Battery cell, battery, electrical device and system for manufacturing a battery cell

Abstract

Battery cell, including: a case with an opening; an electrode arrangement arranged in the housing, wherein the electrode arrangement comprises a body section and a tab, the tab extending from one end of the body section to the opening; the electrode arrangement comprises a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator, the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate each having a coated area and an uncoated area; a portion of the electrode arrangement corresponding to the coated areas of the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate is the body section, the uncoated area of ​​the first electrode plate or the second electrode plate forming the tab; and the separator is configured to isolate the first electrode plate from the second electrode plate. An end cover assembly configured to close the opening, the end cover assembly comprising an end cover and a first insulator, the end cover being configured to cover the opening and being connected to the housing, the first insulator being located on a side of the end cover closer to the inside of the housing, the first insulator having a concave section, the tab being accommodated in the concave section, and at least a portion of an inner wall of the concave section surrounding the perimeter of the tab.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technologies, in particular to a battery cell, a battery, an electrical device and a battery cell manufacturing system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Rechargeable batteries are widely used in electric vehicles, mobile devices, and power tools due to their advantages such as high energy density, high power density, large number of charge cycles, long shelf life, and the like. A battery consists of a battery cell. However, during use, there is the risk of a short circuit, which compromises the battery cell's safety. SHORT DESCRIPTION

[0003] In the embodiments of the present application, a battery cell, a battery, an electrical device and a manufacturing system for a battery cell are provided to remedy short circuits of the battery cell that impair the safety of use.

[0004] In one embodiment of the present application, a battery cell is provided comprising a housing, an electrode arrangement and an end cover assembly.

[0005] The housing has an opening. The electrode assembly is located within the housing. The electrode assembly comprises a body section, a separator, and a tab. The tab extends from one end of the body section to the opening. The electrode assembly includes a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and the separator. The first electrode plate and the second electrode plate each have a coated area and an uncoated area. The portion of the electrode assembly corresponding to the coated areas of the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate is the body section. The uncoated area of ​​the first electrode plate or the second electrode plate forms the tab. The separator is configured to isolate the first electrode plate from the second electrode plate. The end cover assembly is configured to close the opening.The end cover assembly comprises an end cover and a first insulator. The end cover is configured to cover the opening and is connected to the housing. The first insulator is located on a side of the end cover that is closer to the inside of the housing. The first insulator has a concave section. The tab is housed within this concave section. At least a portion of an inner wall of the concave section is positioned to surround a circumference of the tab.

[0006] In one embodiment of this application, the first insulator is configured to rest against a circumferential surface of the tab.

[0007] In one embodiment of this application, the first insulator comprises a body and an extension section connected to each other, the body being configured to be connected to the end cover, the extension section extending from the body to and projecting out of the electrode assembly to form the concave section, the extension section being located around the circumference of the tab and bearing against the circumferential surface. Because the first insulator has the extension section, the extension section of the first insulator can be inserted into a gap between the tab and the housing during assembly, so that the extension section can guide the tab precisely into the concave section of the first insulator.This reduces the possibility of the tab being deformed by the exertion of a compressive force by the first insulator during assembly, and allows the extension section to protect and limit the tab earlier during assembly.

[0008] In one embodiment of this application, the extension section surrounds the circumferential surface of the tab, so that the extension section can provide protective insulation for the tab.

[0009] In one embodiment of this application, the extension section has a continuously extending closed structure. Because an end face of the extension section, which is further away from the end cover, has a closed structure, the extension section can provide protective insulation for the tab, further improving the insulation effect. Alternatively, the extension section has an annular structure with a notch. The notch of the extension can provide clearance.

[0010] In one embodiment of this application, the circumferential surface comprises a first region, a second region, and a third region, which are continuous. The first region is closer to the body section than the second region, and the second region connects the first and third regions. A minimum radial dimension of the first region is greater than a maximum radial dimension of the third region, and at least a portion of the inner wall of the concave section surrounds the third region. In this way, part of the tab can be located within the concave section of the first insulator, which, for a battery cell of the same capacity, can shorten the overall dimensions of the battery cell in the axial direction of the electrode arrangement, thereby improving the energy density of the battery cell.

[0011] In one embodiment of this application, the first insulator is configured to rest against the second area, thereby reducing the possibility of the electrode assembly moving in a direction approaching or away from the end cover.

[0012] In one embodiment of this application, the electrode arrangement further comprises a second insulator, the second insulator being arranged to surround an adjacent area between the first insulator and the tab, thereby isolating the adjacent area from the housing. The extension section and the second insulator can form a structure that provides double insulation and double protection for the tab, further reducing the possibility of a short circuit between the tab and the housing due to contact between the tab and the housing.

[0013] In one embodiment of this application, the second insulator is a part of the separator that extends beyond the body section and is located around the circumference of the tab. This eliminates the need for an additional second insulator, thus reducing the number of parts used and simplifying assembly. Furthermore, because the separator has an integral structure, the resulting second insulator cannot easily detach.

[0014] In one embodiment of this application, the second insulator rests against the outer side surface of the first insulator, which is oriented towards the housing, so that a contact surface can be formed between the second insulator and the first insulator, allowing the second insulator to block a conductive contaminant.

[0015] In one embodiment of this application, the outer side surface has a guide slope, the guide slope being inclined away from the end cover towards the concave section. When the electrode assembly with the second insulator is inserted into the housing and then the end cover assembly is mounted, a portion of the first insulator corresponding to the guide slope can easily enter a space bounded by the second insulator.

