Battery and electric equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of battery structures, and provides a battery and electric equipment.The battery comprises a box body and battery monomers, the battery monomers are sequentially arranged in the first direction to form at least one row of battery monomer groups, and the battery monomer groups are arranged in the second direction; each battery monomer comprises a straight part and bent parts formed at the two opposite ends of the straight part in the third direction; in the first direction, the size of the bent part is smaller than that of the straight part; the straight parts of two adjacent battery monomers in the same row of battery monomer group are propped against each other, and a gap is formed between the bent parts of the two adjacent battery monomers in the same row of battery monomer group; according to the battery provided by the embodiment of the invention, in the same row of battery monomer group, the straight parts of the two adjacent battery monomers abut against each other, and the gap is formed between the bent parts, so that when other parts in the box body are arranged, the gap formed between the bent parts can also be used for accommodating the other parts; therefore, the compactness inside the box body can be effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of battery structures, and in particular provides a battery and an electrical device. Background Art

[0002] Batteries are widely used in the new energy field, such as electric vehicles, new energy vehicles, etc. Electric vehicles and new energy vehicles have become a new trend in the development of the automotive industry. A battery includes a box body and battery cells and other components accommodated in the box body. In related technologies, the arrangement of battery cells and the arrangement of other components need to be carried out separately, and the space utilization rate in the box body is relatively low. Summary of the Utility Model

[0003] The purpose of the embodiments of this application is to provide a battery and an electrical device, aiming to solve the problem of relatively low space utilization rate in the battery box body in related technologies.

[0004] To achieve the above purpose, the technical solution adopted in the embodiments of this application is:

[0005] In a first aspect, the embodiments of this application provide a battery, including a box body and battery cells. An accommodation cavity is formed inside the box body, and the battery cells are accommodated in the accommodation cavity. The battery cells are arranged in sequence along a first direction to form at least one column of battery cell groups, and the battery cell groups are arranged along a second direction; the battery cells include a straight portion and bending portions formed at opposite ends of the straight portion in a third direction; in the first direction, the size of the bending portion is smaller than that of the straight portion; the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other pairwise; wherein, the straight portions of two adjacent battery cells in the same column of battery cell groups are in contact with each other and a gap is formed between the bending portions.

[0006] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application: For the battery provided in the embodiments of this application, the battery cells include a straight portion and bending portions formed at opposite ends of the straight portion in a third direction. The battery cells are arranged in sequence along a first direction to form at least one column of battery cell groups, and the battery cell groups are arranged along a second direction; thus, in the same column of battery cell groups, the straight portions of two adjacent battery cells are in contact with each other and a gap is formed between the bending portions. Therefore, when arranging other components in the box body, the gaps formed between the bending portions can also be used to accommodate other components. Therefore, the compactness inside the box body can be effectively improved, and further the space utilization rate in the accommodation cavity can be improved. Therefore, the energy density of the battery can be effectively improved.

[0007] In some embodiments, the battery further includes a first support structure accommodated in the accommodation cavity. In the third direction, the first support structure is disposed on at least one side of the battery cell group, and at least a part of the bending portion is inserted into the first support structure; the first support structure is connected to the inner walls of the opposite two sides of the box body in the second direction.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, the first support structure is connected to the inner walls on the opposite sides of the box body in the second direction and can support the box body, thereby effectively improving the structural strength of the box body, and the box body can withstand greater forces in the second direction without deformation; at the same time, at least part of the bent portion is inserted into the first support structure, and the first support structure can be partially inserted into the gap or located on one side of the bent portion in the first direction, so that in the third direction, the arrangement between the first support structure and the battery cell group is more compact, and the space utilization rate of the accommodation cavity can be effectively improved.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first support structure includes at least two first protrusions arranged at intervals in sequence in the first direction, and the first protrusions extend in the second direction and are connected to the box body; in the first direction, at least part of at least one bent portion is inserted between two adjacent first protrusions.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the first protrusion can be connected to the box body and support and reinforce the box body in the second direction. At the same time, at least part of at least one bent portion is inserted between two adjacent first protrusions, and at least part of the first protrusion can be inserted into the gap, or the first protrusion can be located on one side of the bent portion in the first direction, so that the compactness between the first protrusion and the battery cell group in the third direction is improved, and therefore the space utilization rate of the accommodation cavity can be effectively improved.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first support structure includes a support portion, and the support portion is connected to the inner walls on the opposite sides of the box body in the second direction; at least two second protrusions are formed on the surface of the support portion at intervals in sequence in the first direction; in the first direction, at least part of at least one bent portion is inserted between two adjacent second protrusions.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the support portion can be connected to the inner walls on the opposite sides of the box body in the second direction to support and reinforce the box body. At the same time, at least part of at least one bent portion is inserted between two adjacent second protrusions, and at least part of the second protrusion can be inserted into the gap, or the second protrusion can be located on one side of the bent portion in the first direction, so that the compactness among the support portion, the second protrusion and the battery cell group in the third direction is improved, and therefore the space utilization rate of the accommodation cavity can be effectively improved.

[0013] In some embodiments, the surface of the second protrusion fits the surface of the bent portion.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, when at least part of the bent portion is inserted between two adjacent second protrusions, the surface of the bent portion can fit the surface of the second protrusion, so that the bent portion can be positioned and inserted, effectively improving the assembly efficiency of the battery cell group and having better stability of the battery cell.

[0015] In some embodiments, the battery further includes a liquid cooling structure, and the liquid cooling structure is disposed on the support portion and / or the second protrusion.

[0016] By adopting the above-mentioned technical solution, the liquid cooling structure can be arranged on the support part and / or the second protrusion, which can effectively reduce the space usage in the accommodating cavity, and the liquid cooling structure can achieve the cooling purpose by exchanging heat between the support part and the second protrusion in contact with the bending part.

