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

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a battery monomer, a battery, a power utilization device and an energy storage device. The battery monomer comprises a shell, the shell is provided with a containing space, an opening facing a first direction is formed in the shell, the shell is provided with an end face and an inner circumferential face, the end face is arranged on the side, facing the first direction, of the shell and surrounds the opening, and the inner circumferential face is connected with the end face; the electrode assembly is arranged in the accommodating space; the end cover covers the opening, and the end cover comprises a first section and a second section which are connected with each other; the surface, facing the electrode assembly, of the first section abuts against the end face, and the surface, perpendicular to one side of the first direction, of the second section abuts against the inner circumferential face. The end cover and the shell of the battery monomer provided by the embodiment of the utility model have relatively high connection reliability. According to the battery, the power utilization device and the energy storage device, due to the adoption of the battery monomer, the use reliability is relatively high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of batteries, and particularly to a battery cell, a battery, an electric device and an energy storage device. Background Art

[0002] With the popularization and implementation of the concept of green development, new energy batteries are increasingly widely used in life and industries. For example, new energy vehicles equipped with batteries have been widely used. In addition, batteries are also increasingly applied to the energy storage field and so on.

[0003] A battery includes a plurality of battery cells electrically connected to each other. A battery cell generally includes an electrode assembly, a housing and an end cap. The end cap is connected to the opening of the housing and encloses the electrode assembly in the housing. However, when the end cap and the housing are connected, the relative positions of the two are likely to shift, which may lead to poor connection and reduce the connection reliability. Therefore, how to improve the connection reliability between the end cap and the housing is one of the research directions in the industry. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] To solve the above technical problems, the present application provides a battery cell, a battery, an electric device and an energy storage device that can reduce the offset when the end cap and the housing are connected and thus improve the connection reliability.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a battery cell, including: a housing having an accommodation space, the housing being configured with an opening facing a first direction, the housing having an end face and an inner circumferential surface, the end face being disposed on a side of the housing facing the first direction and surrounding the opening, and the inner circumferential surface being connected to the end face; an electrode assembly disposed in the accommodation space; an end cap covering the opening, the end cap including a first section and a second section connected to each other; wherein, a surface of the first section facing the electrode assembly abuts against the end face, and a surface of the second section on a side perpendicular to the first direction abuts against the inner circumferential surface.

[0006] In the embodiments of the present application, since the surface of the first section of the end cap facing the electrode assembly abuts against the end face and the surface of the second section on a side perpendicular to the first direction abuts, in the first direction, the end cap can be limited by the end face of the housing; in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the end cap can be limited by the inner circumferential surface of the housing, so that the position of the end cap relative to the housing is fixed, and the relative displacement between the two can be reduced when the end cap and the housing are connected, reducing the risk of poor connection caused by offset, and also helping to reduce the connection gap between the two and enhance the connection strength. Since the electrode assembly is disposed in the accommodation space, the housing and the end cap cooperate to separate the electrode assembly from the outside, thereby protecting the electrode assembly.

[0007] In some embodiments, the end cap has a notch, the first section and the second section are arranged along a second direction, and along a third direction, the size of the second section is smaller than that of the first section to form the notch, and the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other; the housing includes a protruding portion disposed on the end face, the protruding portion is disposed opposite to the second section along the third direction and is at least partially received in the notch, and a surface on one side of the second section in the third direction abuts against an inner wall surface of the protruding portion.

[0008] Since the protruding portion is received in the notch, during the process of the protruding portion extending into the notch, the notch can guide the protruding portion to extend in, which helps to align the housing and the end cap with each other. After the protruding portion extends into the notch, the inner wall surface of the protruding portion can limit the surface on one side of the notch in the third direction, so that the relative positions of the end cap and the housing are fixed.

[0009] In some embodiments, a surface of the protruding portion and the first section facing the second direction abuts.

[0010] Thus, the notch and the protruding portion are closely matched. In the third direction, the second section of the end cap is limited by the protruding portion; in the second direction, the first section of the end cap is limited by the protruding portion, so that the relative positions of the end cap and the protruding portion are further fixed. When the end cap and the housing are connected, the relative displacement between the two can be reduced, the risk of poor connection caused by offset can be reduced, and it also helps to reduce the connection gap between the two.

[0011] In some embodiments, there are a plurality of the first sections, and the second section is disposed between two adjacent first sections.

[0012] Since the second section with a smaller size in the third direction is located between two adjacent first sections with a larger size in the third direction, when the protruding portion is received in the notch, the first sections can limit the protruding portion from both sides of the second direction of the protruding portion, so that the protruding portion is closely attached to the notch, thereby fixing the position of the end cap relative to the housing. When the end cap and the housing are connected, the relative displacement between the two can be reduced, the risk of poor connection caused by offset can be reduced, and it also helps to reduce the connection gap between the two.

[0013] In some embodiments, there is a height difference between two adjacent first sections along the first direction, and the housing has a protruding portion protruding towards the end cap. Along the first direction, the protruding portion is at least connected to the first section farther from the electrode assembly.

[0014] Since there is a height difference between two adjacent first segments along the first direction, the raised portion of the housing is connected to the first segment farther from the electrode assembly. Therefore, the first segment farther from the electrode assembly and the raised portion together enclose an additional space, which can be used to accommodate part of the structure of the electrode terminal and can also be used to accommodate the tab, enabling the other first segments to be arranged closer to the electrode assembly, thus contributing to reducing the overall volume of the battery cell.

[0015] In some embodiments, the raised portion is connected to the second segment, and the protruding portion is at least partially disposed on the raised portion.

[0016] Since there is a height difference between the first segments along the first direction and the second segment connects two adjacent first segments, the second segment generally extends obliquely. Since the raised portion abuts against one side surface of the second segment in the third direction through the protruding portion and one side surface of the second segment in the third direction is a plane, compared with the inclined surface of the second segment abutting against the protruding portion facing the electrode assembly, the abutment between the planes requires lower machining accuracy and can be more closely fitted, which helps to reduce the connection gap between the end cap and the housing and facilitates subsequent welding operations.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second segment includes a transition segment and two connection segments parallel to the second direction, and the connection segments are located on both sides of the transition segment in the second direction and are respectively connected to the first segment.

[0018] Thus, the notch extends from the transition segment to the connection segment, providing a larger abutting area to the inner wall surface of the protruding portion in the third direction, which helps to improve the stability of the abutment between the protruding portion and the notch, and thus helps to fix the position of the end cap relative to the housing.

[0019] In some embodiments, there are multiple second segments, and the first segment farther from the electrode assembly is connected to the second segments on both sides along the second direction, or the first segment farther from the electrode assembly is connected to the second segment on one side along the second direction.

[0020] Thus, when the first segment farther from the electrode assembly is located at the edge of the end cap, one side of the first segment in the second direction is connected to the second segment; when the first segment farther from the electrode assembly has straight segments on both sides, both sides of the first segment in the second direction are respectively connected to the second segment. No matter where the first segment farther from the electrode assembly is located on the end cap, the second segment can connect adjacent first segments with a height difference, enabling the planar portions of the end cap and the housing to abut against each other, which can not only limit the positions of both but also make them closely fit.

[0021] In some embodiments, the end cap has a plurality of the notches, the notches are respectively located on both sides of the second section along the third direction, the housing has a plurality of the protruding portions, and at least a part of the protruding portions is received in each of the notches.

