Battery cell, battery, and power-consuming device

Abstract

This application relates to the field of batteries, and specifically to battery cells, batteries, and power-consuming devices. The battery cell of this application includes a case, a cell assembly, and an insulating layer. An installation cavity is provided inside the case, the cell assembly is provided in the installation cavity, and an insulating layer is provided between at least a part of the cell assembly and the case. In the technical solution of this application, by providing an insulating layer between at least a part of the cell assembly and the case, when insulation failure occurs in the case and an electric arc or arc is generated, due to the presence of the insulating layer, the electric arc or arc generated in the case will not destroy the insulating layer. Thereby, it plays a role in protecting at least a part of the cell assembly provided opposite to the insulating layer, reducing or avoiding damage to the cell assembly, preventing the occurrence of a short-circuit phenomenon inside the cell assembly, further avoiding the occurrence of safety accidents, and enhancing the safety and reliability during the use of the battery cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 202221839791.3, entitled "Battery Cell, Battery and Power - consuming Device", filed on July 15, 2022, and all the contents of the said application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This application relates to the field of battery technology, specifically to battery cells, batteries and power - consuming devices.

Background Art

[0003] As environmental problems become increasingly prominent, people have begun to actively advocate for a low - carbon economy. New energy vehicles have become more and more popular as the air quality deteriorates. Many manufacturers and consumers have gradually recognized hybrid vehicles and secondary - battery electric vehicles as typical new energy vehicles. As the main power source of new energy vehicles, power batteries have already become one of the core components of electric vehicles.

[0004] When insulation failure occurs in a battery system, a short - circuit may occur in the cell assembly inside the battery, which is likely to cause thermal runaway of the battery and ultimately lead to a safety - related fire accident.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, this application proposes a battery cell, a battery and a power - consuming device that can effectively solve the problem that the cell assembly is prone to short - circuit.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a battery cell, and the battery cell includes a case with an installation cavity provided therein, a cell assembly provided in the installation cavity, and an insulating layer provided between at least a part of the cell assembly and the case.

[0007] In the technical solution of the present application, an insulating layer is provided between at least a part of the cell assembly and the case. When insulation failure occurs in the case and an electric arc or arc is generated, due to the presence of the insulating layer, the electric arc or arc generated in the case will not destroy the insulating layer, thereby playing a role in protecting at least a part of the cell assembly provided opposite to the insulating layer, reducing or avoiding damage to the cell assembly, preventing a short-circuit phenomenon from occurring inside the cell assembly, further avoiding the occurrence of safety accidents, and enhancing the safety and reliability during the use of the battery cell.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present application, the battery cell further includes an end cap, the case is provided with an opening communicating with the mounting cavity, the end cap is provided to cover the opening, and the insulating layer is provided between at least a part of the cell assembly and the end cap. By providing an insulating layer between the cell assembly and the end cap, when insulation failure occurs in the end cap and an electric arc or arc is generated, the portion of the cell assembly corresponding to the insulating layer will not be destroyed by the electric arc or arc, and the occurrence of a short-circuit phenomenon in the cell assembly is reduced or avoided.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present application, the battery cell further includes a post, the post is formed through the end cap, the post is connected to the cell assembly via a conductive sheet, and the insulating layer is provided between at least a part of the cell assembly and the conductive sheet. By providing an insulating layer between the cell assembly and the conductive sheet, when insulation failure occurs in the post or the conductive sheet and an electric arc or arc is generated, the portion of the cell assembly corresponding to the insulating layer will not be destroyed by the electric arc or arc, and the occurrence of a short-circuit phenomenon in the cell assembly is reduced or avoided.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present application, the insulating layer is overlapped on the end of the tab along the direction perpendicular to the tab of the cell assembly. When the internal pressure of the cell assembly increases, since the insulating layer is overlapped on the end of the tab, it helps in exhausting the cell assembly, preventing the occurrence of an explosion phenomenon caused by the inability to timely discharge high-pressure gas.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present application, a bent portion is provided on the conductive sheet, a plug-in hole is provided in the insulating layer, and the bent portion penetrates through the plug-in hole and is connected to the tab. By providing the plug-in hole, after the bent portion penetrates through the insulating layer, it is connected to the tab, facilitating power supply to the outside through the post.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present application, a through hole is provided in the insulating layer, and the through hole communicates with a pressure reducing member in the end cap. When the internal pressure of the battery cell increases, the generated high-pressure gas acts on the pressure reducing member through the through hole, causing the pressure reducing member to rupture, further discharging the high-pressure gas to the outside of the battery cell, and ensuring the safety and reliability during the use of the battery cell.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present application, the insulating layer is connected to the cell assembly. The insulating layer is connected to the cell assembly to protect the cell assembly with the insulating layer, preventing the cell assembly from being destroyed by an electric arc or an arc, and further enhancing the safety and reliability during the use of the battery cell.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present application, the insulating layer is connected to the case. The insulating layer is connected to the case to protect the cell assembly with the insulating layer, preventing the cell assembly from being destroyed by an electric arc or an arc, and further enhancing the safety and reliability during the use of the battery cell.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present application, the insulating layer is fixed between the case and the cell assembly. Fixing the insulating layer between the case and the cell assembly, protecting the cell assembly with the insulating layer, preventing the cell assembly from being destroyed by an electric arc or an arc, and further enhancing the safety and reliability during the use of the battery cell.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present application, the insulating layer is connected to the conductive sheet. Connecting the insulating layer to the conductive sheet, protecting the cell assembly with the insulating layer, preventing the cell assembly from being destroyed by an electric arc or an arc, and further enhancing the safety and reliability during the use of the battery cell.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present application, the insulating layer is fixed between the conductive sheet and the cell assembly. Fixing the insulating layer between the conductive sheet and the cell assembly, protecting the cell assembly with the insulating layer, preventing the cell assembly from being destroyed by an electric arc or an arc, and further enhancing the safety and reliability during the use of the battery cell.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present application, the melting point of the insulating layer is greater than 250°C and less than 1000°C. By setting the melting point of the insulating layer to be greater than 250°C and less than 1000°C, it is possible to prevent the insulating layer from melting due to the action of an electric arc or an arc, and effectively protect the cell assembly.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present application, the insulating layer includes at least one of a polyimide layer, a phenolic plastic layer, a ceramic layer, and a polytetrafluoroethylene layer. Any of the above-mentioned material layers has insulation and certain heat resistance, meeting the requirements for the insulation and heat resistance of the insulating layer.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present application, the thickness dimension of the insulating layer is D, where 0.05 mm < D < 2 mm, and the voltage of the battery cell is V, where 200 V / mm < V / D < 40000 V / mm. According to the above range of the thickness of the insulating layer, it is possible to effectively prevent an electric arc or arc generated at the corresponding voltage from destroying the insulating layer, and protect the cell assembly.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present application, the total weight of the insulating layer is 0.1% - 1% of the total weight of the battery cell. The dimensional area corresponding to the weight of the insulating layer can not only prevent an electric arc or arc from destroying the insulating layer and the cell assembly, but also ensure that the volume occupied by the insulating layer in the case is not too large, meeting the requirements for miniaturization and weight reduction of the battery cell.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present application, the cell assembly has a cubic structure, and the insulating layer is provided between at least one of the two side surfaces in the length direction of the cell assembly and the case. By providing it as described above, it is possible to prevent at least one side surface in the length direction of the cell assembly from being destroyed by an electric arc or arc.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present application, the cell assembly has a cubic structure, and the insulating layer is provided between at least one of the two side surfaces in the width direction of the cell assembly and the case. By providing it as described above, it is possible to prevent at least one side surface in the width direction of the cell assembly from being destroyed by an electric arc or arc.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present application, the cell assembly has a cubic structure, and the insulating layer is provided between the bottom surface of the cell assembly and the case. By providing it as described above, it is possible to prevent the bottom surface of the cell assembly from being destroyed by an electric arc or arc.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present application, the cell assembly has a cubic structure, and the insulating layer is provided on the upper surface of the cell assembly. By providing it as described above, it is possible to prevent the upper surface of the cell assembly from being damaged by an electric arc or an arc.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present application, the insulating layer completely covers the surface of the corresponding cell assembly. By making the insulating layer completely cover the corresponding surface, it is possible to comprehensively and effectively prevent the corresponding surface from being damaged by an electric arc or an arc.