[0016] In one embodiment of this application, the second insulator is attached to the outer side surface, which improves the reliability and stability of the connection between the second insulator and the first insulator.

[0017] In one embodiment of this application, the battery cell further comprises a third insulator, wherein the third insulator surrounds the second insulator and covers a transition area between the second insulator and the outer side surface, so that the third insulator can prevent the penetration of the conductive contaminant into the transition area between the second insulator and the outer side surface.

[0018] The battery cell in one embodiment of this application comprises the housing, the electrode assembly, and the end cover assembly. The electrode assembly can be installed in the housing. The electrode assembly has a tab. The end cover assembly is configured to connect to the housing. The first insulator of the end cover assembly has a concave section. The tab is housed in the concave section. At least a portion of the inner wall of the concave section is arranged to surround the circumference of the tab. The first insulator forms an insulating structure around the circumference of the tab, such that the first insulator isolates the tab from the housing.In this way, during battery cell use, when the tab deforms due to the release of its own elastic restoring force, the tab is blocked by the first insulator upon contact, effectively reducing the possibility of a short circuit caused by overlapping contact between the tab and the casing. Because the first insulator covers the tab around its circumference and the tab is housed within the concave section of the first insulator, the tab is protected by the first insulator, preventing external conductive contaminants from easily coming into contact with the tab. This reduces the possibility of a short circuit between the tab and the casing due to a conductive connection between the tab and the casing caused by the conductive contaminant.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present application, a battery is further provided which comprises the battery cell according to the embodiment mentioned above.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present application, an electrical device is further provided which includes the battery cell according to the embodiment mentioned above, wherein the battery cell is configured to supply electrical energy.

[0021] As an illustrative example, a manufacturing process for the battery cell according to the above-mentioned embodiment is further described, which includes the following: Providing an electrode arrangement, wherein the electrode arrangement comprises a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate and a separator, wherein the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate each have a coated area and an uncoated area, a part of the electrode arrangement corresponding to the coated areas of the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate is a body section, wherein the uncoated area of ​​the first electrode plate or the second electrode plate forms a tab and the separator is configured to isolate the first electrode plate from the second electrode plate; Attaching the electrode assembly to a housing with an opening, the tab extending from one end of the body segment to the opening; and Assembly of an end cover assembly comprising an end cover and a first insulator with the housing, wherein the end cover covers the opening and is connected to the housing, the first insulator is located on a side of the end cover that is closer to the inside of the housing, the first insulator having a concave section, the tab being accommodated in the concave section, and at least a portion of an inner wall of the concave section surrounding the perimeter of the tab.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present application, the first insulator is located against a circumferential surface of the tab.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present application, a manufacturing system for the battery cell according to the above-mentioned embodiment is further provided, comprising the following: a first assembly device configured to provide an electrode arrangement, the electrode arrangement comprising a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate and a separator, the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate each having a coated area and an uncoated area, a part of the electrode arrangement corresponding to the coated areas of the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate being a body section, the uncoated area of ​​the first electrode plate or the second electrode plate forming a tab, and the separator being configured to isolate the first electrode plate from the second electrode plate; a second mounting device configured to insert the electrode assembly with the body section and the tab into a housing having an opening, the tab extending from one end of the body section to the opening; and A third assembly device configured to assemble an end cover assembly comprising an end cover and a first insulator with the housing, wherein the end cover covers the opening and is connected to the housing, the first insulator is located on a side of the end cover that is closer to the inside of the housing, the first insulator having a concave section, the tab being accommodated in the concave section, and at least a portion of an inner wall of the concave section surrounding the perimeter of the tab. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0024] To describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application more clearly, the figures necessary for describing these embodiments are briefly described below. The figures in the following description show only some embodiments of the present application, and a person skilled in the art can derive further figures from them without any creative effort. Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic structure diagram of a vehicle disclosed in an embodiment of the present application; Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery disclosed in an embodiment of the present application; Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic structure diagram of a battery module disclosed in an embodiment of the present application; Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic exploded view of the structure of a battery module disclosed in an embodiment of the present application; Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic exploded view of the structure of a battery cell disclosed in an embodiment of the present application; Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic structure diagram of an electrode arrangement disclosed in an embodiment of the present application; Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic vertical structural view of a battery cell, which is disclosed in an embodiment of the present application; Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a structure along AA in Fig. 7; Fig. 9 is an enlarged view at B in Fig. 8; Fig. 10 is a schematic structure diagram of an end cover assembly disclosed in an embodiment of the present application; Fig. 11 is a schematic structure diagram of an end cover assembly disclosed in a further embodiment of the present application; Fig. Figure 12 is a schematic exploded view of the structure of a battery cell, which is disclosed in a further embodiment of the present application; Fig. Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of the battery cell in the embodiment shown in Fig. 12; Fig. 14 is an enlarged view at C in Fig. 13; Fig. Figure 15 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a battery cell, which is disclosed in a further embodiment of the present application; Fig. Figure 16 is a schematic exploded view of the structure of a battery cell, which is disclosed in a further embodiment of the present application; Fig. Figure 17 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the battery cell in the embodiment shown in Fig. 16; Fig. Figure 18 is a flowchart of an exemplary manufacturing process for a battery cell; Fig. Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of a manufacturing system for a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0025] The embodiments of the present application are described in more detail below with reference to the figures and implementations. The detailed description and figures of the following embodiments serve to illustrate the principle of the present application by way of example, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present application; that is, this application is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0026] In the descriptions of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, "a plurality of" means two or more; and that the terms "above," "below," "left," "right," "inside," "outside," and the like are used merely to facilitate and simplify the descriptions of this application and do not indicate or imply that the devices or components must have certain orientations or be designed and handled in certain orientations, and therefore should not be construed as limitations of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," and the like, are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be understood as indicating or suggesting any relative meaning. "Vertical" means that something is vertical, with a permissible margin of error that is not strictly vertical."Parallel" means that something is parallel, with an allowable error range that is not strictly parallel.

