Battery cell, battery and electric device

Abstract

The present application relates to a battery cell, a battery and an electric device, comprising: a housing having two first side walls opposite to each other in a first direction and having an opening formed in a third direction; the first direction is the length direction of the battery monomer; the end cover covers the opening to form an accommodating cavity; the electrode terminal is arranged on the end cover in a penetrating manner; the electrode assembly is accommodated in the accommodating cavity; the at least one switching piece comprises a first connecting part and a second connecting part which are arranged side by side along a second direction; the first connecting part is electrically connected with the electrode terminal, and the second connecting part is electrically connected with a tab of the electrode assembly; in the first direction, the distance between the first connecting part and the first side wall which is relatively closer to the first connecting part is a first distance, and the distance between the second connecting part and the first side wall which is relatively closer to the second connecting part is a second distance; the second distance is less than the first distance. The battery monomer, the battery and the electric device provided by the embodiment of the utility model have the advantage of relatively high over-current capability.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The adapter is a key component that connects the electrode assembly tab and the pole on the end cover. Its main function is to ensure that the internal current can be smoothly transmitted to the outside, thereby realizing the normal operation of the battery cell.

[0003] Currently, the design of traditional adapters has problems such as low space utilization and insufficient current capacity, which provides important technical support for the research and development and production of high-rate battery cells. Utility Model Content

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a battery cell to address the problem of insufficient overcurrent capacity.

[0005] A first aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a battery cell, comprising: a shell having two first side walls opposite to each other in a first direction, and an opening formed in a third direction; the first direction is the length direction of the battery cell, and the third direction is the height direction of the battery cell; an end cover covering the opening to form a accommodating cavity; an electrode terminal passing through the end cover; an electrode assembly accommodated in the accommodating cavity; and at least one adapter plate, the adapter plate comprising a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion arranged side by side along a second direction; the second direction is the thickness direction of the battery cell; the first connecting portion is electrically connected to the electrode terminal, and the second connecting portion is electrically connected to the electrode tab of the electrode assembly; along the first direction, the spacing between the first connecting portion and the relatively closer first side wall is a first distance, and the spacing between the second connecting portion and the first side wall is a second distance; the second distance is smaller than the first distance.

[0006] In one embodiment, the adapter plate includes a first positioning portion and a second positioning portion, and the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion are respectively disposed at two ends of the first connecting portion along the first direction.

[0007] In one embodiment, one of the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion is a positioning groove, and the other is a positioning protrusion matched with the positioning groove.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first distance is 10 mm to 100 mm; the second distance is 5 mm to 90 mm.

[0009] In one embodiment, the difference between the first distance and the second distance is 0.5 mm to 20 mm.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first connecting portion includes a welding area, a bending area, and a connecting area connected in sequence along the first direction; the bending area extends along the second direction, the welding area is electrically connected to the electrode terminal, and the connecting area is connected to the second connecting portion along the side of the second direction; a gap extending along the first direction is formed between the welding area and the second connecting portion.

[0011] In one embodiment, the welding region is electrically connected to the electrode terminal on a first side surface along the third direction, and a plurality of pits are formed on a second side surface of the welding region away from the first side surface.

[0012] In one embodiment, along the third direction, there is a height difference between the welding area and the second connecting portion.

[0013] In one embodiment, the second connecting portion includes a first end and a second end; the first end faces the first side wall that is relatively closer, and the first end protrudes from the welding area along the first direction; the second end faces the first side wall that is relatively farther away.

[0014] In one embodiment, the length of the second connecting portion along the first direction is 15 mm to 35 mm; the length of the welding area along the first direction is 10 mm to 20 mm; and the length of the connecting area along the first direction is 5 mm to 10 mm.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first connecting portion is laser welded to the electrode terminal; and the second connecting portion is ultrasonic welded to the tab of the electrode assembly.

[0016] A second aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides a battery comprising the above-mentioned battery cell.

[0017] A third aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides an electrical device, which includes the above-mentioned battery cell, and the battery cell is used to provide electrical energy; or, the electrical device includes the above-mentioned battery, and the battery is used to provide electrical energy.

[0018] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present application. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present application, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are listed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a vehicle provided for some embodiments of the present application.

[0020] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the battery provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0021] Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of the battery module provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0022] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of the present application, in which the electrode assembly is omitted.

[0024] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Magnified view of region D of the structure shown.

[0025] Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of the adapter provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0026] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the structure of the adapter provided in some other embodiments of the present application.

[0027] Figure 9 A front view of an adapter provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0028] Figure 10 for Figure 9 CC cross-sectional view of the structure shown.

[0029] Description of reference numerals:

[0030] Vehicles - 1000;

[0031] Battery 100, housing 110, first portion 111, second portion 112, battery module 120, battery cell 121, end cap 122, housing 123, first sidewall 123a, opening 123b, electrode assembly 124, electrode terminal 125, tab 126, pressure relief mechanism 127, controller 200, motor 300, adapter 400, first connection portion 410, welding area 411, first side surface 411a, second side surface 411b, bending area 412, connection area 413, gap 414, recess 415, second connection portion 420, first end 421, second end 422, first positioning portion 430, second positioning portion 440;

[0032] The first direction is X, the second direction is Y, and the third direction is Z. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following embodiments of the technical solution of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present application and are therefore only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned figure descriptions are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0035] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, if the technical terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are only used for descriptive purposes to distinguish different objects, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number, specific order or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features.