[0027] In a second aspect, the present application provides a battery having the battery cell in the above embodiment.

[0028] In a third aspect, the present application provides an electric power consuming device having the battery in the above embodiment.

[0029] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solutions of the present application. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present application, it can be implemented according to the content of the specification. Also, in order to make the above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present application clearer and easier to understand, specific embodiments of the present application are given below.

[0030] Through the detailed description of the following preferred embodiments, various other advantages and beneficial aspects will become clear to those skilled in the art. The drawings are only intended to show the preferred embodiments and are not considered to be a limitation to the present application. Also, throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same members.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the technical solution of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are merely examples used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present application, and thus should not be used to limit the protection scope of the present application.

[0033] Unless otherwise specified, technical terms or scientific terms used in the embodiments of the present application should have the ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art.

[0034] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by technical terms such as "center", "vertical direction", "horizontal direction", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial direction", "radial direction", "circumferential direction", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the purpose of facilitating the description of the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description. It does not indicate or imply that the indicated device or element must have a specific orientation and be configured and operate in a specific orientation, so it should not be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present application.

[0035] Also, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are only for the purpose of description, and should not be understood as indicating or suggesting relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, "a plurality" means two or more unless otherwise clearly and specifically limited.

[0036] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, technical terms such as "attach", "connect", "connect", "fix", etc. should be understood in a broad sense unless otherwise clearly defined and limited. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral one, a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, a direct connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, or the internal communication of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application according to the specific situation.

[0037] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, for the first feature to be "above" or "below" the second feature, the first feature and the second feature may be in direct contact, or the first feature and the second feature may be in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Further, for the first feature to be "above", "upper", and "upper side" of the second feature, the first feature may be directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or it only represents that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. For the first feature to be "below", "lower", and "lower side" of the second feature, the first feature may be directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or it only represents that the horizontal height of the first feature is smaller than that of the second feature.

[0038] Currently, from the perspective of the market development trend, 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 thermal power plants, but also widely applied to many fields such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, electric vehicles, and military equipment and aerospace. As the application fields of power batteries are expanding, the market demand for them is also increasing.