[0022] Thus, the protruding portions corresponding to the notches are located on both sides of the housing in the third direction, the inner wall surfaces of the protruding portions that are directly opposite to each other limit the end cap in the third direction, and both ends of the protruding portions in the second direction respectively abut against the two first sections, so as to limit the end cap in the second direction. The end cap is limited by the housing in the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction, so that when the end cap and the housing are connected, the relative displacement between the two can be reduced, the risk of poor connection caused by deviation can be reduced, and it is also helpful to reduce the connection gap between the two.

[0023] In some embodiments, on the side of the first section that is farther from the electrode assembly and faces the accommodation space, there is a storage space, the storage space is communicated with the accommodation space, the electrode assembly includes a first tab and a second tab, at least a part of the first tab and the second tab is received in the storage space, the battery cell further includes a first electrode terminal electrically connected to the first tab and a second electrode terminal electrically connected to the second tab, and the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal are arranged separately from each other on the first section that is farther from the electrode assembly.

[0024] Since there is a storage space on the side of the first section that is farther from the electrode assembly and faces the accommodation space, and at least a part of the first tab and the second tab is received in the storage space, therefore, the other first sections can be arranged closer to the electrode assembly, which helps to reduce the overall volume of the battery cell.

[0025] In some embodiments, there are two first sections that are farther from the electrode assembly, and the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal are respectively arranged on the two first sections that are farther from the electrode assembly.

[0026] Thus, a part of the structure of the first electrode terminal can be received in one storage space, and a part of the structure of the second electrode terminal can be received in the other storage space, which can not only reduce the risk of conduction between the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal, but also enable the other first sections to be arranged closer to the electrode assembly, which helps to reduce the overall volume of the battery cell.

[0027] In some embodiments, the surface of the end cap close to the accommodation space has a limiting portion protruding towards the accommodation space, and the limiting portion abuts against the inner peripheral surface.

[0028] Thus, the end cap can extend into the housing through the limiting portion, and the inner peripheral surface of the housing and the limiting portion cooperate to further limit the end cap, making it difficult for the end cap to shift relative to the housing, reducing the risk of poor connection caused by the shift, and also helping to reduce the gap between the end cap and the housing.

[0029] In some embodiments, the housing and the end cap are connected by welding.

[0030] Thus, welding is performed between the relatively flat surfaces of the housing and the end cap, which helps to reduce the weld seam between the housing and the end cap and improve the welding effect.

[0031] In some embodiments, the battery cell further includes an insulating member, the insulating member is located between the end cap and the electrode assembly and is connected to the end cap. Along the first direction, in the same projection plane, the projection of the insulating member does not exceed the projection of the end cap.

[0032] Since the insulating member is disposed between the end cap and the electrode assembly, the electrode assembly can be insulated from the end cap, reducing the probability of accidental conduction. Since along the first direction, in the same projection plane, the projection of the insulating member does not exceed the projection of the end cap, the probability of the insulating member being stuck in the housing is reduced, and the probability of the insulating member blocking the protruding structures such as the limiting portion on the end cap is reduced.

[0033] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a battery, including a box body and at least two battery cells as described above. The battery cells include a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal that are respectively electrically connected to the electrode assembly.

[0034] Since the battery includes battery cells with a relatively high connection strength between the end cap and the housing, the battery has strong reliability in use.

[0035] In some embodiments, at least one box wall of the box body has a boss, the boss is formed by the box wall bulging towards the direction away from the battery cell, the boss forms a receiving portion on the side facing the battery cell, and along the direction perpendicular to the box wall where the boss is formed, the projections of the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal do not exceed the projection of the boss, and at least part of the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal are received in the receiving portion.

[0036] Thus, by receiving the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal in the receiving portion, it helps to reduce the overall volume of the box body and improve the volume utilization rate inside the box body.

[0037] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides an electrical device, including the battery cell as described above, or the battery as described above. The battery cell or the battery supplies power to the electrical device.

[0038] Accordingly, it is possible to provide an electrical device with a battery having a relatively high connection strength between the end cap and the housing on which the battery cell is mounted, thereby improving the reliability of use of the electrical device.

[0039] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides an energy storage device, including the battery cell or the battery as described above, where the battery cell or the battery is configured to store electrical energy and can supply electrical energy.

[0040] Accordingly, it is possible to provide an energy storage device with a battery having a relatively high connection strength between the end cap and the housing on which the battery cell is mounted, thereby improving the reliability of use of the energy storage device.

[0041] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present application. In order to understand the technical means of the present application more clearly, it can be implemented according to the content of the specification. In order to make the above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present application more obvious and understandable, the following specifically describes the embodiments of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a vehicle provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 2 An exploded view of a battery provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 3 An exploded view of a battery cell provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 4 is Figure 3 A partial enlarged view of part A in

[0046] Figure 5 A three-dimensional schematic view of the cooperation between the housing and the end cap provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 6 is Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of part B in

[0048] Figure 7 A schematic view of a battery cell provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 8 A schematic view of a battery cell provided by still another embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 9 A three-dimensional schematic view of an end cap provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 10 is Figure 9 A partial enlarged view of part C in

[0052] Figure 11 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a housing provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 12 is Figure 11 a partial enlarged schematic diagram of part D in

[0054] Figure 13 A top view of an end cap provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 14 A front view of a battery cell provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 15 is Figure 14 a sectional schematic diagram of E-E in

[0057] Figure 16 is Figure 14 a sectional schematic diagram of F-F in

[0058] Figure 17 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a battery provided with a boss according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0059] Explanation of reference numerals

[0060] 1000, vehicle; 100, battery; 200, controller; 300, motor; 10, battery cell; 20, box body; 20A, upper box body; 20B, lower box body; 201, boss; 11, housing; 11a, accommodation space; 111, end face; 112, inner circumferential surface; 113, protruding part; 114, raised part; 12, electrode assembly; 121, first tab; 122, second tab; 13, end cap; 13a, storage space; 131, first section; 132, second section; 1321, transition section; 1322, connection section; 133, notch; 134, limiting part; 14, first electrode terminal; 15, second electrode terminal; 16, insulating part; Z, first direction; X, second direction; Y, third direction. Detailed implementation manners

[0061] Hereinafter, embodiments of the technical solutions of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, so they are only examples and cannot be used to limit the protection scope of the present application.

[0062] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this application belongs; the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0063] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. are only used to distinguish different objects and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity, specific order or primary-secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0064] Referring to "embodiments" herein means that the specific features, structures or characteristics described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The phrase appearing in various positions in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art explicitly and implicitly understand that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0065] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this text generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after.

[0066] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by technical terms such as "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "circumferential", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, operated or used in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of this application.

[0067] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation", "connection", "connection", "fixation", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it may also be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and may be the communication inside two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0068] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the technical term "contact" should be understood in a broad sense, and may be direct contact or contact through an intermediate medium layer. It may be contact with essentially no interaction force between the two contacting parties, or it may be contact with interaction force between the two contacting parties.

[0069] Below, this application is described in detail.

[0070] With the promotion and popularization of the concept of green development, new energy batteries are being used more and more widely in life and industry. For example, new energy vehicles equipped with batteries have been widely used. In addition, batteries are also being increasingly used in the field of energy storage.

[0071] A battery includes a plurality of battery cells that are electrically connected to each other. A battery cell generally includes an electrode assembly, a housing, and an end cap, wherein the end cap is connected to the opening of the housing and seals the electrode assembly in the housing. However, when the end cap and the housing are connected, the positions of the two are prone to relative displacement, which may result in poor connection and reduce the connection reliability. Therefore, how to improve the connection reliability between the end cap and the housing is one of the research directions in the industry.

[0072] The present application provides a battery cell that can be deflected during connection to improve connection reliability.

