Top cover assembly, battery monomer and device, energy storage device and system, and charging network

Abstract

The utility model provides a top cover assembly, a battery monomer and device, an energy storage device and system, and a charging network. The battery cell includes: an electrode assembly; the top cover assembly comprises a top cover and an insulating part; the insulating part is arranged on one side, facing the electrode assembly, of the top cover; the insulating part comprises an insulating body; the protruding parts are arranged on the surface of the side, away from the top cover, of the insulating body and abut against the electrode assembly, at least one protruding part is provided with a first exhaust channel, and in the thickness direction of the insulating body, the first exhaust channel is formed by sinking the surface of the side, away from the insulating body, of the protruding part towards the direction close to the insulating body; the first exhaust channel penetrates through the protruding part, and the first direction intersects with the thickness direction of the insulating body. The battery monomer is beneficial to timely discharge of internal gas, the risk of failure of the battery monomer is reduced, and the safety of the battery monomer is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a top cover assembly, a battery cell and device, an energy storage device and system, and a charging network. Background Technology

[0002] As a crucial component of new energy vehicles, the safety performance of power batteries is extremely important. However, in related technologies, the gases generated during thermal runaway of individual battery cells cannot be discharged in time, which can easily lead to battery cell failure and thus cause serious safety accidents. Utility Model Content

[0003] The top cover assembly, battery cell and device, energy storage device and system, and charging network provided in this application aim to solve the problem that the gas generated during thermal runaway of existing battery cells cannot be discharged in time, which can easily lead to battery cell failure and thus cause serious safety accidents.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the first technical solution adopted in this application is: to provide a battery cell, the battery cell comprising:

[0005] Electrode assembly;

[0006] A top cover assembly includes a top cover and an insulating member; the insulating member is disposed on the side of the top cover facing the electrode assembly; the insulating member includes:

[0007] Insulating body;

[0008] The protrusion is located on the side surface of the insulating body away from the top cover and abuts against the electrode assembly. At least one protrusion has a first exhaust channel. Along the thickness direction of the insulating body, the first exhaust channel is formed by a recess in the side surface of the protrusion away from the insulating body toward the direction closer to the insulating body. Along a first direction, the first exhaust channel penetrates the protrusion. The first direction intersects the thickness direction of the insulating body.

[0009] The above-described solution, by providing a first exhaust channel on the protrusion and extending it through the protrusion in a direction intersecting the thickness direction of the insulating component, allows gas generated by the electrode assembly to quickly pass through the protrusion via the first exhaust channel. This reduces the obstruction of gas flow by the protrusion, facilitates timely gas discharge, lowers the risk of battery cell failure, and improves battery cell safety. Furthermore, by extending the first exhaust channel from the surface of the protrusion away from the insulating body towards the surface closer to the insulating body, the first exhaust channel is directly connected to the electrode assembly. This allows gas generated by the electrode assembly to directly flow into and discharge through the first exhaust channel. Compared to a solution where the gas passes through the protrusion towards the electrode assembly and then through the side of the protrusion before flowing into the exhaust channel on the protrusion, the gas exhaust path is shorter, which is more conducive to gas discharge, accelerates exhaust efficiency, and further reduces the risk of battery cell failure.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first exhaust passage includes:

[0011] The first sub-exhaust passage extends along a first direction and penetrates the protrusion;

[0012] And / or, a second sub-exhaust channel, the second sub-exhaust channel penetrating the protrusion along a second direction, the second direction intersecting the thickness direction of the insulating member.

[0013] The above solution, by setting a first sub-exhaust channel, allows gas to quickly pass through the protrusion and be discharged in a timely manner; by setting a second sub-exhaust channel, gas can also quickly pass through the protrusion and be discharged in a timely manner. Moreover, when the first exhaust channel includes both the first and second sub-exhaust channels, the exhaust area on the protrusion is effectively increased, which is more conducive to the timely discharge of gas and further reduces the risk of battery cell failure.

[0014] In one embodiment, a first sub-exhaust channel penetrates the insulation member along its thickness direction; and / or a portion of a second sub-exhaust channel penetrates the insulation member along its thickness direction. This maximizes the exhaust area at the corresponding protrusion location on the insulation member, facilitating gas discharge and further reducing the risk of battery cell failure.

[0015] In one embodiment, there are multiple electrode assemblies, which are sequentially distributed along a second direction; there are multiple first sub-exhaust channels, which are spaced apart along the second direction, and at least a portion of the orthographic projection of the first sub-exhaust channel along the thickness direction of the insulating member falls on one electrode assembly.

[0016] The above solution allows the gas generated by the electrode assembly to be directly discharged through the corresponding first sub-exhaust channel when it flows through the protrusion, which accelerates the gas discharge, facilitates the timely discharge of gas, and effectively reduces the risk of battery cell failure.

[0017] In one embodiment, the minimum dimension of the first sub-exhaust channel along the second direction is a, and the dimension of the electrode assembly along the second direction is b; wherein a ≥ 1 mm, and a / b ≤ 0.67.

[0018] The above solution facilitates the injection molding of insulating parts, reducing processing costs; and the protrusions can provide better support for the electrode assembly, reducing the risk of the electrode assembly shifting up and down, pulling on the tabs, and causing the tabs to break or resulting in open circuit failure.

[0019] In one embodiment, the protrusion is further provided with a second exhaust channel, which is formed by the recess of the side surface of the insulating body away from the protrusion toward the side surface of the protrusion, and is spaced apart from the side surface of the protrusion away from the insulating body; and the second exhaust channel penetrates the protrusion in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the insulating member.

[0020] The above-described solution, by adding a second exhaust channel to the protrusion, increases the exhaust area on the protrusion, allowing for timely gas discharge and reducing the risk of battery cell failure. Furthermore, compared to a solution where the entire protrusion is configured as a first exhaust channel with the same exhaust area, this solution, with a fixed bottom surface area, allows for a larger contact area between the protrusion and the electrode assembly, thus providing better positioning for the electrode assembly.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first exhaust passage includes a first sub-exhaust passage; the number of the first sub-exhaust passage and the number of the second exhaust passage are both multiple, and the multiple first sub-exhaust passages and the multiple second exhaust passages are alternately distributed along the extension direction of the protrusion.

[0022] The above solution can make the exhaust and positioning of the electrode assembly more uniform at each position of the protrusion along its extension direction. It is beneficial to ensure that the gas is discharged in time at each position of the protrusion along its extension direction, while also enabling the protrusion to play a certain positioning role for the electrode assembly at each position of its extension direction.

[0023] In one embodiment, along the extension direction of the protrusion, the sum of the cross-sectional areas of all the first sub-exhaust channels and the cross-sectional areas of all the second exhaust channels is S1; the cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusion along its extension direction is S2; wherein, 0.05≤S1 / S2≤0.6.

