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

Abstract

The utility model provides a battery monomer, a battery, a power utilization device and an energy storage device, and belongs to the technical field of batteries. The battery cell includes: a case; the electrode assembly is arranged in the shell; the electrode assembly comprises a main body part and a plurality of tabs, the tabs are located at at least one end of the main body part, each tab comprises a connecting area and a furling area, the connecting areas are connected with the furling areas and the main body part, and the furling areas of the tabs located at the same end of the main body part are stacked to form a furling part; the single battery further comprises a limiting structure which defines a limiting space, and the limiting structure is arranged at the root of the folding part and used for limiting the root of the folding part in the limiting space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery cell, a battery, an electrical device, and an energy storage device. Background Technology

[0002] Energy conservation and emission reduction are key to sustainable social development. Rechargeable batteries, with their ability to store and release energy as needed, are widely used in various electrical devices and energy storage systems, and are an important component in promoting energy transition and sustainable development. For the new energy industry, battery technology is a crucial factor in its development.

[0003] Electrode assemblies are typically formed by winding or stacking positive and negative electrode sheets. The portions of the positive and negative electrode sheets containing active material form the bent sections of the electrode assembly, while the portions without active material each form a tab. To improve battery safety, external short-circuit testing is required. During external short-circuit testing, arcing and sparking can easily occur at the tab locations, affecting the safety of the battery during the test. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application aims to at least address one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, one object of this application is to provide a battery cell, a battery, an electrical device, and an energy storage device to improve the problems in the related art.

[0005] An embodiment of the first aspect of this application provides a battery cell, including: a housing; and an electrode assembly disposed within the housing; the electrode assembly includes: a main body portion and a plurality of tabs, the plurality of tabs being located at at least one end of the main body portion, each tab including a connecting area and a closing area, the connecting area connecting the closing area and the main body portion, the closing areas of the plurality of tabs located at the same end of the main body portion being stacked to form a closing portion; the battery cell further includes: a limiting structure defining a limiting space, the limiting structure being disposed at the root of the closing portion for limiting the root of the closing portion within the limiting space.

[0006] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the limiting space defined by the limiting structure can restrain the root of the folding part. In this way, even if the root of the folding part melts during the external short circuit test of the battery, the limiting structure can limit the melted surface of the root of the folding part, making it difficult for the melted surface of the root of the folding part to move significantly. This can improve the arcing problem caused by the repeated overlapping of the melted surface after the folding part melts.

[0007] In some embodiments, the limiting structure covers the root of the retractable portion along its periphery. This effectively restricts the range of motion of the root of the retractable portion, reducing the probability of loosening or wobbling after melting. This further improves the problem of repeated overlap of the weld surface after melting at the root of the retractable portion, which can lead to arcing.

[0008] In some embodiments, the limiting structure includes: a first limiting portion; and a second limiting portion, wherein the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion are located on opposite sides of the root of the gathered portion along the thickness direction of the root of the gathered portion, and the two ends of the first limiting portion are connected to the two ends of the second limiting portion in a one-to-one correspondence to define a limiting space. Thus, the root of the gathered portion can be confined between the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion, and the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion can apply a certain pressure to the root of the gathered portion in a direction of approach, thereby enhancing the binding effect on the root of the gathered portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, the limiting structure further includes a connecting portion for connecting the two ends of the first limiting portion to the two ends of the second limiting portion one-to-one. Thus, the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion form a detachable structure through the connecting portion, facilitating the installation and removal of the first and second limiting portions at the root of the retractable portion. This allows for flexible adjustment of the positions of the first and second limiting portions at the root of the retractable portion as needed, effectively mitigating the problem of arcing at the root of the retractable portion after melting.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first limiting part and the second limiting part are integrally formed. This enhances the overall strength of the limiting structure, and after the root of the retractable part melts, it can more reliably restrain the melted surface at the root of the retractable part, thereby further reducing the risk of arcing at the electrode tab position.

[0011] In some embodiments, the material of the first limiting part includes resin or rubber, and the material of the second limiting part includes resin or rubber. The resin or rubber can soften due to the high temperature when the root of the gathering part melts, thereby filling the melt-off position and achieving better restraint on the melt-off surface of the root of the gathering part. This can further improve the arcing problem caused by repeated overlapping of the melt-off surface after the root of the gathering part melts.

[0012] In some embodiments, the retractable portion is bent to form a bent portion, which is connected to the root of the retractable portion. The limiting structure further includes a support portion having a support surface that conforms to at least a portion of the inner side surface of the bent portion. The inner side surface of the bent portion is disposed towards the end of the main body portion. The support portion is configured to space the inner side surface of the bent portion from the main body portion. Thus, the support portion can support the bent portion, reducing the risk of short circuits caused by the bent portion bending backwards towards the end of the main body portion and inserting itself into the end of the main body portion, thereby improving the safety of the electrode assembly.

