally, the top cover assembly includes a top cover sheet and a positive electrode column and a negative electrode column insulated and arranged on the top cover sheet, and the two conductive functional components include the positive electrode column and the negative electrode column;

[0025] Alternatively, the top cover assembly includes a top cover sheet and a pole insulated and arranged on the top cover sheet, and the two conductive functional components include the pole and the top cover sheet.

[0026] A battery comprises any one of the battery cells described above.

[0027] An electrical device comprises the battery described in any one of the above items, or the battery cell described in any one of the above items.

[0028] A limiting device is used to limit the position of a connector, wherein the connector is used to be welded to a pole tab and to electrically connect the pole tab and a top cover assembly, wherein the connector is provided with a first limiting portion.

[0029] The limiting device is provided with a second limiting portion, and the second limiting portion is used to cooperate with the first limiting portion to enable the limiting device to limit the connecting member at least in the welding direction of the tab and the connecting member.

[0030] Optionally, the first limiting portion includes a limiting recess.

[0031] The second limiting portion includes a limiting protrusion, the shape of the limiting protrusion is adapted to the shape of the limiting recess, and the limiting protrusion is used to at least partially extend into the limiting recess and to abut and cooperate with the limiting recess.

[0032] Optionally, the limiting device includes a shell, the shell is provided with a accommodating cavity, the limiting protrusion is provided in the accommodating cavity, a slot is formed between the limiting protrusion and the cavity wall of the accommodating cavity, the slot is used to snap into the connecting piece, and when the slot is snap-fitted with the connecting piece, the limiting protrusion and the limiting recess are matched and connected.

[0033] Optionally, the number of the limiting protrusions is two, and two slots are respectively formed between the two limiting protrusions and the cavity wall of the accommodating cavity. The two slots are respectively used to clamp the two connecting members, and the two limiting protrusions are used to cooperate and connect with the limiting recesses of the two connecting members.

[0034] In the embodiment of the present application, the connector is provided with a first limiting portion. When welding the connector and the tab, the first limiting portion cooperates with the second limiting portion of the limiting device to limit the connector in the welding direction, thereby preventing the connector from moving in the welding direction during welding, thereby reducing the probability of the connector moving, and further alleviating the problem of the connector being offset relative to the battery cell. It can be seen that the embodiment of the present application can solve the problem in the prior art that when welding the tab and the connector, the connector is easily offset, resulting in poor welding. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] 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 embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without paying any creative work.

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of one of the connectors of a battery cell provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the connection structure between another connector and a tab of a battery cell provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view formed by cutting the first connecting portion of the connecting piece along a plane formed by the welding direction and the length direction of the connecting piece;

[0039] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell after the battery core is removed according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A in the enlarged view;

[0042] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the limiting device provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 8 A top view of a limiting device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Fig. 9 for Figure 8 A cross-sectional view formed by cutting along the BB direction;

[0045] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the coordination structure of a battery cell and a limiting device provided in an embodiment of the present application when the tab and the connector are in a welded state;

[0046] Fig.11 for Fig.10 A top view of

[0047] Fig.12 for Fig.11 A cross-sectional view formed by cutting along the CC direction;

[0048] Fig.13 A schematic diagram of the coordination structure of a battery cell and a limiting device provided in an embodiment of the present application when the tab and the connector are in an unwelded state.

[0049] exist Figure 1-Figure 13 middle:

[0050] 100, connecting member; 110, limiting recess; 111, inclined surface; 1111, second side edge; 112, first side wall; 120, first connecting portion; 121, first side inner surface; 122, second side outer surface; 123, first side outer surface; 130, second connecting portion; 131, first pole through hole; 140, rectangular groove;

[0051] 200, battery cell; 210, tab;

[0052] 300, top cover assembly; 310, top cover sheet; 320, positive pole; 320, negative pole;

[0053] 400, limiting device; 410, limiting protrusion; 420, shell; 421, accommodating cavity; 430, card slot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0055] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the embodiment of the present application provides a connector 100, which can be applied to a battery cell. In addition to the connector 100, the battery cell generally includes a housing, a battery cell 200 and a top cover assembly 300. The battery cell 200 is accommodated in the housing and includes a tab 210. The connector 100 is used to be welded to the tab 210 and to electrically connect the tab 210 and the top cover assembly 300, so that the current generated by the battery cell 200 is sequentially exported to an external circuit through the tab 210, the connector 100, and the top cover assembly 300. Optionally, the connector 100 can be an L-shaped structure, the short side of L is used to connect to the top cover assembly 300, and the long side of L is used to connect to the tab 210.

[0056] The connector 100 is provided with a first limiting portion, which is used to cooperate and connect with the second limiting portion of the limiting device 400. Optionally, the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion can be cooperated and connected by a snap-fit ​​manner, or by a contact manner, so that the limiting device 400 limits the connector 100 at least in the welding direction a between the tab 210 and the connector 100, so that the limiting device 400 blocks the movement of the connector 100 along the welding direction a during welding, thereby alleviating the problem that the connector 100 moves in the welding direction a due to the welding force during welding.

