Battery, power consumption apparatus, method for manufacturing battery, and apparatus

Abstract

To provide a battery, a power consumption apparatus, a method for manufacturing the battery, and an apparatus which can improve the structural intensity and the energy density of the battery and therefore can increase the performance of the battery.SOLUTION: An embodiment of the present application provides a battery, a power consumption apparatus, a method for manufacturing the battery, and an apparatus. The battery includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction and a separator. The separator extends along the first direction and is connected to a first wall of each of the battery cells. The first wall has the largest surface area of all the surfaces of the battery cell. The size (T1) of the separator in a second direction is larger than 5 mm and the second direction is vertical to the first wall. According to a technical idea of an embodiment of the present application, the performance of the battery can be improved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of batteries, and particularly to batteries, power-consuming devices, battery manufacturing methods, and devices.

Background Art

[0002] With the increasing severity of environmental pollution, the new energy industry has been attracting more and more attention. In the new energy industry, battery technology is an important factor related to its development.

[0003] The utilization rate of the space inside the battery affects the structural strength and energy density of the battery, and further affects the performance of the battery. How to improve the performance of the battery is a technical problem that needs to be urgently solved in battery technology.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] This application provides a battery, a power-consuming device, a battery manufacturing method, and a device, which can improve the structural strength and energy density of the battery, thereby improving the performance of the battery.

[0005] According to a first aspect, there is provided a battery, including a plurality of battery cells arranged along a first direction, and a separator, wherein the separator extends along the first direction and is connected to a first wall of each of the plurality of battery cells, and the first wall is the wall with the largest surface area of the battery cell. The size T1 of the separator in a second direction is greater than 5 mm, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first wall.

[0006] In the embodiments of the present application, in a battery, the separator is provided such that it is connected to a first wall with the largest surface area among a plurality of battery cells arranged in a row along a first direction, and a size T1 of the separator in a second direction perpendicular to the first wall is greater than 5 mm. The separator integrally connects the plurality of battery cells. In this case, it is not necessary to provide structures such as side plates and beams inside the battery, and the utilization rate of the space inside the battery can be maximally improved, thereby improving the structural strength and energy density of the battery, and thus improving the performance of the battery.

[0007] In one possible embodiment, a cavity is provided inside the separator.

[0008] In this way, the separator provided with the cavity structure has the ability to absorb deformation, absorb the expansion deformation amount of the battery cell, and improve the performance of the battery.

[0009] In one possible embodiment, the cavity is used to contain a fluid to adjust the temperature of the battery cell. In this way, the temperature of the battery cell can be adjusted at any time to an appropriate range, improving the stability and safety of the battery cell.

[0010] In one possible embodiment, the separator further includes a pair of sub-plates provided opposite to each other along the second direction, and the cavity is provided between the pair of sub-plates.

[0011] In one possible embodiment, a size T3 of the sub-plate in the second direction is 0.1 to 5 mm.

[0012] If the size T3 of the sub-plate in the second direction is too small, when the space in the separator is constant, the cavity occupies most of the space of the separator. In this case, the rigidity of the separator is very poor, and the structural strength of the battery cannot be effectively improved. If the size T3 of the sub-plate in the second direction is too large, the cavity inside the separator is very small, and the amount of fluid that can be accommodated is very small, and the temperature of the battery cell cannot be effectively adjusted. Therefore, the value of T3 is set to 0.1 - 5 mm.

[0013] In one possible embodiment, the separator further comprises reinforcing ribs, and the reinforcing ribs are provided between the pair of sub-plates. By providing the reinforcing ribs, the rigidity of the separator can be enhanced.

[0014] In one possible embodiment, the size T1 of the separator in the second direction and the size T2 of the battery cell in the second direction satisfy 0.04 ≦ T1 / T2 ≦ 2.

[0015] If T1 / T2 is too small, that is, if the size T1 of the separator in the second direction is much smaller than the size T2 of the battery cell in the second direction, the ability of the separator to absorb deformation is weak, and it cannot cope with the amount of expansion deformation of the battery cell, and the performance of the battery cell decreases. If T1 / T2 is too large, that is, if the size T1 of the separator in the second direction is much larger than the size T2 of the battery cell in the second direction, the ability of the separator to absorb deformation is too strong, far exceeding the expansion deformation space required for the battery cell. Compared with the battery cell, the separator occupies too much space inside the battery, which is disadvantageous for improving the energy density of the battery. Therefore, the value of T1 / T2 is set to 0.04 - 2. In this way, the energy density of the battery can be improved, and the amount of expansion deformation of the battery cell can be absorbed.