[0027] The orientation terms used in the following description all refer to the directions shown in the figures and do not restrict the specific structure of the application. Furthermore, it should be noted that in the descriptions of this application, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" are to be understood in their general sense unless expressly stated and defined otherwise. For example, the terms may be permanently connected, detachably connected, or integrally connected, directly connected, or indirectly connected via an intermediate medium. A person skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on the particular situation.

[0028] After identifying the short-circuiting problem in the existing battery cells, the applicant analyzed the battery cell's structure. A battery cell comprises a casing, an electrode assembly, an end cover, an electrode terminal, and a connector. The electrode assembly is located within the casing. The end cover is connected to the casing. The electrode terminal is located on the end cover. The electrode assembly comprises a body section and a tab. The tab extends from the body section in a direction away from the body section. The connector joins the electrode terminal and the tab of the electrode assembly. The applicant found that the battery cell's tab is in overlapping contact with the casing, resulting in a short circuit of the battery cell.The applicant has determined through further investigations that the tab of the electrode assembly is machined by bending or flattening, thus deforming the tab to meet assembly requirements and enabling the tab itself to absorb elastic restoring forces. After the battery cell is assembled, the tab no longer overlaps the housing and does not cause a short circuit. However, after a certain period of use, the tab releases the elastic restoring forces it has stored and springs back, resulting in a short circuit because the rebounding tab overlaps the housing without any further structural constraints.

[0029] Due to the aforementioned problem identified by the applicant, the applicant improves the structure of the battery cell by having the insulator of the end cover assembly rest against the circumferential surface of the tab, thereby reducing the possibility of the tab overlapping the housing. The embodiments of the present application are described in more detail below.

[0030] For a better understanding of the present application, the embodiments of the present application are described below with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 19 described.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present application, an electrical device is provided which uses a battery 10 as a power supply. The electrical device can be, but is not limited to, a vehicle, a ship, an aircraft, or the like. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, in one embodiment of the present application, a vehicle 1 is provided. The vehicle 1 can be an oil-powered vehicle, a gas-powered vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle can be a battery-powered electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, an extended-range electric vehicle, or the like. In this embodiment of the present application, the vehicle 1 can comprise a motor 1a, a controller 1b, and a battery 10. The controller 1b serves to control the battery 10 so that it supplies power to the motor 1a. The motor 1a is connected to the wheels via a transmission mechanism to drive the vehicle 1. The battery 10 can be used as the drive power supply for the vehicle 1 to wholly or partially replace fuel or natural gas and to drive the vehicle 1.In some examples, battery 10 can be located at the bottom, front, or rear of vehicle 1. Battery 10 can be configured to power vehicle 1. In some examples, battery 10 can be used as the operating power supply for vehicle 1 and connected to a circuit system of vehicle 1. For example, battery 10 can be configured to meet the power consumption of vehicle 1 for starting, navigation, and operation.

[0032] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the battery 10 comprises a box body. The box body is not limited to a specific type. The box body can be a frame-shaped box body, a disc-shaped box body, a box-shaped box body, or the like. For example, the box body comprises a first section 11 and a second section 12 that engages with the first section 11. The first section 11 is connected to the second section 12 to form a receiving section. The battery 10 comprises a plurality of battery cells 40. The plurality of battery cells 40 can directly form the battery 10, or the plurality of battery cells 40 can first form battery modules 20, and then the plurality of battery modules 20 forms the battery 10. Fig. Figure 3 shows an exemplary battery module 20 according to one embodiment. The battery module 20 is arranged in the receiving section of the box body.

[0033] In some embodiments, the battery 10 can comprise multiple battery cells 40 to meet different power consumption requirements. The multiple battery cells 40 can be connected in series, parallel, or in series and parallel, where series and parallel connection means a combination of series and parallel connections. In other words, the multiple battery cells 40 can be arranged directly in the receiving section of the box body to form the battery 10. The battery cell 40 can have a cylindrical structure or a rectangular structure with six faces, and the external structure of the battery cell 40 is not limited here. In the embodiments of the present application, the battery cell 40 is described by way of an example in which the battery cell 40 has a cylindrical structure.

[0034] As in Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the battery module 20 comprises a housing 30 and the battery cell 40 arranged in the housing 30. In some embodiments, the housing 30 comprises a cylindrical body 31, a first cover body 32, and a second cover body 33. The first cover body 32 and the second cover body 33 are each arranged at opposite ends of the cylindrical body 31. The first cover body 32 and the second cover body 33 are detachably connected to the cylindrical body 31. For example, the first cover body 32 and the second cover body 33 are snapped to the cylindrical body 31 or connected to the cylindrical body 31 by means of a screw. The cylindrical body 31, the first cover body 32, and the second cover body 33 are assembled to form a receiving space. The battery cell 40 is arranged in the receiving space of the housing 30.