[0039] Since metal members are usually selected and used for the case and post of the battery cell, when double-point insulation failure occurs in the battery system, an electric arc will occur on the metal charged members such as the positive and negative electrodes, case (made of aluminum or steel) in the battery cell. The electric arc will damage the post and metal case, further damage the cell assembly inside the battery, cause a short circuit inside the cell assembly, trigger thermal runaway of the battery, and ultimately lead to a safety-related fire accident.

[0040] To solve the problem that the cell assembly is damaged after the electric arc destroys the post or the metal housing, an insulating layer can be provided outside the cell assembly. When insulation failure occurs in the battery cell and an electric arc is generated in the metal charged member as a result, since the insulating layer is provided, the electric arc generated in the metal charged member will not destroy the insulating layer, thereby playing a role in protecting at least a part of the cell assembly provided opposite to the insulating layer, reducing or avoiding damage to the cell assembly, preventing a short-circuit phenomenon from occurring inside the cell assembly, further avoiding the occurrence of safety accidents, and enhancing the safety and reliability during the use of the battery cell.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle 1 provided according to an embodiment of the present application. The vehicle 1 may be a gasoline vehicle, a gas vehicle, or a new energy vehicle, and the new energy vehicle may be a secondary battery electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, a range-extended electric vehicle, or the like. A battery 10 is provided inside the vehicle 1, and the battery 10 may be provided at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 1. The battery 10 can be used to supply power to the vehicle 1. For example, the battery 10 can be used as the operating power source of the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 may further include a controller 11 and a motor 12. The controller 11 is used to control the battery 10 to supply power to the motor 12. For example, it is used to meet the needs of the operating power during the start, navigation, and driving of the vehicle 1.

[0042] In an embodiment of the present application, the battery 10 can not only be used as the operating power source of the vehicle 1, but also be used as the driving power source of the vehicle 1 to provide driving power to the vehicle 1 instead of gasoline or natural gas, or instead of a part of them.

[0043] To meet different power usage needs, the battery 10 can include a plurality of battery cells 21, and the battery cell 21 is the minimum unit that constitutes the battery module 20 or the battery pack. The plurality of battery cells 21 can be connected in series and / or in parallel via posts so as to be used in various application scenarios. The battery mentioned in this application includes the battery module 20 or the battery pack. Between the plurality of battery cells 21, they may be connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel. The series-parallel connection refers to a mixture of series connection and parallel connection. The battery 10 may be referred to as a battery pack. In the embodiments of this application, the plurality of battery cells 21 may directly constitute the battery pack, or first constitute the battery module 20, and then the battery module 20 further constitutes the battery pack.

[0044] Figure 2 shows a schematic structural diagram of the battery 10 according to an embodiment of this application. In Figure 2, the battery 10 can include a plurality of battery modules 20 and a box 30, and the plurality of battery modules 20 are housed inside the box 30. The box 30 is used to house the battery cell 21 or the battery module 20 so as to avoid liquid or other foreign objects affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cell 21. The box 30 may be a simple three-dimensional structure such as a single cuboid, cylinder, or sphere, or a complex three-dimensional structure combining simple three-dimensional structures such as a cuboid, cylinder, or sphere, but it is not limited to this in the embodiments of this application. The material of the box 30 may be an alloy material such as an aluminum alloy or an iron alloy, a polymer material such as polycarbonate or polyisocyanurate foam plastic, or a composite material of glass fiber and epoxy resin, but it is not limited to this in the embodiments of this application.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present application, the box 30 can include a first part 301 and a second part 302. The first part 301 and the second part 302 cover each other, and the first part 301 and the second part 302 jointly define a space for accommodating the battery cell 21. The second part 302 may have a hollow structure with an opening at one end, the first part 301 may have a plate-like structure, and the first part 301 covers the opening side of the second part 302 so that the first part 301 and the second part 302 jointly define a space for accommodating the battery cell 21. The first part 301 and the second part 302 may both have a hollow structure with an opening on one side, and the opening side of the first part 301 covers the opening side of the second part 302.

[0046] FIG. 3 shows a schematic structural diagram of a battery module 20 according to an embodiment of the present application. In FIG. 3, the battery module 20 can include a plurality of battery cells 21. The plurality of battery cells 21 are first connected in series or in parallel or in series-parallel to form the battery module 20, and a plurality of battery modules 20 can be further connected in series or in parallel or in series-parallel to form the battery 10. In the present application, the battery cell 21 can include a lithium-ion battery, a sodium-ion battery, a magnesium-ion battery, etc., and is not limited thereto in the embodiments of the present application. The battery cell 21 may have a cylindrical shape, a flat shape, a cuboid shape, or other shapes, and is not limited thereto in the embodiments of the present application. Generally, according to the packaging method, the battery cell 21 is divided into three types: a cylindrical battery cell, a cubic battery cell, and a soft pack battery cell, and is not limited thereto in the embodiments of the present application. However, for the sake of simplicity, in the following embodiments, the cubic battery cell will be taken as an example for description.

[0047] FIG. 4 is an exploded schematic structural diagram of a battery cell 21 provided according to an embodiment of the present application. The battery cell 21 is the minimum unit that constitutes the battery 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the battery cell 21 includes a case 211, an end cap 212, and a cell assembly 213.