[0036] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0037] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" is simply a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the following three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0038] In the description of the embodiments of this application, if the term "plurality" appears, "plurality" means at least two (including two), for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined. Similarly, if the term "multiple groups" appears, "multiple groups" means two or more groups (including two), and if the term "multiple sheets" appears, "multiple sheets" means two or more sheets (including two).

[0039] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, if the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. appear, the orientation or position relationship indicated by these terms is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present 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 and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0040] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, if technical terms such as "installed", "connected", "connected", and "fixed" appear, these terms should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, and it can be the internal connection of 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 the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0041] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, if a first feature is described as being "above" or "below" a second feature, or similar descriptions, this may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, when a first feature is described as being "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is described as being "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0042] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. If any, the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only embodiment.

[0043] Currently, market developments indicate that power batteries are becoming increasingly widely used. Power batteries are not only used in energy storage systems such as hydropower, thermal, wind, and solar power plants, but are also widely used in electric vehicles like electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric vehicles, as well as in aerospace and other fields. As power battery applications continue to expand, market demand is also growing.

[0044] In related technologies, a battery cell consists of an end cap and an electrode assembly. The end cap is provided with a terminal post and a pressure relief mechanism along its length. The electrode assembly is provided with a tab, which is connected to the terminal post via an adapter. The adapter is used to prevent damage to the battery or burns to other components in the event of a short circuit, overcharge, or over-discharge in the electrode assembly, thereby ensuring safe use of the battery.

[0045] Since both the pole and the tab need to be connected to the adapter, the tab is located between the pole and the pressure relief mechanism inside the battery, which means that the size of the tab is limited by the distance between the pressure relief mechanism and the pole. The size of the tab along the length direction of the battery cell is small, resulting in insufficient current flow capacity of the tab, which cannot meet the market performance requirements for high-rate battery cells.

[0046] In order to alleviate the problem of insufficient current carrying capacity of the tab, the part of the adapter connected to the tab can be moved to both sides in the design, so that it is closer to the side wall of the shell, and the tab connected to the adapter can be closer to the side wall of the shell. In this way, designers can have more space to design and increase the size of the tab, and then effectively increase the current carrying capacity of the tab, thereby improving the fast charging performance of the battery cell and meeting the market performance requirements for high-rate battery cells.

[0047] The embodiments of the present application provide a battery cell, a battery, and an electrical device. The electrical device may be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, an electric toy, an electric tool, a battery-powered vehicle, an electric car, a ship, a spacecraft, an energy storage product, etc. The electric toy may include a fixed or mobile electric toy, such as a game console, an electric car toy, an electric ship toy, and an electric airplane toy, etc. The spacecraft may include an airplane, a rocket, a space shuttle, and a spacecraft, etc. The energy storage product may include an energy storage station, etc.

[0048] It should be understood that the technical solutions generally described in the embodiments of the present application are not limited to the batteries and electrical devices described above, but can also be applied to all batteries including boxes and electrical devices using batteries. However, for the sake of simplicity of description, an electrical device in an embodiment of the present application is taken as an example of vehicle 1000.

[0049] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1A schematic structural diagram of a vehicle 1000 provided for some embodiments 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. A battery 100 is provided inside the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 may be provided at the bottom, head or tail of the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 may be used to power the vehicle 1000. For example, the battery 100 may serve as an operating power source for 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 power the motor 300, for example, to meet the power requirements for starting, navigating and driving the vehicle 1000.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present application, the battery 100 can serve not only as an operating power source for the vehicle 1000, but also as a driving power source for the vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1000.

[0051] Figure 2 An exploded view of a battery 100 provided in some embodiments of the present application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery module provided in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 2 and Figure 3 To meet different power requirements, the battery 100 may include multiple battery cells 121 and a housing 110. A battery cell 121 is the smallest unit that makes up a battery module 120 or battery pack. Multiple battery cells 121 can be connected in series and / or in parallel via electrode terminals for various applications.

[0052] The battery 100 mentioned in this application may be a battery pack.

[0053] The box 110 is used to accommodate the battery cells 121 or the battery modules 120 to prevent liquid or other foreign matter from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells 121 .