[0035] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment of the present application, the battery cell 40 comprises a housing 41 and an electrode assembly 42 arranged in the housing 41. The housing 41 in this embodiment of the present application has a cylindrical structure. The housing 41 has an interior space for receiving the electrode assembly 42 and an electrolyte, as well as an opening 411 that connects to the interior space. The electrode assembly 42 can be inserted into the housing 41 through the opening 411. The housing 41 can be made of materials such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or plastic. The electrode assembly 42 comprises a body section 421 and a tab 422. The body section 421 has an end 421a.The electrode arrangement 42 is arranged in the housing 41, wherein the end 421a of the body section 421 is oriented towards the opening 411 of the housing 41 and the tab 422 extends from the end 421a of the body section 421 to the opening 411 of the housing 41.

[0036] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment of the present application, the battery cell 40 further comprises an end cover assembly 43 and a connector 44. The end cover assembly 43 is configured to close the opening 411 of the housing 41. The end cover assembly 43 comprises an end cover 431, a first insulator 432, and an electrode terminal 433. The end cover 431 is configured to cover the opening 411 of the housing 41 and is connected to the housing 41. For example, the end cover 431 can be connected to the housing 41 by welding. The first insulator 432 and the electrode terminal 433 are both arranged on the end cover 431. The first insulator 432 is arranged on a side of the end cover 431 that is closer to the inside of the housing 41. The first insulator 432 has a concave section 432a.The concave section 432a is recessed from a surface of the first insulator 432, which is further away from the end cover 431, in the direction of the end cover 431, such that an opening of the concave section faces the electrode assembly 42. The electrode terminal 433 is electrically connected to the electrode assembly 42 via the connector 44. In some examples, both the number of end cover assemblies 43 and the number of connectors 44 are two. Each of the two opposite ends of the electrode assembly 42 is accordingly provided with an end cover assembly 43 and a connector 44.

[0037] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the electrode arrangement 42 in this embodiment of the present application can be formed by winding a first electrode plate 42a, a second electrode plate 42b, and a separator 42c, wherein the separator 42c is an insulator between the first electrode plate 42a and the second electrode plate 42b. The separator 42c is configured to isolate and separate the first electrode plate 42a from the second electrode plate 42b in order to prevent the first electrode plate 42a from coming into contact with the second electrode plate 42b. The first electrode plate 42a and the second electrode plate 42b each have a coated area and an uncoated area.An active material from the first electrode plate 42a is applied to the coated area of ​​the first electrode plate 42a, and an active material from the second electrode plate 42b is applied to the coated area of ​​the second electrode plate 42b. On the coated area, the active material is applied to a current collector formed from a metal sheet, and no active material is applied to the uncoated area. A portion of the electrode assembly 42 corresponding to the coated areas of the first electrode plate 42a and the second electrode plate 42b is the body section 421. The uncoated area of ​​the first electrode plate 42a or the uncoated area of ​​the second electrode plate 42b forms the tab 422. The body section 421 has two opposite ends 421a. The tab 422 extends from one end 421a of the body section 421.The tab 422 has a multilayered structure. For example, the uncoated areas of the first electrode plate 42a are stacked to form a positive tab, and the uncoated areas of the second electrode plate 42b are stacked to form a negative tab. The positive tab and the negative tab each extend from an end 421a of the body segment 421.

[0038] In a case where the first electrode plate 42a, the second electrode plate 42b, and the separator 42c are wound together, the separator 42c alone is wound a predetermined number of turns at the end of the winding process, so that the separator 42c, which extends beyond the first electrode plate 42a and the second electrode plate 42b, can wind the first electrode plate 42a and the second electrode plate 42b. Along a winding axis of the electrode assembly 42, the size of the separator 42c is larger than the size of the coated area of ​​the first electrode plate 42a and also larger than the size of the coated area of ​​the second electrode plate 42b. Therefore, part of the separator 42c extends beyond the body section 421 in the direction of the winding axis of the electrode arrangement 42, and part of the separator 42c extending beyond the body section 421 is located on a circumference of the tab 422.

[0039] As in Fig. 7 and Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the end cover 431 is connected to the housing 41 to close the electrode assembly 42 within the housing 41. The first insulator 432 can insulate the electrode assembly 42 from the end cover 431. For example, the housing 41 has two opposing openings 411. Two end covers 431 each cover the two openings 411 and are both connected to the housing 41. The electrode assembly 42 has two opposing tabs 422. The two tabs 422 each extend from two ends 421a of the body section 421. The two tabs 422 have opposite polarities. Two electrode terminals 433 are each connected to the two tabs 422. Two first insulators 432 are each connected to the two end covers 431.

[0040] As in Fig. 8 and Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the first insulator 432 in this embodiment of the application has the concave section 432a. At least a portion of the inner wall of the concave section 432a is arranged such that it surrounds the circumference of the tab 422. The tab 422 extends towards the interior of the concave section 432a. The tab 422 is housed within the concave section 432a of the first insulator 432, such that the first insulator 432 covers the circumference of the tab 422. An orthogonal projection of a portion of the tab 422 located in the concave section 432a of the first insulator 432 is within the concave section 432a; that is, a circumferential surface of the portion of the tab 422 located within the concave section 432a does not project beyond an inner wall of the concave section 432a of the first insulator 432. The circumferential surface of the tab 422 is a surface oriented towards the casing 41.The first insulator 432 forms an insulating structure around the circumference of the tab 422 to isolate the tab 422 from the housing 41. Therefore, the tab 422 is blocked by the first insulator 432 when it is deformed by the release of the elastic restoring force, thus reducing the possibility of the tab 422 coming into contact with the housing 41 due to deformation caused by the release of the elastic restoring force.