[0013] In some embodiments, when the limiting structure includes a first limiting portion and a second limiting portion, the first limiting portion faces the inner surface of the bent portion, and the support portion is connected to the first limiting portion and located on the side of the first limiting portion adjacent to the bent portion. The support portion is connected to the first limiting portion such that it is disposed adjacent to the bent portion, and with the first limiting portion as a fulcrum, it provides good support for the inner surface of the bent portion. Furthermore, the support portion is located on the side of the first limiting portion adjacent to the bent portion, such that there is at least a distance equal to the height of the first limiting portion between the support portion and the end of the main body portion, thereby preventing the support portion from contacting the end of the main body portion and thus preventing compression of the end of the main body portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the bending portion includes a bending area and an extension area. The bending area is the bending position of the bending portion, and the extension area connects to the side of the bending area away from the root of the gathering portion and extends in a direction opposite to the bending area. The support portion includes a first part and a second part connected in sequence. The first part is bent relative to the second part. The first part connects to a first limiting part and abuts against at least a portion of the inner surface of the bending area, and the second part abuts against at least a portion of the inner surface of the extension area. Thus, the support portion supports both the bending area and the extension area of ​​the bending portion, which can disperse the concentrated stress in the bending area and reduce the stress per unit area at the bend of the bending portion, thereby effectively reducing the risk of short circuit caused by the bending portion being inserted backwards into the end of the main body.

[0015] In some embodiments, the thickness of the support portion is less than the thickness of the first limiting portion. This ensures that, on the one hand, the weight of the support portion is not excessive, allowing the first limiting portion to adequately support the support portion and preventing it from collapsing due to excessive weight; on the other hand, the smaller thickness of the support portion reduces the space it occupies in the height direction of the electrode assembly.

[0016] In some embodiments, when the support includes a first part and a second part connected in sequence, the ratio of the thickness of the second part to the thickness of the first limiting part is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.5. Within this range, the second part maintains sufficient strength to provide good support for the extension area, while also ensuring that the overall weight of the support is not excessive. This allows the first part to adequately support the second part, reducing the risk of the second part collapsing due to its excessive weight, and also minimizes the space occupied by the support in the height direction of the electrode assembly.

[0017] In some embodiments, the bending portion includes a region to be welded, and the supporting portion includes a through hole extending along the thickness direction of the supporting portion, with the through hole exposing the inner surface of the region to be welded in the bending portion. Thus, the supporting portion provides support to the bending portion without affecting the welding effect, resulting in high reliability of the battery cell.

[0018] An embodiment of the second aspect of this application provides a battery comprising the battery cell described in the above embodiments.

[0019] An embodiment of the third aspect of this application provides an electrical device that includes the battery described in the above embodiments, the battery being used to provide electrical energy.

[0020] An embodiment of the fourth aspect of this application provides an energy storage device, which includes the battery described in the above embodiments, the battery being used to store electrical energy.

[0021] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, the following are specific embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0022] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals throughout the various drawings denote the same or similar parts or elements. These drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. It should be understood that these drawings depict only some embodiments disclosed in this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle structure according to some embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of a battery according to some embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of a battery cell according to some embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 4This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a limiting structure disposed on an electrode assembly according to some embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged structural diagram of the area within the dashed box;

[0028] Figure 6 This is an exploded structural diagram of the limiting structure disposed on the electrode assembly in some embodiments of this application;

[0029] Figure 7 for Figure 6 An enlarged structural diagram of the area marked A within the dashed box;

[0030] Figure 8 for Figure 6 An enlarged structural diagram of the area marked B in the dashed box;

[0031] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a limiting structure disposed on an electrode assembly according to other embodiments of this application;

[0032] Figure 10 for Figure 9 Enlarged structural diagram of the area within the dashed box;

[0033] Figure 11 This is an exploded structural diagram showing the limiting structure disposed on the electrode assembly in some other embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 12 for Figure 11 Enlarged structural diagram of the area within the dashed box;

[0035] Figure 13 The limiting structure of some other embodiments of this application is provided in the front view of the electrode assembly;

[0036] Figure 14 for Figure 13 A cross-sectional view along the CC direction;

[0037] Figure 15 for Figure 14 Enlarged structural diagram of the area within the dashed box;

[0038] Figure 16 This is a side view of the limiting structure of some embodiments of this application.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0040] Vehicle 1000, first limiting part 1011, second limiting part 1012, support part 1013, first part 1013a, second part 1013b;

[0041] Battery 100, limiting structure 101,

[0042] Controller 200, retractable part 231, fixing part 232,

[0043] Motor 300, bending zone 321, extension zone 322;

[0044] Box 10, Part 11, Part 2 12;

[0045] Battery cell 20, end cap 21, housing 22, electrode assembly 23, main body 23a;

[0046] The root of the gathered portion 31, and the bent portion 32;

[0047] Mounting hole 41, fastener 42;

[0048] Area to be welded: 50;

[0049] Hole size 60. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The embodiments of the technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application and are therefore merely examples, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0051] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0052] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0053] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0054] In the description of the embodiments in this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0055] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more (including two sets), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two pieces).

[0056] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0057] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0058] The external short-circuit test of a battery simulates the situation in which the positive and negative terminals of the battery may be directly connected or connected through an external conductor to form a short circuit in actual use. It observes whether the battery will experience dangerous situations such as thermal runaway, fire, or explosion, in order to assess the safety of the battery under extreme conditions.

[0059] Battery electrode assemblies typically consist of multiple tabs stacked together and welded to form a converged section. The root of this converged section has limited current-carrying capacity, becoming a bottleneck and causing it to melt during external short-circuit testing. Because the converged section is composed of multiple layers of tabs, the resulting melt-broken surface may contain multiple layers. These multiple melt-broken surfaces repeatedly overlap, creating a risk of arcing and sparking.

[0060] Based on the above considerations, a battery cell was designed. By placing a limiting structure at the root of the folded portion of the electrode assembly, the root of the folded portion is confined within a limiting space, thus achieving restraint on the root of the folded portion. Even if the root of the folded portion melts during an external short-circuit test, the limiting structure can still limit the melted surface at the root of the folded portion, making it less prone to significant movement. This improves the arcing problem caused by repeated overlap of the melted surface after the folded portion melts.