[0054] The housing 110 can have various structures. In some embodiments, the housing 110 can include a first portion 111 and a second portion 112. The first portion 111 and the second portion 112 overlap each other, and together define a storage space for accommodating the battery cells 121. The second portion 112 can be a hollow structure with one end open, and the first portion 111 can be a plate-like structure. The first portion 111 overlaps the open side of the second portion 112, so that the first portion 111 and the second portion 112 together define the storage space. The first portion 111 and the second portion 112 can also be hollow structures with one end open, with the open side of the first portion 111 overlapping the open side of the second portion 112. Of course, the housing 110 formed by the first portion 111 and the second portion 112 can have various shapes, such as a simple three-dimensional structure such as a single rectangular parallelepiped, cylinder, or sphere, or a complex three-dimensional structure composed of simple three-dimensional structures such as rectangular parallelepipeds, cylinders, or spheres. This is not limited in the present embodiments. The material of the box body 110 can be an alloy material such as aluminum alloy, iron alloy, etc., or a polymer material such as polycarbonate, polyisocyanurate foam plastic, or a composite material such as glass fiber and epoxy resin, and the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0055] In the embodiments of the present application, multiple battery cells 121 can be directly assembled into a battery pack, or they can be first assembled into a battery module 120, which can then be assembled into a battery pack. Specifically, multiple battery cells 121 can be directly connected in series, parallel, or in a hybrid manner to form a whole, which can then be housed within the housing 110. Alternatively, multiple battery cells 121 can be first connected in series, parallel, or in a hybrid manner to form a battery module 120, which can then be assembled into a whole, which can then be housed within the housing 110.

[0056] The battery 100 may further include other structures. For example, the battery 100 may further include a busbar component for achieving electrical connection between the plurality of battery cells 121 .

[0057] Each battery cell 121 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 121 can be cylindrical, flat, rectangular, or in other shapes. Battery cells 121 are generally divided into three types based on the packaging method: cylindrical battery cells, square battery cells, and soft-pack battery cells. The embodiments of this application do not limit this. However, for the sake of simplicity, the following embodiments are all described using a square lithium-ion battery cell 121 as an example.

[0058] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the battery cell 121 provided in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of the present application, in which the electrode assembly is omitted. Figure 6 for Figure 5 Magnified view of region D of the structure shown. Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of the adapter provided in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the structure of the adapter provided in some other embodiments of the present application. Figure 9 A front view of an adapter provided in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 10 for Figure 9 CC cross-sectional view of the structure shown.

[0059] A first aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a battery cell 121 , including: a housing 123 , an end cover 122 , an electrode terminal 125 , an electrode assembly 124 , and at least one adapter 400 .

[0060] Please refer to Figures 4 to 10 As shown, the housing 123 has two first sidewalls 123a that oppose each other in a first direction X. The housing 123 has an opening 123b formed in a third direction Z. The end cap 122 covers the opening 123b to form a receiving cavity. The electrode terminal 125 is disposed on the end cap 122. The electrode assembly 124 is received in the receiving cavity.

[0061] The adapter 400 includes a first connecting portion 410 and a second connecting portion 420 arranged side by side along the second direction Y. The first connecting portion 410 is electrically connected to the electrode terminal 125, and the second connecting portion 420 is electrically connected to the tab 126 of the electrode assembly 124. Along the first direction X, the first connecting portion 410 is spaced apart from the first sidewall 123a, which is relatively closer, by a first distance A. The second connecting portion 420 is spaced apart from the first sidewall 123a, which is relatively closer, by a second distance B. The second distance B is smaller than the first distance A. The first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z intersect.

[0062] In the embodiment of the present application, for ease of explanation, a first direction X, a second direction Y, and a third direction Z are set. The directions of the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are directions intersecting with each other. Here, intersecting with each other includes perpendicularly crossing each other.

[0063] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, Figures 4 to 10In the illustrated embodiment, the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other for illustration. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present application are not limited to the case where these three directions intersect perpendicularly. In a specific embodiment, the first direction X may be the length direction of the battery cell 121, parallel to the large surface of the battery cell 121; the second direction Y may be the thickness direction of the battery cell 121, perpendicular to the large surface of the battery cell 121; and the third direction Z may be the height direction of the battery cell 121. In the case of the adapter 400, the third direction Z may be the thickness direction of the adapter.

[0064] In the embodiments of the present application, the end cap 122 refers to a component that covers the opening 123b of the housing 123 to isolate the housing cavity of the electrode assembly 124 from the external environment. The shape of the end cap 122 can be adapted to the shape of the housing 123 to fit the housing 123. Optionally, the end cap 122 can be made of a material with a certain degree of hardness and strength (such as an aluminum alloy). This prevents the end cap 122 from deforming under compression or collision, thereby enhancing the structural strength of the battery cell 121 and improving safety. The end cap 122 can be made of a variety of materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, and plastic, and this is not particularly limited in the embodiments of the present application. In some embodiments, an insulating member can be disposed inside the end cap 122 to isolate the electrical connection components within the housing 123 from the end cap 122, thereby reducing the risk of short circuits. Exemplary insulating members can be plastic, rubber, or the like.

[0065] The end cap 122 is provided with an electrode terminal 125 . The electrode terminal 125 can be used to electrically connect to the electrode assembly 124 to output or input electrical energy of the battery cell 121 .

[0066] The housing 123 is a component that cooperates with the end cap 122 to form a housing cavity for the battery cell 121. The formed housing cavity can be used to accommodate the electrode assembly 124, electrolyte, and other components. The housing 123 and the end cap 122 can be separate components. The housing 123 has an opening 123b formed therein. The end cap 122 is closed at the opening 123b to form a housing cavity for the battery cell 121. Alternatively, the end cap 122 and the housing 123 can be integrated. Specifically, the end cap 122 and the housing 123 can form a common connection surface before other components are inserted into the housing. When the interior of the housing 123 needs to be encapsulated, the end cap 122 is closed over the housing 123. The housing 123 can have a variety of shapes and sizes, such as a rectangular parallelepiped, a cylindrical shape, a hexagonal prism, etc. Specifically, the shape of the housing 123 can be determined based on the specific shape and size of the electrode assembly 124. The shell 123 can be made of various materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and the embodiment of the present application does not impose any special restrictions on this.

