Battery and power consumption device

Abstract

A battery 100 and a power consumption device, which relate to the field of battery technology. The battery 100 includes a plurality of battery cells 20 and a thermal management member 30. The plurality of battery cells 20 are stacked and arranged along a first direction X1. Each battery cell 20 includes an electrode assembly 21. Along the first direction X1, the thermal management member 30 is provided opposite to the battery cell 20. The projection of the main body portion 211 of the electrode assembly 21 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 and the projection of the thermal management member 30 adjacent to the main body portion 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 at least partially overlap. When a battery cell 20 undergoes thermal runaway, the thermal management member 30 acts as a heat insulation layer, reducing the amount of heat transferred from the thermally runaway battery cell 20 to the adjacent battery cell 20 or other members and delaying the occurrence of heat diffusion. Since the thermal management member 30 can play the roles of both thermal management and heat insulation layer, the space utilization rate of the battery is improved, and thereby the energy density of the battery can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and more specifically, to batteries and power consumption devices.

Background Art

[0002] Secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and all-solid-state batteries have excellent advantages such as high energy density and good cycle characteristics, and are widely applied in fields such as portable electronic devices, electric transportation, electric tools, drones, and energy storage devices. The energy density of the battery is one of the main issues that users mainly focus on, and it is also one of the main factors restricting the development of the battery. Therefore, in the field of batteries, how to improve the energy density of the battery has become an urgent issue.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Provided are a battery and a power consumption device that improve the energy density of the battery.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a battery including a plurality of battery cells and a thermal management member. The plurality of battery cells are stacked and arranged along a first direction, and each battery cell includes an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a main body portion and a tab protruding from the main body portion along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The thermal management member is provided opposite to the battery cell along the first direction and is configured to adjust the temperature of the battery cell. A projection of the main body portion in a plane perpendicular to the first direction and a projection of the thermal management member adjacent to the main body portion in a plane perpendicular to the first direction at least partially overlap.

[0005] In the above technical solution, the heat management member and the battery cell are provided to face each other along a first direction. When the battery cell is operating normally, the heat management member can adjust the temperature of the battery cell. When the battery cell undergoes thermal runaway, the heat management member acts as a heat insulation layer, reducing the amount of heat transferred from the thermally runaway battery cell to adjacent battery cells or other components and delaying the occurrence of heat diffusion. Since the heat management member can play the roles of both heat management and heat insulation layer, the space utilization rate of the battery is improved, thereby improving the energy density of the battery and realizing cost reduction.

[0006] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the projected area of the main body portion in a plane perpendicular to the first direction is S1, and the area of the overlapping portion of the projection of the main body portion in a plane perpendicular to the first direction and the projection of the heat management member adjacent to the main body portion in a plane perpendicular to the first direction is S2, satisfying 0.05 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 1.

[0007] In the above technical solution, when S2 / S1 < 0.05, the area of the overlapping portion between the heat management member and the main body portion is smaller than the projected area of the main body portion in a plane perpendicular to the first direction, and the effective temperature adjustment area of the heat management member for the battery cell is small. Therefore, the efficiency of temperature adjustment of the heat management member for the battery cell decreases. During the charge and discharge process, both the main body portion and the tab of the electrode assembly become high in temperature, accelerating the decomposition of the electrolyte inside the battery cell and the side reactions of the active material, and shortening the service life of the battery cell. By satisfying 0.05 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 1 for S1 and S2, the heat management member has a sufficient temperature adjustment area for the battery cell and has a high temperature adjustment efficiency for the battery cell. Therefore, it is advantageous for extending the service life of the battery cell.

[0008] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, 0.25 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 1.

[0009] In the above technical solution, the heat management efficiency of the heat management member is greatly improved. Therefore, during the charging and discharging process of the battery, by cooling the battery cell with the heat management member, the decomposition rate of the electrolyte of the battery cell and the occurrence of side reactions of the active material can be further alleviated, which is more advantageous for extending the service life of the battery cell.

[0010] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, along the second direction, at least one end of the main body portion exceeds the corresponding end of the heat management member, or along the second direction, at least one end of the heat management member exceeds the corresponding end of the main body portion.

[0011] In the above technical solution, when at least one end of the main body portion along the second direction exceeds the corresponding end of the heat management member, at least one end of the heat management member along the second direction does not exceed the battery cell, and the risk of the heat management member interfering with other structural positions of the battery along the second direction can be reduced. When at least one end of the heat management member along the second direction exceeds the corresponding end of the main body portion, a part of the heat management member along the second direction can also perform heat exchange with the region outside the main body portion, thereby increasing the heat exchange area between the battery cell and the heat management member, and further improving the temperature adjustment efficiency of the battery cell by the heat management member.

[0012] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, along the second direction, both ends of the main body portion respectively exceed the corresponding both ends of the heat management member, or along the second direction, both ends of the heat management member respectively exceed the corresponding both ends of the main body portion.

[0013] In the above technical solution, when both ends of the main body along the second direction exceed both ends of the heat management member respectively, neither end of the heat management member along the second direction will exceed the battery cell, further reducing the risk that the heat management member interferes with other structural positions of the battery in the second direction and ensuring sufficient space for installing other structures of the battery. When both ends of the heat management member along the second direction exceed the corresponding ends of the main body respectively, the two parts of the heat management member exceeding the main body along the second direction can both exchange heat with the area outside the main body, thereby increasing the heat exchange area between the battery cell and the heat management member and further improving the temperature regulation efficiency of the battery cell by the heat management member.

[0014] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, along the second direction, at least one end of the main body is flush with the corresponding end of the heat management member.

[0015] In the above technical solution, at least one end of the main body is flush with one end of the heat management member, thereby maximizing the projected area in the plane perpendicular to the first direction of the overlapping portion between the heat management member and the main body. The heat management member has a large effective heat management area for the battery cell, thereby improving the temperature regulation efficiency of the battery cell and being advantageous for extending the service life of the battery cell.

[0016] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, along the second direction, both ends of the main body are flush with the corresponding ends of the heat management member respectively.

[0017] In the above technical solution, along the second direction, both ends of the main body are flush with both ends of the heat management member respectively. Therefore, the heat management member has a large effective heat management area for the battery cell, thereby improving the temperature regulation efficiency of the battery cell and being advantageous for extending the service life of the battery cell.

[0018] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, along the first direction, the main body portion has a first surface facing the heat management member, and the first surface is the surface with the largest area of the main body portion.

[0019] In the above technical solution, the heat management member is provided opposite to the surface with the largest area of the main body portion, so that the area for the heat management member to adjust the temperature of the battery cell becomes larger, which is beneficial to improving the temperature adjustment efficiency of the battery cell and extending the service life of the battery cell.

[0020] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the battery cell further includes an outer case, electrode terminals, and a pressure relief mechanism. The outer case includes a plurality of wall portions, and the plurality of wall portions jointly define an accommodation space for accommodating the electrode assembly. The electrode terminals are used for electrically connecting to the tabs, and the pressure relief mechanism is used for releasing the pressure inside the battery cell. The pressure relief mechanism and the electrode terminals are provided on different ones of the wall portions.