[0057] Of course, in order to achieve the limitation of the connector 100 by the limiting device 400 in the welding direction a, during the specific welding process, along the welding direction a, the limiting device 400 is located downstream of the connector 100, thereby blocking the movement of the connector 100 along the welding direction a during the welding process.

[0058] There are many ways of welding. In the embodiment of the present application, the connector 100 can be fixedly connected to the tab 210 by laser welding. Of course, in other embodiments, the connector 100 can also be fixedly connected to the tab 210 by other welding methods such as ultrasonic welding.

[0059] Optionally, the welding direction a may include a direction. For example, when the pole tab 210 and the connector 100 are connected by laser welding, when the laser welding device emits a laser beam, the welding direction a refers to the direction of the laser beam emitted by the laser welding device. In addition, when the connector 100 and the pole tab 210 are welded by laser welding, the pole tab 210 and the connector 100 need to be arranged along the direction of the laser beam, then the direction from the pole tab 210 to the connector 100 is the same as the direction of the laser beam, that is, the welding direction a also refers to the direction from the pole tab 210 to the connector 100.

[0060] Of course, the welding direction a may also include multiple directions. For example, when laser welding is used to connect the pole ear 210 and the connector 100, when the laser welding equipment emits multiple laser beams in different directions, the welding direction a may include the directions of all laser beams emitted by the laser welding equipment.

[0061] In the embodiment of the present application, the connector 100 is provided with a first limiting portion. When welding the connector 100 and the tab 210, the connector 100 is limited in the welding direction a by cooperating with the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion of the limiting device 400, so as to prevent the connector 100 from moving along the welding direction a during welding, thereby reducing the probability of the connector 100 moving, and further alleviating the problem of the connector 100 being offset relative to the battery cell 200. It can be seen that the embodiment of the present application can solve the problem in the prior art that when welding the tab and the connector, the connector is easily offset, resulting in poor welding.

[0062] It should be noted that the staff can apply external force to the connecting member 100 and / or the limiting device 400 manually or by a robot, so as to drive the connecting member 100 and the limiting device 400 to connect or separate.

[0063] The first limiting portion may include a limiting recess 110, and the second limiting portion may include a limiting protrusion 410. The limiting recess 110 is used for at least part of the limiting protrusion 410 to extend therein, and is used to abut and cooperate with the limiting protrusion 410 at least in the welding direction a, so that the limiting protrusion 410 blocks the connection member 100 from moving along the welding direction a, so that the limiting device 400 limits the connection member 100 at least in the welding direction a. In this case, the structures of the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion are simple, and the limiting relationship is reliable.

[0064] Of course, in other embodiments, the second limiting portion may be a recessed structure, and the first limiting portion may be a raised structure, the raised structure being used to extend into the recessed structure and to abut against the recessed structure at least in the welding direction a, so that the limiting device 400 can limit the connector 100 at least in the welding direction a.

[0065] In the case where the first limiting portion includes the limiting recess 110, in an optional embodiment, along the welding direction a, the surface of the limiting recess 110 for contacting the limiting protrusion 410 may be perpendicular to the welding direction a (e.g. Figure 3 The bottom of the rectangular groove 140 represented by the dotted line in the middle) is formed so that the limiting protrusion 410 prevents the connecting member 100 from moving due to the force of welding.

[0066] In another preferred embodiment, along the welding direction a, the surface of the limiting recess 110 that contacts the limiting protrusion 410 may be a slope 111, and a line-surface angle α may exist between the slope 111 and the welding direction a, and the line-surface angle α is not equal to 90°.

[0067] Compared with the technical solution in which the surface of the limiting recess 110 in contact with the limiting protrusion 410 is perpendicular to the welding direction a, the technical solution in which the line-surface angle α between the surface of the limiting recess 110 in contact with the limiting protrusion 410 and the welding direction a is not equal to 90° along the welding direction a can increase the contact surface area of ​​the limiting recess 110 and the limiting protrusion 410 in the welding direction a, improve the limiting effect of the limiting device 400 on the connecting piece 100, and has less effect on the thickness of the connecting piece 100 in the welding direction a, thereby improving the structural strength of the connecting piece 100.

[0068] Optionally, the line-to-surface angle α may be 30°-60°, for example, 30°, 45°, or 60°.

[0069] If the line-surface angle α is too large, the depth of the limiting recess 110 in the welding direction a may be shallow, resulting in too small a contact area between the limiting protrusion 410 and the limiting recess 110, thereby affecting the limiting effect of the limiting device 400 on the connector 100. If the line-surface angle α is too small, the depth of the limiting recess 110 in the welding direction a may be deep. Since the connector 100 itself is thin in the welding direction a, a limiting recess 110 that is too deep in the welding direction a may weaken the structural strength of the connector 100, causing the connector 100 to be more easily deformed, thereby greatly reducing the limiting effect of the connector 100. Therefore, limiting the line-surface angle α within the above range helps to take into account both the limiting effect of the limiting device 400 on the connector 100 and the structural strength of the connector 100.