[0067] The electrode assembly 124 is the component within the battery cell 121 where the electrochemical reaction occurs. One or more electrode assemblies 124 may be contained within the housing 123. The electrode assembly 124 is primarily formed by winding or stacking a positive electrode sheet (not shown) and a negative electrode sheet (not shown), with a separator typically provided between the positive and negative electrode sheets. The portions of the positive and negative electrode sheets containing active material constitute the electrode body 124a of the electrode assembly 124, while the portions of the positive and negative electrode sheets without active material each constitute a tab 126. The positive and negative electrode tabs 126 may be located together at one end of the body.

[0068] In the structure of the battery cell 121, the electrode assembly 124 includes a tab 126. The tab 126 can be arranged on both sides of the electrode terminal 125 along the second direction Y. The first connecting portion 410 and the second connecting portion 420 are arranged side by side along the second direction Y, ensuring that the first connecting portion 410 of the adapter 400 is electrically connected to the electrode terminal 125, and the second connecting portion 420 is electrically connected to the tab 126 of the electrode assembly 124. During the battery's charge and discharge process, the positive and negative active materials in the electrode body 124a react with the electrolyte, and the tab 126 can be connected to the electrode terminal 125 through the adapter 400 to form a current loop.

[0069] Along the first direction X, the distance between the first connecting portion 410 and the relatively closer first side wall 123a is a first distance A, and the distance between the second connecting portion 420 and the first side wall 123a is a second distance B. That is, the distance between the second connecting portion 420 and the relatively closer first side wall 123a is the second distance B. By setting the second distance B to be smaller than the first distance A, while the overall length of the second connecting portion 420 along the first direction X remains unchanged, it means that the second connecting portion 420 is closer to the first side wall 123a, thereby allowing the tab 126 connected to the second connecting portion 420 to be arranged relatively closer to the first side wall 123a ( Figure 4 In the lower left side along the first direction X), the designer can have more space design to increase the size of the tab 126 along the first direction X, improve the space utilization in the accommodating cavity, and effectively increase the current capacity of the tab 126, thereby improving the fast charging performance of the battery cell 121, so that the battery cell 121 has a more compact structure while maintaining high performance, meeting the market performance requirements for high-rate battery cells 121.

[0070] In addition, the tab 126 can be arranged relatively closer to the first side wall 123a ( Figure 4 The electrode tab 126 is positioned at the lower left side along the first direction X), so that the middle area between the electrode tab 126 and the other electrode tab 126 is expanded, and the weld mark formed when the electrode tab 126 is connected to the second connecting portion 420 can also be close to the corresponding first side wall 123a which is relatively closer, thereby effectively avoiding interference between the electrode tab 126 and other components (such as the pressure relief mechanism 127), thereby preventing the electrode tab 126 from being crushed due to excessive pressure, and ensuring the stable quality of the battery cell 121.

[0071] Optionally, the first connection portion 410 and the electrode terminal 125 are welded by laser.

[0072] Optionally, the second connecting portion 420 and the tab 126 of the electrode assembly 124 are welded by ultrasonic welding.

[0073] In some possible embodiments, see Figures 4 to 10 As shown, the adapter plate 400 includes a first positioning portion 430 and a second positioning portion 440 . The first positioning portion 430 and the second positioning portion 440 are respectively disposed at two ends of the first connecting portion 410 along the first direction X.

[0074] In this way, by designing the first positioning portion 430 and the second positioning portion 440, the first positioning portion 430 and the second positioning portion 440 are respectively arranged at both ends of the first connecting portion 410 along the first direction X, which facilitates the positioning of the adapter plate 400 during transportation and installation to avoid reverse installation.

[0075] One of the first positioning portion 430 and the second positioning portion 440 is a positioning groove, and the other is a positioning protrusion adapted to the positioning groove. Figure 7 As shown, the second positioning portion 440 is a positioning groove, and the first positioning portion 430 is a positioning protrusion adapted to the positioning groove. Figure 8 As shown, the second positioning portion 440 is a positioning protrusion, and the first positioning portion 430 is a positioning groove adapted to the positioning groove.

[0076] In some possible embodiments, the first connecting portion 410, the second connecting portion 420, the first positioning portion 430, and the second positioning portion 440 can be integrally formed. For example, a thin plate structure can be formed by stamping, bending, cutting, or other processes to form the first connecting portion 410, the second connecting portion 420, the first positioning portion 430, and the second positioning portion 440. Alternatively, the first connecting portion 410, the second connecting portion 420, the first positioning portion 430, and the second positioning portion 440 can be independent plates, and multiple plates can be spliced ​​together to form the adapter 400. The first connecting portion 410, the second connecting portion 420, the first positioning portion 430, and the second positioning portion 440 can be connected by welding.