[0024] The above solution, by controlling the proportion of the exhaust area on the protrusion to the total cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusion, can reduce the impact of an excessively large opening area on the structural strength of the protrusion when gas enters the protrusion through the first sub-exhaust channel and the second exhaust channel. Simultaneously, it can mitigate the negative impact of an excessively small opening area on increasing the gas flow velocity within the protrusion.

[0025] In one embodiment, the protrusion includes a first boss and / or a second boss, the first boss extending along a second direction and located at at least one end of the insulating body along a first direction; the first boss has a first exhaust channel; the second boss extending along the second direction and located at the middle of the insulating body along the first direction, the second boss has a first exhaust channel.

[0026] The above solution can further increase the exhaust area of ​​the insulating component, so that more gas can flow directly into the connecting hole and be discharged through the pressure relief mechanism, effectively increasing the exhaust path and enabling the gas in the battery cell to be discharged in a timely manner.

[0027] In one embodiment, the protrusion includes a first boss, and the first boss has a first sub-exhaust channel;

[0028] The top cover assembly also includes a pressure relief mechanism, which is disposed on the top cover; the insulating part has a connecting hole at the position corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism, and the pressure relief mechanism is connected to the electrode assembly through the connecting hole; wherein, the connecting hole is located on one side of the first boss along the first direction.

[0029] The above solution allows gas located on the side of the first protrusion away from the connecting hole along the first direction to flow rapidly towards the connecting hole through the first sub-exhaust channel, so as to be discharged through the pressure relief mechanism; the gas flow path is shorter, the exhaust is more timely, and the risk of battery cell failure is reduced.

[0030] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the second technical solution adopted in this application is to provide a battery device, which includes the battery cell involved in any of the above embodiments.

[0031] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the third technical solution adopted in this application is to provide an energy storage device, which includes the battery device mentioned above.

[0032] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the fourth technical solution adopted in this application is: to provide an energy storage system, which includes a power conversion device and the aforementioned energy storage device, wherein the power conversion device is used to electrically connect the power generation device and the energy storage device.

[0033] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the fifth technical solution adopted in this application is to provide a charging network, which includes charging piles and the energy storage device mentioned above, and the energy storage device is used to provide power to the charging piles.

[0034] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the sixth technical solution adopted in this application is: providing a top cover assembly for a battery cell, the top cover assembly comprising:

[0035] Top cover;

[0036] An insulating element is disposed on the side of the top cover facing the electrode assembly of the battery cell. The insulating element includes:

[0037] Insulating body;

[0038] The protrusion is located on the side surface of the insulating body away from the top cover and abuts against the electrode assembly. At least one protrusion has a first exhaust channel. Along the thickness direction of the insulating body, the first exhaust channel is formed by a recess in the side surface of the protrusion away from the insulating body toward the direction closer to the insulating body. Along a first direction, the first exhaust channel penetrates the protrusion. The first direction intersects the thickness direction of the insulating body.

[0039] 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

[0040] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a charging network provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the energy storage device in one embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the energy storage system in one embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery device provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a disassembly diagram of a battery cell provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a top cover assembly provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A disassembly diagram of the top cover assembly shown;

[0048] Figure 8 for Figure 6 A bottom view of the top cover assembly shown;

[0049] Figure 9 for Figure 6 Side view of the top cover assembly shown;

[0050] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an insulating component provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an insulating component provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 12 A schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the first sub-exhaust channel on the protrusion and the electrode assembly, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 13 A structural schematic diagram of an insulating element is provided for yet another embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 14 for Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the insulation component from another perspective.

[0055] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0056] 1000 Charging network; 2000 Energy storage system; 3000 Power generation device; 100 Battery device; 200 Energy storage device; 210 Energy storage box; 300 Charging pile; 400 Energy storage converter; 10 Battery box; 11 Upper cover; 12 Lower cover; 20 Battery cell; 21 Electrode assembly; 22 Top cover assembly; 221 Top cover; 222 Insulator; 2221 Insulator body; 2220 Protrusion; 2222 First boss; 2223 First exhaust channel; 2223a First sub-exhaust channel; 2223b Second sub-exhaust channel; 2224 Second exhaust channel; 223 Pressure relief mechanism; 23 Bottom shell; 2225 Second boss; 2227 Connecting hole; 2228 Vent hole; Z thickness direction; X first direction; Y second direction. Detailed Implementation

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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).

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] A single battery cell may include electrode assemblies, a pressure relief mechanism, a top cover, and insulating components. The pressure relief mechanism is located in the center of the top cover along a first direction and is used to release the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell. A pressure relief mechanism is a component or part that is actuated to release the internal pressure or temperature when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell reaches a predetermined threshold. The pressure relief mechanism can take the form of an explosion-proof valve, a gas valve, a pressure relief valve, or a safety valve, and can specifically employ pressure-sensitive or temperature-sensitive components or structures. That is, when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell reaches the predetermined threshold, the pressure relief mechanism actuates or a weak structure within the pressure relief mechanism is damaged, thereby creating an opening or channel for the release of internal pressure or temperature.

[0066] The term "actuation" as used in this application refers to the activation or actuation of the pressure relief mechanism to a certain state, thereby releasing the internal pressure and temperature of the battery cell. The actions of the pressure relief mechanism may include, but are not limited to, at least a portion of the mechanism rupturing, breaking, tearing, or opening. When the pressure relief mechanism is activated, high-temperature, high-pressure substances (such as gases) inside the battery cell are discharged as waste from the activated portion. This method allows for pressure and temperature relief of the battery cell under controllable pressure or temperature, thereby preventing potentially more serious accidents.

[0067] An insulating component is located on the side of the top cover facing the electrode assembly. A protrusion is provided on the side of the insulating component facing the electrode assembly. The protrusion is located at at least one end or in the middle of the insulating component along a first direction and is used to abut against the electrode assembly to position it. However, because the pressure relief mechanism on the top cover is located in the middle of the top cover along the first direction, when a battery cell experiences thermal runaway, the gas generated inside the battery cell is blocked by the protrusion. The gas flow on both sides of the protrusion is poor, preventing it from flowing to the pressure relief mechanism and being discharged quickly and in a timely manner. This can lead to battery cell failure, and may even cause the gas to impact the nearby casing, causing the weld between the casing and the top cover to crack, resulting in a risk of fire and explosion.

[0068] Based on this, this application provides a novel battery cell. By providing a first exhaust channel on the protrusion of the insulating member, and having the first exhaust channel penetrate the protrusion in a direction intersecting with the thickness direction of the insulating member, the gas generated by the electrode assembly can quickly pass through the protrusion through the first exhaust channel when flowing through it. This reduces the obstruction of gas flow by the protrusion, facilitates timely gas discharge, reduces the risk of battery cell failure, and improves the safety of the battery cell. Furthermore, by forming the first exhaust channel by recessing it from the side of the protrusion away from the insulating body towards the side of the insulating body, the first exhaust channel is directly connected to the electrode assembly. This allows the gas generated by the electrode assembly to directly flow into and discharge through the first exhaust channel. Compared to a scheme where the gas flows through the protrusion towards the side of the electrode assembly and then through the side of the protrusion before flowing into the exhaust channel on the protrusion, the gas exhaust path is shorter, which is more conducive to gas discharge and accelerates exhaust efficiency, further reducing the risk of battery cell failure.