[0073] Based on such a design concept, the inventor of the present application designed a battery cell, comprising: a shell, the shell having a accommodating space, the shell being configured with an opening facing a first direction, the shell having an end face and an inner circumferential surface, the end face being arranged on a side of the shell facing the first direction and being arranged around the opening, and the inner circumferential surface and the end face being connected; an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly being placed in the accommodating space; an end cover, sealing the opening, the end cover comprising a first section and a second section connected to each other; wherein a surface of the first section facing the electrode assembly abuts against the end face, and a surface of the second section on a side perpendicular to the first direction abuts against the inner circumferential surface.

[0074] Since the surface of the first section of the end cap facing the electrode assembly abuts against the end face, and the surface of the second section on one side perpendicular to the first direction abuts against the end face, the end cap can be limited by the end face of the shell in the first direction; in the direction perpendicular to the first direction, the end cap can be limited by the inner circumferential surface of the shell, so that the position of the end cap relative to the shell is fixed, and the relative displacement between the end cap and the shell can be reduced when the end cap and the shell are connected, reducing the risk of poor connection due to offset, and also helping to reduce the connection gap between the two and enhance the connection strength. Since the electrode assembly is placed in the accommodating space, the shell and the end cap cooperate to separate the electrode assembly from the outside, thereby protecting the electrode assembly.

[0075] In the embodiment of the present application, the battery cell may be a secondary battery. A secondary battery refers to a battery cell that can be continuously used by activating active materials by charging after the battery cell is discharged.

[0076] The battery cell can be a lithium ion battery, a sodium ion battery, a sodium lithium ion battery, a lithium metal battery, a sodium metal battery, a lithium sulfur battery, a magnesium ion battery, a nickel hydrogen battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a lead storage battery, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0077] The battery cell includes an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet and a separator. During the charge and discharge process of the battery cell, active ions (such as lithium ions) are embedded and removed back and forth between the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet. The separator is arranged between the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet, which can prevent the positive and negative electrodes from short-circuiting and allow active ions to pass through. The positive electrode sheet generally includes a positive electrode collector and a positive electrode active material attached to the positive electrode collector. Exemplarily, the positive electrode collector can be aluminum foil. The negative electrode sheet generally includes a negative electrode collector and a negative electrode active material attached to the negative electrode collector. Exemplarily, the negative electrode collector can be copper foil.

[0078] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is provided with a tab, which can conduct current from the electrode assembly. The tab includes a positive tab and a negative tab. The positive tab can be connected to the positive electrode current collector, and the negative tab can be connected to the negative electrode current collector.

[0079] In some embodiments, the battery cell may include a housing. The housing is used to encapsulate components such as the electrode assembly and the electrolyte. The housing may be a steel housing, an aluminum housing, a plastic housing (such as polypropylene), a composite metal housing (such as a copper-aluminum composite housing), or an aluminum-plastic film.

[0080] In some embodiments, at least one electrode terminal is disposed on the housing, and the electrode terminal is electrically connected to the electrode tab. The electrode terminal and the electrode tab may be connected directly or through an adapter or the like.

[0081] The battery mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may include one or more battery cells to provide a single physical module with higher voltage and capacity. When there are multiple battery cells, the multiple battery cells are connected in series, in parallel or in hybrid connection through a busbar. Hybrid connection means that multiple battery cells are connected in both series and in parallel.

[0082] The battery cells provided in the embodiments of the present application can be used, but are not limited to, in electrical devices such as energy storage devices, vehicles, ships or aircraft.

[0083] The battery cells provided in the embodiments of the present application can also be grouped together to form a battery (sometimes also referred to as a battery pack). The battery can also be used in, but not limited to, energy storage devices, vehicles, ships, aircraft and other electrical devices.

[0084] The embodiments of the present application also provide an electrical device including the above battery cell or battery. The electrical device may be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, an electric toy, a power tool, a battery car, an electric vehicle, a ship, a spacecraft, etc. Among them, the electric toy may include a stationary or mobile electric toy, for example, a game console, an electric vehicle toy, an electric ship toy, an electric aircraft toy, etc. The spacecraft may include an airplane, a rocket, a space shuttle, a spaceship, etc.

[0085] The embodiments of the present application also provide an energy storage device including the above battery cell or battery. The energy storage device includes an energy storage container, an energy storage cabinet, etc.

[0086] For the convenience of description, the electrical device in an embodiment of the present application is taken as the vehicle 1000 as an example for description. The following is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0087] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle provided by an embodiment of the present application. The vehicle 1000 may be a fuel vehicle, a gas vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle may be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or an extended-range vehicle, etc. As Figure 1 shown, a battery 100 is disposed inside the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 may be disposed at the bottom, the head, or the tail of the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 may be used for power supply of the vehicle 1000. For example, the battery 100 may be used as the operating power source of the vehicle 1000. The vehicle 1000 may further include a controller 200 and a motor 300. The controller 200 is used to control the battery 100 to supply power to the motor 300. For example, it is used for the working power requirements during the start, navigation, and driving of the vehicle 1000.

[0088] In some embodiments of the present application, the battery 100 may not only be used as the operating power source of the vehicle 1000, but also be used as the driving power source of the vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1000.

[0089] Figure 2 It is an explosion schematic diagram of a battery provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 2 shown, the battery 100 includes a box body 20. The box body 20 may be divided into an upper box body 20A and a lower box body 20B. The upper box body 20A and the lower box body 20B are mutually opposed to form an arrangement space for the battery cell 10 therebetween.

[0090] In the battery 100, there may be multiple battery cells 10. The multiple battery cells 10 can be connected in series, parallel, or in a combined series-parallel configuration. A combined series-parallel configuration means that there are both series and parallel connections among the multiple battery cells 10. The multiple battery cells 10 can be directly connected in series, parallel, or in a combined series-parallel manner, and then the whole formed by the multiple battery cells 10 is placed in the arrangement space defined by the upper box body 20A and the lower box body 20B. Of course, the battery 100 can also be in the form that multiple battery cells 10 are first connected in series, parallel, or in a combined series-parallel manner to form battery modules, and then the multiple battery modules are connected in series, parallel, or in a combined series-parallel manner to form a whole and are accommodated in the arrangement space defined by the upper box body 20A and the lower box body 20B. The battery 100 can also include other structures. For example, the battery 100 can also include a busbar ( Figure 2 not shown in the figure) for realizing the electrical connection between the multiple battery cells 10.

[0091] Next, some embodiments of the present application will be described in detail in conjunction with Figures 3 to 17 the accompanying drawings.

[0092] Figure 3 FIG. Figure 4 is Figure 3 a schematic exploded view of a battery cell provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 5 FIG. Figure 6 is Figure 5 a partially enlarged schematic view of part A in Figure 7 FIG. Figure 8 a schematic view of a battery cell provided in another embodiment of the present application; Figure 9 FIG. Figure 10 is Figure 9 a partially enlarged schematic view of part B in Figure 11 FIG. Figure 12 is Figure 11 a partially enlarged schematic view of part D in Figure 13 FIG. Figure 14 is Figure 15 a front view of a battery cell provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 14 FIG. Figure 16 is Figure 14 a sectional view taken along line E-E in Figure 17 FIG.

[0093] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, for the convenience of description, the direction where the arrow Z is located is used to represent the "first direction", the direction where the arrow X is located is used to represent the "second direction", and the direction where the arrow Y is located is used to represent the "third direction".