[0041] In some embodiments, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the entire tab 422 is located in the concave section 432a, so that the first insulator 432 can provide protection for the entire tab 422.

[0042] In some embodiments, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the first insulator 432 is configured to abut the circumferential surface of the tab 422 in order to insulate the tab 422 from the housing 41. The circumferential surface of the tab 422 is oriented towards the housing 41. The first insulator 432 abuts the circumferential surface of the tab 422 to form an abutting area. In this way, the first insulator 432 abuts the circumferential surface of the tab 422 to form the insulating structure around the circumference of the tab 422, thus isolating the tab 422 from the housing 41. In this way, during the use of the battery cell 40, when the tab 422 is deformed by releasing its own elastic restoring force, the tab 422 is blocked by the first insulator 432 when the tab 422 is in contact with the first insulator 432, thereby effectively reducing the possibility of a short circuit caused by the overlapping contact of the tab 422 with the housing 41.Since the first insulator 432 rests against the circumferential surface of the tab 422 and the tab 422 is housed in the concave section 432a of the first insulator 432, the tab 422 can be protected by the first insulator 432, thus reducing the surface on which an external conductive contaminant can come into contact with the tab 422, thereby reducing the possibility of a short circuit between the tab 422 and the housing 41 due to the conductive connection between the tab 422 and the housing 41 through the conductive contaminant.

[0043] In some embodiments, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the tab 422 is flattened by a flattening process to be compact.

[0044] In some embodiments, the first insulator 432 is directly adjacent to the circumferential surface of the tab 422, i.e., the first insulator 432 is in direct contact with the circumferential surface of the tab 422, and no further structural components are arranged between the first insulator 432 and the circumferential surface of the tab 422.

[0045] In some embodiments, part of the separator 42c is located between the first insulator 432 and the tab 422. The first insulator 432 lies against the separator 42c and, via the separator 42c, against the circumferential surface of the tab 422.

[0046] In some embodiments, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the first insulator 432 comprises a body 4321 and an extension section 4322, which are connected to each other. The first insulator 432 is connected to the end cover 431 via the body 4321. For example, after the electrode terminal 433 is connected and fastened to the end cover 431, part of the electrode terminal 433 is located on a side of the body 4321 that is farther from the end cover 431 and exerts a compressive force on the body 4321 in the direction of the end cover 431. In this way, the first insulator 432 is connected to the end cover 431. The extension section 4322 extends and projects from the body 4321 to the electrode assembly 42. The body 4321 is positioned so that it intersects the extension section 4322. The body 4321 and the extension section 4322 form the concave section 432a. The extension section 4322 is arranged on the circumference of the tab 422.The extension section 4322 surrounds the circumferential surface of the tab 422. The extension section 4322 extends along one circumferential side of the tab 422. The first insulator 432 rests against the circumferential surface of the tab 422 via the extension section 4322. The first insulator 432 can be pre-connected and fastened to the end cover 431 via the body 4321, and then the end cover 431 with the first insulator 432 is assembled with the housing 41. Since the first insulator 432 has the extension section 4322, the extension section 4322 of the first insulator 432 can be inserted into a gap between the tab 422 and the housing 41 during assembly, so that the extension section 4322 can guide the tab 422 precisely into the concave section 432a of the first insulator 432.This reduces the possibility that the tab 422 will be deformed by the exertion of a compressive force on the tab 422 by the first insulator 432 during assembly, and allows the extension section 4322 to protect and limit the tab 422 earlier during assembly.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first insulator 432 may have a spherical covering. A surface of the first insulator 432 on which the concave section 432a is formed is a spherical surface.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as in Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the connecting piece 44 comprises a first connecting section 441 and a second connecting section 442. The first connecting section 441 is connected to the second connecting section 442. The connecting piece 44 is connected via the first connecting section 441 to the tab 422 of the electrode assembly 42. For example, the first connecting section 441 is connected to the tab 422 by welding. The connecting piece 44 is connected via the second connecting section 442 to the electrode terminal 433. For example, the second connecting section 442 is connected to the electrode terminal 433 using a rivet. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, after assembly of the battery cell 40, the first connecting section 441 is in a bent state relative to the second connecting section 442. The first connecting section 441 is located between the first insulator 432 and the electrode assembly 42 and is arranged in the concave section 432a. The first insulator 432 and the electrode assembly 42 jointly exert pressure on the first connecting section 441, so that the first connecting section 441 cannot easily move relative to the electrode assembly 42. This reduces the possibility of the first connecting section 441 and the tab 422 separating from each other due to movement of the first connecting section 441 relative to the electrode assembly 42. In some examples, the body 4321 of the first insulator 432 and the electrode assembly 42 jointly exert pressure on the first connecting section 441.