[0070] In order to further improve the position stability of the connector 100 when welding the pole ear 210 and the connector 100, the limiting recess 110 can also include two first side walls 112, and the two first side walls 112 can be respectively connected to the two opposite first side edges of the inclined surface 111, and are relatively arranged along the width direction W of the connector 100, and the width direction W intersects with the welding direction a, for example, is perpendicular, so that the limiting recess 110 forms a limiting groove, and the two first side walls 112 are used to cooperate with the limiting protrusion 410 in the width direction W of the connector 100.

[0071] When it is necessary to weld the pole ear 210 and the connector 100, through the cooperation of the connector 100 and the limiting device 400, the two first side walls 112 are respectively abutted against the two opposite surfaces of the limiting protrusion 410, so that the limiting protrusion 410 blocks the movement of the connector 100 along the width direction W, thereby improving the position stability of the connector 100 in the width direction W, and combined with the cooperation between the inclined surface 111 and the limiting protrusion 410 in the welding direction a, the limiting device 400 limits the connector 100 in multiple directions (welding direction a and width direction W), thereby improving the limiting effect of the connector 100, preventing the connector 100 from shaking during welding, reducing the probability of the connector 100 being deformed by force during welding, and avoiding the connector 100 from being displaced relative to the battery cell 200.

[0072] Along the width direction W, the distance between the two first side walls 112 can be W1, that is, the width of the limiting recess 110 is W1, and the minimum width of the connecting member 100 can be W2, W1 = (0.6-0.8)W2 (W1 is equal to 0.6W2 to 0.8W2), for example W1 = 0.6W2, W1 = 0.7W2, W1 = 0.8W2.

[0073] If W1 is too shorter than W2, the contact area between the limiting protrusion 410 and the limiting recess 110 is reduced, affecting the limiting effect of the limiting device 400 on the connecting member 100; if it is too long, the wall thickness of the limiting recess 110 is too thin, causing the limiting recess 110 area of ​​the connecting member 100 to be easily deformed. Therefore, limiting W1 within the above range helps to take into account both the limiting effect of the limiting device 400 on the connecting member 100 and the structural strength of the connecting member 100.

[0074] Of course, in other optional embodiments, the ratio of W1 to W2 may also be 1, that is, the limiting recesses 110 are connected in the width direction W.

[0075] It should be noted that the connector 100 may be of equal width, that is, the width of the connector 100 at all locations is W2, or the connector 100 may be of non-equal width, that is, the width of the connector 100 at all locations is different, and the minimum width is W2.

[0076] In an optional embodiment, the limiting recess 110 may also include two second side walls, the inclined surface 111 also includes two opposite second side edges 1111, the two first side edges of the inclined surface 111 and the two second side edges 1111 together form the edge of the inclined surface 111, the two second side walls may be respectively connected to the two second side edges 1111, and are relatively arranged along the length direction L of the connecting member 100. Under this structure, an opening is formed on the side of the limiting recess 110 opposite to the inclined surface 111, for the limiting device 400 to extend into the limiting recess 110 in the opposite direction of the welding direction a.

[0077] In another optional embodiment, the inclined surface 111 may include two opposite second side edges 1111, wherein one of the second side edges 1111 may be located on the first side inner surface 121 of the connecting member 100 along the welding direction a, and the other second side edge 1111 may be located on the second side outer surface 122 of the connecting member 100 along the length direction L, so that an opening is formed on the limiting recess 110 for the limiting protrusion 410 to extend into the limiting recess 110 in the opposite direction of the welding direction a and / or the length direction L, and the length direction L intersects with the welding direction a.

[0078] In this case, the limiting recess 110 allows the limiting protrusion 410 to enter from multiple directions (for example, in the opposite direction of the welding direction a, or along the length direction L of the connector 100, or from a direction between the welding direction a and the length direction L), thereby improving the assembly flexibility of the connector 100 and the limiting device 400.

[0079] Along the length direction L, the length of the limiting recess 110 may be L1, and the length of the connecting member 100 may be L2, L1=(0.05-0.3)L2 (L1 is equal to 0.05L2 to 0.3L2), for example 0.05L2, 0.1L2, 0.2L2, 0.3L2.

[0080] If L1 is too shorter than L2, the contact area between the limiting protrusion 410 and the limiting recess 110 is reduced, affecting the limiting effect of the limiting device on the connector 100; if it is too long, the connector 100 has too many thinning areas in the length direction L, causing the limiting recess 110 area of ​​the connector 100 to be easily deformed. Therefore, limiting L1 and L2 within the above-mentioned proportion range can take into account both the limiting effect and the strength of the connector 100.