[0021] In the above technical solution, since the pressure relief mechanism and the electrode terminals are provided on different wall portions respectively, when the battery cell undergoes thermal runaway, the distance between the discharged flue gas and the high-voltage bus member can be effectively increased, and the risk of high-voltage arc discharge can be effectively reduced. Further, each wall of the outer case has good structural strength. Therefore, the problem of the reduction in the structural strength of the wall portion caused by installing the pressure relief mechanism and the electrode terminals on the same wall portion of the outer case is alleviated.

[0022] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the pressure relief mechanism and the electrode terminals are respectively provided on two of the wall portions arranged opposite to each other along the second direction, or the pressure relief mechanism and the electrode terminals are respectively provided on two of the wall portions arranged to intersect.

[0023] In the above technical means, the pressure reducing mechanism and the electrode terminal are respectively provided on two wall portions arranged to face each other along the second direction, or the pressure reducing mechanism and the electrode terminal are respectively provided on two wall portions arranged to intersect each other, so that the installation becomes easy. Further, even if the battery cell undergoes thermal runaway, the discharged flue gas is away from the high-voltage bus member, so that the occurrence of high-voltage arc discharge is effectively avoided.

[0024] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the electrode assembly includes two tabs with opposite polarities, and along the second direction, the two tabs are provided at the same end of the main body portion.

[0025] In the above technical solution, by providing the two tabs at the same end of the main body portion, when assembling the battery cell, the two tabs can be respectively connected to other structures at the same end of the main body portion, which makes the assembly of the battery cell easier and is advantageous for improving the assembly efficiency.

[0026] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the electrode assembly includes two tabs with opposite polarities, and along the second direction, the two tabs are respectively provided at opposite ends of the main body portion.

[0027] In the above technical solution, by providing the two tabs at opposite ends of the main body portion respectively, the risk of short circuit of the battery cell can be reduced, and the risk of interference with each other when the two tabs are respectively connected to other structures can be reduced.

[0028] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the projection of the tab in the plane perpendicular to the first direction at least partially overlaps with the projection of the heat management member adjacent to the main body portion in the plane perpendicular to the first direction.

[0029] In the above technical solution, since the temperature of the tab during the charge and discharge process of the battery cell is high, the projection of the tab on the plane perpendicular to the first direction at least partially overlaps with the projection of the heat management member adjacent to the main body on the plane perpendicular to the first direction, so that the heat management member can exchange heat with the tab, take away the heat of the tab, and reduce the risk of thermal runaway of the battery cell.

[0030] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, along the first direction, the heat management member is provided between at least two adjacent battery cells.

[0031] In the above technical solution, by providing a heat management member between two adjacent battery cells along the first direction, the heat management member can exchange heat with the battery cells on both sides simultaneously, improving the heat exchange efficiency and further improving the temperature regulation ability of the battery cells by the heat management member. Also, when one of the two adjacent battery cells with a heat management member provided between them undergoes thermal runaway, the heat management member acts as a heat insulation layer, reducing the amount of heat transferred from the thermally runaway battery cell to the adjacent other battery cell and delaying the occurrence of heat diffusion. Since the heat management member can play the roles of both heat management and heat insulation layer, the space utilization rate of the battery is improved, thereby improving the energy density of the battery.

[0032] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, a plurality of the heat management members are provided, and the plurality of heat management members are provided at intervals along the first direction, and at least one of the battery cells is provided between two adjacent heat management members.

[0033] In the above technical solution, a plurality of heat management members can jointly adjust the temperature of the battery cells, improving the temperature regulation efficiency, thereby enabling the battery cells to operate normally and reducing the risk of thermal runaway of the battery cells. By providing at least one battery cell between two adjacent heat management members, the occurrence of heat diffusion from both sides along the first direction of the battery cells can be delayed.

[0034] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, along the first direction, the battery cells and the thermal management members are alternately arranged.

[0035] In the above technical solution, along the first direction, the battery cells and the thermal management members are alternately arranged, whereby each battery cell has at least one thermal management member provided opposite thereto, and by adjusting its temperature, the thermal management member helps to reduce the temperature difference between the battery cells in the battery, making the temperature distribution inside the battery more uniform and being advantageous for realizing normal charge and discharge of the battery.

[0036] According to a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a power consumption device including a battery provided by any embodiment of the first aspect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for the embodiments are briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present application and should not be regarded as limiting the scope. Those skilled in the art can obtain other related drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0038]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0039] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, hereinafter, with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present application described and shown in the drawings of this specification can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0040] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present application provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed present application, but only shows selected embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments of the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative efforts all belong to the protection scope of the present application.

[0041] It should be noted that the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict.

[0042] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters indicate similar items in the following drawings. Therefore, if an item is defined in one drawing, there is no need to further define and interpret it in subsequent drawings.

[0043] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the indicated orientation or positional relationship is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of the application is normally arranged when in use, or the orientation or positional relationship that those skilled in the art generally understand. It is only for facilitating the description of the present application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the target device or element should have a specific orientation and be configured and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be understood as limiting the present application. Furthermore, terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc. are only for the purpose of descriptive distinction and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0044] Currently, due to the development of the market situation, the application of power batteries is becoming increasingly widespread. Power batteries are not only applied to energy storage power systems such as hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but also widely applied to electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as multiple fields such as military equipment and aerospace. As the application fields of power batteries continue to expand, the demand for them in the market is also continuously increasing.

[0045] The battery referred to in the embodiments of the present application refers to 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 can include a battery module or a battery pack, etc. The battery generally further includes a housing for packaging one or more battery cells. The housing can prevent liquids or other foreign substances from affecting the charge and discharge of the battery cells.

[0046] During the charging and discharging process of the battery, a chemical reaction occurs in the electrode assembly of the battery cell, generating heat. Therefore, in order to ensure the normal operation of the battery cell and reduce the problem of thermal runaway of the battery cell, it is necessary to immediately lower the temperature of the battery cell. When the environmental temperature is very low, it is necessary to raise the temperature of the battery cell to ensure the normal operation of the battery. Therefore, the battery may further include a thermal management member used to adjust the temperature of the battery cell. Furthermore, in order to prevent heat diffusion caused by thermal runaway of the battery cell, the battery may further include a heat insulation layer provided between adjacent battery cells. In the related art, by simultaneously installing a thermal management member and a heat insulation layer in the battery, and the installation positions of the thermal management member and the heat insulation layer are different, the space utilization rate of the battery may be reduced, and the energy density of the battery may decrease.

[0047] In view of the above considerations, in order to alleviate the problem of the decrease in the energy density of the battery caused by installing the heat insulation layer, the inventors have conducted intensive research and designed a battery including a plurality of battery cells and a thermal management member. The plurality of battery cells are stacked and arranged along a first direction, and each battery cell includes an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a main body portion and a tab protruding from the main body portion along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The thermal management member is provided opposite to the battery cell along the first direction. The projection of the main body portion in a plane perpendicular to the first direction and the projection of the thermal management member adjacent to the main body portion in a plane perpendicular to the first direction at least partially overlap.

[0048] The thermal management member and the battery cell are provided opposite to each other along the first direction. When the battery cell is operating normally, the thermal management member can adjust the temperature of the battery cell. When the battery cell undergoes thermal runaway, the thermal management member acts as a heat insulation layer, reducing the amount of heat transferred from the thermally runaway battery cell to adjacent battery cells or other components, and delaying the occurrence of heat diffusion. Since the thermal management member can play the roles of both thermal management and heat insulation layer, the space utilization rate of the battery is improved, thereby improving the energy density of the battery and realizing cost reduction.