[0069] The present application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0070] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a charging network 1000 provided in one embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an energy storage device 200 provided in one embodiment of this application. In one embodiment, a charging network 1000 is provided, which includes a charging pile 300 and an energy storage device 200. The charging pile 300 is used to charge electrical equipment. The energy storage device 200 is electrically connected to the charging pile 300 and is used to provide electrical energy to the charging pile 300.

[0071] It should be noted that the charging pile 300 and the battery cells in the energy storage device 200 are electrically connected via cables, and the battery cells can supply their stored electrical energy to the charging pile 300. The charging pile 300 has a connector that can be connected to electrical equipment, thereby replenishing the equipment's power. The application of the energy storage device 200 in this charging network 1000 can effectively improve the safety of the charging network 1000 and also help to enhance the flexibility of the charging network 1000 during deployment.

[0072] Electrical equipment can include vehicles, mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, ships, spacecraft, electric toys, and power tools. Vehicles can be gasoline-powered cars, natural gas-powered cars, or new energy vehicles; new energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles. Spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft. Electric toys include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys. Power tools include metal cutting power tools, grinding power tools, assembly power tools, and railway power tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, impact drills, concrete vibrators, and electric planers.

[0073] In a charging network 1000, there can be one charging pile 300, and the energy storage device 200 provides power to the one charging pile 300; there can also be multiple charging piles 300, and the energy storage device 200 provides power to multiple charging piles 300.

[0074] As an example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the charging network 1000 includes an energy storage device 200 and two charging piles 300, with the energy storage device 200 providing power to the two charging piles 300.

[0075] See Figure 2 The energy storage device 200 may include a battery device 100, which is electrically connected to the charging pile 300 so that the battery device 100 can provide power to the charging pile 300.

[0076] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an energy storage system 2000 provided in an embodiment of this application. The energy storage system 2000 includes an energy storage converter 400, a power conversion device, and an energy storage device 200.

[0077] The energy storage converter 400 can be electrically connected to the generator 3000 to convert the electrical power provided by the generator 3000. The energy storage device 200 is electrically connected to the energy storage converter 400, and the energy storage converter 400 converts the electrical energy provided by the generator 3000 and stores it in the energy storage device 200.

[0078] A power conversion device is used to connect the power generation device 3000 and the energy storage device 200. The power generation device 3000 generates electrical energy and stores it in the energy storage device 200 via the power conversion device. The use of the energy storage device 200 in the energy storage system 2000 effectively improves its operational safety. In specific implementations, the power generation equipment can be solar panels, hydroelectric power generation equipment, thermal power generation equipment, etc. This application does not limit the specific type of power generation equipment.

[0079] As an example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the energy storage system 2000 includes an energy storage device 200 and an energy storage converter 400. The two power generation devices 3000 respectively transmit the generated electrical energy to the energy storage converter 400, and the energy storage converter 400 introduces the electrical energy into the energy storage device 200 for storage.

[0080] Please refer to Figure 2 The energy storage device 200 also includes an energy storage box 210, in which a battery device 100 is installed.

[0081] As an example, the energy storage device 200 can be an energy storage container, an energy storage cabinet, etc.

[0082] As an example, energy storage device 200 can be used in energy storage power stations, wind power generation systems, solar power generation systems, mobile power systems, or temporary power supply systems. Energy storage power stations can store electrical energy during off-peak hours and provide power to relevant users or electrical equipment during peak hours. Wind power generation systems collect wind energy from wind turbines, convert it into electrical energy, and store it in energy storage device 200. Solar power generation systems can convert solar energy into electrical energy, store it in energy storage device 200, and supply it to users as needed. Mobile power systems can supply power to relevant electrical equipment in areas where the mains power supply cannot reach, such as remote mountainous areas and remote wilderness areas. Temporary power supply systems can provide power to users when there is insufficient power supply.

[0083] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery device provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0084] In one embodiment, the battery device 100 includes a battery housing 10 and battery cells 20.

[0085] The internal space of the battery housing 10 forms a receiving cavity, and the individual battery cells 20 are housed within the receiving cavity of the battery housing 10. Figure 4 The battery housing 10 may include an upper cover 11 and a lower cover 12, which cooperate to form a receiving cavity. The upper cover 11 and the lower cover 12 may be detachably connected.

[0086] For example, the battery housing 10 can be part of the vehicle's chassis structure. For instance, a portion of the battery housing 10 can be at least part of the vehicle's chassis, or a portion of the battery housing 10 can be at least part of the vehicle's crossbeams and longitudinal beams.

[0087] In the battery device 100, there can be multiple battery cells 20. These multiple battery cells 20 can be connected in series, parallel, or mixed to form a whole, which is then directly housed in the receiving cavity of the battery housing 10. In other embodiments, the multiple battery cells 20 can also be first connected in series, parallel, or mixed, and arranged in a fixed manner to form a battery assembly, which is then housed in the receiving cavity of the battery housing 10. In still other embodiments, the multiple battery cells 20 can also be first connected in series, parallel, or mixed, and arranged in a fixed manner to form multiple battery assemblies, which are then connected in series, parallel, or mixed to form a whole, which is then housed in the receiving cavity of the battery housing 10.

[0088] As an example, multiple battery cells 20 can be fixed together to form a single battery assembly using cable ties or similar means. As another example, multiple battery cells 20 can also be fixed together using end plates, side plates, or similar means.

[0089] The battery cell 20 involved in this application embodiment refers to the smallest unit for storing and outputting electrical energy. The battery cell 20 can be a secondary battery or a primary battery. The battery cell 20 can be, but is not limited to, a metal battery, a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-ion battery, or a magnesium-ion battery. The battery cell 20 can be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes. The battery casing 10 is a structure with internal space.

[0090] See Figures 5 to 9 , Figure 5 This is a disassembly diagram of a battery cell 20 provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the top cover assembly 22 provided in one embodiment of this application; Figure 7 for Figure 6 A disassembled schematic diagram of the top cover assembly 22 shown; Figure 8 for Figure 6 The top cover assembly 22 shown is a bottom view; Figure 9 for Figure 6The side view of the top cover assembly 22 shown.

[0091] In one embodiment, a battery cell 20 is provided, which includes an electrode assembly 21 and a top cover assembly 22. The top cover assembly 22 includes a top cover 221 and an insulating member 222; the insulating member 222 is disposed on the side of the top cover 221 facing the electrode assembly 21; the insulating member 222 includes an insulating body 2221 and a protrusion 2220. The protrusion 2220 is disposed on the side surface of the insulating body 2221 away from the top cover 221 and abuts against the electrode assembly 21; at least one protrusion 2220 has a first exhaust channel 2223, which is formed by a recess in the side surface of the protrusion 2220 away from the insulating body 2221 toward the direction close to the insulating body 2221, and the first exhaust channel 2223 penetrates the protrusion 2220 along a first direction X, the first direction X intersecting the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222.