[0017] In some embodiments, the support portion is connected to an inner wall of the box body in the third direction and away from the battery cell group.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, by setting the support part to be connected to the inner wall of the box body in the third direction and away from the side of the battery cell group, the stability of the support part is better, so that the stability of the bending part at least partially inserted between two adjacent second protrusions and the battery cell group where it is located is also better.

[0019] In some embodiments, an explosion-proof valve is provided on one side of the battery cell in the second direction, and the explosion-proof valves of the battery cells in at least two adjacent columns of battery cell groups are arranged facing each other; the battery also includes a second support structure accommodated in the accommodating cavity, the second support structure extends along the first direction and is connected to the box body; the second support structure is arranged between two adjacent columns of battery cell groups so that the explosion-proof valve faces the second support structure.

[0020] By adopting the above-mentioned technical solution, when the explosion-proof valves of the battery cells in two adjacent columns of battery cell groups are arranged opposite to each other, the partition structure can be used to separate the explosion-proof valves arranged opposite to each other, so as to reduce the probability of the spread of thermal runaway of the battery cells; at the same time, the partition structure extends in a first direction and is connected to the box body, and the partition structure can support the box body, thereby effectively improving the overall structural strength of the battery.

[0021] In some embodiments, in the same column of battery cell groups, two adjacent battery cells are connected via a first electrical connection structure; in two adjacent columns of battery cell groups, battery cells in one column of battery cell groups are connected to battery cells in another column of battery cell groups via a second electrical connection structure.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the battery cells in the same column of battery cell groups can be electrically connected via the first electrical connection structure, and the battery cells in two adjacent columns of battery cell groups can be electrically connected via the second electrical connection structure.

[0023] In some embodiments, in the first direction, a buffer structure is disposed between at least two adjacent straight portions.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, the buffer structure provided between the flat parts can balance the expansion force of the battery cell in the first direction to reduce the influence of the expansion of the battery cell.

[0025] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an electrical device, including the battery as described above, and the battery is used to provide electrical energy.

[0026] Beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present application: The electrical device provided by the embodiments of the present application includes the above battery. On the basis of the high utilization rate of the internal space of the battery case, the energy density of the battery of the electrical device is higher and the electrical energy is more sufficient. Description of the Drawings

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the embodiments or related technical descriptions. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0028] Figure 1 Structural schematic diagram of a vehicle provided by some embodiments of the present application;

[0029] Figure 2 Explosion diagram of a battery provided by some embodiments of the present application;

[0030] Figure 3 Exploded structural schematic diagram of a battery cell provided by some embodiments of the present application;

[0031] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the positional relationship between a battery cell group and a first support structure of a battery provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the positional relationship between a battery cell group and a first support structure of another battery provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 6 Assembly schematic diagram of a row of battery cell groups and a first support structure provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the electrical connection state between two adjacent rows of battery cell groups provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Among them, the reference numerals in the drawings are as follows:

[0036] 1000, vehicle;

[0037] 100, battery; 200, controller; 300, motor;

[0038] 10. Housing; 101. Accommodating cavity; 11. First part; 12. Second part;

[0039] 20. Battery cell; 201. Straight part; 202. Bent part; 203. Gap; 21. End cap; 21a. Electrode terminal; 22. Housing; 23. Electrode assembly; 23a. Tab; 24. Battery cell group; 25. Explosion-proof valve;

[0040] 30. First support structure; 31. Support part; 32. Second convex part;

[0041] 40. Second support structure; 50. First electrical connection structure; 60. Second electrical connection structure; 70. Buffer structure;

[0042] X. First direction; Y. Second direction; Z. Third direction. Detailed implementation manners

[0043] The embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, where the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to explain the present application and should not be construed as a limitation to the present application.

[0044] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as a limitation to the present application.

[0045] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present application, "a plurality" means two or more unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0046] In this application, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, terms such as "installed", "connected", "linked", "fixed", etc. shall be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it may be the communication inside two components or the interaction relationship between two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0047] At present, from the perspective of the development of the market situation, the application of power batteries is becoming more and more extensive. Power batteries are not only used in energy storage power systems such as hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but also widely used in electric transportation such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric vehicles, as well as in multiple fields such as military equipment and aerospace. With the continuous expansion of the application fields of power batteries, the market demand is also continuously increasing.

[0048] Batteries are widely used in the new energy field, such as electric vehicles, new energy vehicles, etc. New energy vehicles and electric vehicles have become new trends in the development of the automotive industry. A battery includes a box body, battery cells and other components accommodated in the box body. In related technologies, the arrangement of battery cells and the arrangement of other components need to be carried out separately, and the space utilization rate inside the box body is relatively low.

[0049] Based on the above considerations, in order to solve the problem of relatively low space utilization rate inside the battery box body in related technologies, a battery is designed. The battery includes battery cells and a box body. The battery cells are arranged in the box body along a first direction to form a battery cell group, and then the battery cell group is arranged along a second direction. At the same time, each battery cell includes a straight portion and bent portions formed at opposite ends of the straight portion in a third direction. Thus, in the same column of battery cell groups, the straight portions of two adjacent battery cells abut against each other and gaps are formed between the bent portions. Therefore, when arranging other components inside the box body, the gaps formed between the bent portions can also be used to accommodate other components. Therefore, the compactness inside the box body can be effectively improved, and further the space utilization rate of the accommodation cavity can be improved, so the energy density of the battery can be effectively improved.