[0048] The end cap 212 refers to a member that covers the opening of the case 211 so as to isolate the internal environment of the battery cell 21 from the external environment. Although not limited thereto, the shape of the end cap 212 can be adapted to the shape of the case 211 so as to match the case 211. Optionally, the end cap 212 can be manufactured from a material having a certain hardness and strength (such as an aluminum alloy). In this way, when the end cap 212 is pressed and collided, distortion is less likely to occur, the battery cell 21 can have higher structural strength, and the safety performance can also be enhanced. Functional members such as posts 215 may be provided on the end cap 212. The post 215 can be used to electrically connect to the cell assembly 212 in order to output or input the electrical energy of the battery cell 21. In an embodiment of the present application, the end cap 212 may further be provided with a pressure relief mechanism for reducing the internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 21 reaches a threshold value. In an embodiment of the present application, an insulating member may further be provided inside the end cap 212, and the insulating member can be used to isolate the electrical connection member in the case 211 from the end cap 212 so as to reduce the risk of short circuit. Exemplarily, the insulating member may be plastic, rubber, or the like.

[0049] The case 211 is an assembly for forming the internal environment of the battery cell 21 in accordance with the end cap 212, and the formed internal environment can be used to accommodate the cell assembly 212, the electrolyte (not shown), and other components. The case 211 and the end cap 212 may be independent components. An opening may be provided in the case 211, and the internal environment of the battery cell 21 can be formed by covering the opening with the end cap 212 at the opening. Without being limited thereto, the end cap 212 and the case 211 may be integrated. Specifically, the end cap 212 and the case 211 can form a common connection surface prior to placing other components into the case. When it is necessary to package the interior of the case 211, the case 211 is covered with the end cap 212. The housing 211 may have various shapes and various dimensions such as, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, a cylindrical shape, a hexagonal prism shape, etc. Specifically, the shape of the case 211 can be determined according to the specific shape and dimensions of the cell assembly 213. The case 211 may be made of various materials such as, for example, copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and is not particularly limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0050] The cell assembly 213 is a component in which an electrochemical reaction occurs in the battery cell 21. One or more cell assemblies 212 can be included in the case 211. The cell assembly 213 is mainly formed by winding or laminating a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate, and a separator is usually provided between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate. The portions of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate having the active material constitute the main body of the cell assembly 213, and the portions of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate not having the active material constitute tabs (not shown), respectively. The positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab may be located together at one end of the main body, or may be located at both ends of the main body, respectively. During the charge and discharge process of the battery, the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material react with the electrolyte, and the tabs are connected to the post 215 to form an electric current circuit.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the cell assembly 213 and the first insulating layer 214 according to one embodiment of the present application, and FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the cell assembly 213 and the first insulating layer 214 from another angle according to one embodiment of the present application. The present application provides a battery cell 21, which includes a case 211, a cell assembly 213, and an insulating layer. An installation cavity is provided inside the case 211. The cell assembly 213 is provided in the installation cavity, and an insulating layer is provided between at least a part of the cell assembly 213 and the case 211.

[0052] The insulating layer is usually made of an insulating material and is used to prevent the occurrence of a conduction phenomenon between two adjacent conductors. As shown in FIG. 5, the cell assembly 213 has a cubic structure, and one first insulating layer 214 is provided at each end of the cell assembly 213 in the length direction. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first insulating layer 214 according to one embodiment of the present application. The first insulating layer 214 includes a first main body 2141, a first side portion 2142, and a second side portion 2143. The first side portion 2142 and the second side portion 2143 are provided on the same side surface of the first main body 2141 and are provided opposite to each other. The first side portion 2142 and the second side portion 2143 are respectively connected to two side surfaces in the width direction of the cell assembly 213, and the first main body 2141 is provided so as to face one side surface in the length direction of the cell assembly 213. Further, the first main body 214 protects the side surface of the cell assembly 213 in the length direction.

[0053] When insulation failure occurs in the battery cell 21 and an electric arc or arc is generated in the case 211, due to the provision of the first insulating layer 214, the electric arc or arc generated in the case 211 will not destroy the first insulating layers 214 on both sides in the length direction of the cell assembly 213, and it plays a role in protecting the two side surfaces in the length direction of the cell assembly 213, reducing or avoiding damage to the cell assembly 213, preventing the occurrence of a short-circuit phenomenon inside the cell assembly 213, further avoiding the occurrence of safety accidents, and enhancing the safety and reliability during the use of the battery cell 21.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in one embodiment of the present application, the battery cell 21 further includes an end cap 212. The case 211 is provided with an opening communicating with the mounting cavity. The end cap 212 is provided to cover the opening, and an insulating layer is provided between at least a part of the cell assembly 213 and the end cap 212.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, the case 211 and the end cap 212 have a separate structure. The insulating layer is provided between the case 211 and the cell assembly 213, or the insulating layer is provided between the end cap 212 and the cell assembly 213, or the insulating layer is provided between the case 211 and the cell assembly 213 and between the end cap 212 and the cell assembly 213 at the same time.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 4, 8, and 9, FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the cell assembly 213 and the second insulating layer 217 according to one embodiment of the present application, and FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the cell assembly 213 and the second insulating layer 217 from another angle according to one embodiment of the present application. In one embodiment of the present application, a second insulating layer 217 is provided between the upper surface of the cell assembly 213 and the end cap 212. By providing the second insulating layer 217 between the cell assembly 213 and the end cap 212, when insulation failure occurs in the end cap 212 and an electric arc or arc is generated, the upper surface of the cell assembly 213 corresponding to the second insulating layer 212 is not damaged by the electric arc or arc, and the occurrence of a short-circuit phenomenon in the cell assembly 213 is reduced or avoided.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present application, the case 211 and the end cap 212 may have an integral structure. By correspondingly providing an insulating layer on the outer surface of the cell assembly 213, the same effect of preventing the cell assembly 213 from being damaged by an electric arc or arc can be exerted.