[0092] As an example, the battery cell 20 also includes a bottom shell 23, and a top cover 221 that closes onto the opening of the bottom shell 23 to isolate the internal environment of the battery cell 20 from the external environment. Indiscriminately, the shape of the top cover 221 can be adapted to the shape of the bottom shell 23 to fit it. Optionally, the top cover 221 can be made of a material with a certain degree of hardness and strength (such as aluminum alloy), so that the top cover 221 is less prone to deformation under pressure and impact, enabling the battery cell 20 to have higher structural strength and improved safety performance.

[0093] The top cover 221 may be provided with functional components such as electrode terminals. The electrode terminals can be used for electrical connection with the electrode assembly 21 to output or input electrical energy to the battery cell 20. In some embodiments, the electrode terminals may include terminals. Terminals may include positive and negative terminals for current output and connection to external circuitry.

[0094] The bottom shell 23 is a component used to cooperate with the top cover 221 to form the internal environment of the battery cell 20. This internal environment can accommodate the electrode assembly 21, the insulator 222, and other components. The bottom shell 23 and the top cover 221 can be independent components. Alternatively, the top cover 221 and the bottom shell 23 can be integrated. Specifically, the top cover 221 and the bottom shell 23 can form a common connecting surface before other components are installed. When it is necessary to encapsulate the interior of the bottom shell 23, the top cover 221 closes the bottom shell 23. The bottom shell 23 can be of various shapes and sizes, such as cuboid, cylindrical, hexagonal prism, etc. Specifically, the shape of the bottom shell 23 can be determined according to the specific shape and size of the electrode assembly 21. The bottom shell 23 can be made of various materials, including but not limited to copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, and plastic.

[0095] The electrode assembly 21 is the component in the battery cell 20 where the electrochemical reaction occurs. The bottom shell 23 may contain one or more electrode assemblies 21, and a top cover 221 is disposed on the electrode assembly 21. The electrode assembly 21 consists of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. The battery cell 20 mainly operates by the movement of metal ions between the positive and negative electrode. The positive electrode includes a positive current collector and a positive active material layer. The positive active material layer is coated on the surface of the positive current collector, and the current collector without the positive active material layer protrudes from the current collector with the positive active material layer, serving as the positive electrode tab. Taking a lithium-ion battery as an example, the material of the positive current collector can be aluminum, and the positive active material can be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganese oxide, etc. The negative electrode includes a negative current collector and a negative active material layer. The negative active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative current collector, and the current collector without the negative active material layer protrudes from the one coated with the negative active material layer. The current collector without the negative active material layer serves as the negative electrode tab. The material of the negative current collector can be copper, and the negative active material can be carbon or silicon, etc. To ensure that a large current can be passed without melting, there are multiple positive electrode tabs stacked together, and there are multiple negative electrode tabs stacked together. The separator material can be PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene), etc.

[0096] The insulating element 222 can be used to insulate and isolate the electrode assembly 21 and the top cover 221 to reduce the risk of short circuits. For example, the insulating element 222 can be made of plastic, rubber, etc. The insulating body 2221 has a first surface and a second surface facing away from each other along its thickness direction Z. The first surface of the insulating body 2221 faces the electrode assembly 21, and the second surface of the insulating body 2221 faces the top cover 221. A protrusion 2220 is provided on the first surface of the insulating body 2221.

[0097] The size and outer contour of the insulating body 2221 match the size and outer contour of the top cover 221. In one example, both the top cover 221 and the insulating body 2221 are rectangular. The first direction X of the insulating body 2221 refers to the length direction of the insulating body 2221. When the first direction X is perpendicular to the second direction Y, the second direction Y refers to the width direction of the insulating body 2221. All embodiments of this application use this as an example.

[0098] The protrusion 2220 abuts against the electrode assembly 21 to position the electrode assembly 21. The protrusion 2220 can be integrally formed with the insulating body 2221, for example, by thermoforming the protrusion 2220 and the insulating body 2221. Alternatively, the protrusion 2220 can be detachably connected to the insulating body 2221.

[0099] As an example, the number of protrusions 2220 can be one or more, and the one or more protrusions 2220 can be located at the ends and middle of the insulating body 2221 along the first direction X, with each protrusion 2220 extending along the width direction of the insulating body 2221. For example, the insulating member 222 can include two protrusions 2220, respectively located at the two side edges of the insulating body 2221 along the first direction X. For example, the two protrusions 2220 extend from one side edge of the insulating body 2221 to the other side edge of the insulating body 2221 along the width direction of the insulating body 2221. The pressure relief mechanism 223 is located between the two protrusions 2220 along the first direction X.

[0100] In one example, each protrusion 2220 is provided with a first exhaust channel 2223, so that gas can flow to the pressure relief mechanism 223 through the first exhaust channel 2223 on each protrusion 2220, thereby reducing the obstruction of the protrusion 2220 on the gas and allowing the gas to be discharged through the pressure relief mechanism 223 in a timely manner, thereby effectively reducing the risk of battery cell 20 failure and improving the safety performance of battery cell 20.

[0101] Of course, in other examples, some protrusions 2220 may have a first exhaust channel 2223, while others may not. This increases the exhaust area within the battery cell 20 and allows for greater contact area between the protrusions 2220 without the first exhaust channel 2223 and the electrode assembly 21, thereby improving the positioning of the electrode assembly 21.

[0102] The following definition defines the side surface of the protrusion 2220 that faces away from the insulating body 2221 as the bottom surface of the protrusion 2220, that is, the side surface of the protrusion 2220 that is used to abut against the electrode assembly 21 as the bottom surface of the protrusion 2220; the surface of the protrusion 2220 located between the insulating body 2221 and the bottom surface of the protrusion 2220 as the outer peripheral side surface of the protrusion 2220.

[0103] It can be understood that the first exhaust channel 2223 is formed by recessing from the bottom surface of the protrusion 2220 toward the second surface of the insulating body 2221 along the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222. That is, the first exhaust channel 2223 has at least a first port facing the electrode assembly 21 along the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222, and the first exhaust channel 2223 is directly connected to the electrode assembly 21 through the first port; thus, the gas generated by the electrode assembly 21 can directly enter the first exhaust channel 2223 through the first port, and flow to the pressure relief mechanism 223 through the first exhaust channel 2223, so as to be discharged in time through the pressure relief mechanism 223.

[0104] In addition, the first exhaust channel 2223 is a through hole structure provided on the protrusion 2220. The through hole structure extends in a direction intersecting the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222, and the two ports of the through hole structure are formed on the outer side to realize the flow of gas.