[0050] The battery disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be used in electrical equipment that uses the battery as a power source or various energy storage systems that use the battery as an energy storage element. The electrical equipment can be, but is not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, laptop computers, electric toys, power tools, battery cars, electric vehicles, ships, spacecraft, etc. Among them, the electric toys can include fixed or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric vehicle toys, electric ship toys, and electric aircraft toys, etc. The spacecraft can include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spaceships, etc.

[0051] For the convenience of description, in the following embodiments, a power-consuming device in an embodiment of the present application is taken as an example of a vehicle 1000 for illustration.

[0052] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 , which is a schematic structural diagram of the vehicle 1000 provided in some embodiments of the present application. The vehicle 1000 can be a fuel vehicle, a gas vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, an extended-range vehicle, etc. A battery 100 is disposed inside the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 can be disposed at the bottom, head, or tail of the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 can be used for power supply of the vehicle 1000. For example, the battery 100 can be used as the operating power source of the vehicle 1000. The vehicle 1000 can 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.

[0053] In some embodiments of the present application, the battery 100 can 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.

[0054] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 , which is an exploded view of the battery 100 provided in some embodiments of the present application. The battery 100 includes a box body 10 and battery cells 20. The battery cells 20 are accommodated in the box body 10. Among them, the box body 10 is used to provide an accommodation space for the battery cells 20, and the box body 10 can adopt various structures. In some embodiments, the box body 10 can include a first part 11 and a second part 12. The first part 11 and the second part 12 are covered with each other, and the first part 11 and the second part 12 jointly define an accommodation space for accommodating the battery cells 20. The second part 12 can be a hollow structure with one end open, and the first part 11 can be a plate-like structure. The first part 11 is covered on the open side of the second part 12 so that the first part 11 and the second part 12 jointly define an accommodation space; the first part 11 and the second part 12 can also be hollow structures with one side open, and the open side of the first part 11 is covered on the open side of the second part 12. Of course, the box body 10 formed by the first part 11 and the second part 12 can be in various shapes, such as a cylinder, a cuboid, etc.

[0055] In the battery 100, there may be multiple battery cells 20. The multiple battery cells 20 can be connected in series, parallel, or in a combined series-parallel connection. A combined series-parallel connection means that there are both series and parallel connections among the multiple battery cells 20. The multiple battery cells 20 can be directly connected in series, parallel, or in a combined series-parallel connection together, and then the whole formed by the multiple battery cells 20 is accommodated in the box body 10. Of course, the battery 100 can also be such that multiple battery cells 20 are first connected in series, parallel, or in a combined series-parallel connection to form a battery module, and then multiple battery modules are connected in series, parallel, or in a combined series-parallel connection to form a whole and are accommodated in the box body 10. The battery 100 can also include other structures. For example, the battery 100 can also include a busbar component for realizing the electrical connection among the multiple battery cells 20.

[0056] Among them, each battery cell 20 can be a secondary battery or a primary battery; it can also be a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-ion battery, or a magnesium-ion battery, but is not limited thereto. The battery cell 20 can be in the shape of a cylinder, a flat body, a cuboid, or other shapes, etc.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 which is a schematic exploded view of the battery cell 20 provided in some embodiments of the present application. The battery cell 20 refers to the smallest unit that makes up the battery 100. As Figure 3 shown, the battery cell 20 includes a housing (including an end cap 21 and a shell 22), an electrode assembly 23, and other functional components.

[0058] The end cap 21 refers to a component that covers the opening of the shell 22 to isolate the internal environment of the battery cell 20 from the external environment. Without limitation, the shape of the end cap 21 can be adapted to the shape of the shell 22 to cooperate with the shell 22. Optionally, the end cap 21 can be made of a material with a certain hardness and strength (such as aluminum alloy). In this way, the end cap 21 is not easily deformed when being squeezed or collided, enabling the battery cell 20 to have a higher structural strength and the reliability performance can also be improved. Functional components such as an electrode terminal 21a can be provided on the end cap 21. The electrode terminal 21a can be used for electrically connecting with the electrode assembly 23 to output or input the electrical energy of the battery cell 20. In some embodiments, a pressure relief mechanism for discharging the internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 reaches a threshold can also be provided on the end cap 21. The material of the end cap 21 can also be various. For example, the material of the end cap 21 can be but is not limited to copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc. In some embodiments, an insulating member can be provided on the inner side of the end cap 21. The insulating member can be used to isolate the electrical connection components in the shell 22 from the end cap 21 to reduce the risk of short circuit. Exemplarily, the insulating member can be plastic, rubber, etc.

[0059] The housing 22 is a component for cooperating with the end cap 21 to form the internal environment of the battery cell 20. Among them, the formed internal environment can be used to accommodate the electrode assembly 23, the electrolyte, and other components. The housing 22 and the end cap 21 can be independent components. An opening can be provided on the housing 22, and the end cap 21 is covered at the opening to form the internal environment of the battery cell 20. Without limitation, the end cap 21 and the housing 22 can also be integrated. Specifically, the end cap 21 and the housing 22 can first form a common connection surface before other components are put into the housing. When it is necessary to encapsulate the interior of the housing 22, the end cap 21 is then covered on the housing 22. The housing 22 can be of various shapes and sizes, such as cuboid, cylindrical, hexagonal prism, etc. Specifically, the shape of the housing 22 can be determined according to the specific shape and size of the electrode assembly 23. The material of the housing 22 can be various. For example, the housing 22 can be, but is not limited to, copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc.