[0049] In some embodiments, Fig. 10. For example, a state in which the connecting piece 44 is connected to the electrode terminal 433, but the connecting piece 44 is not bent. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the extension section 4322 has an annular structure with a notch 43221, such that an end face of the extension section 4322, which is further away from the end cover 431, has an open structure. The notch 43221 of the extension section 4322 can bypass the second connecting section 442. The second connecting section 442 of the connector 44 can pass through the notch 43221. Therefore, during the manufacturing process of the connector 44, the first connecting section 441 and the second connecting section 442 of the connector 44 remain flat, which can reduce the number of processing steps for the connector 44. Parts of the extension section 4322, other than the notch 43221, can abut the circumferential surface of the tab 422.

[0050] In some embodiments, Fig. 11. For example, a state in which the connecting piece 44 is connected to the electrode terminal 433, but the connecting piece 44 is not bent. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the extension section 4322 has a continuously extending closed structure, such that an end face of the extension section 4322, which is further away from the end cover 431, has a closed structure. The first connecting section 441 and the second connecting section 442 of the connector 44 must be bent during manufacturing. In this way, after the second connecting section 442 is connected to the electrode terminal 433, the connector 44 can bypass the extension section 4322.The extension section 4322 can abut the circumferential surface of the tab 422, and since an end surface of the extension section 4322, which is further away from the end cover 431, has a closed structure, the extension section 4322 can provide protective insulation for the tab 422, thereby isolating the tab 422 from the housing 41 at various positions in the circumferential direction of the tab 422, which can further improve the insulation effect.

[0051] In some embodiments, such as in Fig. 12 to Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the tab 422 includes a step section 422a. The circumferential surface of the tab 422 comprises a first region 4221, a second region 4222, and a third region 4223, which are continuous; that is, the circumferential surface of the tab 422 is a continuous surface. The tab 422 includes a first extension section corresponding to the first region 4221 and a second extension section corresponding to the third region 4223. The first region 4221 is closer to the body section 421 than the second region 4222, and the third region 4223 is closer to the end cover 431 than the second region 4222. The second region 4222 connects the first region 4221 and the third region 4223. The second region 4222 faces the end cover 431. A minimum radial dimension of the first region 4221 is larger than a maximum radial dimension of the third region 4223.This means that the minimum radial dimension of the first extension section is larger than the maximum radial dimension of the second extension section. At least part of the inner wall of the concave section 432a is arranged such that it surrounds a circumference of the third region 4223. A portion of the tab 422 corresponding to the third region 4223 is located within the concave section 432a. That is, the second extension section of the tab 422 is located within the concave section 432a. In this way, part of the tab 422 can be located within the concave section 432a of the first insulator 432, which, for a battery cell 40 with the same capacity, can shorten the overall dimension of the battery cell 40 in the axial direction of the electrode arrangement 42, thereby improving the energy density of the battery cell 40.

[0052] In some examples, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the entire tab 422 is flattened by a flattening process to form the step section 422a.

[0053] In some examples, the first insulator 432 is located against the second area 4222. The end face of the extension section 4322 is opposite and abuts the second area 4222, thereby reducing the possibility of the electrode arrangement 42 moving towards or away from the end cover 431.

[0054] In some embodiments, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the electrode arrangement 42 further comprises a second insulator 423. The second insulator 423 is arranged to surround an adjacent area between the first insulator 432 and the tab 422 in order to insulate this area from the housing 41. In some examples, the second insulator 423 forms an insulating structure outside the extension section 4322 of the first insulator 432 to reduce the possibility of conductive contaminants entering the adjacent area between the extension section 4322 and the tab 422, and also provides insulating protection for the tab 422 to reduce the possibility of the tab 422 coming into contact with the housing 41 if the extension section 4322 and the tab 422 are inadvertently no longer in the adjacent state.In this way, the extension section 4322 and the second insulator 423 can form a structure that provides double insulation and double protection for the tab 422, thereby further reducing the possibility of a short circuit between the tab 422 and the housing 41 due to contact between the tab 422 and the housing 41. In some examples, the second insulator 423 has an annular structure. The second insulator 423 extends continuously along one circumferential side of the extension section 4322 to provide protection in the entire circumferential direction of the extension section 4322.

[0055] In some examples, the second insulator 423 can be a separate structural component. Two second insulators 423 are arranged corresponding to two tabs 422. During assembly, the second insulator 423 must first be pre-mounted on the circumference of the tab 422. Subsequently, the electrode assembly 42 with the second insulator 423 is inserted into the housing 41. After the end cover assembly 43 and the housing 41 have been mounted, the first insulator 423 is inserted into the second insulator 423. In some examples, the second insulator 423 can be the portion of the separator 42c that extends beyond the body section 421 and is located on the circumference of the tab 422, thus eliminating the need for an additional second insulator 423 and reducing the number of parts used and the assembly difficulty. Since the separator 42c has an integral structure, the second insulator 423 formed cannot easily fall off.In this case, the separator 42c is located on a circumference of the first insulator 432, and the first insulator 432 lies directly against the circumferential surface of the tab 422.

[0056] In some embodiments, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the first insulator 432 has an outer side surface 432b facing the housing 41. The second insulator 423 rests against the outer side surface 432b, so that a contact surface can be formed between the second insulator 423 and the first insulator 432. In this way, the second insulator 423 can block a conductive contaminant, further reducing the possibility of the conductive contaminant migrating from a gap between the second insulator 423 and the first insulator 432 into a gap between the second insulator 423 and the extension section 4322, and then into the adjacent area between the extension section 4322 and the insulation section 422.