[0105] In this embodiment, by providing a first exhaust channel 2223 on the protrusion 2220 and having the first exhaust channel 2223 pass through the protrusion 2220 in a direction intersecting with the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222, the gas generated by the electrode assembly 21 can quickly pass through the protrusion 2220 through the first exhaust channel 2223 when it flows through the protrusion 2220. This reduces the obstruction of the gas flow by the protrusion 2220, facilitates the timely discharge of gas, reduces the risk of battery cell 20 failure, and improves the safety of battery cell 20. Furthermore, by forming the first exhaust channel 2223 by recessing the surface of the protrusion 2220 away from the insulating body 2221 toward the direction closer to the insulating body 2221, the first exhaust channel 2223 is directly connected to the electrode assembly 21. This allows the gas generated by the electrode assembly 21 to flow directly into the first exhaust channel 2223 and be discharged. Compared to the scheme where the gas flows through the surface of the protrusion 2220 toward the electrode assembly 21 and then flows into the exhaust channel on the protrusion 2220, the exhaust path is shorter, which is more conducive to the exhaust of the gas and speeds up the exhaust efficiency, further reducing the risk of battery cell 20 failure.

[0106] See Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the insulating element 222 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0107] In one embodiment, the first exhaust channel 2223 includes a first sub-exhaust channel 2223a and / or a second sub-exhaust channel 2223b; the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a extends along a first direction X of the insulating member 222 and penetrates the protrusion 2220; the second sub-exhaust channel 2223b extends along a second direction Y intersecting the first direction X of the insulating member 222 and penetrates the protrusion 2220; wherein the second direction Y intersects the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222.

[0108] It can be understood that the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a and the second sub-exhaust channel 2223b pass through the protrusion 2220 in a direction that intersects with the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222, and the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a and the second sub-exhaust channel 2223b are respectively formed by the bottom surface of the protrusion 2220 facing the second surface of the insulating body 2221.

[0109] In one example, the first exhaust passage 2223 includes a first sub-exhaust passage 2223a and a second sub-exhaust passage 2223b to increase the exhaust area on the protrusion 2220, which is beneficial for the timely discharge of gas. Of course, in other examples, the first exhaust passage 2223 may also include one of the first sub-exhaust passage 2223a and the second sub-exhaust passage 2223b.

[0110] The second direction Y can be perpendicular to the first direction X, and this is used as an example in all embodiments of this application. Of course, the second direction Y can also be inclined to the first direction X, that is, the included angle between the two is not equal to 90°. For example, the second direction Y and the first direction X are perpendicular to the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222.

[0111] In one example, there are multiple first sub-exhaust channels 2223a, which are spaced apart along the second direction Y to increase the ventilation area for gas to flow along the first direction X on the protrusion 2220, thus facilitating the timely discharge of gas.

[0112] In one example, there are one or more second sub-exhaust channels 2223b, and multiple second sub-exhaust channels 2223b are spaced apart along the first direction X to increase the ventilation area on the protrusion 2220 for gas to flow along the second direction Y, so as to facilitate the timely discharge of gas.

[0113] In this embodiment, by providing a first sub-exhaust channel 2223a, gas can quickly pass through the protrusion 2220 and be discharged in a timely manner. By providing a second sub-exhaust channel 2223b, gas can quickly pass through the protrusion 2220 and be discharged in a timely manner. Moreover, when the first exhaust channel 2223 includes the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a and the second sub-exhaust channel 2223b, the exhaust area on the protrusion 2220 is effectively increased, which is more conducive to the timely discharge of gas and further reduces the risk of battery cell 20 failure.

[0114] See Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the insulating element 222 provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0115] In one embodiment, the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a penetrates the insulating member 222 along the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222. And / or, a portion of the second sub-exhaust channel 2223b penetrates the insulating member 222 along the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222.

[0116] Since the pressure relief mechanism 223 is located in the middle of the insulating body 2221 along the first direction X, in order to shorten the exhaust path of the gas in the protrusion 2220 and facilitate the gas to pass quickly through the protrusion 2220 and flow to the pressure relief mechanism 223, the first exhaust channel 2223 may include at least the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a.

[0117] It is understood that in this embodiment, the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a is a through-hole structure along the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222. Of course, in other examples, such as... Figure 9 As shown, the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a can also be a blind hole along the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222. For example, the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a penetrates the protrusion 2220 along the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222, but does not extend into the insulating body 2221; or, the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a penetrates the protrusion 2220 along the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222, and further extends into the insulating body 2221, but is spaced apart from the second surface of the insulating body 2221.

[0118] For example, when the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a is a blind hole along the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222, the depth H1 of the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a along the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222 can be greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to (H2-0.4 mm); where H2 is the thickness of the insulating member 222.

[0119] In these examples, if the first exhaust channel 2223 further includes a second sub-exhaust channel 2223b, at least a portion of the second sub-exhaust channel 2223b along its extension direction is a blind hole structure along the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222, that is, at least a portion of the second sub-exhaust channel 2223b along its extension direction does not penetrate the insulating member 222, so as to ensure the integrity of the protrusion 2220 and reduce the risk of part of the protrusion 2220 falling off.

[0120] In one example, the second sub-exhaust channel 2223b includes a first end channel, a middle channel portion and a second end channel in sequence along the second direction Y; wherein, the first end channel and / or the second end channel are blind hole structures along the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222, that is, they do not penetrate the insulating member 222; the middle channel portion is a through hole structure along the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222, that is, it penetrates the insulating member 222.

[0121] Of course, in other examples, the first end channel and / or the second end channel may be through-hole structures along the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222, that is, penetrating the insulating member 222; the middle channel portion may be blind-hole structures along the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222, that is, not penetrating the insulating member 222.

[0122] Of course, in some other examples, the first exhaust passage 2223 may also include at least a second sub-exhaust passage 2223b, a portion of which penetrates the insulation member 222 along the thickness direction Z of the insulation member 222.

[0123] In this embodiment, by making the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a penetrate through the insulating member 222 along the thickness direction Z, compared to a scheme where the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a has a blind hole structure along the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222, the area of ​​the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a can be increased as much as possible. This increases the exhaust area at the corresponding protrusion 2220 position of the insulating member 222, facilitating gas discharge and further reducing the risk of battery cell 20 failure. And / or, by making a portion of the second sub-exhaust channel 2223b penetrate through the insulating member 222 along the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222, the exhaust area on the protrusion 2220 can be further increased, facilitating timely gas discharge.

[0124] See Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a on the protrusion 2220 and the electrode assembly 21, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0125] In one embodiment, there are multiple electrode assemblies 21, which are distributed sequentially along the second direction Y; there are multiple first sub-exhaust channels 2223a, which are spaced apart along the second direction Y, and at least a portion of the orthogonal projection of the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a along the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222 falls on one electrode assembly 21.

[0126] Multiple electrode assemblies 21 can be arranged adjacently and in contact with each other along the second direction Y to reduce the volume occupied by the multiple electrode assemblies 21.

[0127] As an example, the orthogonal projection of the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a along the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222 falls entirely on an electrode assembly 21; so that more of the gas generated by the electrode assembly 21 can be directly discharged through the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a.