[0060] The electrode assembly 23 is a component in the battery cell 20 where an electrochemical reaction occurs. The housing 22 can contain one or more electrode assemblies 23. The electrode assembly 23 is mainly formed by winding or laminating an anode plate and a cathode plate, and generally, a separator is provided between the anode plate and the cathode plate. The parts of the anode plate and the cathode plate with active substances constitute the main body of the electrode assembly, and the parts of the anode plate and the cathode plate without active substances respectively constitute the electrode tabs 23a. The anode electrode tab and the cathode electrode tab can be located at one end of the main body together or at both ends of the main body respectively. During the charge and discharge process of the battery, the anode active substance and the cathode active substance react with the electrolyte, and the electrode tab 23a is connected to the electrode terminal 21a to form a current loop.

[0061] According to some embodiments of the present application, with reference to Figures 4 to 6 , an embodiment of the present application provides a battery 100, including a box body 10 and battery cells 20. An accommodation cavity 101 is formed inside the box body 10, and the battery cells 20 are accommodated in the accommodation cavity 101. The battery cells 20 are arranged in at least one row of battery cell groups 24 in sequence along the first direction X, and the battery cell groups 24 are arranged in the second direction Y; the battery cell 20 includes a straight portion 201 and bending portions 202 formed at opposite ends of the straight portion 201 in the third direction Z; in the first direction X, the size of the bending portion 202 is smaller than the size of the straight portion 201; the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other pairwise; among them, the straight portions 201 of two adjacent battery cells 20 in the same row of battery cell groups 24 are abutted against each other, and a gap 203 is formed between the bending portions 202.

[0062] The battery cell 20 includes a flat portion 201 and a bent portion 202. Understandably, the flat portion 201 refers to the middle main body portion of the battery cell 20 with relatively flat surfaces on both opposite sides; the bent portion 202 refers to the relatively two end side portions provided on both opposite sides of the flat portion 201 and having a bent structure in shape.

[0063] It should be understood that the electrode assembly 23 inside the battery cell 20 is a wound body formed by winding. Thus, the relatively two end portions of the electrode assembly 23 will be bent to form an arc-shaped bent structure. The battery cell 20 is arranged to include the flat portion 201 and the bent portion 202. The portion of the bent portion 202 corresponding to the housing 22 is also bent. Thus, the arc-shaped bent portions of the housing 22 and the internal electrode assembly 23 have a better fit, so that the force exerted by the housing 22 on the electrode assembly 23 can be more balanced, thereby improving the stability of the battery cell 20.

[0064] Among them, the external shape structure of the bent portion 202 includes but is not limited to an arc-shaped structure, a triangular structure, a polygonal structure, a triangular arc-shaped structure, etc. And, in the first direction X, the size of the bent portion 202 is smaller than the size of the flat portion 201. Thus, when the flat portions 201 are in contact with each other, the bent portion 202 can form a gap 203 for the insertion and accommodation of other components.

[0065] The battery cells 20 are arranged in sequence along the first direction X to form a battery cell group 24. Among them, the first direction X can be any direction. Exemplarily, the first direction X can be but is not limited to the length direction, the width direction, or the height direction of the box body 10. Optionally, the battery cells 20 can be arranged along the first direction X to form a group of battery cell groups 24, or the battery cells 20 can also be arranged along the first direction X to form two or more groups of battery cell groups 24.

[0066] The battery cell group 24 is arranged in the second direction Y. Among them, the second direction Y can be any direction. Exemplarily, the second direction Y can be but is not limited to the length direction, the width direction, or the height direction of the box body 10. It can be understood that when the battery cell group 24 is a group, the battery cell group 24 does not need to be arranged, as Figure 5 shown; when the battery cell group 24 is two or more groups, the battery cell groups 24 can be closely arranged in sequence or arranged at intervals along the second direction Y, as Figure 4 shown.

[0067] The bent portions 202 are disposed at opposite ends of the straight portion 201 in the third direction Z; wherein, the third direction Z can be any direction. Exemplarily, the third direction Z can be but is not limited to the length direction, width direction, or height direction of the box body 10. In some embodiments, the first direction X can be the length direction of the box body 10, the second direction Y can be the width direction of the box body 10, and the third direction Z can be the height direction of the box body 10; thus, the battery cells 20 are arranged along the length direction of the box body 10 to form battery cell groups 24, and multiple groups of battery cell groups 24 can be arranged along the width direction of the box body 10, and the battery cells 20 are placed sideways, that is, the directions in which the opposite ends of the bent portions 202 of the battery cells 20 are arranged are the same as the height direction of the box body 10.

[0068] It can be understood that the bent portions 202 are disposed at opposite ends of the straight portion 201 in the third direction Z, and the battery cell groups 24 are arranged along the second direction Y, and the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other in pairs; thus, the gaps 203 formed between the bent portions 202 of two adjacent battery cells 20 in each column of battery cell groups 24 are all formed along the third direction Z, and the gaps 203 will not be blocked by the arrangement of the battery cell groups 24, so that the gaps 203 formed by each battery cell group 24 can be jointly used to accommodate at least some other components, thereby improving the compactness inside the box body 10.

[0069] In the battery 100 provided by the embodiment of the present application, the battery cell 20 includes a straight portion 201 and bent portions 202 formed at opposite ends of the straight portion 201 in the third direction Z. The battery cells 20 are arranged in sequence along the first direction X to form at least one column of battery cell groups 24, and the battery cell groups 24 are arranged along the second direction Y; thus, in the same column of battery cell groups 24, the straight portions 201 of two adjacent battery cells 20 are abutted against each other and gaps 203 are formed between the bent portions 202. Therefore, when arranging other components inside the box body 10, the gaps 203 formed between the bent portions 202 can also be used to accommodate other components, so that the compactness inside the box body 10 can be effectively improved, and further the space utilization rate inside the accommodation cavity 101 can be improved, and thus the energy density of the battery 100 can be effectively improved.