[0016] In one possible embodiment, the size T1 of the separator in the second direction is 100 mm or less.

[0017] If the size T1 of the separator in the second direction is too large, it will occupy too much space inside the battery, which is disadvantageous for improving the energy density of the battery. Therefore, by setting the value of T1 to 100 mm or less, the energy density of the battery can be effectively improved.

[0018] In one possible embodiment, an insulating layer is provided on the outer surface of the separator, and the size T4 of the insulating layer along the second direction is 0.01 to 0.3 mm.

[0019] By providing an insulating layer on the outer surface of the separator, the electrical connection between the battery cell and the separator can be avoided, and the safety of the battery can be improved. If the size T4 of the insulating layer in the second direction is too small, the insulating layer cannot effectively avoid the electrical connection between the battery cell and the separator, resulting in insufficient insulation of the battery. If the size T4 of the insulating layer in the second direction is too large, it will occupy too much space inside the battery, which is disadvantageous for improving the energy density of the battery. Therefore, by setting the value of T4 to 0.01 to 0.3 mm, in this way, the energy density of the battery can be improved, and effective insulation between the battery cell and the separator can be ensured.

[0020] In one possible embodiment, the battery cell includes two of the first walls provided opposite to each other in the second direction and two of the second walls provided opposite to each other in the first direction, and in the first direction, the second walls of two adjacent battery cells face each other.

[0021] In one possible embodiment, the battery includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a plurality of rows along the first direction and a plurality of the separators, and the plurality of battery cells in the plurality of rows and the plurality of the separators are alternately provided in the second direction.

[0022] In this way, all the first walls of the plurality of battery cells arranged along the first direction can be connected to the separator, and all the plurality of battery cells arranged along the first direction can be integrally connected by the separator, thereby effectively improving the strength of the battery.

[0023] In one possible embodiment, the battery comprises a plurality of battery modules, and each battery module comprises at least one row of a plurality of the battery cells arranged along the first direction and at least one of the separators, and at least one row of the battery cells and at least one of the separators are alternately provided in the second direction. In this way, multiple rows of battery cells and multiple separators are connected to each other to form an integral body and are housed in a box, so that the battery cells in each row can be effectively fixed, and the energy density of the entire battery can be ensured, thereby improving the performance of the battery.

[0024] In one possible embodiment, the battery module comprises N rows of the battery cells and N - 1 of the separators, the separator is provided between two adjacent rows of the battery cells, and N is an integer greater than 1. In this way, even if a small number of separators are provided in the battery, it can be ensured that each battery cell can be connected to the separator.

[0025] In one possible embodiment, a plurality of the battery modules are arranged along the second direction, and there is a gap between adjacent battery modules. The gap can provide an expansion space for the battery cells.

[0026] In one possible embodiment, the separator is adhered to the first wall.

[0027] The separator and the first wall are fixedly connected in an adhesive manner, with a simple structure and easy processing and assembly.

[0028] According to a second aspect, there is provided an electric power consuming device including the battery in any possible embodiment of the first aspect or the first aspect, and the battery is used to provide electrical energy.

[0029] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method for manufacturing a battery, including providing a plurality of battery cells arranged along a first direction, and providing a separator, wherein the separator extends along the first direction and is connected to a first wall of each of the plurality of battery cells, and the first wall is the wall with the largest surface area of the battery cell. The size T1 of the separator in a second direction is greater than 5 mm, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first wall.

[0030] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a battery manufacturing apparatus including a module for executing the method of the third aspect.

[0031] In the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, a plurality of battery cells are arranged along a first direction, and all the first walls with the largest surface area of each battery cell are connected to a separator extending along the first direction. The separator integrally connects the plurality of battery cells. In this case, it is not necessary to provide structures such as side plates and beams inside the battery, and the utilization rate of the space inside the battery can be maximally improved, thereby improving the structural strength and energy density of the battery, and further improving the performance of the battery.

[0032] To more clearly explain the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly describes the drawings required for the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on the drawings without creative labor.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0034] In the drawings, the figures are not drawn to actual scale.