[0061] The electrode assemblies disclosed in this application can be used, but are not limited to, in electrical devices or energy storage devices such as vehicles, ships, or aircraft. A power system for such an electrical device or energy storage device can be constructed using the electrode assemblies, battery cells, batteries, etc., disclosed in this application.

[0062] This application provides an electrical device that uses a battery as a power source. The electrical device can be, but is not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, electric toys, power tools, electric vehicles, electric cars, ships, spacecraft, etc. Electric toys can include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. Spacecraft can include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc.

[0063] This application also provides an energy storage device that uses a battery as a power source. The energy storage device can be, but is not limited to, an energy storage container, an energy storage cabinet, an energy storage power station, an energy storage battery pack, or a portable energy storage system.

[0064] For ease of explanation, the following embodiments will be described using a vehicle 1000 as an example of an electrical device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0065] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle provided in some embodiments of this application. The vehicle 1000 can be a gasoline-powered vehicle, a natural gas-powered vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, or a range-extended electric vehicle, etc. A battery 100 is disposed inside the vehicle 1000, and the battery 100 can be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 can be used to power the vehicle 1000; for example, the battery 100 can serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000. The vehicle 1000 may also 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, to meet the power needs of the vehicle 1000 during startup, navigation, and driving.

[0066] In some embodiments of this application, the battery 100 can not only serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000, but also as the driving power source for the vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1000.

[0067] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of a battery provided in some embodiments of this application. The battery 100 includes a housing 10 and a battery cell 20, with the battery cell 20 housed within the housing 10. The housing 10 provides a space for the battery cell 20, and the housing 10 can employ various structures. In some embodiments, the housing 10 may include a first portion 11 and a second portion 12, which overlap each other, and together define a space for accommodating the battery cell 20.

[0068] In battery 100, there can be multiple battery cells 20. Multiple battery cells 20 can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed manner. A mixed connection means that multiple battery cells 20 are connected in both series and parallel.

[0069] 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 to these. The battery cell 20 can be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes.

[0070] refer to Figures 3 to 7 This application provides a battery cell 20, including a housing 22 and an electrode assembly 23, the electrode assembly 23 being disposed within the housing 22. The electrode assembly 23 includes a main body portion 23a. The electrode assembly 23 also includes multiple tabs, the multiple tabs being located at at least one end of the main body portion 23a. Each tab includes a connecting area and a closing area, the connecting area connecting the closing area and the main body portion 23a. The closing areas of the multiple tabs located at the same end of the electrode assembly 23 are stacked to form a closing portion 231. The battery cell also includes a limiting structure 101, disposed at the root 31 of the closing portion, for limiting the root 31 of the closing portion.

[0071] Please refer to Figure 3 The battery cell 20 refers to the smallest unit that makes up a battery. For example... Figure 3 The battery cell 20 also includes an end cap 21 and other functional components.

[0072] End cap 21 refers to a component that covers the opening of housing 22 to isolate the internal environment of battery cell 20 from the external environment. End cap 21 may be provided with functional components such as electrode terminals. Electrode terminals can be used for electrical connection with electrode assembly 23 to output or input electrical energy to battery cell 20. In some embodiments, end cap 21 may also be provided with a pressure relief mechanism for releasing internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of battery cell 20 reaches a threshold.

[0073] The housing 22 is an assembly used to fit the end cap 21 to form the internal environment of the battery cell 20, wherein the formed internal environment can be used to accommodate the electrode assembly 23, electrolyte and other components.

[0074] Electrode assembly 23 is the component in the battery cell 20 where the electrochemical reaction takes place. The housing 22 may contain one or more electrode assemblies 23. The electrode assembly 23 is mainly formed by winding or stacking positive and negative electrode plates, and typically a separator is provided between the positive and negative electrode plates. The portions of the positive and negative electrode plates containing active material constitute the main body 23a, while the portions of the positive and negative electrode plates without active material each constitute a tab.

[0075] refer to Figures 4 to 5 When the electrode assembly 23 is formed by winding a positive electrode sheet and a negative electrode sheet, both the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet may include multiple tabs arranged at intervals. After the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet are wound, the gathering areas of the multiple tabs of the positive electrode sheet are stacked to form a gathering portion 231, and the gathering areas of the multiple tabs of the negative electrode sheet are stacked to form another gathering portion 231.

[0076] When the electrode assembly 23 is formed by stacking positive and negative electrode sheets, each positive electrode sheet may have one tab and each negative electrode sheet may have one tab. Multiple layers of positive and negative electrode sheets are stacked alternately, and the convergence areas of the tabs of the multiple layers of positive electrode sheets are stacked to form a convergence portion 231, and the convergence areas of multiple tabs of the multiple layers of negative electrode sheets are stacked to form another convergence portion 231.

[0077] The gathering portion 231 can be welded to ensure a tight fit between the gathering areas of the multiple tabs forming the gathering portion 231. It is understood that, due to the thickness of the positive and negative electrode sheets themselves, after winding or stacking, gaps exist between the roots of the multiple tabs of the positive electrode sheet and the multiple tabs of the negative electrode sheet. The roots of the tabs are the locations of the tab connection body 23a, i.e., the tab connection areas. In other words, gaps exist between the connection areas of the multiple tabs connected to the gathering portion 231, and the connection areas of the multiple tabs connected to the gathering portion 231 can form a fixing portion 232, such as... Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown in the image.