[0058] Referring again to FIGS. 4, 8, and 9, in one embodiment of the present application, the battery cell 21 further includes a post 215. The post 215 is formed through the end cap 212. The post 215 is connected to the cell assembly 213 via a conductive sheet 216, and a second insulating layer 217 is provided between at least a part of the cell assembly 213 and the conductive sheet 216.

[0059] Specifically, both ends of the post 215 are provided on both sides of the end cap 212 respectively. That is, one end of the post 215 extends outside the case 211, and the other end of the post 215 is connected to the cell assembly 213 after passing through the end cap 212, forming an electrical circuit for feeding power to the cell assembly 213 and the outside. The post 215 is connected to the cell assembly 213 via a conductive sheet 216. As the conductive sheet 216, a metal plate having a conductive function or other wiring boards can be selected and used. Since both the post 215 and the conductive sheet 216 are conductive members, when insulation failure occurs in the battery cell 21, an electric arc or arc is likely to occur in the post 215 and / or the conductive sheet 216. Therefore, in order to prevent the electric arc or arc generated in the post 215 and / or the conductive sheet 216 from damaging the cell assembly 213, an insulating layer can be provided between the cell assembly 213 and the conductive sheet 216. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a second insulating layer 217 is provided between the conductive sheet 216 and the upper surface of the cell assembly 213.

[0060] By providing the second insulating layer 217 between the cell assembly 213 and the conductive sheet 216, when insulation failure occurs in the post 215 or the conductive sheet 216 and an electric arc or arc is generated, the upper surface of the cell assembly 213 corresponding to the second insulating layer 217 is not damaged by the electric arc or arc, and the occurrence of a short-circuit phenomenon in the cell assembly 213 is reduced or avoided. At the same time, an insulating layer can be provided between the cell assembly 213 and the case 211 to protect the other side surfaces of the cell assembly 213 simultaneously.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in one embodiment of the present application, a second insulating layer 217 is provided between the conductive sheet 216 and the cell assembly 213, and the second insulating layer 217 is overlapped with the end of the tab 2131 along the direction perpendicular to the tab 2131 of the cell assembly 213.

[0062] Specifically, the tab 2131 is provided protruding from the upper surface of the cell assembly 213, and the tab 2131 is used to connect the post 215 and the cell assembly 213. Two tabs 2131 are provided at intervals on one side surface in the length direction of the cell assembly 213, and two tabs 2131 are similarly provided at intervals on the other side surface in the length direction of the cell assembly 213, and the tabs 2131 on the two side surfaces are provided in one-to-one correspondence. By overlapping the second insulating layer 217 with the upper end of the tab 2131, the second insulating layer 217 and the main body of the cell assembly 213 are provided at intervals.

[0063] A large amount of chemical substances such as electrolytes are packed in the cell assembly 213, and a large amount of mixed gas, liquid, etc. are generated during the charge and discharge process, and the pressure is continuously accumulated accordingly. Therefore, in order to prevent the pressure in the cell assembly 213 from being too high and prone to explosion, the second insulating layer 217 and the main body of the cell assembly 213 are provided at intervals, which helps the exhaust of the cell assembly 213 and prevents the explosion phenomenon caused by the failure of the high-pressure gas to be discharged in a timely manner.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of the second insulating layer 217 according to one embodiment of the present application. In one embodiment of the present application, a bending portion (not shown) is provided on the conductive sheet 216, and a plug-in hole 2172 corresponding to the bending portion is provided in the second insulating layer 217, and the bending portion penetrates through the plug-in hole 2172 and is connected to the tab 2131.

[0065] Specifically, the second insulating layer 217 corresponding to the upper surface of the cell assembly 213 includes a second main body 2171. Since the second main body 2171 is provided between the tab 2131 and the conductive sheet 216, after the bent portion penetrates the second insulating layer 217 and then connects to the tab 2131, in order to facilitate power supply to the outside through the post 215, a plug-in hole 2172 for the bent portion of the conductive sheet 216 to penetrate is provided in the second main body 2171. Since the cell assembly 213 includes four tabs 2131, it is necessary to provide four bent portions connected to the tabs 2131. Accordingly, four plug-in holes 2172 are provided in the second main body 2171, and the four plug-in holes 2172 are respectively provided corresponding to the four bent portions one by one. The four bent portions are respectively connected to the tabs 2131 after penetrating the four plug-in holes 2172.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10 again, in an embodiment of the present application, a through hole 2173 is provided in the second insulating layer 217, and the through hole 2173 communicates with a pressure reducing member in the end cap 212.

[0067] Specifically, the pressure reducing member is an explosion-proof valve. The explosion-proof valve is provided in the end cap 212. When the air pressure in the battery cell 21 becomes high, it ruptures and opens under the action of high-pressure gas, discharges the gas in the battery cell 21 to reduce the pressure, and can prevent an explosion phenomenon from occurring in the battery cell 21.

