End cover assemblies, end covers, battery cells, batteries and electrical equipment

Abstract

This application discloses an end cover assembly, an end cover, a battery cell, a battery, and an electrical device. The end cover assembly includes an end cover, electrode terminals, and an insulating member, the end cover being provided with mounting holes, the electrode terminals being mounted in the mounting holes, and the insulating member being provided at least partially between the electrode terminals and the end cover to insulate and separate the electrode terminals from the end cover. The end cover and / or electrode terminals are provided with a first position limiting portion, and the insulating member is provided with a second position limiting portion, and the fitting of the first and second position limiting portions restricts the rotation of the insulating member relative to the end cover and / or electrode terminals. This reduces the risk of the insulating member rotating relative to the end cover, improves the sealing between the insulating member and the end cover, improves the sealing between the insulating member and the electrode terminals, reduces the risk of electrolyte leakage, and improves the reliability of the battery cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - reference to related applications) This application claims priority to a Chinese patent application (No. 202322481663.7) with the invention title "End Cover Assembly, End Cover, Battery Cell, Battery and Electrical Equipment" filed on September 13, 2023, and all of its contents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This application relates to the field of batteries, specifically to end cover assemblies, end covers, battery cells, batteries, and electrical equipment.

Background Art

[0003] Battery cells have advantages such as small volume, high energy density, high power density, high cycle life, and long storage period, so they are widely applied in some electronic devices, electric vehicles, electric toys, and electric equipment.

[0004] With the continuous development of technology, the requirements for the performance of battery cells are increasing, and how to improve the reliability of battery cells has become an urgent problem to be solved.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an end cover assembly, an end cover, a battery cell, a battery, and an electrical equipment that can enhance the reliability of the battery cell.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an end cover assembly comprising an end cover, an electrode terminal, and an insulating member, wherein the end cover is provided with a mounting hole, the electrode terminal is mounted in the mounting hole, at least a portion of the insulating member is located in the mounting hole, and at least a portion of the insulating member is provided between the electrode terminal and the end cover, insulating the electrode terminal and the end cover apart, the end cover and / or the electrode terminal is provided with a first position limiting portion, the insulating member is provided with a second position limiting portion, and the rotation of the insulating member relative to the end cover and / or the electrode terminal is limited by the fitting of the first position limiting portion and the second position limiting portion.

[0007] In the above technical solution, by providing a first position limiting portion on the end cover and / or electrode terminals and a second position limiting portion on the insulating member, the rotation of the insulating member relative to the end cover and / or electrode terminals can be restricted. This improves the sealing performance between the insulating member and the end cover, improves the sealing performance between the insulating member and the electrode terminals, reduces the risk of electrolyte leakage, and enhances the reliability of the battery cell.

[0008] In some embodiments, at least a portion of one of the first position limiting portion and the second position limiting portion is a position limiting projection, and at least a portion of the other is a position limiting groove.

[0009] In the above technical solution, the first position limiting portion and the second position limiting portion fit together in the form of a position limiting projection and a position limiting groove, resulting in a simple structure and easy manufacturing.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first position limiting portion is a position limiting projection, and the second position limiting portion is a position limiting groove.

[0011] In the above technical solution, providing position-limiting protrusions on the end cover and / or electrode terminals not only serves to limit the rotation of the insulating material, but also helps to strengthen the structural strength of the end cover and / or electrode terminals.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first position limiting portion is provided on the end cover.

[0013] In the above technical solution, the rotation of the insulating member is restricted by the fitting of the first position limiting portion in the end cover and the second position limiting portion in the insulating member.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first position limiting portion is provided on the outer surface of the end cover.

[0015] In the above technical solution, compared to the case where the first position limiting portion is provided at another location on the end cover, providing the first position limiting portion on the outer surface of the end cover not only simplifies the processing and molding of the first position limiting portion, but also reduces the influence of the first position limiting portion on the internal structure of the battery cell.

[0016] In some embodiments, the position-limiting projection includes an annular projection provided around the mounting hole, and the annular projection is a non-rotating body.

[0017] In the above technical solution, by providing the annular projection as a non-rotating body, the rotation of the insulating member can be more effectively restricted.

[0018] In some embodiments, the annular projection is a rectangular ring, a rhombic ring, a triangular ring, or an elliptical ring.

[0019] In the above technical solution, the annular projection is a rectangular ring, a rhombic ring, a triangular ring, or an elliptical ring. These shapes help to restrict the rotation of the insulating material and also help to control manufacturing precision during production.

[0020] In some embodiments, the position-limiting projection includes an annular projection provided around the mounting hole, the annular projection being a pivoting body, and the central axis of the pivoting body being non-collinear with the central axis of the mounting hole.