[0077] In some possible embodiments, see Figures 4 to 10 As shown, the first distance A is 10mm~100mm; the second distance B is 5mm~90mm.

[0078] Along the first direction X, the first distance A between the first connecting portion 410 and the relatively closer first side wall 123a is 10 mm to 100 mm; the distance B between the second connecting portion 420 and the relatively closer first side wall 123a is 5 mm to 90 mm. In this way, the second distance B can be smaller than the first distance A. When the overall length of the second connecting portion 420 along the first direction X remains unchanged, it means that the second connecting portion 420 is closer to the first side wall 123a, and thus the tab 126 connected to the second connecting portion 420 can be arranged closer to the relatively closer first side wall 123a ( Figure 4 As a result, designers can have more space to increase the size of the tab 126 along the first direction X, effectively increase the current capacity of the tab 126, improve the fast charging performance of the battery cell 121, and meet the market performance requirements for high-rate battery cells.

[0079] In some possible embodiments, see Figures 4 to 10 As shown, the difference between the first distance A and the second distance B is 0.5 mm to 20 mm.

[0080] The difference between the first distance A and the second distance B can be further limited to 1mm to 10mm, that is, 1mm < AB < 10mm. By limiting the difference between the first distance A and the second distance B, the relative position of the first connection portion 410 and the second connection portion 420 is controlled within a reasonable range, thereby optimizing the overall structural design of the battery cell 121, making the structure more streamlined and compact, effectively preventing interference between the tab 126 and other components (such as the pressure relief mechanism 127), thereby preventing the tab 126 from being crushed due to excessive pressure, and ensuring the stable quality of the battery cell 121.

[0081] In some possible embodiments, see Figures 4 to 10 As shown, the first connection portion 410 includes a welding area 411 , a bending area 412 and a connection area 413 that are sequentially connected along the first direction X.

[0082] The bending region 412 extends along the second direction Y, the welding region 411 is electrically connected to the electrode terminal 125 , and the connecting region 413 is connected to the second connecting portion 420 along the side of the second direction Y. A gap 414 extending along the first direction X is formed between the welding region 411 and the second connecting portion 420 .

[0083] In related technologies, the method of connecting welding areas by metal stamping and bending often causes stress concentration, which in turn leads to abnormal material hardness and affects welding quality.

[0084] In the embodiment of the present application, the welding region 411 and the second connecting portion 420 are completely offset along the projection in the third direction Z. By providing a gap 414 extending along the first direction X and located between the welding region 411 and the second connecting portion 420, direct connection between the welding region 411 and the second connecting portion 420 via bending on both sides along the second direction Y can be avoided. This effectively prevents stress concentration caused by work hardening at the edges of the sections of the welding region 411 corresponding to the second connecting portion 420 along the second direction Y. This prevents the welding region 411 and the second connecting portion 420 from exceeding the hardness specification. This ensures stable material properties in the welding region 411 and the second connecting portion 420, thereby preventing cold welds. This effectively prevents interference between the tab 126 and other components (such as the pressure relief mechanism 127, discussed below), thereby preventing the tab 126 from being crushed due to excessive pressure. This ensures a stable and reliable electrical connection between the second connecting portion 420 and the tab 126 of the electrode assembly 124, ultimately ensuring the consistent quality of the battery cell 121.

[0085] The second connection portion 420 is electrically connected to the tab 126 of the electrode assembly 124; the welding region 411 is electrically connected to the electrode terminal 125. During the battery's charge and discharge processes, the positive and negative active materials in the electrode body 124a react with the electrolyte, causing current to flow through the tab 126 to the second connection portion 420. Current then flows along the first direction X on the second connection portion 420, bypassing the gap 414, and then along the second direction Y to connect to the connection region 413. It then passes through the bend region 412 to the welding region 411, ultimately forming a current loop with the electrode terminal 125. This rationally distributes the current path, ensuring even current distribution across the adapter 400, reducing the risk of local overheating and improving the cycle life and safety of the battery cell 121.

[0086] Optionally, the welding area 411 , the bending area 412 and the connecting area 413 may be integrally connected.

[0087] The welding region 411 and the connecting region 413 may be made of flat plate materials of the same thickness, and the bending region 412 may be made of a plate material of the same thickness as or thinner than that of the welding region 411 .

[0088] Optionally, the length of the welding region 411 along the first direction X is 10 mm to 20 mm. The length of the connecting region 413 along the first direction X is 5 mm to 10 mm.

[0089] In some possible embodiments, see Figures 4 to 10 As shown, along the third direction Z, the welding region 411 and the second connection portion 420 have a height difference H1.

[0090] Height difference H1 refers to the fact that the top surface of the second connecting portion 420 and the top surface of the welding region 411 are not coplanar with each other in the third direction Z of the battery cell 121. This allows the adapter 400 to be used in the battery cell 121 so that the distance between the top surface of the second connecting portion 420 and the end cap 122 is smaller than the distance between the welding region 411 and the end cap 122. The top surface of the second connecting portion 420 is the side of the second connecting portion 420 facing the end cap 122, while the top surface of the welding region 411 is the side of the welding region 411 facing the end cap 122.