[0094] The first aspect of the present application provides a battery cell 10, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, including: a housing 11, the housing 11 has an accommodation space 11a, the housing 11 is configured with an opening facing the first direction Z, the housing 11 has an end face 111 and an inner peripheral surface 112, the end face 111 is disposed on one side of the housing 11 facing the first direction Z and surrounds the opening, and the inner peripheral surface 112 is connected to the end face 111; an electrode assembly 12, the electrode assembly 12 is placed in the accommodation space 11a; an end cap 13, covering the opening, the end cap 13 includes a first section 131 and a second section 132 connected to each other; wherein, the surface of the first section 131 facing the electrode assembly 12 abuts against the end face 111, and the surface of the second section 132 on the side perpendicular to the first direction Z abuts against the inner peripheral surface 112.

[0095] The battery cell 10 includes a housing 11, an electrode assembly 12 and an end cap 13. The housing 11 has an accommodation space 11a and an opening, the electrode assembly 12 is placed into the accommodation space 11a from the opening, and the end cap 13 covers the opening so that the electrode assembly 12 is enclosed in the housing 11.

[0096] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 12 includes a positive electrode tab, a negative electrode tab and a separator. During the charging and discharging process of the battery cell 10, active ions (such as lithium ions) are embedded and extracted back and forth between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The separator is disposed between the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab, which can play a role in preventing short circuit between the positive and negative electrodes, and at the same time can allow active ions to pass through. In Figure 3 the illustrated embodiment, as the electrode assembly 12, two stacked and wound bodies formed by stacking and winding a positive electrode tab, a negative electrode tab and a separator are shown. However, the electrode assembly 12 is not limited to Figure 3 the winding type shown, for example, it may also be a stacked type or other structural forms.

[0097] The electrode assembly 12 is provided with tabs, and the tabs can lead the current out of the electrode assembly 12. The tabs include a first tab 121 and a second tab 122. In Figure 3In the specific embodiments shown, the first tab 121 and the second tab 122 are arranged on the same side of the electrode assembly 12 along the first direction Z and are both arranged near one end of the electrode assembly 12 along the second direction X. Of course, the first tab 121 and the second tab 122 may also be arranged on opposite sides of the electrode assembly 12; the first tab 121 and the second tab 122 may also be respectively arranged near the two end portions of the electrode assembly 12 along the second direction X. The first tab 121 and the second tab 122 may have the same polarity or opposite polarities. In this application, the case where the tabs are led out on one side along the second direction X is taken as an example for illustration. However, it is obvious that this application is also applicable to the case where the tabs are led out on both sides. In the case where the tabs are led out on both sides, the solution of the embodiment of this application may be adopted only on one side, or the solution of the embodiment of this application may be adopted on both sides.

[0098] The housing 11 encloses an accommodation space 11a. The housing 11 is configured with an opening facing one side, and the electrode assembly 12 can enter the accommodation space 11a of the housing 11 through the opening. The orientation of the opening of the housing 11 is parallel to the first direction Z. The housing 11 includes a plurality of housing walls. Optionally, four housing walls with an extending direction parallel to the first direction Z are provided, and the four housing walls are connected end to end to form a frame shape with openings on both sides (which can be formed by sequentially connecting the housing walls, or can be formed by bending a piece of base material and connecting the ends), and then a housing wall with an extending direction perpendicular to the first direction Z is provided, and this housing wall seals one opening.

[0099] The housing 11 has an inner circumferential surface 112. The surface of the housing wall with an extending direction parallel to the first direction Z facing the accommodation space 11a is the inner circumferential surface 112, and the inner circumferential surface 112 is used to define the accommodation space 11a. The housing 11 also has an end surface 111. The end surface 111 is connected to the inner circumferential surface 112. The edge of the housing wall near the opening is the end surface 111, and the end surface 111 faces the side of the first direction Z and surrounds the opening.

[0100] The end cap 13 is used to seal the opening, so that the accommodation space 11a is isolated from the outside. Along the first direction Z, in the same projection plane, the projection of the end cap 13 and the projection of the end surface 111 overlap. The end cap 13 includes a first section 131 and a second section 132. The first section 131 abuts against any one of the end surface 111 and the inner circumferential surface 112, and at least a part of the second section 132 abuts against the other one of the end surface 111 and the inner circumferential surface 112.

[0101] A protrusion may be formed on one side of the first section 131 or the second section 132 perpendicular to the first direction Z, and a recess corresponding to the protrusion is provided on the end face 111 of the housing 11, and the protrusion is received in the recess; alternatively, a recess may be formed on one side of the first section 131 or the second section 132 perpendicular to the first direction Z, and a protrusion corresponding to the recess is provided on the end face 111 of the housing 11, and the protrusion is received in the recess, so that the end cap 13 and the housing 11 are limited in position relative to each other in the direction perpendicular to the first direction Z.

[0102] In a specific embodiment, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, either the first section 131 or the second section 132 is formed with a protruding portion extending perpendicular to the first direction Z, and a notch is formed in the housing 11 corresponding to the protruding portion. The end cap 13 extends into the housing 11, and the protruding portion is received in the notch. The surfaces on both sides of the other of the first section 131 and the second section 132 perpendicular to the first direction Z are in contact with the inner peripheral surface 112 of the housing 11, and the surface of the protruding portion facing the electrode assembly 12 is in contact with the surface of the notch facing the end cap.

[0103] In another specific embodiment, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the housing 11 is formed with a protruding portion 113 protruding from the end face 111 along the first direction Z, and a notch 133 is formed in the end cap 13 corresponding to the protruding portion 113. The part with the notch 133 can be regarded as the second section 132 of the end cap 13. The end cap 13 is pressed from the opening towards the end face 111, and the protruding portion 113 is received in the notch 133. The surface of the first section 131 facing the electrode assembly 12 is in contact with the end face 111, and one side surface of the notch 133 perpendicular to the first direction Z is in contact with the inner wall surface of the protruding portion 113. Among them, the inner peripheral surface 112 includes the inner wall surface of the protruding portion 113.

[0104] Since the surface of the first section 131 of the end cap 13 facing the electrode assembly 12 is in contact with the end face 111, and the surface on one side of the second section 132 perpendicular to the first direction Z is in contact, therefore, in the first direction Z, the end cap 13 can be limited by the end face 111 of the housing 11; in the direction perpendicular to the first direction Z, the end cap 13 can be limited by the inner peripheral surface 112 of the housing 11, so that the position of the end cap 13 relative to the housing 11 is fixed. When the end cap 13 and the housing 11 are connected, the relative displacement between the two can be reduced, the risk of poor connection caused by offset can be reduced, and it is also helpful to reduce the connection gap between the two and enhance the connection strength. Since the electrode assembly 12 is placed in the accommodation space 11a, the housing 11 and the end cap 13 cooperate to separate the electrode assembly 12 from the outside, so that the electrode assembly 12 can be protected.

[0105] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4, the end cap 13 has a notch 133. The first section 131 and the second section 132 are arranged along the second direction X. Along the third direction Y, the size of the second section 132 is smaller than that of the first section 131 to form the notch 133. The first direction Z, the second direction X, and the third direction Y are perpendicular to each other. The housing 11 includes a protruding portion 113. The protruding portion 113 is provided on the end face 111. The protruding portion 113 is disposed opposite to the second section 132 along the third direction Y and is at least partially received in the notch 133. The surface on one side of the second section 132 in the third direction Y abuts against the inner wall surface of the protruding portion 113.

[0106] The second direction X is perpendicular to the first direction Z. For a prismatic battery, the direction where the longest side of the battery cell 10 is located can be regarded as the second direction X. The prismatic battery cell includes a square shell battery cell, a blade-shaped battery cell, a multi-prismatic battery. The multi-prismatic battery is, for example, a hexagonal prism battery, etc. The present application has no special limitation on this.