[0070] Please refer to Figures 4 to 6 , in some embodiments, the battery 100 further includes a first support structure 30 accommodated in the accommodation cavity 101. In the third direction Z, the first support structure 30 is disposed on at least one side of the battery cell group 24, and at least a part of the bent portion 202 is inserted into the first support structure 30; the first support structure 30 is connected to the inner walls of the opposite sides of the box body 10 in the second direction Y.

[0071] Optionally, the first support structure 30 includes, but is not limited to, structures such as support beams, support rods, and support plates; in the third direction Z, the first support structure 30 is located between the battery cell group 24 and the box body 10.

[0072] The first support structure 30 can be arranged on one side of the battery cell group 24 in the third direction Z; alternatively, the first support structure 30 can be arranged on both opposite sides of the battery cell group 24 in the third direction Z; thus, at least one bending portion 202 on at least one side of the battery cell group 24 in the third direction Z can be cooperatively installed with the first support structure 30. The first support structure 30 can be connected to the box body 10 in the third direction Z; or, in the third direction Z, the first support structure 30 can be abutted against the inner walls of the opposite sides of the box body 10, or has no connection relationship with the inner walls of the opposite sides of the box body 10.

[0073] It can be understood that at least a part of the bending portion 202 is inserted into the first support structure 30, thus, at least a part of the first support structure 30 in the third direction Z can be accommodated in the corresponding gap 203. Optionally, the first support structure 30 can be provided with a slot structure for inserting the bending portion 202, or the number of the first support structures 30 is multiple, and the multiple first support structures 30 are arranged at intervals along the first direction X, so that the bending portion 202 can be inserted into the interval between two adjacent first support structures 30.

[0074] At the same time, the first support structure 30 is connected to the box body 10 in the second direction Y; in this way, the first support structure 30 can support and reinforce the box body 10, thereby effectively improving the structural strength of the box body 10 in the second direction Y.

[0075] With such a setting, the first support structure 30 is connected to the inner walls of the opposite sides of the box body 10 in the second direction Y and can support the box body 10, thereby effectively improving the structural strength of the box body 10, and the box body 10 can withstand a greater acting force in the second direction Y without deformation; at the same time, at least a part of the bending portion 202 is inserted into the first support structure 30, and the first support structure 30 can be partially inserted into the gap 203 or is located on one side of the bending portion 202 in the first direction X, so that in the third direction Z, the arrangement between the first support structure 30 and the battery cell group 24 is more compact, and the space utilization rate in the accommodation cavity 101 can be effectively improved.

[0076] In some embodiments, the first support structure 30 includes at least two first protrusions (not shown in the figure) arranged at intervals in sequence along the first direction X, the first protrusions extend in the second direction Y and are connected to the box body 10; in the first direction X, at least a part of at least one bending portion 202 is inserted between two adjacent first protrusions.

[0077] The first convex portion may be, but is not limited to, a block convex portion, a strip convex portion, etc. The first convex portion extends along the second direction Y and is connected to the box body 10 , so that the first convex portion can support and reinforce the box body 10 in the second direction Y.

[0078] Optionally, the first protrusion can be integrally formed on the inner wall surface of the box body 10 in the third direction Z; or, the first protrusion can be fixedly connected to the inner wall surface of the box body 10 in the third direction Z by welding, bonding, clamping, etc.; or, the first protrusion can abut against the inner wall surface of the box body 10 in the third direction Z, or the first protrusion has no connection relationship with the box body 10 in the third direction Z.

[0079] At least two first protrusions are arranged in sequence and spaced apart in the first direction X. For example, the number of the first protrusions may be two, and the same side bending portions 202 of all battery cells 20 in the battery cell group 24 are inserted between the two first protrusions, so that the two first protrusions are respectively located on opposite sides of the battery cell group 24 in the first direction X.

[0080] Alternatively, the number of the first protrusions may be two, and the same side bending portion 202 of one or more battery cells 20 in the battery cell group 24 is inserted between the two first protrusions, so that at least a portion of at least one first protrusion is inserted in the gap 203 .

[0081] Alternatively, the number of first protrusions may be multiple, and one or more bending portions 202 may be inserted between two adjacent first protrusions; taking the example that the number of first protrusions is one more or one less than the number of battery cells 20 in the same battery cell group 24, a bending portion 202 is respectively inserted between two adjacent first protrusions, thereby, at least part of each first protrusion is respectively inserted in the corresponding gap 203.

[0082] In this way, the first protrusion can be connected to the box body 10 and support and reinforce the box body 10 in the second direction Y. At the same time, at least a portion of at least one bent portion 202 is inserted between two adjacent first protrusions, at least a portion of the first protrusion can be inserted in the gap 203, or the first protrusion can be located on one side of the bent portion 202 in the first direction X, so that the compactness of the first protrusion and the battery cell group 24 in the third direction Z is improved, thereby effectively improving the space utilization in the accommodating cavity 101.

[0083] Please refer to Figures 4 to 6, in some embodiments, the first support structure 30 includes a support portion 31, and the support portion 31 is connected to the inner walls of opposite sides of the box body 10 in the second direction Y; at least two second convex portions 32 are formed on the surface of the support portion 31 at intervals in sequence along the first direction X; in the first direction X, at least part of at least one bending portion 202 is inserted between two adjacent second convex portions 32.

[0084] Among them, the support portion 31 can be, but is not limited to, a support structure such as a support plate or a support beam. In the second direction Y, the support portion 31 is connected to the box body 10, so that the support portion 31 can support and reinforce the box body 10 in the second direction Y. Optionally, in the second direction Y, the support portion 31 can be connected to the box body 10 by means of welding, bonding, clamping, abutting, etc.

[0085] The second convex portion 32 can be integrally formed on the support portion 31; or, the second convex portion 32 can be fixed on the support portion 31 by means of welding, bonding, etc.