[0081] Optionally, the connector 100 may include a first connecting portion 120 and a second connecting portion 130, the first connecting portion 120 is used to connect to the pole ear 210, and the second connecting portion 130 is used to connect to the top cover assembly 300, the first connecting portion 120 and the second connecting portion 130 are arranged to intersect, for example, the first connecting portion 120 and the second connecting portion 130 can be vertically connected, and the limiting recess 110 can be arranged in the first connecting portion 120, the width direction W in the above text refers to the width direction W of the first connecting portion 120, and the length direction L refers to the length direction of the first connecting portion 120, the welding direction a is consistent with the direction from the first side outer surface 123 to the first side inner surface 121 of the first connecting portion 120, the welding direction a, the width direction W and the length direction L can be perpendicular to each other, that is, the first connecting portion 120 can be a rectangular structure.

[0082] It should be noted that the length of the connecting member 100 refers to the distance between the surface of the first connecting portion 120 facing away from the second connecting portion 130 (ie, the second side outer surface 122 ) and the surface of the second connecting portion 130 facing away from the first connecting portion 120 .

[0083] In a further technical solution, the distance between the two first side walls 112 can gradually increase in the length direction L and along the direction from one end to the other end where the second side outer surface 122 is located. At this time, along the projection of the width direction W of the connecting member 100, the projection shape of the limiting recess 110 is an inverted trapezoid.

[0084] In this structure, the limiting protrusion 410 can extend into the limiting recess 110 in the opposite direction of the welding direction a. When the limiting protrusion 410 extends into the limiting recess 110, the limiting recess 110 and the limiting protrusion 410 can cooperate in the length direction L, the width direction W, and the welding direction a, thereby further improving the limiting effect on the connecting member 100.

[0085] In order to further enhance the limiting effect of the limiting device 400 on the connecting member 100 when the connecting member 100 cooperates with the limiting device 400, the roughness of the surface of the limiting recess 110 used to cooperate with the limiting protrusion 410 can be a first roughness, and the roughness of the area of ​​the connecting member 100 other than the limiting recess 110 can be a second roughness, and the first roughness can be greater than the second roughness. This structure is conducive to enhancing the combination effect of the limiting recess 110 and the limiting protrusion 410, thereby ensuring the limiting effect of the limiting device 400 on the connecting member 100.

[0086] There are many methods to increase the roughness of the surface of the limiting recess 110 for cooperating with the limiting protrusion 410. For example, the roughness can be increased by sanding. In order to obtain a larger roughness, sandpaper with a smaller mesh number can be used to grind the limiting recess 110. Of course, the roughness of the limiting recess 110 can also be increased by other methods, which are not limited in this article.

[0087] In order to further enhance the limiting effect of the limiting device 400 on the connecting member 100 when the connecting member 100 cooperates with the limiting device 400, a snap-fitting protrusion may be provided on the surface of the limiting recess 110, and the snap-fitting protrusion is used to snap-fit ​​with the snap-fitting recess on the limiting protrusion 410. The snap-fitting recess and the snap-fitting protrusion may move relative to each other with the relative movement of the limiting recess 110 and the limiting protrusion 410. That is to say, the snap-fitting recess and the snap-fitting protrusion will not prevent the limiting device 400 and the connecting member 100 from being assembled (making the two limitedly cooperate) and separated.

[0088] In this case, by providing a snap-fitting protrusion on the surface of the limiting recess 110, the inner wall of the limiting recess 110 is made an uneven surface, and the limiting protrusion 410 is snap-fitted with the snap-fitting recess on the limiting protrusion 410 through the snap-fitting protrusion, which helps to enhance the combination effect between the limiting recess 110 and the limiting protrusion, thereby ensuring the limiting effect of the limiting device 400 on the connecting member 100.

[0089] Of course, the surface of the limiting recess 110 may also be provided with a snap-fitting recess, which is used to snap-fit ​​with the snap-fitting protrusion on the limiting protrusion 410, or the surface of the limiting recess 110 may be provided with both a snap-fitting protrusion and a snap-fitting recess, and the snap-fitting protrusion and snap-fitting recess on the surface of the limiting recess 110 are respectively used to snap-fit ​​with the snap-fitting recess and snap-fitting protrusion on the limiting protrusion 410.

[0090] Optionally, the snap-fit ​​protrusion may be a convex point, and the snap-fit ​​recess may be a concave point matched with the convex point.

[0091] Optionally, the snap-fit ​​protrusion may be a convex strip, and the snap-fit ​​recess may be a concave strip. In a further technical solution, the concave strip and the protrusion may extend along the direction of relative movement of the limiting protrusion 410 and the limiting recess 110 during the matching connection process or the mutual separation process, thereby guiding the movement of the limiting protrusion 410 and the limiting recess 110. In a further technical solution, a side port of the concave strip may extend to the opening of the limiting recess 110.