[0091] It can be understood that the connection region 413 and the second connection portion 420 are substantially in the same horizontal plane. The connection region 413 forms a height difference with the welding region 411 through the bent region 412, which in turn creates a height difference H1 between the welding region 411 and the second connection portion 420. This allows the adapter plate 400 to present a partially bent plate-like structure, thereby creating space for accommodating the tab 126. Taking the plane of the side of the welding region 411 facing away from the end cap 122 (i.e., the second side 411b) as the reference plane, if there is no height difference between the second connection portion 420 and the welding region 411, after the second connection portion 420 is connected to the tab 126, the tab 126 and the end cap 122 are located on opposite sides of the reference plane, resulting in a relatively large distance between the tab 126 and the end cap 122. This creates a certain amount of space waste, creating an empty space around the periphery of the electrode terminal 125 between the reference plane and the end cap 122. By forming a height difference H1 between the second connecting portion 420 in the adapter plate 400 and the welding area 411, after the second connecting portion 420 is connected to the pole tab 126, at least part of the structure of the pole tab 126 can be located between the reference plane and the end cover 122, that is, part of the structure of the pole tab 126 is located on the side of the electrode terminal 125, and the distance between the pole tab 126 and the end cover 122 is closer, so that while ensuring that the pole tab 126 is connected to the electrode terminal 125 through the adapter plate 400, the space around the electrode terminal 125 and located between the reference plane and the end cover 122 is utilized. When the internal space size of the shell 123 is constant, the assembly of the pole tab 126, the electrode terminal 125 and the adapter plate 400 has a higher utilization rate of the internal space of the shell 123, and more space is reserved for accommodating the electrode body 124a, so that the size of the electrode body 124a can be increased, for example, the height of the electrode body 124a along the third direction Z is increased, and ultimately the energy density of the battery cell 121 is improved.

[0092] In some possible embodiments, the thickness of the welding region 411 along the third direction Z is equal to the thickness of the second connection portion 420 along the third direction Z, and the thickness of the welding region 411 along the third direction Z is H2.

[0093] The value of the height difference H1 should be greater than the thickness H2 of the welding area 411 along the third direction Z, and less than 5 times the thickness H2 of the welding area 411 along the third direction Z, satisfying H2

[0094] ​In this way, after the pole tab 126 is connected to the second connecting portion 420, at least part of the structure of the pole tab 126 is located in the accommodating space generated by the height difference H1 between the second connecting portion 420 and the welding area 411. When the internal space size of the shell 123 is constant, the assembly of the pole tab 126, the electrode terminal 125 and the adapter plate 400 has a higher utilization rate of the internal space of the shell 123, and more space is reserved for accommodating the electrode body 124a, so that the size of the electrode body 124a can be increased, for example, the height of the electrode body 124a along the third direction Z is increased, and ultimately the energy density of the battery cell 121 is improved.

[0095] In some possible embodiments, the value of the height difference H1 is 1 mm to 10 mm.

[0096] In some possible embodiments, see Figures 4 to 10 As shown, the bending region 412 is an arc-shaped plate-like structure. Thus, the junction between the bending region 412 and the welding region 411 is a curved surface, and the junction between the welding region 411 and the connecting region 413 is also a curved surface. The arc-shaped plate-like structure of the bending region 412 can reduce sharp corners formed during bending, thereby reducing the possibility of the bending region 412 scratching other structures within the battery cell 121.

[0097] In some possible embodiments, see Figures 4 to 10 As shown, the first positioning portion 430 is arranged at the front end of the welding area 411 away from the connection area 413 along the first direction X; the second positioning portion 440 is arranged at the end of the connection area 413 away from the welding area 411 along the first direction X; this facilitates the positioning of the adapter plate 400 during transportation and installation to avoid reverse installation.

[0098] In some possible embodiments, a fuse is provided between the first connection portion 410 and the second connection portion 420. The fuse is configured to melt when an overcurrent occurs in the adapter 400. Overcurrent occurs when the current flowing through the fuse exceeds the rated value, or is referred to as excessive current. When the fuse melts in the presence of excessive current, the connection between the first connection portion 410 and the second connection portion 420 is severed, thereby severing the electrical connection between the tab 126 and the electrode terminal 125, thereby preventing or mitigating the risk of a short circuit.

[0099] In some possible embodiments, the fuse portion may include at least one of a thinning region and a fuse hole. In other words, the fuse portion may be provided with only the thinning region, only the fuse hole, or both the thinning region and the fuse hole.

[0100] The thinning region is an area whose thickness is less than the thickness of the second connection portion 420 along the third direction Z. For example, if the thickness of the second connection portion 420, the welding region 411, the bending region 412, and the connection region 413 are equal, during the manufacturing process, a sheet of material is stamped or bent to form the second connection portion 420, the welding region 411, the bending region 412, and the connection region 413. The thickness of the second connection portion 420, the welding region 411, the bending region 412, and the connection region 413 are all equal to the thickness of the sheet. A cutting operation is performed on the area on the connecting path between the second connection portion 420 and the welding region 411 to reduce the thickness of some areas, thereby making the thickness of some structures less than the thickness of the sheet. The structure with a thickness less than the thickness of the sheet is the thinning region, and the flow area of ​​the thinning region is minimized. The number of thinning regions provided in the fuse portion can be one or more. When there are multiple thinning regions, the multiple thinning regions are spaced apart in the fuse portion.