[0086] In the third direction Z, a support portion 31 is provided between one side of the battery cell 20 and the box body 10; or, in the third direction Z, support portions 31 are provided between opposite sides of the battery cell 20 and the box body 10. And, in the third direction Z, the support portion 31 can be connected to the box body 10, for example, by being integrally formed, welded, abutted, etc. to be fixedly connected to the box body 10; or, in the third direction Z, the support portion 31 can have no connection relationship with the box body 10.

[0087] In the first direction X, at least two second convex portions 32 are formed on the surface of the support portion 31 at intervals in sequence. Thus, a groove structure for inserting the bending portion 202 is formed between two adjacent second convex portions 32. At least part of the bending portion 202 can be inserted between two adjacent second convex portions 32. Thus, the arrangement between the battery cell 20 and the support portion 31 is more compact; at the same time, the second convex portion 32 can form a certain supporting and limiting effect on the battery cell 20, so that the assembly arrangement efficiency of the battery cell 20 can be improved, and the stability of the battery cell 20 and the formed battery cell group 24 can also be improved.

[0088] Exemplarily, in some embodiments, two second convex portions 32 are formed on the surface of the support portion 31 at intervals in sequence, and the bending portions 202 on the same side of all the battery cells 20 in at least one group of battery cell groups 24 are inserted between the two second convex portions 32, so that the two second convex portions 32 are respectively located on opposite sides of the battery cell group 24 in the first direction X.

[0089] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, two second convex portions 32 are sequentially and spaced apart from each other on the surface of the support portion 31, and the bending portions 202 on the same side of one or more battery cells 20 in at least one set of battery cell groups 24 are inserted between the two first convex portions, so that at least a part of at least one second convex portion 32 is inserted into the gap 203.

[0090] Alternatively, in other embodiments, a plurality of second convex portions 32 are sequentially and spaced apart from each other on the surface of the support portion 31. For example, the number of the second convex portions 32 is one more or one less than the number of the battery cells 20 in at least one set of battery cell groups 24, and one bending portion 202 is inserted between every two adjacent first convex portions. Thus, at least a part of each second convex portion 32 is respectively inserted into the corresponding gap 203.

[0091] With such an arrangement, the support portion 31 can be connected to the inner walls on the opposite sides of the box body 10 in the second direction y to support and reinforce the box body 10. At the same time, at least a part of at least one bending portion 202 is inserted between two adjacent second convex portions 32, at least a part of the second convex portion 32 can be inserted into the gap 203, or the second convex portion 32 can be located on one side of the bending portion 202 in the first direction X. Thus, the compactness of the support portion 31, the second convex portion 32, and the battery cell group 24 in the third direction Z is improved, and therefore the space utilization rate in the accommodation cavity 101 can be effectively increased.

[0092] Please refer to Figures 4 to 6 , in some embodiments, the surface of the second convex portion 32 is attached to the surface of the bending portion 202.

[0093] Exemplarily, in some embodiments, the bending portion 202 can be a semi-circular bending structure. Thus, the surface of the second convex portion 32 can be correspondingly arranged to be arc-shaped; when the bending portion 202 is inserted between two adjacent second convex portions 32, a part of the surface of the bending portion 202 that is semi-circular can be attached to the arc-shaped surfaces of the two second convex portions 32.

[0094] In some other embodiments, the bending portion 202 can also be a triangular bending structure. Thus, the second convex portion 32 can correspondingly be a triangular strip-shaped convex portion; when the bending portion 202 is inserted between two adjacent second convex portions 32, a part of the surface of the bending portion 202 that is triangular can be attached to the surfaces of the two second convex portions 32.

[0095] With such an arrangement, when at least a part of the bending portion 202 is inserted between two adjacent second convex portions 32, the surface of the bending portion 202 can be attached to the surface of the second convex portion 32, so that the bending portion 202 can be positioned and inserted, effectively improving the assembly efficiency of the battery cell group 24, and the stability of the battery cell 20 and the battery cell group 24 is better.

[0096] Please refer to Figures 4 to 6 In some embodiments, the battery 100 further includes a liquid cooling structure (not shown in the figure), and the liquid cooling structure is disposed on the support portion 31 and / or the second protrusion 32 .

[0097] Optionally, the liquid cooling structure may be a cooling pipe for the coolant to flow through, and the cooling pipe may be arranged on the surface of the support portion 31 and / or the second protrusion 32 to achieve heat exchange and heat dissipation using the coolant.

[0098] Alternatively, the liquid cooling structure may also be a liquid cooling channel opened in the support portion 31 and / or the second protrusion 32 , through which the coolant flows and exchanges heat with the battery cell 20 to dissipate heat.

[0099] In this way, the liquid cooling structure can be arranged on the support portion 31 and / or the second protrusion 32, which can effectively reduce the space usage in the accommodating cavity 101, and the liquid cooling structure can achieve the cooling purpose by heat exchange between the support portion 31 and the second protrusion 32 in contact with the bending portion 202.

[0100] Please refer to Figures 4 to 6 In some embodiments, the support portion 31 is connected to an inner wall of the box body 10 on one side in the third direction z and away from the battery cell group 24 .

[0101] Optionally, on the side in the third direction Z and away from the battery cell group 24, the support portion 31 can be integrally formed on the inner wall of the box body 10; or, on the side in the third direction Z and away from the battery cell group 24, the support portion 31 can be fixedly connected to the inner wall of the box body 10 by welding, bonding, fastener connection, etc.; or, on the side in the third direction Z and away from the battery cell group 24, the support portion 31 can abut against the inner wall of the box body 10.