[0057] In some examples, the outer side surface 432b of the first insulator 432 has a guide slope. The guide slope is inclined towards the concave section 432a in a direction away from the end cover 431. When the electrode assembly 42 with the second insulator 423 is inserted into the housing 41 and the end cover assembly 43 is subsequently mounted, a portion of the first insulator 432 corresponding to the guide slope can thus easily enter a space bounded by the second insulator 423, thereby reducing the possibility of the first insulator 432 being in direct contact with the second insulator 423, which could cause the second insulator 423 to collapse and lose its insulating function.In an embodiment in which the first insulator 432 comprises the body 4321 and the extension section 4322, an outer circumferential surface of the extension section 4322 has a conical shape due to the guide inclination arranged on the first insulator 432.

[0058] In some examples, the second insulator 423 is attached to the outer side surface 432b of the first insulator 432. This can improve the connection reliability and stability between the second insulator 423 and the first insulator 432 and reduce the likelihood of the second insulator 423 and the first insulator 432 losing contact due to shocks, vibrations, and other operating conditions during use of the battery cell 40. For example, the second insulator 423 can be attached to the outer side surface 432b of the first insulator 432 using adhesive tape or glue.

[0059] In some embodiments, such as in Fig. 16 and Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the battery cell 40 further comprises a third insulator 424. The third insulator 424 is arranged around the second insulator 423 and covers the transition area between the second insulator 423 and the outer side surface 432b. The transition area is a region where the second insulator 423 overlaps the outer side surface 432b. The third insulator 424 can provide protection for the transition area between the second insulator 423 and the outer side surface 432b. The third insulator 424 can prevent conductive contaminants from penetrating the transition area between the second insulator 423 and the outer side surface 432b, thereby further reducing the possibility of conductive contaminants penetrating the adjacent area between the extension section 4322 and the tab 422.

[0060] In some examples, the third insulator 424 can be a separate structural component. Two third insulators 424 are each arranged according to two tabs 422. The third insulator 424 has a barrel-shaped structure. The third insulator 424 can be a sheet-like structure or a band.

[0061] In some examples, the third insulator 424 is attached to the outer side surface 432b of the first insulator 432. This can improve the connection reliability and stability between the third insulator 424 and the first insulator 432 and reduce the likelihood of the third insulator 424 and the first insulator 432 losing contact due to shocks, vibrations, and other operating conditions during use of the battery cell 40. For example, the third insulator 424 can be attached to the outer side surface 432b of the first insulator 432 using adhesive tape or glue.

[0062] The battery cell 40 in the embodiments of the present application comprises the electrode arrangement 42 with the tab 422 and the first insulator 432 with the concave section 432a. After assembly of the battery cell 40, the tab 422 is placed in the concave section 432a, and the first insulator 432 rests against the circumferential surface of the tab 422, so that the first insulator 432 can insulate the tab 422 from the housing 41. In this way, during the use of the battery cell 40, in a case where the tab 422 is deformed by releasing the elastic restoring forces stored within it, the tab 422 is limited and restricted by the first insulator 432, so that the tab 422 cannot easily come into contact with the housing 41 due to the springback, thereby reducing the possibility of a short circuit of the battery cell 40 caused by contact of the tab 422 with the housing 41.

[0063] Based on the battery cell 40 in the above-mentioned embodiments, a manufacturing process for the battery cell 40 is described as an illustrative example, comprising the following: Providing the electrode arrangement 42, wherein the electrode arrangement 42 comprises the first electrode plate 42a, the second electrode plate 42b and the separator 42c, wherein the first electrode plate 42a and the second electrode plate 42b each have a coated area and an uncoated area, a part of the electrode arrangement 42 corresponding to the coated areas of the first electrode plate 42a and the second electrode plate 42b is the body section, wherein the uncoated area of ​​the first electrode plate 42a or the second electrode plate 42b forms the tab, and the separator 42c is configured to isolate the first electrode plate 42a from the second electrode plate 42b; Inserting the electrode arrangement 42 into the housing 41 with the opening 411, wherein the tab 422 extends from the end 421a of the body section 421 to the opening 411; and Assembly of the end cover assembly 43 with the end cover 431 and the first insulator 432 with the housing 41, wherein the end cover 431 covers the opening 411 and is connected to the housing 41, the first insulator 432 is located on a side of the end cover 431 that is closer to the inside of the housing 41, the first insulator 432 having the concave section 432a, the tab 422 being housed in the concave section 432a and at least a part of an inner wall of the concave section surrounding the circumference of the tab.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first insulator 432 rests against the circumferential surface of the tab 422.

[0065] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 18, according to the battery cell 40, which was manufactured using the manufacturing process of the battery cell 40 in this embodiment of the present application, the electrode arrangement 42 with the body section 421 and the tab 422 is inserted into the housing 41, the tab 422 being oriented towards the opening 411 of the housing 41. The end cover 431 and the end cover assembly 43 of the first insulator 432 with the concave section 432a are assembled with the housing 41. The tab 422 is housed in the concave section 432a of the first insulator 432. At least a portion of the inner wall of the concave section 432a is arranged such that it surrounds the circumference of the tab 422.According to a design in which the first insulator 432 insulates the tab 422 from the housing 41, the first insulator 432 limits and restricts the tab 422 during use of the battery cell 40 when the tab 422 is deformed by releasing the elastic restoring forces stored within it, so that the tab 422 cannot easily come into contact with the housing 41, thereby reducing the possibility of a short circuit of the battery cell 40 due to contact of the tab 422 with the housing 41.