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings and examples. The following detailed description of the examples and the drawings are used to exemplarily explain the principles of the present application and do not limit the scope of the present application. That is, the present application is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0036] In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art. The terms used are only for explaining specific embodiments and do not limit the present application. The terms "comprising", "having" and any variations thereof in the description of the specification, claims and the brief description of the above drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. "Plurality" means two or more. The orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", etc. is only for the convenience of explaining the present application and simplifying the explanation, and does not indicate or imply that the indicated device or element necessarily has a specific orientation and is configured and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should be understood that it does not limit the present application. Also, terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc. do not indicate or imply relative importance and are only for the purpose of explanation. "Vertical" is not strictly vertical but within the allowable error range. "Parallel" is not strictly parallel but within the allowable error range.

[0037] "Embodiment" referred to in the present application means that a specific feature, structure or characteristic described in combination with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The phrases appearing at different positions in the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor are they mutually exclusive and independent or alternative embodiments to other embodiments. Those skilled in the art can explicitly or implicitly understand that the embodiments described in the present application can be combined with other embodiments.

[0038] All the directional terms appearing in the following description are in the directions shown in the drawings and do not limit the specific structure of the present application. In the description of the present application, as points that need further explanation, unless there are specific regulations and limitations, the terms "mounting", "connecting", and "coupling" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may be fixedly connected, removably connected, or integrally connected. They may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or may be internal communication between two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application according to specific situations.

[0039] The term "and / or" in the present application is only for explaining the relevant relationship of the relevant objects, indicating that three relationships exist. For example, A and / or B can indicate three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Also, the character " / " in the present application generally indicates that the relevant objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0040] In the present application, the battery cell may include a lithium-ion secondary battery, a lithium-ion primary battery, a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-lithium-ion battery, a sodium-ion battery, a magnesium-ion battery, etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto. The battery cell may be cylindrical, flat, cuboid or other shapes, and similarly, the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto. The battery cell is generally classified into three types: cylindrical battery cells, prismatic battery cells and soft-pack battery cells according to the packaging method, and similarly, the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0041] The battery referred to in the embodiments of the present application is a single physical module including one or more battery cells to provide a higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery referred to in the present application may include a battery pack, etc. The battery generally includes a box for packaging one or more battery cells. The box can avoid liquid or other foreign substances from adversely affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells.

[0042] The battery cell includes an electrode assembly and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly consists of a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator. The battery cell mainly operates depending on the movement of metal ions between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate. The positive electrode plate includes a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material layer. The positive electrode active material layer is coated on the surface of the positive electrode current collector. The current collector without the positive electrode active material layer protrudes more than the current collector with the positive electrode active material layer, and the current collector without the positive electrode active material layer is used as the positive electrode tab. Taking a lithium-ion battery as an example, the material of the positive electrode current collector may be aluminum, and the positive electrode active material may be lithium cobaltate, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, lithium manganate, etc. The negative electrode plate includes a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material layer. The negative electrode active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative electrode current collector. The current collector without the negative electrode active material layer protrudes more than the current collector with the negative electrode active material layer, and the current collector without the negative electrode active material layer is used as the negative electrode tab. The material of the negative electrode current collector may be copper, and the negative electrode active material may be carbon, silicon, etc. In order to ensure that a high current flows without fusing, there are a plurality of positive electrode tabs, which are integrally laminated, and there are a plurality of negative electrode tabs, which are integrally laminated. The material of the separator may be polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), etc. Also, the electrode assembly may have a wound structure or a laminated structure, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0043] To meet various power demands, the battery may include a plurality of battery cells. The plurality of battery cells may be connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel. Series-parallel connection means a combination of series connection and parallel connection. Optionally, the plurality of battery cells may first be connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel to form a battery module, and then, a plurality of battery modules may be connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel to form a battery. That is, the plurality of battery cells may directly form a battery, or first form a battery module, and then the battery module forms a battery. The battery is further provided in an electric power consuming device to provide electrical energy to the electric power consuming device.

[0044] The development of battery technology requires considering various design factors simultaneously, such as energy density, cycle life, discharge capacity, charge-discharge rate, safety, etc. When the space inside the battery is fixed, improving the utilization rate of the space inside the battery is an effective means to improve the energy density of the battery. However, while improving the utilization rate of the space inside the battery, there is a risk of reducing the structural strength of the battery. For example, a beam for mounting a battery module is usually provided inside the battery box, and side plates and end plates are also provided on the battery module of the battery. While the above-mentioned beam, side plates, and end plates achieve the fixation of the battery, they occupy the space inside the battery. However, if the beam, side plates, and end plates are not provided, the structural strength of the battery will be insufficient, which will have an adverse effect on the performance of the battery.