[0107] The third direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction Z and the second direction X respectively.

[0108] The first section 131 and the second section 132 are arranged along the second direction X. A plurality of the first sections 131 and the second sections 132 can be provided. Optionally, along the second direction X, the first section 131 and the second section 132 are alternately arranged with each other.

[0109] Along the third direction Y, the size of the second section 132 is smaller than that of the first section 131 to form the notch 133. Optionally, along the third direction Y, the difference between the size of the second section 132 and the size of the first section 131 can be the thickness of one housing wall. The notch 133 is located on one side of the second section 132 in the third direction Y. Similarly optionally, along the third direction Y, the difference between the size of the second section 132 and the size of the first section 131 can be the sum of the thicknesses of two housing walls. The notch 133 is located on both sides of the second section 132 in the third direction Y. Wherein, the thickness of the housing wall is the size of the housing wall in the second direction X or the third direction Y.

[0110] When a plurality of the second sections 132 are provided, notches 133 are formed on at least one side of each second section 132 in the third direction Y. The notches 133 can be located on either side of each second section 132 in the third direction Y.

[0111] The housing 11 includes an extension portion 113 which is provided on the end face 111 and protrudes from the end face 111 in the first direction Z. The height difference between the edge of the extension portion 113 close to the end cover 13 and the end face 111 without the extension portion 113 in the first direction Z can be the thickness of the end cover 13, or this height difference can also be greater than the thickness of the end cover 13. Herein, the thickness of the end cover 13 is the dimension of the end cover 13 in the first direction Z. Along the third direction Y, within the same projection plane, the projection of the extension portion 113 coincides with the projection of the second section 132.

[0112] At least a part of the extension portion 113 is received in the notch 133, and the inner wall surface of the extension portion 113 abuts against one side surface of the second section 132 in the third direction Y. When the notch 133 is located on both sides of the second section 132 in the third direction Y, the end face 111 without the extension portion 113 abuts against the surface of the first section 131 facing the electrode assembly 12. When the notch 133 is located on one side of the second section 132 in the third direction Y, a part of the end face 111 without the extension portion 113 abuts against the surface of the second section 132 near the other side in the third direction Y facing the electrode assembly 12, and another part abuts against the surface of the first section 131 facing the electrode assembly 12.

[0113] Since the extension portion 113 is received in the notch 133, during the process of the extension portion 113 extending into the notch 133, the notch 133 can guide the extension portion 113 to extend in, which helps to align the housing 11 and the end cover 13 with each other. After the extension portion 113 extends into the notch 133, the inner wall surface of the extension portion 113 can limit the surface on one side of the notch 133 in the third direction Y, so that the relative positions of the end cover 13 and the housing 11 are fixed.

[0114] In some embodiments, the extension portion 113 abuts against the surface of the first section 131 facing the second direction X.

[0115] In some embodiments, as Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 shown, along the second direction X, the second section 132 is located between the first sections 131. The first sections 131 located on both sides of the second section 132 respectively have surfaces facing the notch 133 along the second direction X, and the two surfaces are directly opposite to each other. The extension portion 113 is received in the notch 133 and is located between the two surfaces. The extension portion 113 abuts against the surfaces of at least one of the first sections 131 located on both sides of the second section 132 facing the notch 133.

[0116] Optionally, along the third direction Y, the size of the second segment 132 is smaller than that of the first segment 131, so that a notch 133 is formed on at least one side of the second segment 132 in the third direction Y. The two first segments 131 have surfaces facing the notch 133. The two surfaces are spaced apart from each other and directly opposite in the second direction X. The protruding portion 113 is received in the notch 133 and is located between the two surfaces. The protruding portion 113 abuts against the surface of the first segment 131 facing the notch 133 and / or the surface of the second segment 132 facing the notch 133.

[0117] Thus, the notch 133 and the protruding portion 113 cooperate with each other. In the third direction Y, the second segment 132 of the end cap 13 is limited by the protruding portion 113; in the second direction X, the first segment 131 of the end cap 13 is limited by the protruding portion 113, so that the relative position of the end cap 13 and the protruding portion 113 is further fixed. When the end cap 13 and the housing 11 are connected, the relative displacement between the two can be reduced, the risk of poor connection caused by offset can be reduced, and it is also helpful to reduce the connection gap between the two.

[0118] In some embodiments, as Figures 3 to 10 shown, there are multiple first segments 131, and the second segment 132 is provided between two adjacent first segments 131.

[0119] In a specific embodiment, along the second direction X, the first segments 131 and the second segments 132 are alternately arranged. The first segments 131 are respectively located at both ends of the end cap 13 in the second direction X. The notch 133 is formed on at least one side of the second segment 132 in the third direction Y. The protruding portion 113 is received in the notch 133. The surfaces on both sides of the protruding portion 113 in the second direction X respectively abut against the surfaces of the first segments 131 facing the second direction X, and the inner wall surface of the protruding portion 113 abuts against one side surface of the notch 133 in the third direction Y.

[0120] In some embodiments, the number of the second segments 132 can be one less than the number of the first segments 131. Exemplarily, there are two first segments 131, and the second segment 132 is between the two first segments 131. There are three first segments 131, two second segments 132, and the second segment 132 is between every two adjacent first segments 131. There are four first segments 131, three second segments 132, and the second segment 132 is between every two adjacent first segments 131. The first segments 131 can also be provided with a larger number, and the number of the second segments 132 is one less than the number of the first segments 131. The present application does not make any special limitation on the specific number of the first segments 131.

[0121] Since the second section 132 with a smaller Y dimension in the third direction is located between adjacent first sections 131 with a larger Y dimension in the third direction, when the protruding portion 113 is received in the notch 133, the first section 131 can limit the protruding portion 113 from both sides in the second direction X of the protruding portion 113, so that the protruding portion 113 is closely attached to the notch 133, thereby fixing the position of the end cap 13 relative to the housing 11. When the end cap 13 and the housing 11 are connected, the relative displacement between the two can be reduced, the risk of poor connection caused by offset can be reduced, and it is also helpful to reduce the connection gap between the two.

[0122] In some embodiments, as Figures 7 to 14 shown, adjacent first sections 131 have a height difference along the first direction Z, and the housing 11 has a raised portion 114 that bulges toward the end cap 13. Along the first direction Z, the raised portion 114 is connected to at least the first section 131 farther from the electrode assembly 12.

[0123] Along the second direction X, the first sections 131 and the second sections 132 are alternately arranged. The first sections 131 are spaced apart from each other, and both sides of the second section 132 are connected to the first sections 131. Two first sections 131 connected to the same second section 132 are regarded as adjacent first sections 131. Adjacent first sections 131 have a height difference along the first direction Z, and the second section 132 connecting adjacent first sections 131 with a height difference is inclined or perpendicular to the second direction X.

[0124] A partial end face 111 of the housing 11 bulges along the first direction Z to form the raised portion 114. The raised portion 114, the inclined second section 132, and the first section 131 farther from the electrode assembly 12 together enclose an additional space, which can be regarded as the storage space 13a. The storage space 13a communicates with the accommodation space 11a. The raised portions 114 are arranged at intervals along the third direction Y, and one side surface of the raised portion 114 in the first direction Z abuts against the surface of the first section 131 facing the electrode assembly 12.

[0125] Since adjacent first sections 131 have a height difference along the first direction Z and the raised portion 114 of the housing 11 is connected to the first section 131 farther from the electrode assembly 12, the first section 131 farther from the electrode assembly 12 and the raised portion 114 together enclose an additional space, which can be used to accommodate part of the structure of the electrode terminal and can also be used to accommodate the tab, so that the other first sections 131 can be arranged closer to the electrode assembly 12, thereby helping to reduce the overall volume of the battery cell 10.