[0092] Based on the above-mentioned connecting member 100, as Figures 4 to 6As shown, the embodiment of the present application also provides a battery cell, which is applied to a battery. The battery cell includes a housing (not shown in the figure), a battery cell 200, a top cover assembly 300, and a connector 100 of any of the above embodiments. The housing has a receiving cavity, and the battery cell 200 is received in the receiving cavity. The battery cell 200 has two tabs 210 with opposite polarities, at least one of which is welded to the connector 100 and electrically connected to the top cover assembly 300 through the connector 100. Since the battery cell has the above connector 100, the beneficial effects of the battery cell brought by the connector 100 can be found in the above content and will not be repeated here.

[0093] When welding the connector 100 and the tab 210 in the battery cell, the connector 100 is limited by the limiting device 400. The specific limiting method is detailed in the above embodiment and will not be described again here.

[0094] Along the welding direction a, the connector 100 has a first side outer surface 123 and a first side inner surface 121 opposite to each other. The connector 100 can be located on the side of the battery cell 200, with the first side inner surface 121 facing the battery cell 200, and the first side outer surface 123 facing away from the battery cell 200. Pole ears 210 extend from both sides of the battery cell 200. The pole ears 210 are bent so that the pole ears 210 face the first side outer surface 123 of the connector 100, and then the pole ears 210 are welded to the first side outer surface 123 to achieve mechanical and electrical connections between the battery cell 200 and the connector 100.

[0095] The length of the connector 100 may be equal to or less than the length of the battery cell 200. In this structure, the opening of the connector 100 is located in the area of ​​the second side outer surface 122 and is exposed outside the battery cell 200, and the limiting protrusion 410 of the limiting device 400 may extend into the limiting recess 110 in the length direction L. The length of the connector 100 may be greater than the length of the battery cell 200. In this structure, the opening of the connector 100 may be completely exposed outside the battery cell 200, and the limiting protrusion 410 of the limiting device 400 may extend into the limiting recess 110 in the opposite direction of the length direction L and / or the welding direction a.

[0096] The battery cell in the embodiment of the present application is used for a battery, and at least one pole ear 210 of the battery cell 200 is electrically connected to the top cover assembly 300 through the connector 100, and the other pole ear 210 of the battery cell 200 can be directly electrically connected to the outer casing of the battery, so that the current generated by the battery cell 200 is conducted to the top cover assembly 300 through one of the pole ears 210 and the connector 100, and is conducted to the outer casing through the other pole ear 210, and then is conducted to the external circuit through the top cover assembly 300 and the outer casing.

[0097] In an embodiment of the present application, the battery cell may include two connectors 100, and the top cover assembly 300 may include two conductive functional components. Two pole ears 210 with opposite polarities are respectively welded to the two connectors 100, and are respectively connected to the two conductive functional components through the two connectors 100, so that the current generated by the battery cell 200 can be respectively conducted to the top cover assembly 300 through the two connectors 100, and then conducted to the external circuit through the top cover assembly 300.

[0098] The top cover assembly 300 may include a top cover sheet 310 , and a positive electrode column 320 and a negative electrode column 330 insulated and provided on the top cover sheet 310 . The two conductive functional components may include the positive electrode column 320 and the negative electrode column 330 .

[0099] The top cover assembly 300 may also include a top cover sheet 310 and a pole insulated and disposed on the top cover sheet 310 , and the two conductive functional components may include the pole and the top cover sheet 310 .

[0100] The second connecting portion 130 of the connector 100 may be provided with a first pole through-hole 131, and the top cover sheet 310 may be provided with a second pole through-hole. The poles (positive pole 320 and negative pole 330) are installed on the top cover sheet 310, and the poles pass through the second pole through-hole and the first pole through-hole 131 and are welded (for example, laser welding) to the second connecting portion 130 of the connector 100, thereby realizing mechanical and electrical connections between the connector 100 and the top cover assembly 300.

[0101] Optionally, an insulating member may be provided between the second pole through-hole of the top cover sheet 310 and the pole, and the insulating member is injection molded between the pole and the hole wall of the second pole through-hole of the top cover sheet 310, thereby mounting the pole on the top cover sheet 310 and achieving insulation between the pole and the top cover sheet 310.

[0102] like Figures 10 to 13 In an embodiment in which the battery cell includes two connectors 100, two pole ears 210 with opposite polarities are respectively welded to the two connectors 100 and respectively connected to the two conductive functional components through the two connectors 100, the limiting device 400 may include two second limiting portions arranged at intervals, that is, two limiting protrusions 410 arranged at intervals, and the first limiting portion may include a limiting recess 110, and the limiting recesses 110 of the two connectors 100 are respectively used for at least part of the limiting protrusions 410 of the two second limiting portions to extend therein, and are used to respectively abut and cooperate with the limiting protrusions 410 of the two second limiting portions at least in the welding direction a of the pole ears 210 and the connector 100, so that the limiting device 400 limits the two connectors 100 in the welding direction a at the same time.