[0021] In the above technical solution, the annular protrusion is a rotating body, and the central axis of the rotating body is non-collinear with the central axis of the mounting hole. Therefore, the annular protrusion is in an offset state with respect to the mounting hole, and the position-limiting effect in the circumferential direction of the insulating member can be strengthened. In addition, the rotating body structure is helpful for controlling the manufacturing accuracy during manufacturing.

[0022] In some embodiments, a plurality of the annular protrusions are provided, and one of two adjacent annular protrusions is provided along the outer circumference of the other.

[0023] In the above technical solution, by providing an annular protrusion on the end cover and providing a plurality of annular protrusions, the limiting effect on the insulating member can be strengthened, and the possibility that the insulating member rotates with respect to the end cover can be further reduced.

[0024] In some embodiments, the position-limiting protrusion includes a dot-shaped protrusion and / or a strip-shaped protrusion.

[0025] In the above technical solution, the dot-shaped protrusion is helpful for controlling the material cost because of the small amount of material used. The strip-shaped protrusion is helpful for improving the rotation-limiting effect of the insulating member by the first position-limiting portion because the contact area with the insulating member is larger. By arranging the position-limiting protrusion to include a dot-shaped protrusion and a strip-shaped protrusion, the arrangement of the first position-limiting portion becomes more flexible, and both the material cost and the rotation-limiting effect of the insulating member can be considered.

[0026] In some embodiments, the strip-shaped protrusion extends linearly, in a broken line shape, or in a curved line shape.

[0027] In the above technical solution, by the strip-shaped protrusion extending linearly, in a broken line shape, or in a curved line shape, it can play a role in restricting the rotation of the insulating member with respect to the end cover, and the manufacturing method is simple, and the manufacturing difficulty can be reduced.

[0028] In some embodiments, the position limiting protrusion includes a plurality of dot-shaped protrusions, and the plurality of dot-shaped protrusions are provided at intervals surrounding the mounting hole, and / or the position limiting protrusion includes a plurality of strip-shaped protrusions, and the plurality of strip-shaped protrusions are provided at intervals surrounding the mounting hole.

[0029] In the above technical solution, by providing a plurality of dot-shaped protrusions and / or strip-shaped protrusions, the limiting effect of the end cover on the insulating member can be enhanced, and the possibility of the insulating member rotating relative to the end cover can be further reduced.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first position limiting portion is provided on the electrode terminal.

[0031] In the above technical solution, by fitting the first position limiting portion with the second position limiting portion on the insulating member, the connection stability between the insulating member and the electrode terminal is improved, and the possibility of the insulating member rotating relative to the end cover is reduced.

[0032] In some embodiments, a through hole is provided in the insulating member, the electrode terminal is provided through the through hole, the first position limiting portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the electrode terminal, and the second position limiting portion is provided on the hole wall of the through hole.

[0033] In the above technical solution, since the first position limiting portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the electrode terminal and the second position limiting portion is provided on the hole wall of the through hole of the insulating member, by fitting the first position limiting portion with the second position limiting portion, the risk of the insulating member rotating relative to the electrode terminal can be reduced, the sealing performance between the insulating member and the electrode terminal can be enhanced, the sealing performance between the insulating member and the end cover can be enhanced, the risk of electrolyte leakage can be reduced, and the reliability of the battery cell can be improved.

[0034] In some embodiments, a plurality of the second position limiting portions are provided, and the plurality of second position limiting portions are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the through hole.

[0035] In the above technical solution, the multiple second position limiting sections further enhance the limiting effect on the insulating member, thereby reducing the risk of the insulating member rotating relative to the end cover.

[0036] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an end cover having a first position limiting portion, wherein the first position limiting portion is fitted to an insulating member and used to limit the rotation of the insulating member relative to the end cover.

[0037] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a battery cell comprising a case and an end cover assembly provided in any embodiment of the first aspect, or an end cover provided in any embodiment of the second aspect, wherein the case has an opening and the end cover covers the opening.

[0038] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a battery including a battery cell provided in any embodiment of the second aspect.

[0039] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an electrical device comprising a battery cell provided in any embodiment of the second aspect, or a battery provided in an embodiment of the second aspect, wherein the battery cell or the battery is used to supply power to the electrical device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0040] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments are briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings illustrate only a few embodiments of this application and should not be considered limiting. Those skilled in the art will be able to conceive of other relevant drawings based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0041] [Figure 1] These are schematic diagrams of the structure of a vehicle according to some embodiments of this application. [Figure 2]This is an exploded view of a battery according to some embodiments of this application. [Figure 3] This is an exploded view of a battery cell according to some embodiments of this application. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an end cover assembly according to several embodiments of this application. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an end cover assembly according to another embodiment of this application. [Figure 6] This is a partial cross-sectional view along the CC line in Figure 5 relating to some embodiments of this application. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged view of section A in Figure 6. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an end cover according to some embodiments of this application. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an end cover according to another embodiment of this application. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an end cover according to yet another embodiment of this application. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an end cover according to yet another embodiment of this application. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an end cover according to yet another embodiment of this application. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram of the structure in which a first position limiting portion is provided on the electrode terminal according to some embodiments of this application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0042] To further clarify the purpose, technical solution, and advantages of the embodiments of this application, the technical solution in the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Naturally, the embodiments described are not all of the embodiments of this application, but only a portion of them. All other embodiments that a person skilled in the art can obtain without creative work based on the embodiments of this application are included in the scope of protection of this application.