[0068] When the internal pressure of the battery cell 21 becomes high, the generated high-pressure gas acts on the pressure reducing member through the through hole 2173, so that the pressure reducing member ruptures, and further discharges the high-pressure gas to the outside of the battery cell 21, ensuring the safety and reliability during the use of the battery cell 21.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 8, in one embodiment of the present application, the insulating layer is connected to the cell assembly 213, and / or the insulating layer is connected to the case 211, and / or the insulating layer is connected to the conductive sheet 216, and / or the insulating layer is fixed between the case 211 and the cell assembly 213, and / or the insulating layer is fixed between the conductive sheet 216 and the cell assembly 213.

[0070] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, one first insulating layer 214 is correspondingly provided on each of the two side surfaces in the length direction of the cell assembly 213. The first insulating layer 214 can be connected to the side surface in the length direction of the cell assembly 213, or the first insulating layer 214 can be connected to the case 211 corresponding to the side surface in the length direction of the cell assembly 214. Alternatively, after the cell assembly 213 and the first insulating layer 214 are installed inside the case 211, the cell assembly 213 and the case 211 jointly sandwich and fix the first insulating layer 214. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, one second insulating layer 217 is correspondingly provided on the upper surface of the cell assembly 213. The second insulating layer 217 can be connected to the tab 2131 on the upper surface of the cell assembly 213, or the second insulating layer 217 can be connected to the conductive sheet 216. Alternatively, when the conductive sheet 216 is connected to the tab 2131, the conductive sheet 216 and the tab 2131 jointly sandwich and fix the second insulating layer 217.

[0071] In any of the above forms, by correspondingly providing the insulating layer outside the cell assembly 213, the insulating layer protects the cell assembly 213, preventing the cell assembly 213 from being destroyed by an electric arc or arc, and further enhancing the safety and reliability during the use of the battery cell 21.

[0072] In one embodiment of the present application, the melting point of the insulating layer is greater than 250°C and less than 1000°C.

[0073] Specifically, the melting point of the insulating layer is the temperature at which the insulating layer changes from a solid state to a liquid state. When the temperature of the insulating layer reaches 250°C or higher, the insulating layer melts and deforms, losing its protective effect on the cell assembly 213. When the temperature of the insulating layer is below 250°C, it does not melt and deform and always exerts a protective effect on the cell assembly 213.

[0074] By setting the melting point of the insulating layer to be greater than 250°C and less than 1000°C, it is possible to prevent the insulating layer from melting due to the action of an electric arc or an arc, and effectively protect the cell assembly 213.

[0075] In one embodiment of the present application, the insulating layer includes at least one of a polyimide layer, a phenolic plastic layer, a ceramic layer, and a polytetrafluoroethylene layer.

[0076] Any of the above-mentioned material layers has insulation and a certain heat resistance, meeting the requirements for the insulation and heat resistance of the insulating layer.

[0077] In one embodiment of the present application, the dimension of the thickness of the insulating layer is D, where 0.05 mm < D < 2 mm, and the voltage of the battery cell 21 is V, where 200 V / mm < V / D < 40000 V / mm.

[0078] Specifically, the dimension of the thickness of the insulating layer is the dimension of the thickness of a single insulating layer. According to the dimensions of the conventional battery cell 21, the dimension D of the thickness of the insulating layer is generally selected to be greater than 0.05 mm and less than 2 mm, satisfying that the insulating layer is not destroyed by an electric arc and being able to provide a protective effect for the cell assembly 213. Furthermore, the dimension of the thickness of the insulating layer can be selected according to the voltage V of the battery cell 21, and generally 200 V / mm < V / D < 40000 V / mm.

[0079] According to the above range of the thickness of the insulating layer, it is possible to effectively prevent an electric arc or an arc generated at the corresponding voltage from destroying the insulating layer and protect the cell assembly 213.

[0080] In one embodiment of the present application, the total weight of the insulating layer is 0.1% to 1% of the total weight of the battery cell 21. The total weight of the insulating layer is the sum of the weights of all the insulating layers within the battery cell 21.

[0081] The dimensional area corresponding to the weight of the insulating layer can not only prevent the electric arc from destroying the insulating layer and the cell assembly 213, but also ensure that the volume occupied by the insulating layer within the case 211 is not too large, meeting the requirements for miniaturization and weight reduction of the battery cell 21.

[0082] In one embodiment of the present application, the cell assembly 213 has a cubic structure, and an insulating layer is provided between at least one of the two side surfaces in the length direction of the cell assembly 213 and the case.

[0083] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, in one embodiment of the present application, the cell assembly 213 has a cubic structure, and first insulating layers 214 are respectively provided corresponding to the two side surfaces in the length direction of the cell assembly 213.

[0084] In one embodiment of the present application, the cell assembly 213 has a cubic structure, and an insulating layer is provided on the upper surface of the cell assembly 213.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 8, in one embodiment of the present application, the cell assembly 213 has a cubic structure, and a second insulating layer 217 is provided corresponding to the upper surface of the cell assembly 213.

[0086] In one embodiment of the present application, the cell assembly 213 has a cubic structure, and an insulating layer is provided between at least one of the two side surfaces in the width direction of the cell assembly 213 and the case 211.