[0101] In some possible embodiments, see Figures 4 to 10 As shown, a first side surface 411 a of the welding region 411 along the third direction Z is electrically connected to the electrode terminal 125 , and a plurality of pits 415 are formed on a second side surface 411 b of the welding region 411 away from the first side surface 411 a .

[0102] The recess 415 is a structure that is recessed from the second side surface 411b toward the first side surface 411a. The provision of the recess 415 increases the roughness of the second side surface 411b and enhances diffuse reflection from the second side surface 411b, thereby reducing laser reflection during the welding process that electrically connects the first connecting portion 410 of the adapter 400 to the electrode terminal 125.

[0103] In some possible embodiments, see Figures 4 to 10 As shown, the second connection portion 420 includes a first end 421 and a second end 422 ; the first end 421 faces relatively closer to the first sidewall 123 a and protrudes from the welding area 411 along the first direction X; the second end 422 faces relatively farther from the first sidewall 123 a.

[0104] That is, the first end 421 and the second end 422 are distributed along the first direction X. The spacing between the side of the welding area 411 of the first connecting portion 410 away from the connecting area 413 and the relatively closer first side wall 123a is a first distance A; the spacing between the first end 421 and the relatively closer first side wall 123a is a second distance B. By setting the second distance B to be smaller than the first distance A, designers can have more space to increase the size of the tab 126 along the first direction X, improve the space utilization rate within the accommodating cavity, and effectively increase the current capacity of the tab 126, thereby improving the fast charging performance of the battery cell 121. This allows the battery cell 121 to have a more compact structure while maintaining high performance, thereby meeting the market's performance requirements for high-rate battery cells 121.

[0105] Optionally, the length of the second connection portion 420 along the first direction X may be 15 mm to 35 mm.

[0106] In some possible embodiments, see Figures 4 to 10 As shown, there are two electrode terminals 125 , which are spaced apart along a first direction on the end cover 122 and can serve as a positive electrode column and a negative electrode column of the battery cell 121 , respectively.

[0107] There are two electrode assemblies 124 , each of which includes an electrode body 124 a and two tabs 126 spaced apart on the electrode body 124 a along a first direction X. The two tabs 126 can serve as a positive tab and a negative tab of the electrode assembly 124 , respectively.

[0108] The electrode bodies 124 a of the two electrode assemblies 124 are arranged side by side along the second direction Y, and the tabs 126 on the electrode bodies 124 a are arranged on a side away from the other electrode body 124 a along the second direction Y. Each electrode terminal 125 is provided with one tab 126 of each of the two electrode assemblies 124 on both sides along the second direction Y.

[0109] That is, the two positive electrode tabs are arranged on both sides of the positive electrode column along the second direction Y, and the two negative electrode tabs are arranged on both sides of the negative electrode column along the second direction Y.

[0110] The battery cell 121 includes two adapter plates 400 spaced apart along the first direction X. The welding regions 411 of the two adapter plates 400 are disposed away from each other along the first direction X. The connection regions 413 of the two adapter plates 400 are disposed toward each other along the first direction X.

[0111] Combine Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6In the adapter plate 400 located on the relatively left side, the distance between the first connecting portion 410 and the relatively closer first sidewall 123a (that is, the first sidewall 123a of the housing 123 on the far left) is a first distance A, and the distance between the second connecting portion 420 and the first sidewall 123a is a second distance B. Similarly, in the adapter plate 400 located on the relatively right side, the distance between the first connecting portion 410 and the relatively closer first sidewall 123a (that is, the first sidewall 123a of the housing 123 on the far right) is the first distance A, and the distance between the second connecting portion 420 and the first sidewall 123a is the second distance B.

[0112] In some possible embodiments, see Figures 4 to 10 As shown, each adapter plate 400 includes two second connection parts 420 and one first connection part 410. The two second connection parts 420 are arranged on both sides of the first connection part 410 in the second direction Y.

[0113] That is, in one adapter plate 400 , one second connection portion 420 is connected to one side of the connection region 413 along the second direction Y, and the other second connection portion 420 is connected to the other side of the connection region 413 along the second direction Y.

[0114] When the adapter 400 is used to connect the positive electrode tab and the positive electrode column, the welding area 411 of the first connecting portion 410 is used to connect to the positive electrode column, one second connecting portion 420 is used to connect to the positive electrode tab of one of the electrode assemblies 124, and the other second connecting portion 420 is used to connect to the positive electrode tab of the other electrode assembly 124.

[0115] Similarly, when the adapter 400 is used to connect the negative electrode ear and the negative electrode column, the welding area of ​​the first connecting portion 410 is used to connect to the negative electrode column, one second connecting portion 420 is used to connect to the negative electrode ear of one of the electrode assemblies 124, and the other second connecting portion 420 is used to connect to the negative electrode ear of the other electrode assembly 124.