[0126] In some embodiments, as Figure 11 and Figure 12 shown, the raised portion 114 is connected to the second section 132, and the protruding portion 113 is partially arranged on the raised portion 114.

[0127] The raised portions 114 are arranged at intervals along the third direction Y. A part of the protruding portion 113 is arranged on the raised portion 114. Thus, a part of the raised portion 114 is connected to the second section 132 through the protruding portion 113. The surface of the first section 131 facing the electrode assembly 12 abuts against one side surface of the raised portion 114 in the first direction Z, and one side surface in the third direction Y at the notch 133 abuts against the inner wall surface of the protruding portion 113.

[0128] In an alternative embodiment, the notch 133 is located on one side of the second section 132 in the third direction Y. The protruding portion 113 is provided on the raised portion 114 on the same side of the housing 11 in the third direction Y. One side surface of the raised portion 114 in the first direction Z abuts against the surface of the first section 131 facing the electrode assembly 12, and the inner wall surface of the protruding portion 113 abuts against one side surface in the third direction Y at the notch 133. One side surface of the raised portion 114 on the other side of the housing 11 in the third direction Y abuts against the surfaces of the first section 131 and the second section 132 facing the electrode assembly 12.

[0129] In another alternative embodiment, the notch 133 is located on both sides of the second section 132 in the third direction Y. The protruding portion 113 is provided on the raised portions 114 on both sides of the housing 11 in the third direction Y. One side surface of each raised portion 114 in the first direction Z abuts against the surface of the first section 131 facing the electrode assembly 12, and the inner wall surface of each protruding portion 113 abuts against one side surface in the third direction Y at the notch 133. During welding, the end cap 13 and the housing 11 are pressed tightly along the first direction Z to reduce the gap between the first section 131 and the end surface 111; the housing 11 is pressed tightly from both sides to the middle along the third direction Y to reduce the gap between the second section 132 and the housing 11. Welding in a state with a smaller gap can reduce the weld seam and improve the welding strength.

[0130] Since there is a height difference of the first section 131 along the first direction Z and the second section 132 connects two adjacent first sections 131, the second section 132 generally extends obliquely. Since the raised portion 114 abuts against one side surface of the second section 132 in the third direction Y through the protruding portion 113 and one side surface of the second section 132 in the third direction Y is a plane, compared with the inclined surface of the second section 132 abutting against the protruding portion 113 facing the electrode assembly 12, the abutment between planes requires lower machining accuracy and can fit more closely, which helps to reduce the connection gap between the end cap 13 and the housing 11 and facilitates subsequent welding operations.

[0131] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figure 13As shown, the second section 132 includes a transition section 1321 and two connecting sections 1322 parallel to the second direction X. The connecting sections 1322 are located on both sides of the transition section 1321 in the second direction X and are respectively connected to the first section 131.

[0132] The second section 132 includes a transition section 1321 and two connecting sections 1322. For two adjacent first sections 131 with a height difference, one connecting section 1322 is connected to one first section 131 and extends along the extending direction of this first section 131; the other connecting section 1322 is connected to the other first section 131 and extends along the extending direction of this first section 131. The two sides of the transition section 1321 in the second direction X are respectively connected to the two connecting sections 1322, and the connecting sections 1322 can be configured as corners or rounded corners to make the junction between the transition section 1321 and the first section 131 smoothly connected.

[0133] Thus, the notch 133 extends from the transition section 1321 to the connecting section 1322, providing a larger abutting area on the inner wall surface of the protruding portion 113 in the third direction Y, which helps to improve the stability of the abutment between the protruding portion 113 and the notch 133, and thus helps to fix the position of the end cover 13 relative to the housing 11.

[0134] In some embodiments, as Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown, there are multiple second sections 132. The first section 131 that is farther away from the electrode assembly 12 is respectively connected to the second sections 132 on both sides in the second direction X, or the first section 131 that is farther away from the electrode assembly 12 is connected to the second section 132 on one side in the second direction X.

[0135] Multiple second sections 132 can be provided. The two sides of the second section 132 can be connected to the first sections 131 with a height difference in the first direction Z, or can be connected to the first sections 131 at the same height in the first direction Z. When the first sections 131 connected to the two sides of the second section 132 have a height difference from each other, it means that there can be one protruding portion on the end cover 13, or two or more protruding portions. Moreover, these protruding portions can be located at any position on the end cover 13.

[0136] Optionally, as Figure 7 shown, the first section 131 that is farther away from the electrode assembly 12 has a certain distance from both ends of the end cover 13 in the second direction X, and the two sides of the first section 131 that is farther away from the electrode assembly 12 in the second direction X are respectively connected to the second sections 132. That is to say, Figure 7 in the embodiment shown, there can be two protruding portions on the end cover, and there is a certain distance left from both ends of the end cover 13 in the second direction X for these two protruding portions.

[0137] Similarly optionally, asFigure 8 As shown, the first section 131 that is farther from the electrode assembly 12 is located at both ends of the end cap 13 in the second direction X, and one side of the first section 131 in the second direction X that is farther from the electrode assembly 12 is connected to the second section 132. That is, Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, there may be two protruding portions on the end cap, and both of these two protruding portions are provided at the ends of the end cap 13 in the second direction X.

[0138] Thus, when the first section 131 that is farther from the electrode assembly 12 is located at the edge of the end cap 13, one side of the first section 131 in the second direction X is connected to the second section 132; when the first section 131 that is farther from the electrode assembly 12 has flat sections on both sides, the two sides of the first section 131 in the second direction X are respectively connected to the second section 132. Regardless of the position of the first section 131 that is farther from the electrode assembly 12 on the end cap 13, the second section 132 can be connected to the adjacent first section 131 with a height difference, so that the flat surface portion of the end cap 13 and the flat surface portion of the housing 11 are in contact, which can not only limit the positions of the two with respect to each other, but also make the two fit closely.

[0139] In some embodiments, as Figures 9 to 12 shown, the end cap 13 has a plurality of notches 133, and the notches 133 are respectively located on both sides of the second section 132 along the third direction Y. The housing 11 has a plurality of protruding portions 113, and at least a part of the protruding portions 113 is received in each notch 133.

[0140] Notches 133 are respectively provided on both sides of the second section 132 along the third direction Y, and the notches 133 are symmetric with respect to the central axis of the end cap 13 parallel to the second direction X. There are a plurality of second sections 132, and notches 133 are respectively provided on both sides of at least a part of the second sections 132 along the third direction Y. The housing 11 is provided with a plurality of protruding portions 113 corresponding to the positions of the notches 133, and at least a part of the protruding portions 113 is received in the notches 133.

[0141] Thus, the protruding portions 113 corresponding to the notches 133 are located on both sides of the housing 11 in the third direction Y. The inner wall surfaces of the protruding portions 113 that are directly opposite to each other limit the position of the end cap 13 in the third direction Y, and the two ends of the protruding portions 113 in the second direction X respectively abut against the two first sections 131, thereby limiting the position of the end cap 13 in the second direction X. The end cap 13 is limited by the housing 11 in the first direction Z, the second direction X, and the third direction Y. Thus, when the end cap 13 and the housing 11 are connected, the relative displacement between the two can be reduced, the risk of poor connection caused by deviation can be reduced, and it is also helpful to reduce the connection gap between the two.