[0049] Embodiments of the present application provide a power consumption device powered by a battery. The power consumption device may be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a tablet, a notebook computer, an electric toy, an electric tool, a battery car, an electric vehicle, a ship, a spacecraft, etc. The electric toy may include fixed or mobile electric toys such as a game console, an electric vehicle toy, an electric ship toy, and an electric aircraft toy. The spacecraft may include an aircraft, a rocket, a space shuttle, and a spaceship. Furthermore, there are an energy storage system, an energy storage power plant, etc.

[0050] In the following embodiments, for the convenience of description, the power consumption device of the embodiments of the present application will be described as vehicle 1000.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of vehicle 1000 according to some embodiments of the present application. Referring to FIG. 1, vehicle 1000 may be a gasoline vehicle, a natural gas vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle may be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a range extender vehicle, etc. A battery 100 is provided inside vehicle 1000, and the battery 100 may be provided at the bottom, front side, or rear side of vehicle 1000. The battery 100 can be used to supply power to vehicle 1000. For example, it can be used as the operating power source of vehicle 1000. Vehicle 1000 may further include a controller 200 and a motor 300. The controller 200 is used to control the battery 100 to supply power to the motor 300. For example, it can meet the requirements of the operating power during the startup, navigation, and driving of vehicle 1000.

[0052] In some embodiments of the present application, the battery 100 can not only be used as the operating power source of vehicle 1000, but also as the driving power source of vehicle 1000 to provide driving power to vehicle 1000 by replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas.

[0053] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a battery 100 according to some embodiments of the present application. Referring to FIG. 2, the battery 100 includes a housing 10 and battery cells 20, and the battery cells 20 are housed within the housing 10. The housing 10 is used to provide a housing space for the battery cells 20 and can adopt various structures. In some embodiments, the housing 10 can include a first part 11 and a second part 12. By covering the first part 11 and the second part 12 with each other, the first part 11 and the second part 12 jointly define a housing space for housing the battery cells 20. The second part 12 may have a hollow structure with one end open to form a housing portion for housing the battery cells 20, the first part 11 may have a plate-like structure, and the first part 11 is covered on the open side of the second part 12, and the first part 11 and the second part 12 jointly define the housing space. Both the first part 11 and the second part 12 have a hollow structure with one side open to form a housing portion for housing the battery cells 20, and the open side of the first part 11 may be covered on the open side of the second part 12. Naturally, the housing 10 formed by the first part 11 and the second part 12 may have various shapes such as a cylinder or a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0054] In the battery 100, there may be a plurality of battery cells 20, and the plurality of battery cells 20 can be connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel. Series-parallel connection means that there is not only series connection but also parallel connection among the plurality of battery cells 20. The plurality of battery cells 20 can be directly connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel, and then the whole formed by the plurality of battery cells 20 can be housed within the housing 10. Note that in the battery 100, a plurality of battery cells 20 may first be connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel to form the form of a battery module, and a plurality of battery modules may be further connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel to be integrally formed and housed within the housing 10. The battery 100 may further include other structures. For example, the battery 100 may further include a bus member (not shown) that is generally welded and fixed to the electrode terminals 23 (shown in FIG. 3) of the battery cells 20 to realize the electrical connection between the plurality of battery cells 20.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, in some embodiments, the battery 100 includes a plurality of battery cells 20 and a thermal management member 30. The plurality of battery cells 20 are stacked and arranged along a first direction X1, and each battery cell 20 includes an electrode assembly 21. The electrode assembly 21 includes a main body portion 211 and a tab 212 protruding from the main body portion 211 along a second direction Y1. The second direction Y1 is perpendicular to the first direction X1. The thermal management member 30 is provided opposite to the battery cells 20 along the first direction X1 and is configured to adjust the temperature of the battery cells 20. A projection of the main body portion 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 and a projection of the thermal management member 30 adjacent to the main body portion 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 at least partially overlap.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the battery cell 20 refers to the minimum unit that constitutes the battery 100. The battery cell 20 further includes an outer case 22 and other functional members. The outer case 22 includes a housing 221 and an end cover 222 that is covered on the opening 2211 of the housing 221 and isolates the internal environment of the battery cell 20 from the external environment. The shape of the end cover 222 can be adapted to the shape of the housing 221 and can be fitted with the housing 221, but it is not limited thereto. Optionally, the end cover 222 can be manufactured from a material having a certain hardness and strength (such as an aluminum alloy), so that the end cover 222 is not easily deformed even when pressed or collided, and the battery cell 20 can have higher structural strength. The end cover 222 may be provided with functional members such as the electrode terminal 23. The electrode terminal 23 can be used to electrically connect with the electrode assembly 21 and is used to output or input the electrical energy of the battery cell 20. In some embodiments, the end cover 222 can be further provided with a pressure relief mechanism 25 that is used to release the internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 reaches a threshold value. There are many materials for the end cover 222. For example, it may be copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and the embodiments of the present application do not particularly limit this. In some embodiments, an insulating member may be further provided inside the end cover 222 (not shown), and the insulating member may be used to insulate and isolate the electrical connection member in the housing 221 from the end cover 222, thereby reducing the risk of short circuit. Exemplarily, the insulator may be plastic, rubber, etc.

[0057] The housing 221 is an assembly for fitting with the end cover 222 to form the internal environment of the battery cell 20, and the formed internal environment may be used to accommodate the electrode assembly 21, the electrolyte and other members. The housing 221 and the end cover 222 may be individual members, an opening 2211 may be provided in the housing 221, and the end cover 222 is placed over the opening 2211 to form the internal environment of the battery cell 20. The end cover 222 and the housing 221 may be integrated. Specifically, the end cover 222 and the housing 221 may form a common connection surface before other members are put into the housing. When it is necessary to seal the inside of the housing 221, the end cover 222 is placed over the housing 221, but it is not limited thereto. The housing 221 may have various shapes and dimensions such as a rectangular parallelepiped, a cylinder, a hexagonal prism, etc. Specifically, the shape of the housing 221 is determined by the specific shape and size of the electrode assembly 21. There are several materials for the housing 221, for example, it may be copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and the embodiments of the present application do not particularly limit this.

[0058] The electrode assembly 21 is a member that generates an electrochemical reaction in the battery cell 20. One or more electrode assemblies 21 can be included in the housing 221. The electrode assembly 21 is mainly formed by winding or laminating a positive electrode sheet and a negative electrode sheet, and generally a separator is provided between the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet. The portions including the active materials of the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet constitute the main body portion 211 of the electrode assembly 21, and the portions not including the active materials of the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet constitute the tabs 212 respectively. The positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab may be located together at one end of the main body portion 211, or may be located at both ends of the main body portion 211 respectively. In the charging and discharging process of the battery cell 20, the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material react with the electrolyte, and the tab 212 is connected to the electrode terminal 23 to form an electric current circuit. The tab 212 may be electrically connected to the electrode terminal 23 via a current collecting member 24 (shown in FIG. 5).

[0059] The heat management member 30 may be used to lower the temperature of the battery cell 20, or may be used to increase the temperature of the battery cell 20. The heat management member 30 may have a plate-like structure with a housing cavity for housing a heat exchange medium formed therein. The heat exchange medium may be water, air, a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, a refrigerant, a phase change material, etc., and may be a circulating fluid. The heat management member 30 may also be referred to as a water-cooling plate, a liquid-cooling plate, a heat exchange plate, a temperature adjustment plate, etc.