[0116] In some possible embodiments, see Figures 4 to 10 As shown, the battery cell 121 includes a pressure relief mechanism 127 disposed on the end cover 122. The pressure relief mechanism 127 is used to release the internal pressure of the battery cell 121 when the internal pressure or temperature reaches a threshold.

[0117] Along the first direction X, the pressure relief mechanism 127 is located between the two electrode terminals 125 ; specifically, the pressure relief mechanism 127 is provided at the middle portion of the end cover 122 in the first direction X.

[0118] The first end 421 is away from the pressure relief mechanism 127 along the first direction X, and the second end 422 is toward the pressure relief mechanism 127 along the first direction X.

[0119] In this way, the first end 421 can protrude from the welding region 411 along the first direction X, and the tab 126 can be disposed relatively closer to the first sidewall 123a ( Figure 4 The electrode tab 126 is located at the lower left side along the first direction X), so that the middle area between the electrode tab 126 and the other electrode tab 126 is expanded. The weld mark formed when the electrode tab 126 is connected to the second connecting portion 420 can also be close to the corresponding first side wall 123a which is relatively closer. This effectively avoids interference between the electrode tab 126 and the pressure relief mechanism 127, thereby preventing the electrode tab 126 from being crushed due to excessive pressure, thereby ensuring the stable quality of the battery cell 121.

[0120] Optionally, the pressure relief mechanism 127 may be an explosion-proof valve.

[0121] A second aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides a battery 100 including the above-mentioned battery cell 121 .

[0122] A third aspect of the present application provides an electric device 1000, which includes the aforementioned battery cell 121, and the battery cell 121 is used to provide power to the electric device 1000. Alternatively, the electric device 1000 includes the aforementioned battery 100, and the battery 100 is used to provide power to the electric device 1000.

[0123] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0124] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, and these modifications and improvements fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present patent application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery cell, characterized in that: The battery cell comprises: A shell (123) having two first side walls (123a) opposite to each other in a first direction (X), and an opening (123b) formed in a third direction (Z); the first direction (X) is the length direction of the battery cell, and the third direction (Z) is the height direction of the battery cell; an end cover (122) covering the opening (123b) to form a receiving cavity; an electrode terminal (125) passing through the end cover (122); an electrode assembly (124), accommodated in the accommodation cavity; and at least one adapter plate (400), the adapter plate (400) comprising a first connection portion (410) and a second connection portion (420) arranged side by side along a second direction (Y); the second direction (Y) being a thickness direction of the battery cell; The first connecting portion (410) is electrically connected to the electrode terminal (125), and the second connecting portion (420) is electrically connected to the tab (126) of the electrode assembly (124); Along the first direction (X), the distance between the first connecting portion (410) and the relatively closer first side wall (123a) is a first distance, and the distance between the second connecting portion (420) and the first side wall (123a) is a second distance; The second distance is smaller than the first distance.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: The adapter plate (400) comprises a first positioning portion (430) and a second positioning portion (440), wherein the first positioning portion (430) and the second positioning portion (440) are respectively arranged at two ends of the first connecting portion (410) along the first direction (X).

3. The battery cell according to claim 2, characterized in that: One of the first positioning portion (430) and the second positioning portion (440) is a positioning groove, and the other is a positioning protrusion adapted to the positioning groove.

4. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first distance is 10 mm to 100 mm; the second distance is 5 mm to 90 mm.

5. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The difference between the first distance and the second distance is 0.5 mm to 20 mm.

6. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first connecting portion (410) comprises a welding area (411), a bending area (412), and a connecting area (413) that are sequentially connected along the first direction (X); The bending region (412) extends along the second direction (Y), the welding region (411) is electrically connected to the electrode terminal (125), and the connecting region (413) is connected to the second connecting portion (420) along the side of the second direction (Y); A gap (414) extending along the first direction (X) is formed between the welding area (411) and the second connecting portion (420).

7. The battery cell according to claim 6, characterized in that The welding region (411) is electrically connected to the electrode terminal (125) along a first side surface (411a) in the third direction (Z), and a plurality of pits (415) are formed on a second side surface (411b) of the welding region (411) away from the first side surface (411a).

8. The battery cell according to claim 6, characterized in that Along the third direction (Z), there is a height difference between the welding area (411) and the second connecting portion (420).

9. The battery cell according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second connecting portion (420) includes a first end (421) and a second end (422); The first end (421) faces the first side wall (123a) that is relatively closer, and the first end (421) protrudes from the welding area (411) along the first direction (X); The second end (422) faces the first side wall (123a) which is relatively farther away.

10. The battery cell according to claim 6, characterized in that The length of the second connecting portion (420) along the first direction (X) is 15 mm to 35 mm; The length of the welding area (411) along the first direction (X) is 10 mm to 20 mm; The length of the connection area (413) along the first direction (X) is 5 mm to 10 mm.

11. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first connecting portion (410) and the electrode terminal (125) are laser welded; The second connecting portion (420) is ultrasonically welded to the tab (126) of the electrode assembly (124).

12. A battery, characterized in that: The battery cell comprises the battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. An electrical device, characterized in that: The electrical device comprises the battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the battery cell is used to provide electrical energy; or the electrical device comprises the battery according to claim 12, wherein the battery is used to provide electrical energy.

Images