[0128] For example, the dimension of the electrode assembly 21 along the second direction Y can be further larger than the dimension of the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a along the second direction Y. In this way, more of the gas generated by the electrode assembly 21 can be directly discharged through the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a; and a portion of the protrusion 2220 can abut against the electrode assembly 21 to provide a certain positioning function for the electrode assembly 21.

[0129] In one example, one electrode assembly 21 is provided with one first sub-exhaust channel 2223a, meaning that the orthographic projections of different first sub-exhaust channels 2223a along the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222 fall on different electrode assemblies 21. This allows for timely gas discharge while ensuring the protrusion 2220 has sufficient structural strength. Of course, in other examples, one electrode assembly 21 may also be provided with multiple first sub-exhaust channels 2223a, meaning that at least a portion of the orthographic projections of at least two first sub-exhaust channels 2223a along the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222 fall on the same electrode assembly 21.

[0130] In this embodiment, by making at least a portion of the orthogonal projection of the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a along the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222 fall on an electrode assembly 21, the gas generated by the electrode assembly 21 can be directly discharged through the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a when flowing through the protrusion 2220, which accelerates the discharge of gas, facilitates the timely discharge of gas, and effectively reduces the risk of failure of the battery cell 20.

[0131] Because the dimension of the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a along the second direction Y is too small, the mold injection protrusion 2220 is difficult to form, resulting in high processing costs. On the other hand, if the dimension of the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a along the second direction Y is too large, the protrusion 2220 cannot properly support the electrode assembly 21. During vibration, the electrode assembly 21 may move up and down, easily pulling on the electrode tabs, which may lead to breakage or open circuit failure.

[0132] Therefore, in one embodiment, combining Figure 9 and Figure 12 The minimum dimension of the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a along the second direction Y is a, and the dimension of the electrode assembly 21 along the second direction Y is b, where a≥1mm and a / b≤0.67.

[0133] For example, the ratio of the minimum dimension a of the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a along the second direction Y to the dimension b of the electrode assembly 21 along the second direction Y can be 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 or 0.5, etc.

[0134] In this embodiment, by ensuring that the minimum dimension a and the a / b value of the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a along the second direction Y are within the above-mentioned range, it is not only convenient for the injection molding of the insulating part 222 and reduces the processing cost; but also the protrusion 2220 can provide better support for the electrode assembly 21, which can reduce the risk of the electrode assembly 21 moving up and down, pulling the electrode tab, causing the electrode tab to break and resulting in open circuit failure.

[0135] See Figure 13 and Figure 14 , Figure 13A schematic diagram of the structure of the insulating element 222 is provided for another embodiment of this application; Figure 14 for Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the structure of the insulating component 222 from another perspective.

[0136] In one embodiment, the protrusion 2220 is further provided with a second exhaust channel 2224. The second exhaust channel 2224 is formed by recessing the side surface of the insulating body 2221 away from the protrusion 2220 toward the direction close to the protrusion 2220, and is spaced apart from the side surface of the protrusion 2220 away from the insulating body 2221; and the second exhaust channel 2224 penetrates the protrusion 2220 in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222.

[0137] In other words, the second exhaust channel 2224 is formed by the second surface of the insulating body 2221 being recessed towards the bottom surface of the protrusion 2220, and is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the protrusion 2220. Thus, the second exhaust channel 2224 does not affect the contact area between the protrusion 2220 and the electrode assembly 21.

[0138] The second exhaust passage 2224 can penetrate the protrusion 2220 along the first direction X to shorten the exhaust path of the gas through the second exhaust passage 2224. Of course, the second exhaust passage 2224 can also penetrate the protrusion 2220 along other directions that intersect the first direction X and are perpendicular to the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222.

[0139] In one example, there may be multiple second exhaust channels 2224, which may be spaced apart along the second direction Y of the protrusion 2220 to increase the exhaust area.

[0140] In this embodiment, by further adding a second exhaust channel 2224 to the protrusion 2220, the exhaust area on the protrusion 2220 can be increased, allowing for timely gas discharge and reducing the risk of battery cell 20 failure. Moreover, compared to the scheme of setting the entire protrusion 2220 as the first exhaust channel 2223 with the same exhaust area, with a fixed area of ​​the bottom surface of the protrusion 2220, the protrusion 2220 and the electrode assembly 21 can have a larger contact area, which can play a better positioning role for the electrode assembly 21.

[0141] Please continue reading. Figure 13 In one embodiment, the first exhaust passage 2223 includes a first sub-exhaust passage 2223a; the number of the first sub-exhaust passage 2223a and the number of the second exhaust passage 2224 are both multiple, and the multiple first sub-exhaust passages 2223a and the multiple second exhaust passages 2224 are alternately distributed along the extension direction (i.e., the second direction Y) of the protrusion 2220.

[0142] In one example, multiple first sub-exhaust channels 2223a and multiple second exhaust channels 2224 are alternately distributed along the extension direction of the protrusion 2220 in the manner of one first sub-exhaust channel 2223a, one second exhaust channel 2224, one first sub-exhaust channel 2223a, one second exhaust channel 2224...; or they are alternately distributed in the manner of two first sub-exhaust channels 2223a, two second exhaust channels 2224, two first sub-exhaust channels 2223a, two second exhaust channels 2224...; or they are alternately distributed in the manner of one first sub-exhaust channel 2223a, two second exhaust channels 2224, one first sub-exhaust channel 2223a, two second exhaust channels 2224...; this application does not limit the specific alternation method, and the design can be selected according to the actual situation.

[0143] In this embodiment, by alternating the distribution of multiple first sub-exhaust channels 2223a and multiple second exhaust channels 2224 along the extension direction of the protrusion 2220, the exhaust and positioning effect of the protrusion 2220 at each position along its extension direction can be made more uniform. This is beneficial to ensure that the gas is discharged in a timely manner through each position of the protrusion 2220 along its extension direction, while also enabling the protrusion 2220 to play a certain positioning role on the electrode assembly 21 at each position along its extension direction.

[0144] In one embodiment, along the extending direction of the protrusion 2220, the sum of the cross-sectional areas of all the first sub-exhaust channels 2223a and all the cross-sectional areas of the second exhaust channels 2224 is S1; the cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusion 2220 along its extending direction is S2; wherein, 0.05≤S1 / S2≤0.6.

[0145] The cross-sectional area refers to the area of ​​the cross section corresponding to the exhaust passage along the second direction Y. In this application, the extension direction of the protrusion 2220 is always exemplified by the second direction Y.

[0146] For example, S1 / S2 can be greater than or equal to 0.1 and less than or equal to 0.5; or, S1 / S2 can be greater than or equal to 0.2 and less than or equal to 0.4.