[0078] The multiple tabs of the positive electrode and the multiple tabs of the negative electrode can be located at the same end or opposite ends of the main body 23a. During the charging and discharging process of the battery, the positive and negative active materials react with the electrolyte, and the tabs connect to the electrode terminals to form a current loop.

[0079] like Figure 7 As shown, the root 31 of the gathering portion refers to the part of the gathering portion 231 that connects to the connecting area. In this embodiment, the root 31 of the gathering portion may have a certain height, and is not limited to the end face of the gathering portion 231 that connects to the connecting area. The height of the root 31 of the gathering portion referred to here is the distance from the end face of the gathering portion 231 that connects to the connecting area to a specific cross-section of the gathering portion 231 along the direction from near to far from the connecting area.

[0080] For example, if the gathering portion 231 is bent near the connecting area, the root portion 31 of the gathering portion can be defined by the starting point of the bending of the gathering portion 231. The section between the end face of the gathering portion 231 that connects to the connecting area and the starting point of the bending of the gathering portion 231 can be defined as the root portion 31 of the gathering portion.

[0081] The limiting structure 101 can restrict the position of the root 31 of the gathering part, so that even after the root 31 of the gathering part is melted, it can still be bound within the limiting space by the limiting structure 101 and will not move arbitrarily. The limiting structure 101 may include, but is not limited to, a clamp, a retaining ring, a buckle, or other structures that can bind the root 31 of the gathering part.

[0082] In the above technical solution, the limiting space defined by the limiting structure 101 can restrain the root 31 of the gathering part. In this way, even if the root 31 of the gathering part melts during the external short circuit test of the battery, the limiting structure 101 can limit the melted surface of the root of the gathering part 231, making it difficult for the melted surface of the root of the gathering part 231 to move significantly. This can improve the arcing problem caused by the repeated overlapping of the melted surface after the gathering part 231 melts.

[0083] According to some embodiments of this application, the limiting structure 101 covers the root 31 of the gathering portion along the periphery of the gathering portion 231.

[0084] In other words, the limiting structure 101 is provided around the root 31 of the gathering portion. For example, if the shape of the gathering portion 231 is cuboid, then the periphery of the gathering portion 231 is the four faces surrounding its rectangular periphery.

[0085] In the above technical solution, the limiting structure 101 covers the root 31 of the gathering part along the periphery of the gathering part 231, which can cover the root 31 of the gathering part, effectively restricting the range of motion of the root of the gathering part 231, reducing the probability of loosening or swinging after melting, thereby further improving the problem of repeated overlapping of the melt fracture surface after the root 31 of the gathering part melts, which leads to arcing.

[0086] refer to Figures 4 to 6 According to some embodiments of this application, the limiting structure 101 includes: a first limiting part 1011; and a second limiting part 1012. The first limiting part 1011 and the second limiting part 1012 are located on opposite sides of the root 31 of the gathering part along the thickness direction of the root 31 of the gathering part, and the two ends of the first limiting part 1011 are connected to the two ends of the second limiting part 1012 in a one-to-one correspondence to define the limiting space.

[0087] The thickness direction of the root portion 31 of the gathering portion is the same as the stacking direction of the multiple gathering areas of the root portion 31 of the gathering portion. The first limiting portion 1011 and the second limiting portion 1012 can both extend along the first direction, which is the same as the extension direction of the boundary line between the gathering portion 231 and the connecting area.

[0088] Along the first direction, the lengths of the first limiting portion 1011 and the second limiting portion 1012 can both be greater than the height of the root portion 31 of the gathering portion, so as to effectively restrain the root portion 31 of the gathering portion.

[0089] In some embodiments, the first limiting part 1011 may cover a portion of the surface of the root 31 of the gathering part where it is located, and the second limiting part 1012 may cover a portion of the surface of the root 31 of the gathering part where it is located, and both the first limiting part 1011 and the second limiting part 1012 are located in the root 31 of the gathering part near the connecting area.

[0090] In other embodiments, at least one of the first limiting portion 1011 and the second limiting portion 1012 may be the entire surface of the root portion 31 of the gathering portion where it is located.

[0091] In the above technical solution, by setting a first limiting part 1011 and a second limiting part 1012 that are connected to each other, the root part 31 of the gathering part can be restricted between the first limiting part 1011 and the second limiting part 1012, and the first limiting part 1011 and the second limiting part 1012 can apply a certain pressure to the root part 31 of the gathering part in the direction of approaching each other, thereby enhancing the binding effect on the root part 31 of the gathering part.

[0092] refer to Figure 8According to some embodiments of this application, the limiting structure 101 further includes a connecting portion for connecting the two ends of the first limiting portion 1011 to the two ends of the second limiting portion 1012 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0093] The first limiting part 1011 may include a first region and second regions located on opposite sides of the first region, the arrangement direction of the first and second regions being the extending direction of the first limiting part 1011. The second limiting part 1012 may include a third region and fourth regions located on opposite sides of the third region, the arrangement direction of the third and fourth regions being the extending direction of the second limiting part 1012. The two first regions and the two fourth regions are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence, and the connecting part connects the first region and the fourth region, so that the first limiting part 1011 and the second limiting part 1012 are brought close to each other to clamp the root 31 of the gathering part.

[0094] The first and third regions are located on opposite sides of the root 31 of the gathering portion along the thickness direction, and are respectively provided corresponding to the root 31 of the gathering portion. The two second regions extend beyond the two edges of the root 31 of the gathering portion in the first direction, and the two fourth regions extend beyond the two edges of the root 31 of the gathering portion in the first direction, so that the limiting space formed by the first limiting portion 1011 and the second limiting portion 1012 can bind the root 31 of the gathering portion within it.