[0045] In view of this, the embodiments of the present application provide a technical solution. In the embodiments of the present application, in a battery, the separator is provided such that it is connected to a first wall with the largest surface area among a plurality of battery cells arranged in a row along a first direction, and the size T1 in a second direction perpendicular to the first wall of the separator is greater than 5 mm. The separator integrally connects a plurality of battery cells. In this case, it is not necessary to provide structures such as side plates and beams inside the battery, and the utilization rate of the space inside the battery can be maximally improved, thereby improving the structural strength and energy density of the battery, and further improving the performance of the battery.

[0046] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present application can all be applied to various devices using batteries, such as mobile phones, portable devices, notebook computers, electric bicycles, electric toys, power tools, electric vehicles, ships, and spacecraft, etc. For example, spacecraft includes airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spaceships, etc.

[0047] As can be understood, the batteries described in the embodiments of the present application can be applied not only to the devices described above but also to all devices using batteries. For the sake of simplicity, the following embodiments are all described by taking an electric vehicle as an example.

[0048] For example, as shown in FIG. 1, it is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. The vehicle 1 may be a fuel vehicle, a gas vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle may be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, a range extender electric vehicle, or the like. A motor 40, a controller 30, and a battery 10 may be provided inside the vehicle 1. The controller 30 is used to control the battery 10 to supply power to the motor 40. For example, the battery 10 may be provided at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 1. The battery 10 can be used for power supply of the vehicle 1. For example, the battery 10 can be used as the operating power supply of the vehicle 1 and is used in the circuit system of the vehicle 1. For example, it is used for the starting, navigation, and operating power requirements during driving of the vehicle 1. In another embodiment of the present application, the battery 10 can be used not only as the operating power supply of the vehicle 1 but also as the driving power supply of the vehicle 1, and can provide driving power for the vehicle 1 by replacing or partially replacing gasoline or natural gas.

[0049] To meet various power usage requirements, the battery 10 may include a plurality of battery cells. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, it is a structural schematic diagram of a battery 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. The battery 10 may include a plurality of battery cells 20. The battery 10 may further include a box 11. The inside of the box 11 has a hollow structure, and the plurality of battery cells 20 are accommodated in the box 11. For example, the plurality of battery cells 20 are arranged in the box 11 after being connected in parallel, in series, or in series-parallel combination with each other.

[0050] Optionally, the battery 10 may further include other structures, which will not be described in detail herein. For example, the battery 10 may further include a bus member, which is used to realize electrical connection between a plurality of battery cells 20, such as parallel connection, series connection, or series-parallel connection. Specifically, the bus member can realize electrical connection between the battery cells 20 by connecting the electrode terminals of the battery cells 20. Further, the bus member can be fixed to the electrode terminals of the battery cells 20 by welding. The electrical energy of the plurality of battery cells 20 can further be led out through the box via a conductive mechanism. Optionally, the conductive mechanism may belong to the bus member.

[0051] According to various power demands, the number of battery cells 20 may be set to any value. A plurality of battery cells 20 can be connected in series, parallel, or series-parallel connection to achieve a large capacity or power. Since the number of battery cells 20 included in each battery 10 may be large, in order to facilitate installation, the battery cells 20 are grouped and installed, and each group of battery cells 20 can form a battery module. The number of battery cells 20 included in the battery module is not limited and may be set according to demand. The battery may include a plurality of battery modules, and those battery modules can be connected in series, parallel, or series-parallel connection.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3, it is a structural schematic diagram of a battery cell 20 according to an embodiment of the present application. The battery cell 20 includes one or more electrode assemblies 22, a housing 211, and a cover plate 212. The housing 211 and the cover plate 212 form a casing or a battery case 21. The wall of the housing 211 and the cover plate 212 are both called the walls of the battery cell 20. In the case of a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped battery cell 20, the wall of the housing 211 includes a bottom wall and four side walls. The housing 211 is determined according to the shape after one or more electrode assemblies 22 are combined. For example, the housing 211 may be a hollow rectangular parallelepiped, a cube, or a cylinder, and there is an opening on one surface of the housing 211, whereby one or more electrode assemblies 22 can be arranged in the housing 211. For example, when the housing 211 is a hollow rectangular parallelepiped or a cube, one plane of the housing 211 is an opening surface, that is, there is no wall on this plane to communicate the inside and outside of the housing 211. When the housing 211 is a hollow cylinder, the end face of the housing 211 is an opening surface, that is, there is no wall on this end face to communicate the inside and outside of the housing 211. The cover plate 212 covers the opening and is connected to the housing 211 to form a sealed cavity for arranging the electrode assembly 22. The housing 211 is filled with an electrolyte, such as an electrolytic solution.