[0102] In this way, by setting the support portion 31 to be connected to the inner wall of the box body 10 on the third direction Z and away from the battery cell group 24, the stability of the support portion 31 is better, so that the stability of the bending portion 202 at least partially inserted between two adjacent second protrusions 32 and the battery cell group 24 where it is located is also better.

[0103] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, an explosion-proof valve 25 is provided on one side of the battery cell 20 in the second direction Y, and the explosion-proof valves 25 of the battery cells 20 in at least two adjacent columns of battery cell groups 24 are arranged facing each other; the battery 100 also includes a second support structure 40 accommodated in the accommodating cavity 101, and the second support structure 40 extends along the first direction X and is connected to the box body 10; the second support structure 40 is arranged between two adjacent columns of battery cell groups 24 so that the explosion-proof valve 25 faces the second support structure 40.

[0104] The second support structure 40 includes, but is not limited to, structural members such as support plates, support blocks, and support beams; the number of the second support structures 40 can be any number of one or more.

[0105] Understandably, the second support structure 40 can be arranged between two adjacent columns of battery cell groups 24, so that the explosion-proof valves 25 provided on the battery cells 20 of the two adjacent columns of battery cell groups 24 all face the second support structure 40; that is, the second support structure 40 can separate the explosion-proof valves 25 of the two adjacent columns of battery cell groups 24. When any battery cell 20 undergoes thermal runaway, the explosion-proof valve 25 opens and sprays towards the second support structure 40, and the second support structure 40 can block the spray of the explosion-proof valve 25 to reduce the probability of the spread of thermal runaway to the adjacent battery cell groups 24.

[0106] At the same time, the second support structure 40 extends along the first direction X and is connected to the box body 10; optionally, the second support structure 40 can be connected to the box body 10 by means of welding, bonding, clamping, fastener connection, etc. In the second direction Y, the second support structure 40 is connected to the box body 10. Thus, the second support structure 40 can support and reinforce the box body 10 in the second direction Y, so that the structure of the box body 10 in the second direction Y can be effectively strengthened.

[0107] Exemplarily, in some embodiments, when the number of columns of the battery cell groups 24 is even, two adjacent columns of battery cell groups 24 can be arranged in pairs, and the explosion-proof valves 25 of the two columns of battery cell groups 24 arranged in pairs are arranged oppositely; thus, the number of the second support structures 40 is half of the number of columns of the battery cell groups 24.

[0108] In other embodiments, when the number of columns of the battery cell groups 24 is odd, two adjacent columns of battery cell groups 24 can be arranged in pairs, and the explosion-proof valves 25 of the two columns of battery cell groups 24 arranged in pairs are arranged oppositely; at the same time, an extra single column of battery cell group 24 cannot be paired, and the explosion-proof valve 25 of the single column of battery cell group 24 is arranged along one side of the second direction Y and faces the box body 10; thus, the number of the second support structures 40 can be half of the number of columns of the battery cell groups 24 plus one, or the number of the second support structures 40 can be half of the number of columns of the battery cell groups 24 minus one.

[0109] With such an arrangement, when the explosion-proof valves 25 of the battery cells 20 in two adjacent columns of battery cell groups 24 are arranged oppositely, a separation structure can be used to separate the oppositely arranged explosion-proof valves 25 to reduce the probability of the spread of thermal runaway of the battery cells 20; at the same time, the separation structure extends along the first direction X and is connected to the box body 10, and the separation structure can support the box body 10, thereby effectively improving the overall structural strength of the battery 100.

[0110] Please refer to Figure 4 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 , in some embodiments, in the same column of battery cell groups 24, two adjacent battery cells 20 are connected by a first electrical connection structure 50; in two adjacent columns of battery cell groups 24, the battery cells 20 in one column of battery cell groups 24 are connected to the battery cells 20 in the other column of battery cell groups 24 through a second electrical connection structure 60.

[0111] Among them, the first electrical connection structure 50 includes, but is not limited to, metal connection structures with electrical conductivity such as copper connection sheets, aluminum connection sheets, silver connection sheets, and gold connection sheets. In the same column of battery cell groups 24, two adjacent battery cells 20 are connected by the first electrical connection structure 50. For example, the electrical connection terminals of two adjacent battery cells 20 are in contact connection through the first electrical connection structure 50 to realize the electrical connection of the two battery cells 20.

[0112] The second electrical connection structure 60 includes, but is not limited to, metal connection structures with electrical conductivity such as copper connection sheets, aluminum connection sheets, silver connection sheets, and gold connection sheets. In two adjacent columns of battery cell groups 24, the second electrical connection structure 60 can connect one battery cell 20 in each of the two columns of battery cell groups 24 respectively to realize the electrical connection of the two columns of battery cell groups 24. Exemplarily, the second electrical connection structure 60 can be connected to one battery cell 20 at the end on any side in the first direction X of two adjacent columns of battery cell groups 24, and the second electrical connection structure 60 can be in a U-shaped structure.

[0113] With such a setting, the battery cells 20 in the same column of battery cell groups 24 can be electrically connected through the first electrical connection structure 50, and the battery cells 20 in two adjacent columns of battery cell groups 24 can be electrically connected through the second electrical connection structure 60, so as to realize the electrical connection between the battery cell groups 24.

[0114] Please refer to Figure 7 , in some embodiments, in the first direction X, a buffer structure 70 is provided between at least two adjacent straight portions 201.

[0115] Optionally, the buffer structure 70 includes, but is not limited to, structural members with a buffering effect such as buffer pads, buffer coatings, and buffer blocks. The buffer structure 70 is used to balance and buffer the expansion force generated when the battery cell 20 is working.

[0116] Among them, in the first direction X, the buffer structure 70 can be disposed between the flat portions 201 of every two adjacent battery cells 20, so that the flat portions 201 abut against and clamp the buffer structure 70. Alternatively, in the first direction X, the buffer structure 70 can also be arranged at intervals of two, three or more battery cells 20 and disposed between the two flat portions 201 of two adjacent battery cells 20.