[0095] In some embodiments, the connecting portion may include two mounting holes 41 and two fasteners 42 corresponding to the mounting holes 41. The mounting holes 41 and the fasteners 42 are respectively disposed in the corresponding first and fourth regions to connect the corresponding first and fourth regions.

[0096] For example, in the two first regions of the first limiting portion 1011, one first region may be provided with a mounting hole 41, and the other first region may be provided with a fastener 42. In the two fourth regions of the second limiting portion 1012, one fourth region may be provided with a mounting hole 41, and the other fourth region may be provided with a fastener 42. The first region provided with the mounting hole 41 and the fourth region provided with the fastener 42 are connected in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0097] For example, the two first regions of the first limiting part 1011 may both be provided with mounting holes 41 or both with fasteners 42, and the two fourth regions of the second limiting part 1012 may both be provided with mounting holes 41 or both with fasteners 42.

[0098] In some embodiments, the fastener 42 can be a connecting post, which can be connected to the mounting hole 41 by means including but not limited to snap-fit ​​connection, interference fit, etc. Taking snap-fit ​​connection as an example, the end of the connecting post can be provided with a protrusion, and the inner wall of the mounting hole 41 is provided with a corresponding slot. When the connecting post is inserted into the mounting hole 41, the protrusion on the connecting post will be locked in the slot, realizing a detachable quick connection.

[0099] In other embodiments, the fastener 42 may also be a bolt, and the inner wall of the mounting hole 41 has internal threads, with the bolt threadedly connected to the inner wall of the mounting hole 41.

[0100] In the above technical solution, the first limiting part 1011 and the second limiting part 1012 form a detachable structure through the connecting part, which facilitates the installation and removal of the first limiting part 1011 and the second limiting part 1012 at the root 31 of the gathering part. This allows for flexible adjustment of the position of the first limiting part 1011 and the second limiting part 1012 at the root 31 of the gathering part according to requirements, effectively improving the problem of arcing and sparking at the root 31 of the gathering part after melting.

[0101] According to some embodiments of this application, the first limiting part 1011 and the second limiting part 1012 are integrally formed.

[0102] In other words, the first limiting part 1011 and the second limiting part 1012 are not assembled together, but are a whole.

[0103] In some embodiments, the first limiting portion 1011 and the second limiting portion 1012 may form an elongated space for accommodating the root portion 31 of the gathering portion. The volume of the elongated space may be smaller than the root portion 31 of the gathering portion, and the first limiting portion 1011 and the second limiting portion 1012 may be elastic, thereby enabling the gathering portion 231 to be tightened by utilizing the elasticity of the first limiting portion 1011 and the second limiting portion 1012.

[0104] For example, the first limiting portion 1011 and the second limiting portion 1012 can be made of rubber. In other words, the limiting structure 101 can be a rubber ring.

[0105] In the above technical solution, the first limiting part 1011 and the second limiting part 1012 are a complete whole, rather than assembled, which can enhance the overall strength of the limiting structure 101. After the root 31 of the gathering part melts, it can more reliably bind the melted surface of the root 31 of the gathering part, thereby further reducing the risk of arcing at the electrode position.

[0106] According to some embodiments of this application, the material of the first limiting part 1011 includes resin or rubber, and the material of the second limiting part 1012 includes resin or rubber.

[0107] For example, the material of the first limiting portion 1011 may include, but is not limited to, insulating materials with high temperature resistance and resistance to electrolyte corrosion, such as PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy), PI (Polyimide), or fluororubber. The material of the second limiting portion 1012 may include, but is not limited to, insulating materials with high temperature resistance and resistance to electrolyte corrosion, such as PFA, PI, or fluororubber. In this way, on the one hand, the risk that the first limiting portion 1011 and the second limiting portion 1012, due to their lower temperature resistance, would soften excessively at high temperatures when the root 31 of the gathering portion melts, thus losing their binding effect on the root 31 of the gathering portion, can be reduced; on the other hand, the first limiting portion 1011 and the second limiting portion 1012 will not be corroded by the electrolyte, thereby improving the effectiveness of the limiting structure 101 in binding the root 31 of the gathering portion.

[0108] When the first limiting part 1011 and the second limiting part 1012 are connected by a connecting part, the first limiting part 1011 and the second limiting part 1012 are two separate structures, and the materials of the first limiting part 1011 and the second limiting part 1012 can be the same or different.

[0109] In the above technical solution, the resin or rubber can soften due to the high temperature when the root 31 of the gathering part melts, thereby filling the melt-off position and achieving better binding of the melt-off surface of the root 31 of the gathering part. This can further improve the arcing problem caused by repeated overlapping of the melt-off surface after the root 31 of the gathering part melts.

[0110] refer to Figure 7 , Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 According to some embodiments of this application, the gathering portion 231 is bent to form a bent portion 32, the bent portion 32 is connected to the root portion 31 of the gathering portion, and the limiting structure 101 further includes a support portion 1013, the support portion 1013 having a support surface, the support surface being in contact with at least a portion of the inner side surface of the bent portion 32, the inner side surface of the bent portion 32 being disposed toward the end of the main body portion 23a, wherein the support portion 1013 is configured to space the inner side surface of the bent portion 32 and the main body portion 23a apart.

[0111] The bending portion 32 can be any part of the gathering portion 231 except for the root portion. In other words, the root portion 31 and the bending portion 32 of the gathering portion can be defined by the position where the bending portion 32 begins to bend. The section from the end face of the gathering portion 231 that connects to the connecting area to the bending portion 32 where the bending portion 32 begins to bend can be defined as the root portion 31 of the gathering portion.