[0053] The battery cell 20 may further include two electrode terminals 214. The two electrode terminals 214 may be provided on the cover plate 212. The cover plate 212 is generally in a flat shape. The two electrode terminals 214 are fixed to the flat surface of the cover plate 212. The two electrode terminals 214 are a positive electrode terminal 214a and a negative electrode terminal 214b respectively. One connection member 23 is correspondingly provided for each electrode terminal 214. The connection member 23 may also be called a current collecting member 23. It is located between the cover plate 212 and the electrode assembly 22 and is used to realize the electrical connection between the electrode assembly 22 and the electrode terminal 214.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 3, each electrode assembly 22 has a first tab 221a and a second tab 222a. The polarities of the first tab 221a and the second tab 222a are opposite. For example, when the first tab 221a is a positive electrode tab, the second tab 222a is a negative electrode tab. The first tabs 221a of one or more electrode assemblies 22 are connected to one electrode terminal via one connecting member 23, and the second tabs 222a of one or more electrode assemblies 22 are connected to another electrode terminal via another connecting member 23. For example, the positive electrode terminal 214a is connected to the positive electrode tab via one connecting member 23, and the negative electrode terminal 214b is connected to the negative electrode tab via another connecting member 23.

[0055] In the battery cell 20, according to the actual usage requirements, one or more electrode assemblies 22 may be provided. As shown in FIG. 3, four independent electrode assemblies 22 are provided in the battery cell 20.

[0056] The battery cell 20 may further be provided with a pressure relief mechanism 213. The pressure relief mechanism 213 is used to operate and release the internal pressure or temperature when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 reaches a threshold value.

[0057] The pressure relief mechanism 213 may have various possible pressure relief structures, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this. For example, the pressure relief mechanism 213 may be a temperature-sensitive pressure relief mechanism. The temperature-sensitive pressure relief mechanism is configured to be meltable when the internal temperature of the battery cell 20 provided with the pressure relief mechanism 213 reaches a threshold value, and / or the pressure relief mechanism 213 may be a pressure-sensitive pressure relief mechanism. The pressure-sensitive pressure relief mechanism is configured to be rupturable when the internal air pressure of the battery cell 20 provided with the pressure relief mechanism 213 reaches a threshold value.

[0058] FIG. 4 shows a schematic structural diagram of a battery 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 4, the battery 10 includes a plurality of battery cells 20 arranged along a first direction X and a separator 101. The separator 101 extends along the first direction X and is connected to a first wall 201 of each battery cell 20 among the plurality of battery cells 20, and the first wall 201 is the wall with the largest surface area of the battery cell 20.

[0059] In this way, all the first walls 201 with the largest surface area of each battery cell 20 among the plurality of battery cells 20 are connected to the separator 101, and the plurality of battery cells 20 are integrally connected by the separator 101. In this case, it is not necessary to provide structures such as side plates and beams inside the battery 10, and the utilization rate of the internal space of the battery 10 can be maximally improved, and the structural strength and energy density of the battery 10 can be improved.

[0060] In an embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 5, the size T1 of the separator 101 in a second direction Y is larger than 5 mm, and the second direction Y is perpendicular to the first wall 201.

[0061] In an embodiment of the present application, the size T1 of the separator 101 in the second direction Y is 100 mm or less.

[0062] If the size T1 of the separator 101 in the second direction is too large, it will occupy too much internal space of the battery 10, which is disadvantageous for improving the energy density of the battery 10. Therefore, by setting the value of T1 to 100 mm or less, the energy density of the battery 10 can be effectively improved.

[0063] In an embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 5, a cavity 102 is provided inside the separator 101.