[0043] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and specialized terms used in this application have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art. Terms used in the specification of this application are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this application. The terms “includes,” “equipped,” and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application, and in the brief description of the drawings above, are intended to include non-exclusive inclusion. Terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., in the specification and claims of this application, or in the accompanying drawings above, are used to distinguish different subjects, not to describe a particular order or primary-secondary relationship.

[0044] In this application, the term "Examples" means that any particular feature, structure, or property described with reference to an Example may be included in at least one Example of this application. Where the term appears in other parts of the specification, it does not necessarily refer to the same Example, nor does it mean that the Example is exclusively independent or alternative to any other Example.

[0045] In this application, unless explicitly stated or limited, the terms “attachment,” “connection,” and “linking” should be understood broadly. For example, they may be fixed connections, removable connections, or integral connections. They may also be direct connections, indirect connections via an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two elements. A person skilled in the art may understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application on a case-by-case basis.

[0046] In this application, the term "and / or" simply describes the relationship between related objects and indicates that there may be three possible relationships. For example, A and / or B indicates that there are three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone. In this application, the symbol " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0047] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals indicate the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components are omitted in different embodiments. The dimensions such as thickness, length, and width of various components in the embodiments of this application shown in the drawings, as well as the overall dimensions such as thickness, length, and width of the integrating device, are for illustrative purposes only and should be understood as not limiting this application in any way.

[0048] As used in this application, "multiple" means two or more (including two).

[0049] In this application, the term "battery cell" includes, but is not limited to, lithium-ion secondary batteries, lithium-ion primary batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, sodium-lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, or magnesium-ion batteries. The term "battery cell" includes, but is not limited to, cylindrical, flattened, rectangular, or other shapes. The term "battery cell" generally includes, depending on the packaging method, columnar battery cells, prismatic battery cells, and pouch-type battery cells.

[0050] As used in the embodiments of this application, a battery refers to a single physical module comprising one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. For example, a battery as used in this application may include a battery module or a battery pack. A battery generally includes a box for packaging one or more battery cells. The box can prevent liquids or other foreign matter from affecting the charging and discharging of the battery cells.

[0051] A battery cell contains an electrode assembly and an electrolyte, the electrode assembly consisting of a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator. The battery cell operates primarily by the movement of metal ions between the positive and negative electrode sheets. The positive electrode sheet includes a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material layer, the positive electrode active material layer being coated on the surface of the positive electrode current collector, a positive electrode current collector without the positive electrode active material layer protruding from the positive electrode current collector with the positive electrode active material layer, and a positive electrode current collector without the positive electrode active material layer being a positive electrode tab. Taking a lithium-ion battery as an example, the material of the positive electrode current collector may be aluminum, and the positive electrode active material may be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganese oxide, etc. The negative electrode sheet includes a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material layer. The negative electrode active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative electrode current collector. Negative electrode current collectors without the negative electrode active material layer protrude from negative electrode current collectors with the negative electrode active material layer, and negative electrode current collectors without the negative electrode active material layer form negative electrode tabs. The material of the negative electrode current collector may be copper, and the negative electrode active material may be carbon or silicon, etc. To prevent melting when a large current flows, there are multiple positive electrode tabs, which are laminated together, and multiple negative electrode tabs, which are laminated together. The material of the separator may be PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene), etc. Furthermore, the electrode assembly may have a wound structure or a laminated structure, but the embodiments of this application are not limited to these.

[0052] The development of battery technology requires simultaneous consideration of various design elements, including performance parameters such as energy density, cycle life, discharge capacity, and charge / discharge rate, as well as battery reliability.

[0053] A battery cell includes an end cover assembly, a case, and an electrode assembly. The end cover assembly typically includes an end cover, electrode terminals, and insulating material. The end cover is provided with mounting through-holes to allow the electrode terminals to exit the battery cell. Insulation by an upper plastic is required between the electrode terminals and the end cover. The upper plastic is molded by injection molding to provide insulation while simultaneously securing the electrode terminals to the end cover. The upper plastic serves not only as insulation but also as a connection between the electrode terminals and the end cover.