[0112] The root portion 31 of the gathered portion can stand upright relative to the end of the main body portion 23a. In other words, the two sides of the root portion 31 in the thickness direction can be perpendicular to the end surface of the main body portion 23a. The bent portion 32 can be bent toward the end of the main body portion 23a, and the inner side of the bent portion 32 is the surface of the bent portion 32 toward the end of the main body portion 23a.

[0113] The support portion 1013 is located between the inner side of the bent portion 32 and the end of the main body portion 23a, and can separate the inner side of the bent portion 32 from the end of the main body portion 23a.

[0114] In the above technical solution, the support part 1013 can support the bent part 32, which can reduce the risk of short circuit caused by the bent part 32 bending towards the end of the main body 23a and inserting it backwards into the end of the main body 23a, thereby improving the safety of the electrode assembly 23.

[0115] refer to Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 According to some embodiments of this application, when the limiting structure 101 includes a first limiting part 1011 and a second limiting part 1012, the first limiting part 1011 is opposite to the inner side of the bent part 32, and the support part 1013 is connected to the first limiting part 1011 and located on the side of the first limiting part 1011 adjacent to the bent part 32.

[0116] The bent portion 32 of the gathering portion 231 is located on the side of the root portion 31 of the gathering portion away from the connecting area, and the connecting area is connected to the end of the main body portion 23a. That is to say, the side of the first limiting portion 1011 adjacent to the bent portion 32 is the side of the first limiting portion 1011 away from the main body portion 23a.

[0117] The support portion 1013 is located on the side of the first limiting portion 1011 adjacent to the bending portion 32, such that the support portion 1013 is at least a distance equal to the height of the first limiting portion 1011 between it and the end of the main body portion 23a. The height of the first limiting portion 1011 can be the height of the root portion. When the root portion is upright relative to the end of the main body portion 23a, the height direction of the root portion is parallel to the height direction of the electrode assembly 23.

[0118] The support surface of the support part 1013 can be the surface of the support part 1013 that is away from the main body part 23a.

[0119] The support portion 1013 can use the first limiting portion 1011 as a fulcrum, that is, the first limiting portion 1011 can provide a certain support for the support portion 1013, so that the support portion 1013 can support the inner side of the gathering portion 231.

[0120] In some embodiments, the support portion 1013 may be integrally formed with the first limiting portion 1011, for example, the support portion 1013 and the first limiting portion 1011 may be formed by a process such as hot pressing-injection molding.

[0121] The material of the support portion 1013 may include resin or rubber, such as insulating materials that are resistant to high temperatures and electrolyte corrosion, including but not limited to PFA, PI or fluororubber.

[0122] In the above technical solution, the support portion 1013 is connected to the first limiting portion 1011, so that the support portion 1013 is disposed adjacent to the bending portion 32, and the support portion 1013 uses the first limiting portion 1011 as a fulcrum, which can provide good support for the inner side of the bending portion 32. In addition, the support portion 1013 is located on the side of the first limiting portion 1011 adjacent to the bending portion 32, so that the support portion 1013 is at least a distance equal to the height of the first limiting portion 1011 between it and the end of the main body portion 23a, thereby preventing the support portion 1013 from contacting the end of the main body portion 23a and thus preventing compression of the end of the main body portion 23a.

[0123] refer to Figure 7 , Figure 10 , Figures 12 to 15 According to some embodiments of this application, the bending portion 32 includes a bending area 321 and an extension area 322. The bending area 321 is the bending position of the bending portion 32. The extension area 322 connects to the side of the bending area 321 away from the root portion 31 of the gathering portion and extends in a direction away from the bending area 321. The support portion 1013 includes a first portion 1013a and a second portion 1013b connected in sequence. The first portion 1013a is bent relative to the second portion 1013b. The first portion 1013a connects to the first limiting portion 1011 and is attached to at least a portion of the inner side surface of the bending area 321. The second portion 1013b is attached to at least a portion of the inner side surface of the extension area 322.

[0124] The bending arc of the first part 1013a at the bending position can be the same as the bending arc of the bending area 321, so that the first part 1013a can fit against the bending position of the bending area 321. The side of the first part 1013a away from the second part 1013b can be connected to the first limiting part 1011, so that the first part 1013a can use the first limiting part 1011 as a fulcrum to support the bending area 321. The second part 1013b is connected to the first part 1013a, so that the second part 1013b uses the first part 1013a as a fulcrum to support the extension area 322.

[0125] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the extension region 322 may be parallel to the end surface of the main body portion 23a.

[0126] The extension direction of the extension area 322 is the direction from the bending area 321 to the end of the gathering portion 231 away from the connecting area. For example, the extension direction of the extension area 322 may be parallel to the thickness direction of the main body portion 23a.

[0127] Along the extension direction of the extension region 322, the length of the second part 1013b can be the same as the length of the extension region 322. That is, the second part 1013b can support the extension region 322 along the entire extension direction of the extension region 322, thereby improving the support effect on the bent part 32.

[0128] Along the extension direction perpendicular to the extension region 322, the width dimension of the first part 1013a can be the same as the width dimension of the second part 1013b.

[0129] In some embodiments, there may be multiple support portions 1013, which are arranged at intervals along the extending direction of the first limiting portion 1011 and connected to the side of the first limiting portion 1011 adjacent to the bending portion 32. Each support portion 1013 includes a first portion 1013a and a second portion 1013b, and the first portion 1013a and the second portion 1013b of each support portion 1013 have the same shape. The first portion 1013a of each support portion 1013 is attached to a portion of the inner side surface of the bending region 321, and the second portion 1013b is attached to a portion of the inner side surface of the extension region 322.