[0142] In some embodiments, as Figure 14 and Figure 16As shown, a storage space 13a is provided on the side of the first section 131 that is farther from the electrode assembly 12 and faces the accommodation space 11a. The storage space 13a communicates with the accommodation space 11a. The electrode assembly 12 includes a first tab 121 and a second tab 122. The first tab 121 and the second tab 122 are partially accommodated in the storage space 13a. The battery cell 10 further includes a first electrode terminal 14 electrically connected to the first tab 121 and a second electrode terminal 15 electrically connected to the second tab 122. The first electrode terminal 14 and the second electrode terminal 15 are spaced apart from each other and arranged on the first section 131 that is farther from the electrode assembly 12.

[0143] The battery cell 10 further includes a first electrode terminal 14 and a second electrode terminal 15. The electrode assembly 12 includes a first tab 121 and a second tab 122. The first electrode terminal 14 is disposed on the end cap 13 and penetrates the end cap 13 to be electrically connected to the first tab 121. The second electrode terminal 15 is disposed on the end cap 13 at a distance from the first electrode terminal 14 and penetrates the end cap 13 to be electrically connected to the second tab 122.

[0144] Furthermore, the first electrode terminal 14 and the second electrode terminal 15 are spaced apart from each other and arranged on the first section 131 that is farther from the electrode assembly 12, so that partial structures of the first electrode terminal 14 and the second electrode terminal 15 can be accommodated in the space between the first section 131 and the electrode assembly 12, and this space is the storage space 13a. A part of the first tab 121 and a part of the second tab 122 are accommodated in the storage space 13a.

[0145] Optionally, a first section 131 that is farther from the electrode assembly 12 is provided, and the first electrode terminal 14 and the second electrode terminal 15 are arranged on the first section 131 at a distance from each other.

[0146] Also optionally, multiple first sections 131 that are farther from the electrode assembly 12 are provided. The first electrode terminal 14 and the second electrode terminal 15 can be spaced apart from each other and arranged on one of the first sections 131, or the first electrode terminal 14 can be arranged on one of the first sections 131 and the second electrode terminal 15 can be arranged on one of the remaining second sections 132.

[0147] Since the storage space 13a is provided on the side of the first section 131 that is farther from the electrode assembly 12 and faces the accommodation space 11a, and the first tab 121 and the second tab 122 are partially accommodated in the storage space 13a, other first sections 131 can be arranged closer to the electrode assembly 12, which helps to reduce the overall volume of the battery cell 10.

[0148] In some embodiments, such as Figures 3 to 14As shown, the first section 131 that is further away from the electrode assembly 12 is provided with two, and the first electrode terminal 14 and the second electrode terminal 15 are respectively arranged on the two first sections 131 that are further away from the electrode assembly 12.

[0149] The first section 131 that is further away from the electrode assembly 12 is provided with two. At least two second sections 132 and one first section 131 are arranged between the two first sections 131. One of the two first sections 131 that are further away from the electrode assembly 12 is provided with the first electrode terminal 14, and the other of the two first sections 131 that are further away from the electrode assembly 12 is provided with the second electrode terminal 15. A part of the first electrode terminal 14 passes through the first section 131 and is electrically connected to the first tab 121, and is received in the receiving space 13a. A part of the second electrode terminal 15 passes through the first section 131 and is electrically connected to the second tab 122, and is received in the receiving space 13a.

[0150] Thus, a part of the structure of the first electrode terminal 14 can be received in one receiving space 13a, and a part of the structure of the second electrode terminal 15 can be received in another receiving space 13a. This can not only reduce the risk of conduction between the first electrode terminal 14 and the second electrode terminal 15, but also enable other first sections 131 to be arranged closer to the electrode assembly 12, which helps to reduce the overall volume of the battery cell 10.

[0151] In some embodiments, as Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figure 15 shown, the surface of the end cap 13 close to the accommodation space 11a has a limiting portion 134 protruding towards the accommodation space 11a, and the limiting portion 134 abuts against the inner circumferential surface 112.

[0152] The surface of the end cap 13 close to the accommodation space 11a has a limiting portion 134, and the limiting portion 134 protrudes towards the accommodation space 11a. The limiting portions 134 are arranged at intervals along the third direction Y, so that one side surface of the limiting portion 134 in the third direction Y abuts against the inner wall surface of the housing 11, and / or the limiting portions 134 are arranged at intervals along the second direction X, so that one side surface of the limiting portion 134 in the second direction X abuts against the inner wall surface of the housing 11.

[0153] Thus, the end cap 13 can extend into the housing 11 through the limiting portion 134, and the inner circumferential surface 112 of the housing 11 and the limiting portion 134 cooperate to further limit the end cap 13, making it difficult for the end cap 13 to shift relative to the housing 11, reducing the risk of poor connection caused by the shift, and also helping to reduce the gap between the end cap 13 and the housing 11.

[0154] In some embodiments, the housing 11 and the end cap 13 are connected by welding.

[0155] Optionally, the welding includes laser welding.

[0156] When there is a height difference between the two first sections 131 along the first direction Z, the second section 132 is inclined relative to the first section 131. If a raised portion 114 is provided on the housing 11 to abut against the inclined surface of the second section 132 facing the electrode assembly 12, at the turning position of the plane of the first section 131 and the inclined surface of the second section 132, the raised portion 114 needs to be constructed with a shape that cooperates with the end cap 13 to abut; for the inclination angle of the inclined surface, the raised portion 114 needs to be constructed with an inclined surface of the same angle to cooperate with the end cap 13 to abut. This requires a relatively high machining accuracy for the raised portion 114 and the end cap 13. If there is a large tolerance, it is difficult for the raised portion 114 and the second section 132 to achieve a tight abutment, resulting in a large gap between the raised portion 114 and the second section 132, which is not conducive to welding.

[0157] To reduce the gap between the end cap 13 and the housing 11, notches 133 are provided on both sides of the second section 132 in the third direction Y, and the housing 11 abuts against one side plane in the third direction Y at the notch 133 through the inner wall surface of the protruding portion 113. During welding, the end cap 13 is pressed against the housing 11 along the first direction Z to reduce the gap between the surface of the end cap 13 facing the electrode assembly 12 and the end face 111; the housing 11 is pressed from both sides to the middle along the third direction Y to reduce the gap between the inner wall surface of the protruding portion 113 and one side surface in the third direction Y at the notch 133.

[0158] Thus, welding is performed between the relatively flat surface of the housing 11 and the relatively flat surface of the end cap 13, which helps to reduce the weld seam between the housing 11 and the end cap 13 and improve the welding effect.

[0159] In some embodiments, as Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 15 shown, the battery cell 10 further includes an insulating member 16. The insulating member 16 is located between the end cap 13 and the electrode assembly 12 and is connected to the end cap 13. Along the first direction Z, in the same projection plane, the projection of the insulating member 16 does not exceed the projection of the end cap 13.

[0160] Since the insulating member 16 is provided between the end cap 13 and the electrode assembly 12, the electrode assembly 12 can be insulated from the end cap 13, reducing the probability of accidental conduction. Since along the first direction Z, in the same projection plane, the projection of the insulating member 16 does not exceed the projection of the end cap 13, the probability of the insulating member 16 being stuck in the housing 11 is reduced, and the probability of the insulating member 16 blocking the protruding structures such as the limiting portion 134 on the end cap 13 is reduced.

[0161] The second aspect of the present application provides a battery 100, including a box body 20 and at least two battery cells 10 provided in the first aspect above. The battery cells 10 include a first electrode terminal 14 and a second electrode terminal 15 that are respectively electrically connected to the electrode assembly 12.

[0162] A plurality of battery cells 10 are arranged in the box body 20 at least along the third direction Y, and are connected in series, in parallel or in a mixed connection with each other.