[0103] Of course, the structure of the connecting member 100 is the same as the structure of the connecting member 100 in any of the above-mentioned embodiments. The limiting recess 110 can also cooperate with the limiting device 400 in the width direction W and / or the length direction L, so that the limiting device 400 limits the connecting member 100 in the width direction W and / or the length direction L, thereby ensuring the position stability of the connecting member 100 during welding.

[0104] Based on the above-mentioned battery cells, the embodiment of the present application further provides a battery, which includes the battery cells of any of the above-mentioned embodiments. Since the battery has the above-mentioned battery cells, the beneficial effects of the battery brought by the battery cells can be found in the above content and will not be repeated here. The battery described in the present application can be a battery module or a battery pack.

[0105] Based on the above-mentioned battery, an embodiment of the present application also provides an electrical device, which includes the battery or battery cell of any of the above-mentioned embodiments. Since the electrical device has the above-mentioned battery or battery cell, the beneficial effects brought by the battery to the electrical device can be found in the above content and will not be repeated here.

[0106] Electrical devices may be cars, mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, ships, spacecraft, electric toys, electric tools, etc. Cars may be fuel cars, gas cars or new energy cars, and new energy cars may be pure electric cars, hybrid cars or extended-range cars, etc.; spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles and spacecrafts, etc.; electric toys include fixed or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys and electric airplane toys, etc.; electric tools include metal cutting electric tools, grinding electric tools, assembly electric tools and railway electric tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, impact drills, concrete vibrators and electric planers, etc. This article does not impose any special restrictions on the above-mentioned electrical devices.

[0107] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the embodiment of the present application further provides a limiting device 400, which is used to limit the connector 100. The connector 100 is used to be welded to the pole ear 210 and to electrically connect the pole ear 210 and the top cover assembly 300. The connector 100 is provided with a first limiting portion, and the structure of the connector 100 is the same as the structure of the connector 100 in any of the above embodiments.

[0108] The limiting device 400 is provided with a second limiting portion, which is used to cooperate with the first limiting portion so that the limiting device 400 can limit the connector 100 at least in the welding direction a between the tab 210 and the connector 100 .

[0109] The first limiting portion includes a limiting recess 110 , and the second limiting portion includes a limiting protrusion 410 . The shape of the limiting protrusion 410 matches the shape of the limiting recess 110 . The limiting protrusion 410 is used to at least partially extend into the limiting recess 110 and to abut against the limiting protrusion 410 .

[0110] Of course, the structure of the connecting piece 100 is the same as the structure of the connecting piece 100 in any of the above-mentioned embodiments, and the structure of the limiting recess 110 is the same as the structure of the limiting recess 110 in any of the above-mentioned embodiments. The shape of the limiting protrusion 410 is adapted to the shape of the limiting recess 110, and the limiting protrusion 410 of the limiting device 400 can be limited and cooperated with the limiting recess 110 in the welding direction a. In addition, the limiting protrusion 410 of the limiting device 400 can also be limited and cooperated with the limiting recess 110 in the width direction W and / or the length direction L, so that the limiting device 400 can limit the connecting piece 100 in the welding direction a, and can also limit the connecting piece 100 in the width direction W and / or the length direction L, thereby ensuring the position stability of the connecting piece 100 during welding.

[0111] The limiting device 400 may further include a housing 420, the housing 420 may be provided with a receiving cavity 421, the limiting protrusion 410 may be provided in the receiving cavity 421, and a slot 430 may be formed between the limiting protrusion 410 and the cavity wall of the receiving cavity 421. Figures 10 to 13 As shown, the slot 430 is used to clamp the connector 100. When the slot 430 is clamped and matched with the connector 100, the limiting protrusion 410 and the limiting recess 110 are matched and connected, so that the limiting protrusion 410 limits the limiting recess 110 in the welding direction a, so that the limiting protrusion 410 blocks the connector 100 from moving along the welding direction a, and the cavity wall opposite to the limiting protrusion 410 abuts against the first side outer surface 123 of the connector 100, thereby limiting the connector 100 in the opposite direction of the welding direction a, so that the cavity wall of the accommodating cavity 421 blocks the connector 100 from moving in the opposite direction of the welding direction a, thereby further improving the limiting effect of the limiting device 400 on the connector 100.

[0112] When the number of connecting members 100 is two, the number of limiting protrusions 410 is also two, and two card grooves 430 are respectively formed between the two limiting protrusions 410 and the cavity wall of the accommodating cavity 421. The two card grooves 430 are respectively used to clamp the two connecting members 100, and the two limiting protrusions 410 are used to cooperate and connect with the limiting recesses 110 of the two connecting members 100.

[0113] Optionally, the limiting protrusion 410 can be fixedly disposed in the accommodating cavity 421. In this structure, the distance between the two limiting protrusions 410 is fixed, the position between the two limiting recesses 110 is fixed, and the limiting protrusion 410 can extend into the limiting recess 110 along the length direction L.