[0060] The heat management member 30 may be connected to the surface of the outer case 22 of the battery cell 20 such that the heat management member 30 is adhered to the surface of the outer case 22 of the battery cell 20, or the heat management member 30 is welded to the outer case 22 of the battery cell 20, etc. The heat management member 30 may be in contact with the surface of the outer case 22 of the battery cell 20, or a heat conduction member such as a heat conduction pad may be disposed between the heat management member 30 and the surface of the outer case 22 of the battery cell 20, and the present application is not limited thereto.

[0061] In some embodiments of the present application, the heat management member 30 has a plate-like structure, and the first direction X1 is parallel to the thickness direction X2 of the heat management member. The second direction Y1 may be parallel to the width direction Y2 of the heat management member, or may be parallel to the longitudinal direction Z2 of the heat management member. The thickness direction X2, the longitudinal direction Z2, and the width direction Y2 of the heat management member are perpendicular to each other in pairs.

[0062] The projection of the main body portion 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 and the projection of the heat management member 30 adjacent to the main body portion 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 may partially overlap or may completely overlap.

[0063] The thermal management member 30 and the battery cell 20 are provided to face each other along the first direction X1. When the battery cell 20 is operating normally, the thermal management member 30 can adjust the temperature of the battery cell 20. When the battery cell 20 undergoes thermal runaway, the thermal management member 30 acts as a heat insulation layer, reducing the amount of heat transferred from the thermally runaway battery cell 20 to adjacent battery cells 20 or other components (the other components include, but are not limited to, the wall of the housing 10, electrical components within the housing 10, partition beams within the housing 10, etc.), and delaying the occurrence of heat diffusion. Since the thermal management member 30 can play the roles of both thermal management and heat insulation layer, the space utilization rate of the battery 100 is improved, thereby improving the energy density of the battery 100 and achieving cost reduction.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the projected area of the main body portion 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 is S1, and the area of the overlapping portion between the projection of the main body portion 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 and the projection of the thermal management member 30 adjacent to the main body portion 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 is S2, satisfying 0.05 ≦ S2 / S1 ≦ 1.

[0065] The value of S2 / S1 may be 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, etc.

[0066] The inventors selected 21 identical battery cells 20 and thermal management members 30, and each battery cell 20 and thermal management member 30 formed a set with numbers from 1 to 21. The S2 / S1 of each set is different, as shown in Table 1. Under the same experimental conditions, each of the 21 battery cells 20 was charged at a charging rate of 2C, and at the same time, a coolant with an initial temperature of 23°C was introduced into the thermal management member 30 to cool the battery cells 20 to lower the temperature. Charging and cooling were carried out simultaneously and continued for 10 minutes and then stopped simultaneously. Next, after each battery cell 20 was left standing for 5 minutes, the maximum temperature of the main body portion 211 of the electrode assembly 21 and the maximum temperature of the tab 212 of each battery cell 20 were measured respectively. The experimental results are as shown in Table 1.

[0067]

Table 1

[0068] As shown in Table 1, when the value of S2 / S1 is 0.025, the maximum temperature of the main body 211 is 63°C, and the maximum temperature of the tab 212 is 105°C. When the maximum temperature of the main body 211 exceeds 60°C and the maximum temperature of the tab exceeds 90°C, the decomposition of the electrolyte and the side reaction of the active material are accelerated, and the service life of the battery cell 20 is shortened. When 0.05 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 1, the heat management member 30 can cool the battery cell 20 to lower the temperature so that the maximum temperature of the main body 211 does not exceed 60°C and the maximum temperature of the tab 212 does not exceed 90°C. Therefore, it is advantageous for extending the service life of the battery cell 20.

[0069] In some embodiments, 0.25 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 1.

[0070] The value of S2 / S1 may be, for example, 0.28, 0.33, 0.38, 0.43, 0.48, 0.53, 0.58, 0.63, 0.68, 0.73, 0.78, 0.83, 0.88, 0.93, 0.98, etc.

[0071] Continuing to refer to Table 1, when 0.25 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 1, the maximum temperature of the main body 211 does not exceed 50°C, the decomposition rate of the electrolyte and the occurrence of side reactions of the active material can be further alleviated, which is more advantageous for extending the service life of the battery cell 20.

[0072] Furthermore, in some embodiments, 0.5 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 1.

[0073] Continuing to refer to Table 1, when 0.5 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 1, the maximum temperature of the main body 211 does not exceed 40°C, the decomposition rate of the electrolyte and the occurrence of side reactions of the active material can be further alleviated, which is more advantageous for extending the service life of the battery cell 20.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, along the second direction Y1, at least one end of the main body 211 extends beyond the corresponding end of the heat management member 30, or along the second direction Y1, at least one end of the heat management member 30 extends beyond the corresponding end of the main body 211.

[0075] Along the second direction Y1, at least one end of the main body 211 extends beyond the corresponding end of the heat management member 30. This can be understood as at least one end of the main body 211 along the second direction Y1 being located outside the projection in the plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 of the heat management member 30.

[0076] Therefore, by at least one end of the main body 211 along the second direction Y1 extending beyond one end of the heat management member 30, at least one end of the heat management member 30 along the second direction Y1 does not extend beyond the battery cell 20, and the risk of the heat management member 30 interfering with other structural positions of the battery 100 along the second direction Y1 can be reduced.

[0077] Along the second direction Y1, only one end of the main body 211 may extend beyond one end of the heat management member 30, that is, only one end of the main body 211 along the second direction Y1 is located outside the projection in the plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 of the heat management member 30.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 6, in an embodiment where the second direction Y1 is parallel to the width direction Y2 of the heat management member, along the second direction Y1, the main body 211 and the heat management member 30 are displaced and partially overlap. The projection of the main body 211 on a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 and the projection of the heat management member 30 on a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 partially overlap. One end of the heat management member 30 located in the second direction Y1 exceeds one end of the main body 211 located in the second direction Y1, and the other end of the main body 211 located in the second direction Y1 exceeds the other end of the heat management member 30 located in the second direction Y1. As shown in FIG. 6, along the second direction Y1, the heat management member 30 has opposite first end 31 and second end 32, and the main body 211 has opposite third end 2111 and fourth end 2112. The first end 31 corresponds to the third end 2111, and the first end 31 exceeds the third end 2111, that is, the first end 31 is located outside the projection of the main body 211 on a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1. The fourth end 2112 corresponds to the second end 32, and the fourth end 2112 exceeds the second end 32, that is, the fourth end 2112 is located outside the projection of the heat management member 30 on a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1. The dashed line portion of the main body 211 in FIG. 6 indicates the region where the main body 211 is shielded by the heat management member 30. In other words, the dashed line portion of the main body 211 indicates the portion where the heat management member 30 overlaps the main body 211. In this embodiment, along the second direction Y1, only one end of the main body 211 exceeds one end of the heat management member 30.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 7, in another embodiment, the first end 31 is flush with the third end 2111, and the fourth end 2112 exceeds the second end 32 along the second direction Y1. It can be understood that along the second direction Y1, only one end of the main body 211 exceeds the corresponding end of the heat management member 30.