[0147] In this embodiment, by controlling the proportion of the exhaust area on the protrusion 2220 to the total cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusion 2220, the structural strength of the protrusion 2220 can be reduced due to an excessively large opening area when gas enters the protrusion 2220 through the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a and the second exhaust channel 2224. Simultaneously, it can reduce the disadvantage of an excessively small opening area in the protrusion 2220, which would hinder the increase of gas flow velocity within the protrusion 2220.

[0148] In one embodiment, see Figure 7 and Figure 8 The protrusion 2220 includes a first protrusion 2222 and / or a second protrusion 2225. The first protrusion 2222 extends along the second direction Y and is located at at least one end of the insulating body 2221 along the first direction X. The first protrusion 2222 has a first exhaust channel 2223. The second protrusion 2225 extends along the second direction Y and is located at the middle of the insulating body 2221 along the first direction X. The second protrusion 2225 has a first exhaust channel 2223.

[0149] A first protrusion 2222 is disposed on the side surface of the insulating body 2221 facing away from the top cover 221 and abuts against the electrode assembly 21. A first exhaust channel 2223 on the first protrusion 2222 is formed by a recess in the side surface of the first protrusion 2222 away from the insulating body 2221 toward the direction closer to the insulating body 2221, and the first exhaust channel 2223 penetrates the first protrusion 2222 in a direction intersecting the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222. Specifically, the first exhaust channel 2223 penetrates the outer peripheral side surface of the first protrusion 2222 in a direction intersecting the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222.

[0150] In one example, the protrusion 2220 includes two first protrusions 2222, which abut against the electrode assembly 21 to position the electrode assembly 21. The two first protrusions 2222 can be integrally formed with the insulating body 2221, for example, by thermal fusion molding. Alternatively, the two first protrusions 2222 can be detachably connected to the insulating body 2221.

[0151] As an example, two first protrusions 2222 are respectively located at both ends of the insulating body 2221 along the first direction X. Exemplarily, the two first protrusions 2222 are located at both sides of the insulating body 2221 along the first direction X, and extend along the width direction of the insulating body 2221. Exemplarily, the two first protrusions 2222 extend from one side edge of the insulating body 2221 to the other side edge of the insulating body 2221 along the width direction of the insulating body 2221. The pressure relief mechanism 223 is located between the two first protrusions 2222 along the first direction X.

[0152] In one example, both first protrusions 2222 are provided with first exhaust channels 2223, so that gas can flow to the pressure relief mechanism 223 through the first exhaust channels 2223 on the two first protrusions 2222 respectively. This reduces the obstruction of the gas by the two first protrusions 2222, and allows the gas to be discharged through the pressure relief mechanism 223 in a timely manner, thereby effectively reducing the risk of battery cell 20 failure and improving the safety performance of battery cell 20.

[0153] Of course, in other examples, only one of the two first protrusions 2222 may have a first exhaust channel 2223. In this way, the exhaust area within the battery cell 20 can be increased, and the other first protrusion 2222 without a first exhaust channel 2223 can have a larger contact area with the electrode assembly 21, thereby better positioning of the electrode assembly 21.

[0154] The second boss 2225 is used to abut against the electrode assembly 21 to position the electrode assembly 21 and reduce the impact of the electrode assembly 21 moving along the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222 inside the battery cell 20. The cross-sectional heights of the first boss 2222 and the second boss 2225 are the same.

[0155] In this embodiment, gas enters the first exhaust channel 2223 on the second boss 2225 from the bottom surface of the second boss 2225, then passes through the connecting hole 2227 to the pressure relief mechanism 223, and is discharged through the pressure relief mechanism 223. The first exhaust channel 2223 on the bottom surface of the second boss 2225 can increase the speed at which gas flows to the pressure relief mechanism 223.

[0156] It should be noted that the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a, the second sub-exhaust channel 2223b, and the second exhaust channel 2224 involved in this application can be circular holes, square holes, diamond-shaped holes, or elliptical holes, etc.

[0157] Because the pressure relief mechanism 223 on the top cover 221 is located in the middle of the top cover 221, and the insulating member 222 has a second protrusion 2225 at the position corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism 223, the second protrusion 2225 abuts against the electrode assembly 21 to reduce the shaking of the electrode assembly 21. At the same time, the surface of the second protrusion 2225 facing the electrode assembly 21 has a vent hole 2228 extending along the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222. However, it has been found that when the battery cell 20 experiences thermal runaway, the pressure relief mechanism 223 (such as an explosion-proof valve) still has the problem of not being able to relieve pressure in time. Analysis revealed that when thermal runaway occurs in a localized area of ​​the battery cell 20, the gas production in that area is significant, and the gas pressure in that area rises rapidly. Since the vent 2228 of the second protrusion 2225 facing the electrode assembly 21 is covered by the electrode assembly 21, the gas flow on both sides of the second protrusion 2225 is poor due to the obstruction of the second protrusion 2225. The amount of gas flowing from the inside of the battery cell 20 towards the pressure relief mechanism 223 is relatively small. At the moment the pressure relief mechanism 223 releases pressure, the gas generated in the area with the larger gas production cannot quickly flow to the pressure relief mechanism 223 for discharge. This causes the gas in that area to impact the nearby bottom shell 23, resulting in cracks in the weld between the bottom shell 23 and the top cover 221, leading to a risk of fire and explosion.

[0158] Based on this, in this embodiment, by opening a first exhaust channel 2223 on the second protrusion 2225, not only can the stability of the fixed electrode assembly 21 be further increased and the risk of the electrode assembly 21 shaking inside the battery cell 20 be reduced, but the exhaust area of ​​the insulating member 222 can also be further increased so that more gas can flow directly into the connecting hole 2227 and be discharged through the pressure relief mechanism 223, effectively increasing the exhaust path and enabling the gas in the battery cell 20 to be discharged in a timely manner.

[0159] In one embodiment, see Figure 7 The protrusion 2220 includes a first boss 2222, and the first boss 2222 has a first sub-exhaust channel 2223a; the top cover assembly 22 also includes a pressure relief mechanism 223, which is disposed on the top cover 221; the insulating member 222 has a connecting hole 2227 at the position corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism 223, and the pressure relief mechanism 223 is connected to the electrode assembly 21 through the connecting hole 2227; wherein, the connecting hole 2227 is located on one side of the first boss 2222 along the first direction X.

[0160] The pressure relief mechanism 223 can be located in the middle of the top cover 221 along the length of the top cover 221.

[0161] Gas passing through the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a and the second sub-exhaust channel 2223b flows through the connecting hole 2227 to the pressure relief mechanism 223 and is discharged from the battery cell 20.

[0162] The number of connecting holes 2227 can be multiple, so that the gas generated in the battery cell 20 can flow quickly to the pressure relief mechanism 223 and be discharged through multiple connecting holes 2227.

[0163] In this embodiment, by opening a first sub-exhaust channel 2223a extending along the first direction X on the first protrusion 2222, gas located on the side of the protrusion 2220 away from the connecting hole 2227 along the first direction X can flow rapidly directly through the first sub-exhaust channel 2223a toward the connecting hole 2227 and be discharged through the pressure relief mechanism 223. Compared with the scheme of exhausting gas through sub-exhaust channels extending along other directions intersecting the first direction X on the protrusion 2220, the gas flow path is shorter, the exhaust is more timely, and the risk of battery cell 20 failure is reduced.