[0087] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the cell assembly 213 and the third insulating layer 218 according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the cell assembly 213 and the third insulating layer 218 from another angle according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third insulating layer 218 according to an embodiment of the present application. In an embodiment of the present application, the third insulating layers 218 are respectively provided corresponding to two side surfaces in the width direction of the cell assembly 213. Specifically, the third insulating layer 218 includes a third main body 2181, and a first convex portion 2182 and a second convex portion 2183 are further provided at intervals above the third main body 2181. The third main body 2181 is provided corresponding to the side surface in the width direction of the cell assembly 213, and the first convex portion 2182 and the second convex portion 2183 are respectively provided corresponding to the tabs 2131, thereby comprehensively protecting the side surfaces in the width direction of the cell assembly 213 and preventing an electric arc or an arc from destroying the side surfaces in the width direction of the cell assembly 213 or from destroying the side surfaces in the width direction of the cell assembly 213 through the tabs 2131.

[0088] In an embodiment of the present application, the cell assembly 213 has a cubic structure, and an insulating layer is provided between the bottom surface of the cell assembly 213 and the case 211.

[0089] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the cell assembly 213 and the fourth insulating layer 219 according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the cell assembly 213 and the fourth insulating layer 219 from another angle according to an embodiment of the present application. In an embodiment of the present application, the fourth insulating layer 219 is provided corresponding to the bottom surface of the cell assembly 213, and the fourth insulating layer 219 protects the bottom surface of the cell assembly 213 and prevents an electric arc or an arc from destroying the bottom surface of the cell assembly 213.

[0090] The insulating layer in the present application is provided corresponding to any one surface of the cell assembly 213, or is provided simultaneously on a plurality of surfaces or all surfaces of the cell assembly 213, so as to effectively protect the cell assembly 213 and prevent the cell assembly 213 from being damaged by an electric arc or an arc.

[0091] In one embodiment of the present application, the insulating layer completely covers the surface of the corresponding cell assembly 213.

[0092] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the first insulating layer 214 is provided opposite to the two side surfaces in the length direction of the cell assembly 213, and completely covers the two side surfaces in the length direction of the cell assembly 213 provided opposite thereto, so as to comprehensively and effectively prevent the two side surfaces in the length direction of the cell assembly 213 from being damaged by an electric arc or an arc.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 8, the second insulating layer 217 is provided opposite to the upper surface of the cell assembly 213, and completely covers the upper surface of the cell assembly 213, so as to comprehensively and effectively prevent the upper surface of the cell assembly 213 from being damaged by an electric arc or an arc.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 11, the third insulating layer 218 is provided opposite to the two side surfaces in the width direction of the cell assembly 213, and completely covers the two side surfaces in the width direction of the cell assembly 213 provided opposite thereto, so as to comprehensively and effectively prevent the two side surfaces in the width direction of the cell assembly 213 from being damaged by an electric arc or an arc.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 14, the fourth insulating layer 219 is provided opposite to the bottom surface of the cell assembly 213, and completely covers the bottom surface of the cell assembly 213, so as to comprehensively and effectively prevent the bottom surface of the cell assembly 213 from being damaged by an electric arc or an arc.

[0096] By completely covering the surface where the insulating layer is provided opposite, it is possible to comprehensively and effectively prevent the surface on the corresponding side from being destroyed by an electric arc or an arc.

[0097] In a second aspect, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the present application provides a battery 10 having the battery cell 21 in the above embodiment.

[0098] In a third aspect, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present application is a power consumption device having the battery 10 according to any one of the above embodiments, and the battery 10 is used to provide electrical energy to the power consumption device. A power consumption device is provided.

[0099] The power consumption device may be a device or system to which any one of the above-described batteries is applied.

[0100] The battery and the power consumption device in the present application have the same technical features as the battery cell in the above embodiment and can achieve the same technical effects, and thus will not be described in detail here.

[0101] In one embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 15, the battery cell 21 includes a case 211, an end cap 212, a cell assembly 213, and an insulating layer. An attachment cavity is provided inside the case 211, and the cell assembly 213 is provided in the attachment cavity. The case 211 is provided with an opening communicating with the attachment cavity, and the end cap 212 is provided to cover the opening. The battery cell 21 further includes a post 215. The post 215 is formed through the end cap 212, and the post 215 is connected to the cell assembly 213 via a conductive sheet 216. The cell assembly 213 has a cubic structure. A first insulating layer 214 is provided between each of the two side surfaces in the length direction of the cell assembly 213 and the case 211. A second insulating layer 217 is provided between the upper surface of the cell assembly 213 and the conductive sheet 216. A third insulating layer 218 is provided between each of the two side surfaces in the width direction of the cell assembly 213 and the case 211. A fourth insulating layer 219 is provided between the bottom surface of the cell assembly 213 and the case 211. The first insulating layer 214 completely covers the two side surfaces in the length direction of the cell assembly 213. The second insulating layer 217 completely covers the upper surface of the cell assembly 213. The third insulating layer 218 completely covers the two side surfaces in the width direction of the cell assembly 213. The fourth insulating layer 219 completely covers the bottom surface of the cell assembly 213. The second insulating layer 217 is provided between the conductive sheet 216 and the cell assembly 213, and the second insulating layer 217 is overlapped on the end of the tab 2131 along the direction perpendicular to the tab 2131 of the cell assembly 213. A bent portion is provided on the conductive sheet 216, and a plug-in hole 2172 corresponding to the bent portion is provided in the second insulating layer 217. The bent portion passes through the plug-in hole 2172 and is connected to the tab 2131. A through hole 2173 is further provided in the second insulating layer 217, and the through hole 2173 communicates with a pressure reducing member in the end cap 212. The first insulating layer 214, the second insulating layer 217, and the third insulating layer 218 in this embodiment are respectively connected to the cell assembly 213, and the fourth insulating layer 219 is connected to the conductive sheet 216. The melting points of the first insulating layer 214, the second insulating layer 217, the third insulating layer 218, and the fourth insulating layer 219 are each greater than 250°C and less than 1000°C.The first insulating layer 214, the second insulating layer 217, the third insulating layer 218, and the fourth insulating layer 219 each include at least one of a polyimide layer, a phenolic plastic layer, a ceramic layer, and a polytetrafluoroethylene layer. The thickness dimensions of the first insulating layer 214, the second insulating layer 217, the third insulating layer 218, and the fourth insulating layer 219 are each D, where 0.05 mm < D < 2 mm, and the voltage of the battery cell 21 is V, where 200 V / mm < V / D < 40000 V / mm. The total weight of the first insulating layer 214, the second insulating layer 217, the third insulating layer 218, and the fourth insulating layer 219 is 0.1% to 1% of the total weight of the battery cell 21.