[0080] Along the second direction Y1, at least one end of the heat management member 30 extends beyond the corresponding end of the main body portion 211. This can be understood as at least one end of the heat management member 30 along the second direction Y1 being located outside the projection in the plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 of the main body portion 211. Along the second direction Y1, only one end of the heat management member 30 may extend beyond the corresponding end of the main body portion 211. As shown in FIG. 6, the first end 31 of the heat management member 30 extends beyond the third end 2111 of the main body portion 211, and the fourth end 2112 of the main body portion 211 extends beyond the second end 32 of the heat management member 30.

[0081] When at least one end of the heat management member 30 along the second direction Y1 extends beyond the corresponding end of the main body portion 211, a part of the heat management member 30 along the second direction Y1 can also exchange heat with the region other than the main body portion 211, thereby increasing the heat exchange area between the battery cell 20 and the heat management member 30, and further improving the temperature regulation efficiency of the battery cell 20 by the heat management member 30.

[0082] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, along the second direction Y1, both ends of the main body portion 211 extend beyond the corresponding both ends of the heat management member 30 respectively. Or, as shown in FIG. 9, along the second direction Y1, both ends of the heat management member 30 extend beyond the corresponding both ends of the main body portion 211 respectively.

[0083] Along the second direction Y1, both ends of the main body portion 211 extend beyond the corresponding both ends of the heat management member 30 respectively. This can be understood as both ends of the main body portion 211 along the second direction Y1 being located outside the projection in the plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 of the heat management member 30.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 8, in an embodiment where the second direction Y1 is parallel to the width direction Y2 of the heat management member, along the second direction Y1, the heat management member 30 has opposite first end 31 and second end 32, and the main body portion 211 has opposite third end 2111 and fourth end 2112. The third end 2111 corresponds to the first end 31, and the third end 2111 extends beyond the first end 31, that is, the third end 2111 is located outside the projection in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 of the heat management member 30. The fourth end 2112 corresponds to the second end 32, and the fourth end 2112 extends beyond the second end 32, that is, the fourth end 2112 is located outside the projection in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 of the heat management member 30.

[0085] When both ends of the main body portion 211 along the second direction Y1 exceed both ends of the heat management member 30 respectively, both ends of the heat management member 30 along the second direction Y1 will not exceed the battery cell 20, further reducing the risk that the heat management member 30 interferes with other structural positions of the battery 100 along the second direction Y1, and sufficient space can be ensured for installing other structures of the battery 100.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 9, along the second direction Y1, both ends of the heat management member 30 exceed the corresponding both ends of the main body portion 211 respectively. This can be understood as both ends of the heat management member 30 along the second direction Y1 being located outside the projection in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 of the main body portion 211. As shown in FIG. 9, in an embodiment where the second direction Y1 is parallel to the width direction Y2 of the heat management member, along the second direction Y1, the heat management member 30 has opposite first end 31 and second end 32, and the main body portion 211 has opposite third end 2111 and fourth end 2112. The third end 2111 corresponds to the first end 31, and the first end 31 extends beyond the third end 2111, that is, the first end 31 is located outside the projection in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 of the main body portion 211. The second end 32 corresponds to the fourth end 2112, and the second end 32 extends beyond the fourth end 2112, that is, the second end 32 is located outside the projection in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 of the main body portion 211.

[0087] When both ends of the heat management member 30 along the second direction Y1 exceed the corresponding ends of the main body portion 211 respectively, the two portions exceeding the main body portion 211 along the second direction Y1 of the heat management member 30 can both perform heat exchange with regions other than the main body portion 211, thereby increasing the heat exchange area between the battery cell 20 and the heat management member 30, and further improving the temperature regulation efficiency of the battery cell 20 by the heat management member 30.

[0088] In an embodiment where at least one end of the main body portion 211 along the second direction Y1 exceeds one end of the heat management member 30, along the third direction Z1, both ends of the heat management member 30 may respectively exceed both ends of the main body portion 211. Or, along the third direction Z1, both ends of the heat management member 30 may be flush with both ends of the main body portion 211 respectively. Or, along the third direction Z1, both ends of the main body portion 211 may exceed both ends of the heat management member 30. Or, along the third direction Z1, one end of the heat management member 30 may be flush with one end of the main body portion 211, and the other end of the heat management member 30 may exceed the other end of the main body portion 211. Or, along the third direction Z1, one end of the heat management member 30 may be flush with one end of the main body portion 211, and the other end of the main body portion 211 may exceed the other end of the heat management member 30. The first direction X1, the second direction Y1, and the third direction Z1 are orthogonal to each other in pairs. FIGS. 8 and 9 show that both ends of the heat management member 30 along the third direction Z1 exceed both ends of the main body portion 211 along the third direction Z1.

[0089] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, in some embodiments, along the second direction Y1, at least one end of the main body portion 211 is flush with the corresponding end of the heat management member 30.

[0090] This can be understood as that along the second direction Y1, at least one end of the main body portion 211 does not exceed one end of the heat management member 30, and the one end of the heat management member 30 does not exceed the one end of the main body portion 211 either.

[0091] At least one end of the main body portion 211 is flush with one end of the heat management member 30. Thereby, the area of the overlapping portion of the projections of the heat management member 30 and the main body portion 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 is made as large as possible. Therefore, the heat management member 30 has a large effective heat management area with respect to the battery cell 20, which is advantageous for improving the temperature regulation efficiency of the battery cell 20 and extending the service life of the battery cell 20.

[0092] Along the second direction Y1, only one end of the main body portion 211 may be flush with one end of the heat management member 30. As shown in FIG. 7, in an embodiment where the second direction Y1 is parallel to the width direction Y2 of the heat management member, along the second direction Y1, the heat management member 30 has opposing first and second ends 31 and 32, and the main body portion 211 has opposing third and fourth ends 2111 and 2112. The first end 31 corresponds to the third end 2111, and the first end 31 and the third end 2111 are flush. The fourth end 2112 extends beyond the second end 32, that is, the fourth end 2112 is located outside the projection of the heat management member 30 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1. The dashed portion of the main body portion 211 in FIG. 7 indicates the area shielded by the heat management member 30, in other words, the dashed portion of the main body portion 211 indicates the portion where the heat management member 30 overlaps the main body portion 211. The fourth end 2112 may be the end where the tab 212 protrudes from the main body portion 211. When the fourth end 2112 extends beyond the second end 32, interference between the heat management member 30 and other structures electrically connected to the tab 212 can be reduced.

[0093] Naturally, the first end 31 and the third end 2111 may be flush, and the second end 32 may extend beyond the fourth end 2112, that is, the second end 32 is located outside the projection of the main body portion 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 10, in another embodiment, along the second direction Y1, both ends of the main body portion 211 are flush with both ends of the heat management member 30, respectively.

[0095] In an embodiment where the second direction Y1 is parallel to the width direction Y2 of the heat management member, along the second direction Y1, the heat management member 30 has opposite first and second ends 31 and 32, and the main body portion 211 has opposite third and fourth ends 2111 and 2112. The first end 31 corresponds to the third end 2111, the first end 31 and the third end 2111 are flush, the second end 32 corresponds to the fourth end 2112, and the fourth end 2112 and the second end 32 are flush.