[0164] In one embodiment, combined Figure 6 and Figure 7A top cover assembly 22 is also provided, which is used for a battery cell 20. The battery cell 20 can be any of the battery cell 20 provided in the above embodiments. The top cover assembly 22 includes a top cover 221 and an insulating member 222. The insulating member 222 is disposed on the side of the top cover 221 facing the electrode assembly 21 of the battery cell 20. The insulating member 222 includes an insulating body 2221 and a protrusion 2220. The protrusion 2220 is disposed on the side surface of the insulating body 2221 away from the top cover 221 and abuts against the electrode assembly 21. At least one protrusion 2220 has a first exhaust channel 2223. The first exhaust channel 2223 is formed by a recess in the side surface of the protrusion 2220 away from the insulating body 2221 toward the direction close to the insulating body 2221. The first exhaust channel 2223 penetrates the protrusion 2220 along a first direction X. The first direction X intersects the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222.

[0165] The specific structure and function of the top cover assembly 22 can be found in the relevant description of the top cover assembly 22 in the battery cell 20 above.

[0166] In this embodiment, by providing a first exhaust channel 2223 on the protrusion 2220 and having the first exhaust channel 2223 penetrate the protrusion 2220 in a direction intersecting the thickness direction Z of the insulating member 222, when the top cover assembly 22 is applied to the battery cell 20, the gas generated inside the battery cell 20 can quickly pass through the protrusion 2220 through the first exhaust channel 2223 when it flows through the protrusion 2220, reducing the obstruction of the gas flow by the protrusion 2220, facilitating the timely discharge of gas, reducing the risk of battery cell 20 failure, and improving the safety of the battery cell 20. Furthermore, by forming the first exhaust channel 2223 by recessing the surface of the protrusion 2220 away from the insulating body 2221 toward the direction closer to the insulating body 2221, when the protrusion 2220 abuts against the electrode assembly 21, the first exhaust channel 2223 can be directly connected to the electrode assembly 21. This allows the gas generated by the electrode assembly 21 to flow directly into the first exhaust channel 2223 and be discharged. Compared to the scheme where the gas flows through the surface of the protrusion 2220 toward the electrode assembly 21 and then flows into the exhaust channel on the protrusion 2220, the exhaust path of the gas is shorter, which is more conducive to the exhaust of the gas and speeds up the exhaust efficiency, further reducing the risk of battery cell 20 failure.

[0167] 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 in that, include: Electrode assembly; Top cover assembly, including top cover and insulation; The insulating element is disposed on the side of the top cover facing the electrode assembly; The insulating component includes: Insulating body; A protrusion is provided on the side surface of the insulating body away from the top cover and abuts against the electrode assembly. At least one of the protrusions has a first exhaust channel. Along the thickness direction of the insulating body, the first exhaust channel is formed by a recess in the side surface of the protrusion away from the insulating body toward the direction close to the insulating body. Along a first direction, the first exhaust channel penetrates the protrusion. The first direction intersects the thickness direction of the insulating body.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first exhaust passage includes: The first sub-exhaust channel extends along the first direction and penetrates the protrusion; And / or, a second sub-exhaust channel, the second sub-exhaust channel extending through the protrusion along a second direction, the second direction intersecting the thickness direction of the insulating member.

3. The battery cell according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first sub-exhaust channel penetrates the insulating member along the thickness direction of the insulating member; and / or, a portion of the second sub-exhaust channel penetrates the insulating member along the thickness direction of the insulating member.

4. The battery cell according to claim 2, characterized in that, The number of electrode assemblies is multiple, and the multiple electrode assemblies are distributed sequentially along the second direction; The number of first sub-exhaust channels is multiple, and the multiple first sub-exhaust channels are spaced apart along the second direction. At least a portion of the orthographic projection of the first sub-exhaust channel along the thickness direction of the insulating member falls on one of the electrode assemblies.

5. The battery cell according to claim 2, characterized in that, The minimum dimension of the first sub-exhaust channel along the second direction is a, and the dimension of the electrode assembly along the second direction is b; wherein a ≥ 1 mm, and a / b ≤ 0.

67.

6. The battery cell according to claim 2, characterized in that, The protrusion is also provided with a second exhaust channel, which is formed by the recess of the side surface of the insulating body away from the protrusion toward the protrusion, and is spaced apart from the side surface of the protrusion away from the insulating body; and the second exhaust channel penetrates the protrusion in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the insulating member.

7. The battery cell according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first exhaust passage includes a first sub-exhaust passage; there are multiple first sub-exhaust passages and multiple second exhaust passages, which are alternately distributed along the extension direction of the protrusion.

8. The battery cell according to claim 6, characterized in that, Along the extending direction of the protrusion, the sum of the cross-sectional areas of all the first sub-exhaust channels and the cross-sectional areas of all the second exhaust channels is S1; the cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusion along its extending direction is S2; wherein, 0.05≤S1 / S2≤0.

6.

9. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The protrusion includes: A first boss extends along a second direction and is located at at least one end of the insulating body along the first direction; the first boss has a first exhaust channel; and / or The second boss extends along the second direction and is located in the middle of the insulating body along the first direction, and the first exhaust channel is formed on the second boss.

10. The battery cell according to claim 9, characterized in that, The protrusion includes the first boss, and the first boss has a first sub-exhaust channel; The top cover assembly further includes a pressure relief mechanism disposed on the top cover; the insulating member has a connecting hole corresponding to the position of the pressure relief mechanism, and the pressure relief mechanism is connected to the electrode assembly through the connecting hole; wherein, the connecting hole is located on one side of the first boss along the first direction.

11. A battery device, characterized in that, Includes the battery cell as described in any one of claims 1-10.

12. An energy storage device, characterized in that, Includes the battery device as described in claim 11.

13. An energy storage system, characterized in that, It includes a power conversion device and an energy storage device as described in claim 12, wherein the power conversion device is used to electrically connect the power generation device and the energy storage device.

14. A charging network, characterized in that, It includes a charging pile and an energy storage device as described in claim 12, wherein the energy storage device is used to provide electrical energy to the charging pile.

15. A top cover assembly for a battery cell, characterized in that, The top cover assembly includes: Top cover; An insulating element is disposed on the side of the top cover facing the electrode assembly of the battery cell, the insulating element comprising: Insulating body; A protrusion is provided on the side surface of the insulating body away from the top cover and abuts against the electrode assembly. At least one of the protrusions has a first exhaust channel. Along the thickness direction of the insulating body, the first exhaust channel is formed by a recess in the side surface of the protrusion away from the insulating body toward the direction close to the insulating body. Along a first direction, the first exhaust channel penetrates the protrusion. The first direction intersects the thickness direction of the insulating body.

Images