[0163] Since the battery 100 includes the battery cell 10 with a relatively high connection strength between the end cover 13 and the housing 11, the battery 100 has relatively high usage reliability.

[0164] In some embodiments, as Figure 17 shown, at least one box wall of the box body 20 has a boss 201, which is formed by the box wall bulging towards the direction away from the battery cell 10. The boss 201 forms a receiving portion on the side facing the battery cell 10. Along the direction perpendicular to the box wall where the boss 201 is formed, the projections of the first electrode terminal 14 and the second electrode terminal 15 do not exceed the projection of the boss 201, and the first electrode terminal 14 and the second electrode terminal 15 are at least partially received in the receiving portion.

[0165] The box body 20 has a plurality of box walls, and a boss 201 is formed on at least one box wall. The boss 201 is formed by the box wall bulging towards the direction away from the battery cell 10, and the boss 201 forms a receiving portion on the side facing the battery cell 10. A plurality of battery cells 10 are arranged in the box body 20 at least along the third direction Y, and the box wall close to the end cover 13 of the battery cell 10 has a boss 201. Along the first direction Z, the projections of the first electrode terminal 14 and the second electrode terminal 15 do not exceed the projection of the boss 201, so that the first electrode terminal 14 and the second electrode terminal 15 are at least partially received in the receiving portion.

[0166] Thus, by receiving the first electrode terminal 14 and the second electrode terminal 15 in the receiving portion, it helps to reduce the overall volume of the box body 20 and improve the volume utilization rate inside the box body 20.

[0167] The third aspect of the present application provides an electrical device, including a plurality of the battery cells 10 provided in the first aspect above, or the battery 100 provided in the second aspect above, and the battery cells 10 or the battery 100 supply power to the electrical device.

[0168] Thus, an electrical device equipped with the battery 100 with a relatively high connection strength between the end cover 13 and the housing 11 of the battery cell 10 can be provided, and the usage reliability of the electrical device is improved.

[0169] The fourth aspect of the present application provides an energy storage device, including a plurality of the battery cells 10 provided in the first aspect above, or the battery 100 provided in the second aspect above, and the battery cells 10 or the battery 100 are used to store electrical energy and can supply electrical energy.

[0170] Therefore, an energy storage device of the battery 100 with a relatively high connection strength between the end cap 13 and the housing 11 carrying the battery cell 10 can be provided, improving the reliability of use of the energy storage device.

[0171] A specific embodiment of the present application will be described below.

[0172] There is a height difference between two adjacent first segments 131 in the first direction Z. Both sides of the second segment 132 in the second direction X are respectively connected to the first segments 131 with a height difference. Notches 133 are respectively provided on both sides of the second segment 132 in the third direction Y, and a protruding portion 113 protruding from the end face 111 and received in the notches 133 is provided on the end face 111 of the housing 11. One surface of the notch 133 in the third direction Y abuts against the inner wall surface of the protruding portion 113, and pressure can be applied from both sides of the housing 11 towards the middle in the third direction Y to make the protruding portion 113 fit the notch 133, thereby reducing the fitting gap between the second segment 132 and the housing 11 and improving the welding effect. If the notch 133 is not provided on the second segment 132 and the surface of the second segment 132 facing the electrode assembly 12 is fitted with the end face 111 of the housing 11, the turning between the first segment 131 and the second segment 132 and the inclined surface of the second segment 132 itself will increase the fitting difficulty between the housing 11 and the end cap 13, and there may be gaps, affecting the welding.

[0173] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, various changes and modifications can be made to the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A battery cell, wherein, Comprising: A housing having an accommodation space, the housing being configured with an opening facing a first direction, the housing having an end face and an inner circumferential face, the end face being disposed on a side of the housing facing the first direction and surrounding the opening, and the inner circumferential face being connected to the end face; An electrode assembly disposed in the accommodation space; An end cap covering the opening, the end cap including a first section and a second section connected to each other; Wherein, a surface of the first section facing the electrode assembly abuts against the end face, and a surface of the second section on a side perpendicular to the first direction abuts against the inner circumferential face.

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

3. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein, A surface of the protruding portion and the first section facing the second direction abuts against each other.

4. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, There are a plurality of the first sections, and the second section is disposed between two adjacent first sections.

5. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein, There are a plurality of the first sections, and the second section is disposed between two adjacent first sections.

6. The battery cell according to claim 5, wherein, There is a height difference between two adjacent first sections along the first direction, The housing has a bulging portion bulging towards the end cap, and along the first direction, the bulging portion is connected to at least the first section farther away from the electrode assembly.

7. The battery cell according to claim 6, wherein, The bulging portion is connected to the second section, and the protruding portion is at least partially disposed on the bulging portion.

8. The battery cell according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The second section includes a transition section and two connecting sections parallel to the second direction, and the connecting sections are located on two sides of the transition section in the second direction and are respectively connected to the first section.

9. The battery cell according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, There are a plurality of the second sections, The first section farther away from the electrode assembly is connected to the second sections on two sides along the second direction respectively, Or, The first section farther away from the electrode assembly is connected to one of the second sections along one side in the second direction.

10. The battery cell according to claim 8, wherein, There are a plurality of the second sections, The first section farther away from the electrode assembly is connected to the second sections on two sides along the second direction respectively, Or, The first section farther away from the electrode assembly is connected to one of the second sections along one side in the second direction.

11. The battery cell according to any one of claims 2 to 3, 5 to 7, wherein, the end cap has a plurality of the notches, the notches are respectively located on both sides of the second section along the third direction, and the housing has a plurality of the protruding portions, at least part of the protruding portions are received in the respective notches.

12. The battery cell according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, a storage space is provided on a side of the first section farther from the electrode assembly and facing the accommodation space, the storage space communicates with the accommodation space, the electrode assembly includes a first tab and a second tab, and at least part of the first tab and the second tab are received in the storage space, the battery cell further includes a first electrode terminal electrically connected to the first tab and a second electrode terminal electrically connected to the second tab, and the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal are spaced apart from each other and arranged on the first section farther from the electrode assembly.

13. The battery cell according to claim 12, wherein, there are two first sections farther from the electrode assembly, and the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal are respectively arranged on the two first sections farther from the electrode assembly.

14. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, a limiting portion protruding toward the accommodation space is provided on a surface of the end cap close to the accommodation space, and the limiting portion abuts against the inner peripheral surface.

15. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, the housing is connected to the end cap by welding.

16. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, the battery cell further includes an insulating member, the insulating member is located between the end cap and the electrode assembly and is connected to the end cap, along the first direction, in the same projection plane, the projection of the insulating member does not exceed the projection of the end cap.

17. A battery, wherein, It includes a box body and at least two battery cells according to any one of claims 1 to 16, and the battery cells include a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal respectively electrically connected to the electrode assembly.

18. The battery according to claim 17, wherein, at least one box wall of the box body has a boss, the boss is formed by the box wall bulging toward a direction away from the battery cell, and the boss forms a receiving portion on a side facing the battery cell, along a direction perpendicular to the box wall formed with the boss, the projections of the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal do not exceed the projection of the boss, and at least part of the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal are received in the receiving portion.

19. An electrical device, wherein, The electrical device includes a plurality of battery cells according to any one of claims 1 to 16, or the battery according to claim 17 or 18, and the battery cells or the battery supply power to the electrical device.

20. An energy storage device, wherein, The energy storage device includes a plurality of battery cells according to any one of claims 1 to 16, or the battery according to claim 17 or 18, and the battery cells or the battery are used for storing electrical energy and can provide electrical energy.

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