[0130] In some embodiments, the bent portion 32 has a region to be welded, and the gap between adjacent support portions 1013 can expose the region to be welded.

[0131] In other embodiments, only one support portion 1013 may be included.

[0132] It is understandable that the bending area 321 will experience greater stress concentration than the extension area 322, which may easily lead to excessive bending and the bending portion 32 being inserted upside down into the end of the main body 23a. In the above technical solution, the support portion 1013 supports both the bending area 321 and the extension area 322 of the bending portion 32, which can disperse the concentrated stress in the bending area 321 and reduce the stress per unit area at the bend of the bending portion 32, thereby effectively reducing the risk of short circuit caused by the bending portion 32 being inserted upside down into the end of the main body 23a.

[0133] According to some embodiments of this application, the thickness of the support portion 1013 is less than the thickness of the first limiting portion 1011.

[0134] The thickness direction of the support portion 1013 is the same as the thickness direction of the bend portion 32 at the contact point with the bend portion 32, and the thickness direction of the first limiting portion 1011 is the same as the thickness direction of the root portion 31 of the gathering portion. The thicknesses of the first portion 1013a and the second portion 1013b can both be less than the thickness of the first limiting portion 1011.

[0135] In some embodiments, the thickness of the support portion 1013 may be less than the thickness of the retractable portion 231.

[0136] In the above technical solution, the thickness of the support part 1013 is less than the thickness of the first limiting part 1011. On the one hand, this ensures that the weight of the support part 1013 is not too large, so that the first limiting part 1011 is sufficient to support the support part 1013 and prevents the support part 1013 from collapsing due to excessive weight. On the other hand, the smaller thickness of the support part 1013 reduces the space occupied by the support part 1013 in the height direction of the electrode assembly 23.

[0137] refer to Figure 16 According to some embodiments of this application, when the support portion 1013 includes a first portion 1013a and a second portion 1013b connected in sequence, the ratio of the thickness T1 of the second portion 1013b to the thickness T2 of the first limiting portion 1011 is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.5.

[0138] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first part 1013a can be greater than the thickness T1 of the second part 1013b and less than the thickness of the first limiting part 1011, so that the first part 1013a provides better support for the second part 1013b.

[0139] In other embodiments, the thickness of the first part 1013a may also be the same as the thickness T1 of the second part 1013b.

[0140] Within the aforementioned thickness ratio range, the second part 1013b maintains sufficient strength to provide good support for the extension area 322, while also ensuring that the overall weight of the support part 1013 is not excessive. This allows the first part 1013a to adequately support the second part 1013b, reducing the risk of the second part 1013b collapsing due to its excessive weight. Furthermore, the support part 1013 occupies a smaller space in the height direction of the electrode assembly 23.

[0141] refer to Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 According to some embodiments of this application, the bending portion 32 includes a welding area 50, and the support portion 1013 includes a perforated hole 60 extending along the thickness direction of the support portion 1013, with the perforated hole 60 exposing the inner side of the welding area 50 of the bending portion 32.

[0142] The area to be soldered 50 is used for soldering with other components, such as adapter plates or poles.

[0143] The area to be welded 50 can be located in the extension area 322, which has a larger area and can be welded better.

[0144] The shape of the cutout 60 can be the same as the shape of the area to be welded 50, and the cutout 60 can also have a larger size than the area to be welded 50. For example, the shape of the cutout 60 can be rectangular.

[0145] The support portion 1013 can cover the inner side of the portion other than the welding area 50 of the bent portion 32 to enhance the support effect on the bent portion 32.

[0146] In the above technical solution, the support part 1013 provides support for the bent part 32 without affecting the welding effect of the bent part 32, thus making the battery cell have high reliability in use.

[0147] This application provides a battery that includes the battery cell described in the above embodiments.

[0148] The structure of the battery can be referred to the relevant description in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0149] This application provides an electrical device that includes the battery described in the above embodiments, the battery being used to provide electrical energy.

[0150] The electrical devices can be referred to the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0151] This application provides an energy storage device, which includes the battery described in the above embodiments, and the battery is used to store electrical energy.

[0152] Energy storage devices may include, but are not limited to, energy storage containers, energy storage cabinets, energy storage power stations, energy storage battery packs, or portable energy storage systems.

[0153] This application provides a battery cell, which includes: a housing 22; and an electrode assembly 23 disposed within the housing 22. The electrode assembly 23 includes: a main body portion 23a and a plurality of tabs, the plurality of tabs being located at at least one end of the main body portion 23a. Each tab includes a connecting area and a closing area. The connecting area connects the closing area and the main body portion 23a. The closing areas of the plurality of tabs located at the same end of the main body portion 23a are stacked to form a closing portion 231. The battery cell also includes a limiting structure 101, which defines a limiting space. The limiting structure 101 is disposed at the root 31 of the closing portion and is used to limit the root 31 of the closing portion within the limiting space.