[0096] Along the second direction Y1, since both ends of the main body portion 211 are flush with both ends of the heat management member 30 respectively, the heat management member 30 has a large effective heat management area with respect to the battery cell 20, thereby improving the temperature regulation efficiency of the battery cell 20 and being advantageous for extending the service life of the battery cell 20.

[0097] In an embodiment where at least one end of the main body portion 211 and one end of the heat management member 30 are flush along the second direction Y1, along the third direction Z1, both ends of the heat management member 30 may respectively exceed both ends of the main body portion 211. Or, along the third direction Z1, both ends of the heat management member 30 may respectively be flush with both ends of the main body portion 211. Or, along the third direction Z1, both ends of the main body portion 211 may exceed both ends of the heat management member 30. Or, along the third direction Z1, one end of the heat management member 30 may be flush with one end of the main body portion 211, and the other end of the heat management member 30 may exceed the other end of the main body portion 211. Or, along the third direction Z1, one end of the heat management member 30 may be flush with one end of the main body portion 211, and the other end of the main body portion 211 may exceed the other end of the heat management member 30. FIGS. 7 and 10 show that both ends of the heat management member 30 along the third direction Z1 both exceed both ends of the main body portion 211 along the third direction Z1.

[0098] In some embodiments, along the first direction X1, the main body portion 211 has a first surface 2113 facing the heat management member 30. The first surface 2113 is the surface with the largest area of the main body portion 211.

[0099] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, an example is given where the battery cell 20 is a rectangular case battery cell and the electrode assembly 21 is a wound rectangular electrode assembly 21. The main body portion 211 includes a straight portion 2114 and two bent portions 2115 connected to both ends of the straight portion 2114. The first surface 2113 is two opposing surfaces of the straight portion 2114 in the first direction X1. The projected area S1 of the main body portion 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 is the projected area S of the straight portion 2114 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 11 and the projected area S of each bent portion 2115 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 12 and, that is, S1 = S 11 + 2S 12 is.

[0100] The heat management member 30 is provided to face the surface of the main body portion 211 with the largest area. Thereby, the area for the heat management member 30 to adjust the temperature of the battery cell 20 becomes larger, which is advantageous for improving the temperature adjustment efficiency of the battery cell 20 and extending the service life of the battery cell 20.

[0101] As shown in FIGS. 13 to 24, in some embodiments, the battery cell 20 further includes an outer case 22, an electrode terminal 23, and a pressure relief mechanism 25, and the outer case 22 includes a plurality of wall portions. The plurality of wall portions jointly define an accommodation space for accommodating the electrode assembly 21. The electrode terminal 23 is used to be electrically connected to the tab 212. The pressure relief mechanism 25 is used to release the pressure inside the battery cell 20. The pressure relief mechanism 25 and the electrode terminal 23 are provided on different wall portions respectively.

[0102] The end cover 222 is at least one of the plurality of wall portions. The remaining wall portions of the plurality of wall portions jointly form the housing 221.

[0103] The electrode terminal 23 is used to be electrically connected to the tab 212 to form the output pole of the battery cell 20. The electrode terminal 23 is provided on at least one wall portion. The electrode terminal 23 may be provided on the end cover 222.

[0104] The pressure relief mechanism 25 is used to release the pressure inside the battery cell 20. For example, the pressure relief mechanism 25 operates to release the internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 reaches a predetermined threshold value. The design of the threshold value varies depending on the design requirements. The threshold value may depend on one or more of the materials of the positive electrode sheet, negative electrode sheet, electrolyte, and separator in the battery cell 20. The pressure relief mechanism 25 can use forms such as an explosion-proof valve, explosion-proof sheet, air valve, pressure relief valve, or safety valve, and specifically, a pressure-sensitive or temperature-sensitive element or structure can be used. That is, when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 reaches a predetermined threshold value, the pressure relief mechanism 25 executes an operation or a fragile structure provided in the pressure relief mechanism 25 is destroyed, forming an opening 2211 or a flow path through which the internal pressure or temperature can escape.

[0105] When the electrode terminal 23 is provided on the end cover 222, the pressure relief mechanism 25 may be provided on the housing 221 such that the pressure relief mechanism 25 and the electrode terminal 23 are respectively provided on two wall portions. Of course, the electrode terminal 23 may be provided on the housing 221 and the pressure relief mechanism 25 may be provided on the end cover 222.

[0106] The voltage output by the battery 100 may reach several hundred volts or several thousand volts. When the battery cell 20 undergoes thermal runaway, the high-temperature flue gas discharged is likely to pass through the area of the high-voltage electrical member, causing high-voltage arc discharge and rapidly spreading heat throughout the battery 100.

[0107] By arranging the pressure relief mechanism 25 and the electrode terminal 23 on different wall portions respectively, when the battery cell 20 undergoes thermal runaway, the distance between the discharged flue gas and the high-voltage bus member can be effectively increased, effectively reducing the risk of high-voltage arc discharge.

[0108] As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, in some embodiments, the pressure relief mechanism 25 and the electrode terminal 23 are respectively provided on two wall portions arranged opposite to each other along the second direction Y1.

[0109] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the plurality of wall portions forming the housing 221 include a bottom wall 2212 and side walls 2213. Along the second direction Y1, one end of the side wall 2213 is provided surrounding the outer periphery of the bottom wall 2212, and the other end of the side wall 2213 forms an opening 2211 of the housing 221. The opening 2211 and the bottom wall 2212 are arranged opposite to each other. As shown in FIG. 13, the opening 2211 and the bottom wall 2212 are arranged opposite to each other in the second direction Y1. The electrode terminal 23 is provided on the end cover 222, and the pressure reducing mechanism 25 is provided on the bottom wall 2212 of the housing 221. When the battery cell 20 is housed in the housing 10, the electrode terminal 23 may face upward, downward, or in other directions. By providing one of the electrode terminal 23 and the pressure reducing mechanism 25 on the housing 221 and the other on the end cover 222, both the end cover 222 and the housing 221 have good structural strength. Therefore, the problem of the reduction in the structural strength of the housing 221 or the end cover 222 caused by the simultaneous provision of the pressure reducing mechanism 25 and the electrode terminal 23 on the housing 221 or the end cover 222 is alleviated.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 15, the plurality of wall portions forming the housing 221 include a bottom wall 2212 and side walls 2213. Along the second direction Y1, one end of the side wall 2213 is provided surrounding the outer periphery of the bottom wall 2212, and the other end of the side wall 2213 forms an opening 2211 of the housing 221. The electrode terminal 23 is provided on the bottom wall 2212 of the housing 221, and the pressure reducing mechanism 25 is provided on the end cover 222. By providing one of the electrode terminal 23 and the pressure reducing mechanism 25 on the housing 221 and the other on the end cover 222, both the end cover 222 and the housing 221 have good structural strength. Therefore, the problem of the reduction in the structural strength of the housing 221 or the end cover 222 caused by the simultaneous provision of the pressure reducing mechanism 25 and the electrode terminal 23 on the housing 221 or the end cover 222 is alleviated.

[0111] Of course, in other embodiments, the electrode terminal 23 and the pressure reducing mechanism 25 may be provided on two opposing side walls 2213 of the housing 221 respectively. By integrating both the electrode terminal 23 and the pressure reducing mechanism 25 into the housing 221, it is advantageous for processing and manufacturing.