[0114] When it is necessary to weld the pole ear 210 and the connector 100, before laser welding, the battery cell 200 is placed in the shell 420 of the limiting device 400, and then the welded top cover assembly 300 and the connector 100 are placed, so that the limiting protrusion 410 in the shell 420 abuts against the limiting recess 110 at the bottom of the connector 100 (the end of the first connecting part 120 away from the second connecting part 130), the limiting device 400 limits the connector 100, and finally laser welding of the connector 100 and the pole ear 210 is started to complete the assembly between the top cover assembly 300, the connector 100 and the battery cell 200. After the above three are assembled, the assembled connector 100 and the battery cell 200 are placed into the receiving cavity of the outer shell through the opening of the outer shell, and the top cover assembly 300 blocks the opening of the outer shell to complete the assembly of the battery cell.

[0115] Optionally, the limiting protrusion 410 may also be movably disposed in the accommodating cavity 421. For example, each limiting protrusion 410 may be connected to a telescopic member such as a cylinder, and the movement of the telescopic member drives the limiting protrusion 410 to engage or separate with the corresponding limiting recess of the connecting member 100. In this structure, the distance between the two limiting protrusions 410 is adjustable, and the limiting protrusion 410 may enter the limiting recess 110 along the length direction L and / or the opposite direction of the welding direction a.

[0116] The basic principles of the present application are described above in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, strengths, effects, etc. mentioned in the present application are only examples and not limitations, and it cannot be considered that these advantages, strengths, effects, etc. are required by each embodiment of the present application. In addition, the specific details disclosed above are only for the purpose of illustration and ease of understanding, not for limitation, and the above details do not limit the present application to being implemented by adopting the above specific details.

[0117] The block diagrams of the devices, apparatuses, equipment, and systems involved in this application are only illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, and configured in the manner shown in the block diagram. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, these devices, apparatuses, equipment, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as "including", "comprising", "having", etc. are open words, referring to "including but not limited to", and can be used interchangeably with them. The words "or" and "and" used here refer to the words "and / or" and can be used interchangeably with them, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The words "such as" used here refer to the phrase "such as but not limited to", and can be used interchangeably with them.

[0118] It should also be noted that in the apparatus, device and method of the present application, each component or each step can be decomposed and / or recombined. Such decomposition and / or recombination should be regarded as equivalent solutions of the present application.

[0119] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present application. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0120] It should be understood that the qualifiers "first", "second", "third", "fourth", "fifth" and "sixth" used in the description of the embodiments of the present application are only used to more clearly explain the technical solutions and cannot be used to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0121] The above description has been given for the purpose of illustration and description. In addition, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of the present application to the forms disclosed herein. Although multiple example aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, changes, additions and sub-combinations thereof.

Claims

1. A connector, characterized in that: used for welding to the pole tab (210), and for electrically connecting the pole tab (210) and the top cover assembly (300), The connector (100) is provided with a first limiting portion, and the first limiting portion is used to cooperate with and connect with a second limiting portion of a limiting device (400), so that the limiting device (400) limits the connector (100) at least in the welding direction (a) between the tab (210) and the connector (100).

2. The connecting piece according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second limiting portion includes a limiting protrusion (410); The first limiting portion comprises a limiting recess (110), wherein the limiting recess (110) is used for allowing at least a portion of the limiting protrusion (410) to extend therein, and is used for abutting and cooperating with the limiting protrusion (410) at least in the welding direction (a).

3. The connecting piece according to claim 2, characterized in that: Along the welding direction (a), the surface of the limiting recess (110) for contacting the limiting protrusion (410) is an inclined surface (111), and a line-surface angle α is formed between the inclined surface (111) and the welding direction (a), and the line-surface angle α is not equal to 90°.

4. The connecting piece according to claim 3, characterized in that: The line-surface angle α is 30°-60°.

5. The connecting piece according to claim 3, characterized in that: The limiting recess (110) further comprises two first side walls (112), the two first side walls (112) being respectively connected to two opposite first side edges of the inclined surface (111), and being arranged opposite to each other along the width direction (W) of the connecting member (100), wherein the width direction (W) intersects with the welding direction (a), and the two first side walls (112) are used for limiting cooperation with the limiting protrusion (410) in the width direction (W) of the connecting member (100).

6. The connecting piece according to claim 5, characterized in that: Along the width direction (W), the distance between the two first side walls (112) is W1, the minimum width of the connecting member (100) is W2, and W1=(0.6-0.8)W2.

7. The connecting piece according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inclined surface (111) includes two opposite second side edges (1111), wherein one of the second side edges (1111) is located on the first side inner surface (121) of the connecting member (100) along the welding direction (a), and the other second side edge (1111) is located on the second side outer surface (122) of the connecting member (100) along the length direction (L), so that an opening is formed on the limiting recess (110) for allowing the limiting protrusion (410) to extend into the limiting recess (110) along the opposite direction of the welding direction (a) and / or the length direction (L), and the length direction (L) intersects with the welding direction (a).