[0064] In this way, the separator 101 provided with the cavity structure has the ability to absorb deformation, absorbs the expansion deformation amount of the battery cell 20, and can improve the performance of the battery 10.

[0065] Optionally, the cavity 102 can be used to contain a fluid to adjust the temperature of the battery cell 20.

[0066] As can be understood, the fluid here may be a liquid such as water that can adjust the temperature and does not chemically react with the material of the cavity 102, and the present application is not limited thereto.

[0067] In this way, the temperature of the battery cell 20 can be adjusted at any time to an appropriate range, improving the stability and safety of the battery cell 20.

[0068] In an embodiment of the present application, the separator 101 further includes a pair of sub-plates 103 provided opposite to each other along the second direction Y, and the cavity 102 is provided between the pair of sub-plates 103.

[0069] In an embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 5, the size T3 of the sub-plate 103 in the second direction Y is 0.1 to 5 mm.

[0070] If the size T3 of the sub-plate 103 in the second direction is too small, when the space in the separator 101 is constant, the cavity 102 occupies most of the space of the separator 101. In this case, the rigidity of the separator 101 is very poor, and the structural strength of the battery 10 cannot be effectively improved. If the size T3 of the sub-plate 103 in the second direction is too large, the cavity 102 inside the separator 101 is very small, the amount of fluid that can be accommodated is very small, and the temperature of the battery cell 20 cannot be effectively adjusted. Therefore, the value of T3 is set to 0.1 to 5 mm.

[0071] Optionally, the sizes T3 of the pair of sub-plates 103 of the separator in the second direction may be the same or different.

[0072] In an embodiment of the present application, the separator 101 further includes a reinforcing rib 105, and the reinforcing rib 105 is provided between the pair of sub-plates 103.

[0073] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the reinforcing rib 105 may be provided only on one sub-plate 103. As shown in FIG. 6(b), the reinforcing rib 105 may be provided between a pair of sub-plates 103 and connected to the pair of sub-plates 103.

[0074] Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 6(b) and (c), the included angle between the reinforcing rib 105 and the sub-plate 103 may be an acute angle. As shown in FIG. 6(a), the included angle between the reinforcing rib 105 and the sub-plate 103 may be a right angle.

[0075] In the embodiment of the present application, the size T1 of the separator 101 in the second direction Y and the size T2 of the battery cell 20 in the second direction Y satisfy 0.04 ≦ T1 / T2 ≦ 2.

[0076] If T1 / T2 is too small, that is, the size T1 of the separator 101 in the second direction is much smaller than the size T2 of the battery cell 20 in the second direction, the ability of the separator 101 to absorb deformation is weak and cannot cope with the amount of expansion deformation of the battery cell 20, and the use performance of the battery cell 20 decreases. If T1 / T2 is too large, that is, the size T1 of the separator 101 in the second direction is much larger than the size T2 of the battery cell 20 in the second direction, the ability of the separator 101 to absorb deformation is too strong, far exceeding the expansion deformation space required for the battery cell 20. Compared with the battery cell 20, the separator 101 occupies too much internal space of the battery 10, which is disadvantageous for improving the energy density of the battery 10. Therefore, the value of T1 / T2 is set to 0.04 to 2. In this way, the energy density of the battery 10 can be improved and the amount of expansion deformation of the battery cell 20 can be absorbed.

[0077] In the embodiment of the present application, an insulating layer 104 is provided on the outer surface of the separator 101, and the size T4 of the insulating layer 104 along the second direction Y is 0.01 to 0.3 mm. Optionally, the insulating layer 104 may be an insulating film adhered to the surface of the separator 101 or an insulating paint applied to the surface of the separator 101.

[0078] By providing the insulating layer 104 on the outer surface of the separator 101, the electrical connection between the battery cell 20 and the separator 101 is avoided, and the safety of the battery 10 is improved. If the size T4 of the insulating layer 104 in the second direction is too small, the insulating layer 104 cannot effectively avoid the electrical connection between the battery cell 20 and the separator 101, resulting in insufficient insulation of the battery 10. If the size T4 of the insulating layer 104 in the second direction is too large, it will occupy too much internal space of the battery 10, which is disadvantageous for improving the energy density of the battery 10. Therefore, the value of T4 is set to 0.01 - 0.3 mm. In this way, the energy density of the battery 10 can be improved, and effective insulation between the battery cell 20 and the separator 101 can be ensured.