[0154] The limiting structure 101 includes: a first limiting part 1011; and a second limiting part 1012. The first limiting part 1011 and the second limiting part 1012 are located on opposite sides of the root 31 of the gathering part along the thickness direction of the root 31. The two ends of the first limiting part 1011 are connected to the two ends of the second limiting part 1012 in a one-to-one correspondence to define a limiting space. The first limiting part 1011 and the second limiting part 1012 can be connected by a connecting part, which may include two mounting holes 41 and two connecting posts corresponding to the mounting holes 41. The first limiting part 1011 has mounting holes 41 and connecting posts at both ends. The second limiting part 1012 has mounting holes 41 and connecting posts at both ends. The mounting holes 41 in the first limiting part 1011 are connected to the connecting posts in the second limiting part 1012 in a one-to-one correspondence. The connecting posts can be connected to the mounting holes 41 by a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0155] The gathering portion 231 is bent to form a bent portion 32, which is connected to the root portion 31 of the gathering portion. The limiting structure 101 further includes a support portion 1013, which has a support surface that is in contact with at least a portion of the inner side surface of the bent portion 32. The inner side surface of the bent portion 32 is disposed towards the end of the main body portion 23a. The support portion 1013 is configured to space the inner side surface of the bent portion 32 from the main body portion 23a. The support portion 1013 is connected to the first limiting portion 1011 and is located on the side of the first limiting portion 1011 adjacent to the bent portion 32. The bending portion 32 includes a bending area 321 and an extension area 322. The bending area 321 is the bending position of the bending portion 32. The extension area 322 connects to the side of the bending area 321 away from the root portion 31 of the gathering portion and extends in a direction away from the bending area 321. The support portion 1013 includes a first portion 1013a and a second portion 1013b connected in sequence. The first portion 1013a is bent relative to the second portion 1013b. The first portion 1013a connects to the first limiting portion 1011 and is attached to at least a portion of the inner side surface of the bending area 321. The second portion 1013b is attached to at least a portion of the inner side surface of the extension area 322. The thickness ratio of the second portion 1013b to the first limiting portion 1011 is 0.25 to 0.5. The second part 1013b includes a region 50 to be welded, and the support part 1013 includes a perforated hole 60 extending along the thickness direction of the support part 1013, with the perforated hole 60 exposing the inner side of the region 50 to be welded.

[0156] The materials of the first limiting part 1011, the second limiting part 1012, and the support part 1013 may include, but are not limited to, insulating materials such as PFA, PI, or fluororubber that are resistant to high temperatures and electrolyte corrosion.

[0157] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A battery cell, characterized by, Comprise: a shell; and an electrode assembly provided in the shell; the electrode assembly comprises: a main body portion and a plurality of tabs, the plurality of tabs are located at at least one end of the main body portion, the tab comprises a connecting region and a folding region, the connecting region connects the folding region and the main body portion, the folding regions of the plurality of tabs located at the same end of the main body portion are stacked to form a folding portion; the battery monomer further comprises: a limiting structure for defining a limiting space, the limiting structure is provided at the root of the folding portion for limiting the root of the folding portion in the limiting space.

2. The battery cell of claim 1, wherein, The limiting structure wraps the root of the folding portion along the circumferential side of the folding portion.

3. The battery cell according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The limiting structure comprises: a first limiting portion; a second limiting portion, the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion are located on opposite sides of the root of the folding portion along the thickness direction of the root of the folding portion, and the two ends of the first limiting portion and the two ends of the second limiting portion are connected one by one to define the limiting space.

4. The battery cell of claim 3, wherein, The limiting structure further comprises: a connecting portion for connecting the two ends of the first limiting portion and the two ends of the second limiting portion one by one.

5. The battery cell of claim 3, wherein, The first limiting portion and the second limiting portion are integrally formed.

6. The battery cell of any one of claims 3-5, wherein, The material of the first limiting portion comprises resin or rubber, and the material of the second limiting portion comprises resin or rubber.

7. The battery cell of any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The folding portion is bent to form a bending portion, the bending portion is connected with the root of the folding portion, and the limiting structure further comprises: a support portion, the support portion has a support surface, the support surface is attached to at least part of the inner side surface of the bending portion, and the inner side surface of the bending portion is arranged towards the end portion of the main body portion, wherein the support portion is configured to space the inner side surface of the bending portion and the main body portion.

8. The battery cell of claim 7, wherein, In the case where the limiting structure comprises a first limiting portion and a second limiting portion, the first limiting portion is opposite to the inner side surface of the bending portion, the support portion connects the first limiting portion and is located on the side of the first limiting portion adjacent to the bending portion.

9. The battery cell of claim 8, wherein, The bending portion comprises a bending region and an extension region, the bending region is the bending position of the bending portion, the extension region connects the side of the bending region away from the root of the folding portion and extends in the direction away from the bending region, the support portion comprises a first portion and a second portion connected in sequence, the first portion is bent compared to the second portion, wherein the first portion connects the first limiting portion and is attached to at least part of the inner side surface of the bending region, and the second portion is attached to at least part of the inner side surface of the extension region.

10. The battery cell according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The thickness of the support portion is less than the thickness of the first limiting portion.

11. The battery cell of claim 10, wherein, In the case where the support portion comprises a first portion and a second portion connected in sequence, the ratio of the thickness of the second portion to the thickness of the first limiting portion is greater than or equal to 0.25 and less than or equal to 0.

5.

12. The battery cell of any one of claims 7-11, wherein, The bending portion comprises a welding area, the support portion comprises a hollow hole penetrating along the thickness direction of the support portion, and the hollow hole exposes the inner side surface of the welding area of the bending portion.

13. A battery, characterized by Comprise the battery monomer as claimed in any one of claims 1-12.

14. An electrical device, comprising: Comprise the battery as claimed in claim 13.

15. An energy storage device, characterized by, The energy storage device includes the battery of claim 13, the battery for storing electrical energy.

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