[0112] By providing the pressure reducing mechanism 25 and the electrode terminal 23 on two wall portions arranged opposite to each other along the second direction Y1, the installation becomes easier. Furthermore, even if the battery cell 20 undergoes thermal runaway, since the discharged flue gas is away from the high-voltage bus member, the risk of high-voltage arc discharge is effectively reduced.

[0113] In other embodiments, the pressure reducing mechanism 25 and the electrode terminal 23 are respectively provided on two wall portions arranged crosswise. The two crosswise wall portions refer to two non-parallel walls. For example, the side wall 2213 and the end cover 222 cross each other, and two adjacent portions on the side wall 2213 cross each other.

[0114] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the electrode terminal 23 is provided on the end cover 222, and the pressure reducing mechanism 25 is provided on the side wall 2213 of the housing 221. By providing one of the electrode terminal 23 and the pressure reducing mechanism 25 on the housing 221 and the other on the end cover 222, both the end cover 222 and the housing 221 have good structural strength. Therefore, the problem of the reduction in the structural strength of the housing 221 or the end cover 222 caused by the simultaneous provision of the pressure reducing mechanism 25 and the electrode terminal 23 on the housing 221 or the end cover 222 is alleviated.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 18, the pressure reducing mechanism 25 is provided on the side wall 2213 of the housing 221, and the electrode terminal 23 is provided on the bottom wall 2212 of the housing 221.

[0116] As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the electrode terminal 23 may be provided on the side wall 2213 of the housing 221, and the pressure reducing mechanism 25 may be provided on the bottom wall 2212 of the housing 221.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 18, in some embodiments, the electrode assembly 21 includes two tabs 212 with opposite polarities. Along the second direction Y1, the two tabs 212 are provided at the same end of the main body 211.

[0118] One of the two tabs 212 is a positive tab and the other is a negative tab. The two tabs 212 protrude from the main body 211 beyond the same end of the main body 211 along the second direction Y1.

[0119] By providing the two tabs 212 at the same end of the main body 211, when assembling the battery cell 20, the two tabs 212 can be respectively connected to other structures at the same end of the main body 211, making the assembly of the battery cell 20 easier and beneficial for improving the assembly efficiency.

[0120] As shown in FIGS. 19 to 22, in another embodiment, the electrode assembly 21 includes two tabs 212 with opposite polarities. Along the second direction Y1, the two tabs 212 are respectively provided at opposite ends of the main body 211.

[0121] By providing the two tabs 212 at opposite ends of the main body 211 respectively, the risk of the battery cell 20 short - circuiting can be reduced, and the risk of interference between the two tabs 212 when they are respectively connected to other structures can be reduced.

[0122] The battery cell 20 may include only one electrode terminal 23. One of the two tabs 212 is electrically connected to the electrode terminal 23, and the other of the two tabs 212 is electrically connected to the outer case 22.

[0123] As shown in FIGS. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22, in some embodiments, the battery cell 20 further includes two electrode terminals 23, and the two electrode terminals 23 are respectively used for electrically connecting to the two tabs 212.

[0124] The two electrode terminals 23 may be provided on the same wall portion of the outer case 22. For example, both of the two electrode terminals 23 may be provided on the end cover 222 (shown in FIG. 17). Or, both of the two electrode terminals 23 may be provided on the same side wall 2213 of the housing 221. Or, both of the two electrode terminals 23 may be provided on the bottom wall 2212 of the housing 221 (shown in FIG. 18).

[0125] The two electrode terminals 23 may be respectively provided on two wall portions of the outer case 22. For example, one of the two electrode terminals 23 may be provided on the end cover 222 and the other may be provided on the housing 221. Or, the two electrode terminals 23 may be respectively provided on two opposing side walls 2213 of the housing 221 (shown in FIGS. 19, 20, 21, and 22). Or, one of the two electrode terminals 23 may be provided on the side wall 2213 of the housing 221 and the other may be provided on the bottom wall 2212 of the housing 221.

[0126] The two electrode terminals 23 are respectively electrically connected to the two tabs 212, and the risk of the battery cell 20 short - circuiting can be reduced.

[0127] As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, in some embodiments, the second direction Y1 may be parallel to the length direction Z2 of the heat management member.

[0128] As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, two tabs 212 with opposite polarities protrude from the main body 211 from the same end along the second direction Y1 of the main body 211, and the two electrode terminals 23 are both provided on the wall portion of the outer case 22 facing the two tabs 212. In FIG. 23, the wall portion of the outer case 22 facing the tab 212 is the end cover 222, and the two electrode terminals 23 are both provided on the end cover 222. The pressure reducing mechanism 25 is provided on the bottom wall 2212 of the housing 221 facing the electrode terminal 23. In FIG. 24, the wall portion of the outer case 22 facing the tab 212 is the end cover 222, and the two electrode terminals 23 are both provided on the end cover 222. The pressure reducing mechanism 25 is provided on the side wall 2213 of the housing 221. The electrical connection between the electrode terminal 23 and the tab 212 is facilitated, and any wall portion of the housing 221 can have good structural strength.

[0129] In some embodiments, the projection of the tab 212 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 and the projection of the heat management member 30 adjacent to the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 at least partially overlap.

[0130] In an embodiment where the two tabs 212 with opposite polarities are both located at the same end of the main body 211, as shown in FIG. 25, the projection of each tab 212 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 and the projection of the heat management member 30 adjacent to the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 may only partially overlap. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, the projection of each tab 212 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 may be completely located inside the projection of the heat management member 30 adjacent to the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1.

[0131] In an embodiment where two tabs 212 with opposite polarities are respectively located at opposite ends of the main body 211, as shown in FIG. 26, the projection of one tab 212 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 and the projection of the heat management member 30 adjacent to the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 only partially overlap. The projection of the other tab 212 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 and the projection of the heat management member 30 adjacent to the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 may not overlap at all. Or, as shown in FIG. 27, the projection of one tab 212 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 is completely located inside the projection of the heat management member 30 adjacent to the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1, and the projection of the other tab 212 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 and the projection of the heat management member 30 adjacent to the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 may not overlap at all. Or, as shown in FIG. 28, only a part of the projection of each tab 212 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 may overlap with the projection of the heat management member 30 adjacent to the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1. Or, as shown in FIG. 21, the projection of each tab 212 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 may be completely located inside the projection of the heat management member 30 adjacent to the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1.

[0132] Since the temperature of the tab 212 is high during the charging and discharging process of the battery cell 20, by at least partially overlapping the projection of the tab in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 with the projection of the heat management member 30 adjacent to the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1, the heat management member 30 can exchange heat with the tab 212, take away the heat of the tab 212, and reduce the risk of thermal runaway of the battery cell 20.

[0133] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 29, along the first direction X1, the heat management member 30 is provided between at least two adjacent battery cells 20.

[0134] Along the first direction X1, heat management members 30 may be provided between every two adjacent battery cells 20, or heat management members 30 may be provided between some adjacent battery cells 20 and not provided between some other adjacent battery cells 20. FIG. 29 shows a case where heat management members 30 are provided between every two adjacent battery cells 20.