[0079] In the embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 7, the battery cell 20 includes two first walls 201 provided opposite to each other in the second direction Y and two second walls provided opposite to each other in the first direction X. In the first direction X, the second walls of two adjacent battery cells 20 are opposite to each other.

[0080] In the embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 8, the battery 10 includes a plurality of battery cells 20 arranged in a plurality of rows along the first direction X and a plurality of separators 101. The plurality of rows of battery cells 20 and the plurality of separators 101 are alternately provided in the second direction Y.

[0081] In this way, all the first walls 201 of the plurality of battery cells 20 arranged in each row along the first direction X can be connected to the separator 101, and all the plurality of battery cells 20 arranged in each row along the first direction X can be integrally connected by the separator 101, thereby effectively improving the strength of the battery 10.

[0082] In the embodiment of the present application, the battery 10 includes a plurality of battery modules 100. As shown in FIG. 9, the battery module 100 includes at least one row of a plurality of battery cells 20 arranged along the first direction X and at least one separator 101, and at least one row of battery cells 20 and at least one separator 101 are alternately provided in the second direction Y.

[0083] In the embodiment of the present application, the battery module 100 includes N rows of battery cells 20 and N - 1 separators 101. The separator 101 is provided between two adjacent rows of battery cells 20, and N is an integer greater than 1. As shown in FIG. 11, N is exemplarily described as 2.

[0084] In the embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of battery modules 100 are arranged along the second direction Y, and there is a gap between adjacent battery modules 100.

[0085] Optionally, a current collector 106 is provided at the end of the separator 101 in the first direction X, and a pipe 107 is provided inside the battery 10. The pipe 107 is used to carry fluid, and the current collector 106 is used to collect fluid.

[0086] In the embodiment of the present application, the separator 101 is adhered to the first wall 201. The separator 101 and the first wall 201 are fixedly connected by an adhesion method, and the structure is simple, and processing and assembly are easy.

[0087] As can be understood, the separator 101 and the first wall 201 may also be connected by other methods such as riveting and welding, and the present application is not limited thereto.

[0088] An embodiment of the present application further provides an electric power consuming device, and the electric power consuming device may include the battery 10 in the above embodiment. Optionally, the electric power consuming device may be a vehicle 1, a ship, a spacecraft, etc., and the embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto.

[0089] The battery 10 and the power-consuming device of the embodiment of the present application have been described above. Hereinafter, the manufacturing method and equipment of the battery 10 of the embodiment of the present application will be described. For parts not described in detail here, reference can be made to the above embodiments.

[0090] FIG. 11 shows a schematic flowchart of a manufacturing method 300 of the battery 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 11, the method 300 may include steps 310 to 320.

[0091] In step 310, a plurality of battery cells 20 arranged along the first direction X are provided.

[0092] In step 320, a separator 101 is provided. The separator 101 extends along the first direction X and is connected to the first wall 201 of each battery cell 20 among the plurality of battery cells 20. The first wall 201 is the wall with the largest surface area of the battery cell 20. The size T1 of the separator 101 in the second direction Y is greater than 5 mm, and the second direction Y is perpendicular to the first wall 201.

[0093] FIG. 12 shows a schematic block diagram of manufacturing equipment 400 for the battery 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 12, the manufacturing equipment 400 for the battery 10 may include a providing module 410.

[0094] The providing module 410 is used to provide a plurality of battery cells 20 arranged along the first direction X and the separator 101. The separator 101 extends along the first direction X and is connected to the first wall 201 of each battery cell 20 among the plurality of battery cells 20. The first wall 201 is the wall with the largest surface area of the battery cell 20. The size T1 of the separator 101 in the second direction Y is greater than 5 mm, and the second direction Y is perpendicular to the first wall 201.

[0095] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described. It should be understood that the embodiments described below are exemplary only and are merely for interpreting the present application and do not limit the present application. When specific technologies or conditions are not indicated in the embodiments, they are carried out according to the technologies or conditions described in the literature of this field or the handling instructions of the product.

[0096] The battery cell 20 and the separator 101 shown in the drawings were adopted, and charge and discharge cycles of 1C / 1C were performed at 60°C. A cycle durability acceleration experiment was carried out until the capacity decayed to 80% SOC, and the test results are shown in Table 1. In Table 1, T1 is the size of the separator in the second direction X, and T2 is the size of the battery cell in the second direction X.