[0066] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 19, in one embodiment of this application based on the battery cell 40 in the embodiments mentioned above, a manufacturing system 50 for the battery cell 40 is further provided, comprising the following: a first assembly device 51 configured to provide the electrode arrangement 42, the electrode arrangement 42 comprising the first electrode plate 42a, the second electrode plate 42b and the separator 42c, the first electrode plate 42a and the second electrode plate 42b each having a coated area and an uncoated area, a part of the electrode arrangement 42 corresponding to the coated areas of the first electrode plate 42a and the second electrode plate 42b being the body section, the uncoated area of ​​the first electrode plate 42a or the second electrode plate 42b forming the tab, and the separator 42c being configured to isolate the first electrode plate 42a from the second electrode plate 42b; a second mounting device 52 configured to insert the electrode arrangement 42 into the housing 41 with the opening 411, the tab 422 extending from the end 421a of the body section 421 to the opening 411; and a third assembly device 53 configured to assemble the end cover assembly 43 with the end cover 431 and the first insulator 432 with the housing 41, wherein the end cover 431 covers the opening 411 and is connected to the housing 41, the first insulator 432 is located on a side of the end cover 431 that is closer to the inside of the housing 41, the first insulator 432 having the concave section 432a, the tab 422 being housed in the concave section 432a and at least a part of an inner wall of the concave section 432a surrounding the perimeter of the tab 422.

[0067] Although this application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made to the present application without altering its scope, and the components contained therein can be replaced by equivalents. In particular, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way, provided there are no structural conflicts. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in this description but encompasses all technical solutions that fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

[1] Battery cell, comprising: a case with an opening; an electrode arrangement arranged in the housing, wherein the electrode arrangement comprises a body section and a tab, the tab extending from one end of the body section to the opening; the electrode arrangement comprises a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator, the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate each having a coated area and an uncoated area; a portion of the electrode arrangement corresponding to the coated areas of the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate is the body section, the uncoated area of ​​the first electrode plate or the second electrode plate forming the tab; and the separator is configured to isolate the first electrode plate from the second electrode plate. An end cover assembly configured to close the opening, the end cover assembly comprising an end cover and a first insulator, the end cover being configured to cover the opening and being connected to the housing, the first insulator being located on a side of the end cover closer to the inside of the housing, the first insulator having a concave section, the tab being accommodated in the concave section, and at least a portion of an inner wall of the concave section surrounding the perimeter of the tab. [2] Battery cell according to claim 1, characterized by , that the first insulator is configured to rest against a circumferential surface of the tab. [3] Battery cell according to claim 2, characterized by, that the first insulator comprises a body and an extension section connected to each other, the body being configured to be connected to the end cover, the extension section extending from the body to and projecting out of the electrode assembly to form the concave section, the extension section being arranged at the circumference of the tab and the extension section bearing against the circumferential surface of the tab, [4] Battery cell according to claim 3, characterized by that the extension section preferably surrounds the circumferential surface of the tab, and that the extension section has a continuously extending closed structure or a ring-shaped structure with a notch. [5] Battery cell according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by, that the circumferential surface comprises a first region, a second region and a third region which are continuous, wherein the first region is closer to the body section than the second region, the second region connects the first region and the third region, wherein a minimum radial dimension of the first region is greater than a maximum radial dimension of the third region and at least a part of the inner wall of the concave section surrounds the third region. [6] Battery cell according to claim 5, characterized by that the first isolator is configured to be adjacent to the second area. [7] Battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the electrode arrangement further comprises a second insulator, wherein the second insulator is arranged to surround an adjacent area between the first insulator and the tab in order to insulate the adjacent area from the housing. [8] Battery cell according to claim 7, characterized by , that the second insulator is part of the separator that extends beyond the body section and is located on the circumference of the flap. [9] Battery cell according to claim 7, characterized by that the second insulator rests against an outer side surface of the first insulator facing the housing. [10] Battery cell according to claim 9, characterized by , that the outer side surface has a guide inclination, wherein the guide inclination is inclined in the direction away from the end cover towards the concave section. [11] Battery cell according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by that the second insulator is glued to the outer side surface. [12] Battery cell according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized by, that the battery cell further comprises a third insulator, wherein the third insulator surrounds the second insulator and covers a transition area between the second insulator and the outer side surface. [13] Battery comprising the battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 12. [14] Electrical device comprising the battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by that the battery cell is configured to provide electrical energy. [15] Manufacturing system for battery cell, which a first assembly device configured to provide an electrode arrangement, the electrode arrangement comprising a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate and a separator, the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate each having a coated area and an uncoated area, a part of the electrode arrangement corresponding to the coated areas of the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate being a body section, the uncoated area of ​​the first electrode plate or the second electrode plate forming a tab, and the separator being configured to isolate the first electrode plate from the second electrode plate; a second mounting device configured to insert the electrode assembly with the body section and the tab into a housing having an opening, the tab extending from one end of the body section to the opening; and a third assembly device comprising configured to assemble an end cover assembly with an end cover and a first insulator to the housing, wherein the end cover covers the opening and is connected to the housing, the first insulator is located on a side of the end cover that is closer to the inside of the housing, the first insulator having a concave section, the tab being accommodated in the concave section, and at least part of an inner wall of the concave section surrounding the perimeter of the tab.

Images