[0135] By providing the heat management member 30 between two adjacent battery cells 20 along the first direction X1, the heat management member 30 can perform heat exchange with the battery cells 20 on both sides simultaneously, improving the heat exchange efficiency and further enhancing the temperature regulation ability of the battery cells 20 by the heat management member 30. Also, when one of the two battery cells 20 between which the heat management member 30 is provided adjacent to each other undergoes thermal runaway, the heat management member 30 acts as a heat insulation layer, reducing the amount of heat transferred from the thermally runaway battery cell 20 to the other adjacent battery cell 20 and delaying the occurrence of heat diffusion. Since the heat management member 30 can play the roles of both heat management and heat insulation layer, the space utilization rate of the battery 100 is improved, thereby improving the energy density of the battery 100.

[0136] In some embodiments, a plurality of heat management members 30 are provided at intervals along the first direction X1. At least one battery cell 20 is provided between two adjacent heat management members 30.

[0137] The term "plurality" means two or more. Only one battery cell 20 may be provided between two adjacent heat management members 30, or a plurality of battery cells 20 may be provided. The same number of battery cells 20 may be provided between every two adjacent heat management members 30, or different numbers of battery cells 20 may be provided. FIG. 29 shows a case where one battery cell 20 is provided between any two adjacent heat management members 30.

[0138] A plurality of thermal management members 30 jointly regulate the temperature of the battery cells 20, improving the temperature regulation efficiency, enabling the battery cells 20 to operate normally, and reducing the risk of thermal runaway of the battery cells 20. By providing at least one battery cell 20 between two adjacent thermal management members 30, the occurrence of heat diffusion from both sides along the first direction X1 of the battery cell 20 can be delayed.

[0139] Continuing to refer to FIG. 29, along the first direction X1, the battery cells 20 and the thermal management members 30 are alternately arranged. Thereby, each battery cell 20 has at least one thermal management member 30 provided opposite thereto, and by adjusting its temperature, the thermal management member 30 helps to reduce the temperature difference between the battery cells 20 in the battery 100, making the temperature distribution inside the battery 100 more uniform and facilitating the normal charge and discharge of the battery 100.

[0140] The embodiment of the present application further provides a power consumption device including the battery 100 provided by any of the above embodiments.

[0141] The battery 100 provides electrical energy to the power consumption device so that the power consumption device can execute its functions normally.

[0142] The embodiment of the present application provides a battery 100, which includes a plurality of battery cells 20 stacked along the first direction X1. Along the first direction X1, a thermal management member 30 is provided between two adjacent battery cells 20. Each battery cell 20 includes an outer case 22, an electrode assembly 21, two electrode terminals 23, and a pressure reducing mechanism 25. The electrode assembly 21 includes a main body portion 211 and two tabs 212 that protrude from the main body portion 211 along the second direction Y1 and have opposite polarities. The two electrode terminals 23 are electrically connected to the two tabs 212 respectively through a current collecting member 24. The electrode terminal 23 and the pressure reducing mechanism 25 are respectively provided on two wall portions of the outer case 22. Preferably, the electrode terminal 23 and the pressure reducing mechanism 25 are respectively provided on two opposite wall portions of the outer case 22.

[0143] The projection of the main body part 211 on a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 and the projection of the heat management member 30 adjacent to the main body part 211 on a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 overlap at least partially. The projected area of the main body part 211 on a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 is S1, and the area of the overlapping part of the projection of the main body part 211 on a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 and the projection of the heat management member 30 adjacent to the main body part 211 on a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 is S2, satisfying 0.05 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 1, preferably 0.25 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 1.

[0144] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and does not limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and changes are possible to the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the scope of the gist and principles of the present application should all be included within the protection scope of the present application.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0145] 1000 Vehicle 100 Battery 10 Housing 11 First Part 12 Second Part 20 Battery Cell 21 Electrode Assembly 211 Main Body Part 2111 Third End 2112 Fourth End 2113 First Surface 2114 Straight Part 2115 Bent Part 212 Tab 22 Outer Case 221 Housing 2211 Opening 2212 Bottom Wall 2213 Side Wall 222 End Cover 23 Electrode Terminal 24 Current Collecting Member 25 Pressure Reduction Mechanism 30 Heat Management Member 31 First End 32 Second End 200 Controller 300 motor X1 First direction Y1 Second direction Z1 Third direction X2 Thickness direction of the heat management member Y2 Width direction of the heat management member Z2 Length direction of the heat management member

Claims

1. Comprising a plurality of battery cells and a thermal management member, wherein the plurality of battery cells are stacked and arranged along a first direction, each battery cell includes an electrode assembly, and the electrode assembly includes a main body portion and a tab protruding from the main body portion along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the thermal management member is provided opposite to the battery cells along the first direction and is configured to adjust the temperature of the battery cells, a battery in which a projection of the main body portion in a plane perpendicular to the first direction at least partially overlaps a projection of the thermal management member adjacent to the main body portion in a plane perpendicular to the first direction.

2. The projected area of the main body portion in a plane perpendicular to the first direction is S １ The area of the overlapping portion between the projection of the main body portion in a plane perpendicular to the first direction and the projection of the heat management member adjacent to the main body portion in a plane perpendicular to the first direction is S ２ where 0.05 ≤ S ２ / S １ ≤ 1, and the battery according to claim 1

3. 0.25 ≤ S ２ / S １ ≤ 1, the battery according to claim 2.

4. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one end of the main body portion extends beyond a corresponding end of the thermal management member along the second direction, or at least one end of the thermal management member extends beyond a corresponding end of the main body portion along the second direction.

5. The battery according to claim 4, wherein both ends of the main body portion extend beyond corresponding ends of the thermal management member along the second direction, or both ends of the thermal management member extend beyond corresponding ends of the main body portion along the second direction.

6. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one end of the main body portion is flush with a corresponding end of the thermal management member along the second direction.

7. The battery according to claim 6, wherein both ends of the main body portion are flush with corresponding ends of the thermal management member along the second direction.

8. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein along the first direction, the main body portion has a first surface facing the thermal management member, and the first surface is the surface with the largest area of the main body portion.

9. The battery cell further includes an outer case, an electrode terminal, and a pressure relief mechanism, the outer case includes a plurality of wall portions, and the plurality of wall portions jointly define an accommodation space for accommodating the electrode assembly, the electrode terminal is used for electrically connecting to the tab, the pressure relief mechanism is used for releasing the pressure inside the battery cell, the battery according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the pressure relief mechanism and the electrode terminal are provided on different wall portions respectively.

10. The pressure reducing mechanism and the electrode terminal are respectively provided on two of the wall portions arranged to face each other along the second direction, or the pressure reducing mechanism and the electrode terminal are respectively provided on two of the wall portions arranged to intersect, the battery according to claim 9.

11. The electrode assembly includes two tabs with opposite polarities, and along the second direction, the two tabs are provided at the same end of the main body portion, the battery according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The electrode assembly includes two tabs with opposite polarities, and along the second direction, the two tabs are respectively provided at opposite ends of the main body portion, the battery according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. The projection of the tab in a plane perpendicular to the first direction at least partially overlaps with the projection of the heat management member adjacent to the main body portion in a plane perpendicular to the first direction, the battery according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. Along the first direction, the heat management member is provided between at least two adjacent battery cells, the battery according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A plurality of the heat management members are provided, the plurality of the heat management members are provided at intervals along the first direction, and at least one battery cell is provided between two adjacent heat management members, the battery according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. Along the first direction, the battery cell and the heat management member are alternately arranged, the battery according to claim 15.

17. A power consumption device including the battery according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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