[0117] With such an arrangement, the buffer structure 70 can balance the expansion force of the battery cell 20 in the first direction X to reduce the expansion influence of the battery cell 20.

[0118] Next, the battery 100 of the present application will be described in detail according to specific embodiments.

[0119] Please refer to Figures 3 to 7 , in this embodiment, the battery 100 includes a box body 10, battery cells 20, a first support structure 30 and a second support structure 40. The battery cells 20 are accommodated in the accommodation cavity 101 of the box body 10. The battery cells 20 are arranged in sequence along the first direction X to form at least one row of battery cell groups 24, and the battery cell groups 24 are arranged along the second direction Y; the battery cells 20 include flat portions 201 and bent portions 202 formed at opposite ends of the flat portions 201 in the third direction Z; in the first direction X, the size of the bent portions 202 is smaller than that of the flat portions 201; the first direction X, the second direction Y and the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other; among them, the flat portions 201 of two adjacent battery cells 20 in the same row of battery cell groups 24 abut against each other and a gap 203 is formed between the bent portions 202.

[0120] In the third direction Z, first support structures 30 are arranged on opposite sides of the battery cell group 24. The first support structure 30 includes a support portion 31 and a plurality of second protrusions 32 formed on the surface of the support portion 31. The plurality of second protrusions 32 are arranged at intervals along the first direction X; opposite ends of the support portion 31 are connected to opposite inner walls of the box body 10 in the second direction Y. Among them, one of the bent portions 202 of any one battery cell group 24 is respectively inserted between every two adjacent second protrusions 32, so that at least a part of the corresponding second protrusions 32 are inserted into the gap 203 formed between the bent portions 202. Thus, in the third direction Z, the battery cell group 24 and the first support structures 30 on opposite sides are arranged more compactly.

[0121] Meanwhile, multiple columns of battery cell groups 24 are arranged in pairs, that is, the explosion-proof valves 25 of two adjacent columns of battery cell groups 24 arranged in pairs face each other, and a second support structure 40 is arranged between each pair of two columns of battery cell groups 24; opposite ends of the second support structure 40 are connected to opposite inner walls of the box body 10 in the first direction X, and the second support structure 40 can separate the explosion-proof valves 25 of the two columns of battery cell groups 24 arranged in pairs, so as to reduce the probability of thermal spread caused by valve spraying in the case of thermal runaway.

[0122] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 , an embodiment of the present application provides an electrical device, including the battery 100 as described above, and the battery 100 is used to provide electric energy.

[0123] The electrical device provided by the embodiment of the present application is, for example, the vehicle 1000 described above. The electrical device includes the battery 100 described above. On the basis of the relatively high utilization rate of the internal space of the box body 10 of the battery 100, the energy density of the battery 100 of the electrical device is higher and the electric energy is more sufficient.

[0124] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, and improvements made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A battery, characterized in that: including a box body, an accommodation cavity being formed inside the box body; and battery cells, the battery cells being accommodated in the accommodation cavity, the battery cells being arranged in at least one column of battery cell groups in sequence along a first direction, and the battery cell groups being arranged along a second direction; the battery cell includes a straight portion and bent portions formed at opposite ends of the straight portion in a third direction; in the first direction, the size of the bent portion is smaller than that of the straight portion; the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other pairwise; wherein, in the same column of battery cell groups, the straight portions of two adjacent battery cells are in contact with each other and a gap is formed between the bent portions.

2. The battery according to claim 1, wherein: The battery further includes a first support structure accommodated in the accommodation cavity. In the third direction, the first support structure is disposed on at least one side of the battery cell group, and at least a part of the bent portion is inserted into the first support structure; the first support structure is connected to opposite inner walls of the box body in the second direction.

3. The battery according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first support structure includes at least two first convex portions sequentially arranged at intervals along the first direction, the first convex portions extending along the second direction and being connected to the box body; in the first direction, at least a part of at least one bent portion is inserted between two adjacent first convex portions.

4. The battery according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The first support structure includes a support portion, the support portion being connected to opposite inner walls of the box body in the second direction; at least two second convex portions sequentially arranged at intervals along the first direction are formed on the surface of the support portion; in the first direction, at least a part of at least one bent portion is inserted between two adjacent second convex portions.

5. The battery according to claim 4, characterized in that: The surface of the second convex portion is attached to the surface of the bent portion.

6. The battery according to claim 4, characterized in that: The battery further includes a liquid cooling structure, the liquid cooling structure being disposed on the support portion and / or the second convex portion.

7. The battery according to claim 4, wherein: The support portion is connected to an inner wall of the box body on a side opposite to the battery cell group in the third direction.

8. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5 to 7, characterized in that: An explosion-proof valve is disposed on one side of the battery cell in the second direction, and the explosion-proof valves of the battery cells in at least two adjacent columns of battery cell groups are arranged facing each other; The battery further includes a second support structure accommodated in the accommodation cavity, the second support structure extending along the first direction and being connected to the box body; the second support structure is disposed between two adjacent columns of battery cell groups so that the explosion-proof valve faces the second support structure.

9. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5 to 7, characterized in that: In the same column of battery cell groups, two adjacent battery cells are connected by a first electrical connection structure; in two adjacent columns of battery cell groups, the battery cells in one column of battery cell groups are connected to the battery cells in the other column of battery cell groups by a second electrical connection structure.

10. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5 to 7, characterized in that: A buffer structure is disposed between at least two adjacent straight portions in the first direction.

11. An electrical device, characterized in that: including the battery according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the battery being used to provide electrical energy.

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