[0097]

Table 1

[0098] Although the present application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the present application, and its components can be replaced with equivalents. In particular, as long as there is no structural contradiction, all the technical features related to each embodiment can be arbitrarily combined. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and includes all technical solutions belonging to the scope of the claims.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0099] 1 Vehicle 10 Battery 11 Box 20 Battery Cell 22 Electrode Assembly 23 Current Collector Member 30 Controller 40 Motor 100 Battery Module 101 Separator 102 Cavity 103 Subplate 104 Insulation Layer 105 Reinforcing Rib 106 Current Collector 107 pipe 201 First wall 211 Housing 212 Cover plate 213 Pressure relief mechanism 214 Electrode terminal 214a Positive electrode terminal 214b Negative electrode terminal 221a First tab 222a Second tab 400 Manufacturing equipment 410 Provision module

Claims

1. A battery, A plurality of battery cells arranged along a first direction; a separator extending along the first direction and connected to a first wall of each battery cell among the plurality of battery cells, the first wall being a wall of the battery cell having a maximum surface area; A battery, comprising: a cavity provided inside the separator, the cavity being used to accommodate a fluid and adjust the temperature of the battery cell; a current collector provided at an end of the separator in a first direction; and a pipe provided inside the battery, the pipe being used to transport the fluid, and the current collector being used to collect the fluid.

2. 2. The battery of claim 1, wherein the separator has a dimension T1 in a second direction greater than 5 mm, the second direction being perpendicular to the first wall.

3. The battery according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the separator further comprises a pair of sub-plates opposed to each other along the second direction, and the cavity is provided between the pair of sub-plates.

4. The battery according to claim 3 , wherein the size T3 of the sub-plate in the second direction is 0.1 to 5 mm.

5. The battery according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the separator further comprises a reinforcing rib, the reinforcing rib being provided between the pair of sub-plates.

6. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a size T1 of the separator in the second direction and a size T2 of the battery cell in the second direction satisfy 0.04≦T1 / T2≦2.

7. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the separator has a size T1 in the second direction of 100 mm or less.

8. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein an insulating layer is provided on an outer surface of the separator, and a size T4 of the insulating layer along the second direction is 0.01 to 0.3 mm.

9. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the battery cell comprises two first walls arranged opposite each other in a second direction and two second walls arranged opposite each other in the first direction, and the second walls of two adjacent battery cells face each other in the first direction.

10. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the battery comprises a plurality of rows of the battery cells and a plurality of the separators arranged along the first direction, and the plurality of rows of the battery cells and the plurality of the separators are arranged alternately in a second direction.

11. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the battery comprises a plurality of battery modules 100, the battery module comprises at least one row of a plurality of the battery cells and at least one of the separators arranged along the first direction, and the at least one row of the battery cells and the at least one of the separators are arranged alternately in a second direction.

12. 12. The battery of claim 11, wherein the battery module comprises N rows of the battery cells and N-1 separators, the separators being provided between two adjacent rows of the battery cells, and N is an integer greater than 1.

13. The battery according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the plurality of battery modules are arranged along the second direction, and there is a gap between adjacent battery modules.

14. The battery of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the separator is adhered to the first wall.

15. A power consuming device comprising a battery according to any one of claims 1 to 14, said battery being adapted to provide electrical energy.

16. A method for manufacturing a battery, comprising: providing a plurality of battery cells aligned along a first direction; providing a separator, the separator extending along the first direction and connected to a first wall of each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells, the first wall being a wall of the battery cell having a largest surface area; A method for manufacturing a battery, comprising: a cavity provided inside the separator, the cavity being used to accommodate a fluid and adjust a temperature of the battery cell; a current collector provided at an end of the separator in a first direction; and a pipe provided inside the battery, the pipe being used to transport the fluid, and the current collector being used to collect the fluid.

17. A battery manufacturing device comprising: The battery cell supplying method includes the steps of: providing a supply module; and providing a plurality of battery cells arranged along a first direction and a separator, the separator extending along the first direction and connected to a first wall of each of the plurality of battery cells, the first wall being a wall of the battery cell having a maximum surface area; a cavity is provided inside the separator, the cavity being used to accommodate a fluid and adjust a temperature of the battery cell; a current collector is provided at an end of the separator in a first direction; and a pipe is provided inside the battery, the pipe is used to transport the fluid, and the current collector is used to collect the fluid.

Images