8. The connecting piece according to claim 7, characterized in that: Along the length direction (L), the length of the limiting recess (110) is L1, the length of the connecting piece (100) is L2, and L1=(0.05-0.3)L2.

9. The connecting piece according to claim 7, characterized in that: In the length direction (L) and along the direction from one end where the second side outer surface (122) is located to the other end, the distance between the two first side walls (112) gradually increases.

10. The connecting piece according to claim 2, characterized in that: The roughness of the surface of the limiting recess (110) used to cooperate with the limiting protrusion (410) is a first roughness, and the roughness of the area of ​​the connecting member (100) other than the limiting recess (110) is a second roughness, and the first roughness is greater than the second roughness.

11. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: A snap-fitting recess is provided on the surface of the limiting recess (110), and the snap-fitting recess is used to snap-fit ​​with the snap-fitting protrusion on the limiting protrusion (410), and the snap-fitting recess and the snap-fitting protrusion can move relative to each other as the limiting recess (110) and the limiting protrusion (410) move relative to each other; and / or, A snap-fitting protrusion is provided on the surface of the limiting recess (110), and the snap-fitting protrusion is used to snap-fit ​​with the snap-fitting recess on the limiting protrusion (410). The snap-fitting recess and the snap-fitting protrusion can move relative to each other as the limiting recess (110) and the limiting protrusion (410) move relative to each other.

12. A battery cell, characterized in that: The invention comprises a shell, a battery cell (200), a top cover assembly (300) and a connector (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the shell has a receiving cavity, the battery cell (200) is received in the receiving cavity, the battery cell (200) has two pole ears (210) with opposite polarities, at least one of the pole ears (210) is welded to the connector (100), and is electrically connected to the top cover assembly (300) through the connector (100).

13. The battery cell according to claim 12, characterized in that: The second limiting portion comprises a limiting protrusion (410), and the limiting device (400) comprises two second limiting portions arranged at an interval; The first limiting portion comprises a limiting recess (110), the limiting recesses (110) of the two connecting members (100) being respectively used for allowing at least a portion of the limiting protrusions (410) of the two second limiting portions to extend therein, and being respectively used for abutting and cooperating with the limiting protrusions (410) of the two second limiting portions at least in a welding direction (a) between the tab (210) and the connecting member (100); The top cover assembly (300) comprises two conductive functional components, and the two pole ears (210) with opposite polarities are respectively connected to the two connecting pieces (100) by welding, and are respectively connected to the two conductive functional components through the two connecting pieces (100).

14. The battery cell according to claim 13, characterized in that: The top cover assembly (300) comprises a top cover sheet (310) and a positive electrode column (320) and a negative electrode column (330) insulated and arranged on the top cover sheet (310), and the two conductive functional components comprise the positive electrode column (320) and the negative electrode column (330); Alternatively, the top cover assembly (300) comprises a top cover sheet (310) and a pole insulated and arranged on the top cover sheet (310), and the two conductive functional components comprise the pole and the top cover sheet (310).

15. A battery, characterized in that: Comprising a battery cell as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14.

16. An electrical device, characterized in that: Comprising the battery as claimed in claim 15, or the battery monomer as claimed in any one of claims 12-14.

17. A limiting device, characterized in that: Used to limit the position of a connector (100), the connector (100) being used to be welded to the pole lug (210) and to electrically connect the pole lug (210) and the top cover assembly (300), the connector (100) being provided with a first limiting portion, The limiting device (400) is provided with a second limiting portion, and the second limiting portion is used to cooperate with the first limiting portion to enable the limiting device (400) to limit the connecting member (100) at least in the welding direction (a) of the pole ear (210) and the connecting member (100).

18. The limiting device according to claim 17, characterized in that: The first limiting portion comprises a limiting recess (110), The second limiting portion comprises a limiting protrusion (410), the shape of the limiting protrusion (410) is adapted to the shape of the limiting recess (110), and the limiting protrusion (410) is used to at least partially extend into the limiting recess (110) and to abut against the limiting recess (110).

19. The limiting device according to claim 18, characterized in that: The limiting device (400) comprises a shell (420), the shell (420) is provided with a receiving cavity (421), the limiting protrusion (410) is provided in the receiving cavity (421), a slot (430) is formed between the limiting protrusion (410) and the cavity wall of the receiving cavity (421), the slot (430) is used to snap-fit ​​the connecting member (100), and when the slot (430) is snap-fitted with the connecting member (100), the limiting protrusion (410) and the limiting recess (110) are matched and connected.

20. The limiting device according to claim 19, characterized in that: The number of the limiting protrusions (410) is two, and two clamping grooves (430) are respectively formed between the two limiting protrusions (410) and the cavity wall of the accommodating cavity (421), and the two clamping grooves (430) are respectively used to clamp the two connecting members (100), and the two limiting protrusions (410) are used to cooperate and connect with the limiting recesses (110) of the two connecting members (100).

Images