[0102] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only for explaining the technical solutions of the present application and are not intended to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, as can be understood by those skilled in the art, it is still possible to modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments, or perform equivalent substitutions for some or all of their technical features. By these modifications and substitutions, the essence of the corresponding technical solutions does not deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and all of these modifications and substitutions should be included in the scope of the claims and the specification of the present application. In particular, as long as the structures do not conflict, all the technical features mentioned in each embodiment can be combined in any form. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, but is intended to include all the technical solutions within the scope of the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0103] 1 Vehicle 10 Battery 11 Controller 12 Motor 20 Battery Module 21 Battery Cell 211 Case 212 End Cap 213 Cell Assembly 2131 Tab 214 First Insulating Layer 2141 First main body 2142 First side part 2143 Second side part 215 Post 216 Conductive sheet 217 Second insulating layer 2171 Second main body 2172 Plug-in hole 2173 Through hole 218 Third insulating layer 2181 Third main body 2182 First convex part 2183 Second convex part 219 Fourth insulating layer 30 Box 301 First part 302 Second part

Claims

1. A case having a mounting cavity provided therein, A cell assembly provided in the mounting cavity, An insulating layer provided between at least a part of the cell assembly and the case, A battery cell, characterized by comprising the above.

2. The battery cell further includes an end cap. The case is provided with an opening communicating with the mounting cavity. The end cap is provided so as to cover the opening, and the insulating layer is provided between at least a part of the cell assembly and the end cap. The battery cell according to Claim 1, characterized by this.

3. The battery cell further includes a post. The post is formed through the end cap, and the post is connected to the cell assembly via a conductive sheet. The insulating layer is provided between at least a part of the cell assembly and the conductive sheet. The battery cell according to Claim 2, characterized by this.

4. The insulating layer is overlaid on an end portion of the tab along a direction perpendicular to the tab of the cell assembly. The battery cell according to Claim 3, characterized by this.

5. The conductive sheet is provided with a bent portion, and the insulating layer is provided with a plug-in hole. The bent portion penetrates the plug-in hole and is connected to the tab. The battery cell according to Claim 4, characterized by this.

6. The insulating layer is provided with a through hole, and the through hole communicates with a decompression member in the end cap. The battery cell according to Claim 3, characterized by this.

7. The insulating layer is connected to the cell assembly. The battery cell according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized by this.

8. The insulating layer is connected to the case. The battery cell according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized by this.

9. The insulating layer is fixed between the case and the cell assembly. The battery cell according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized by this.

10. The insulating layer is connected to the conductive sheet. The battery cell according to any one of Claims 3 to 6, characterized by this.

11. The insulating layer is fixed between the conductive sheet and the cell assembly. The battery cell according to any one of Claims 3 to 6, characterized by this.

12. The melting point of the insulating layer is greater than 250°C and less than 1000°C. The battery cell according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized by this.

13. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the insulating layer includes at least one of a polyimide layer, a phenolic plastic layer, a ceramic layer, and a polytetrafluoroethylene layer.

14. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the dimension of the thickness of the insulating layer is D, 0.05 mm < D < 2 mm, the voltage of the battery cell is V, and 200 V / mm < V / D < 40000 V / mm.

15. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the total weight of the insulating layer is 0.1% to 1% of the total weight of the battery cell.

16. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cell assembly has a cubic structure, and the insulating layer is provided between at least one of two side surfaces in the length direction of the cell assembly and the case.

17. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cell assembly has a cubic structure, and the insulating layer is provided between at least one of two side surfaces in the width direction of the cell assembly and the case.

18. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cell assembly has a cubic structure, and the insulating layer is provided between the bottom surface of the cell assembly and the case.

19. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cell assembly has a cubic structure, and the insulating layer is provided on the upper surface of the cell assembly.

20. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the insulating layer completely covers the surface of the corresponding cell assembly.

21. A battery, comprising the battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. An electric power consuming device, comprising the battery according to claim 21.

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