[0054] The plastic component has weak connection strength at both the electrode terminals and the end cover, and the plastic component rotates more easily relative to the end cover. As a result of the rotation of the plastic component, the connection strength between the plastic component and the electrode terminal decreases, causing the plastic component to rotate relative to the electrode terminal. This rotation of the plastic component relative to the electrode terminal results in a loss of sealing between the end cover and the electrode terminal, causing the electrolyte inside the battery cell to leak out of the electrode lead-out hole and flow to the opposite side of the end cover from the inside of the battery cell, or allowing moisture from outside the battery cell to penetrate into the inside of the battery cell, thus affecting the reliability of the battery cell.

[0055] In view of the above, in order to solve the problem of reduced reliability of the battery cell due to the rotation of the upper plastic relative to the end cover, the embodiment of this application provides a technical solution that improves the reliability of the battery cell by providing a first position limiting portion on the end cover or electrode terminal and a second position limiting portion on the upper plastic, thereby restricting the rotation of the insulating member relative to the end cover through the fitting of the first and second position limiting portions.

[0056] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application are applicable to batteries and electrical devices using batteries.

[0057] Electrical equipment may include vehicles, mobile phones, portable devices, laptop computers, ships, aircraft, electric toys, and power tools. Vehicles may be fuel-powered vehicles, natural gas vehicles, or new energy vehicles, and new energy vehicles may include battery-powered vehicles, hybrid vehicles, or range-extender vehicles. Aircraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft. Electric toys include stationary or portable electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric boat toys, and electric airplane toys. Power tools include metal cutting power tools, grinding power tools, assembly power tools, and railway power tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, electric impact drills, concrete vibrators, and electric planers.

[0058] In the following embodiments, for the sake of clarity, we will use the example of a vehicle as the electrical equipment.

[0059] Refer to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle 1000 according to some embodiments of the present application. A battery 100 is provided inside the vehicle 1000, and the battery 100 may be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 can be used to supply power to the vehicle 1000, and for example, the battery 100 can function as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000.

[0060] The vehicle 1000 may further include a controller 300 and a motor 200. The controller 300 controls the battery 100 to supply power to the motor 200 for, for example, the power requirements for starting, navigating, and driving the vehicle 1000.

[0061] In some embodiments of this application, the battery 100 can not only serve as an operating power source for the vehicle 1000, but can also provide driving power to the vehicle 1000 as a drive power source for the vehicle 1000, replacing all or part of the gasoline or natural gas.

[0062] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 2, which is an exploded view of a battery 100 according to some embodiments of this application, and the battery 100 includes a plurality of battery cells 10. The plurality of battery cells 10 can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed connection. Here, a mixed connection means that among the plurality of battery cells 10, there are both series-connected and parallel-connected cells.

[0063] In some embodiments, the battery 100 may further include a busbar member (not shown), and multiple battery cells 10 are electrically connected via the busbar member, thereby enabling series connection, parallel connection, or mixed connection of multiple battery cells 10.

[0064] The busbar members may be metal conductors such as copper, iron, aluminum, steel, or aluminum alloys.

[0065] In some embodiments, the battery 100 may further include a box 20 for housing battery cells 10. The box 20 may include a first portion 21 and a second portion 22, which overlap each other to define a housing space 23 for housing the battery cells 10. Of course, the joint between the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 can be sealed by a sealing element (not shown), which may be a sealing ring, a sealing material, etc.

[0066] The first part 21 and the second part 22 can be in various shapes, such as a rectangular prism or a cylinder. The first part 21 may be a hollow structure with one side open, and the second part 22 may also be a hollow structure with one side open, and the open side of the second part 22 is placed over the open side of the first part 21 to form a box 20 having a storage space 23. Of course, the first part 21 may be a hollow structure with one side open, and the second part 22 may be a plate-like structure, and the second part 22 may be placed over the open side of the first part 21 to form a box 20 having a storage space 23.

[0067] Refer to Figure 3. Figure 3 is an exploded view of a battery cell 10 according to some embodiments of the present application. The battery cell 10 may include a case 12, an electrode assembly 13, an end cover 111, and other functional components.

[0068] Case 12 is a component for housing the electrode assembly 13, and may be a hollow structure with an opening at one end, or a hollow structure with openings at both ends. Case 12 may be made of various materials such as copper, iron, aluminum, steel, or aluminum alloy. Case 12 may be in various shapes such as a cylinder or a rectangular parallelepiped. For example, in Figure 3, case 12 is a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0069] The end cover 111 is a component that covers the opening of the case 12 and isolates the internal environment of the battery cell 10 from the external environment. The end cover 111 covers the opening of the case 12 and, together with the case 12, defines a sealed space for housing the electrode assembly 13, electrolyte, and other functional components. The shape of the end cover 111 may match the shape of the case 12. For example, if the case 12 has a rectangular parallelepiped structure, the end cover 111 will be a rectangular plate-like structure that matches the case 12. If the case 12 has a cylindrical structure, the end cover 111 will be a circular plate-like structure that matches the case 12. The end cover 111 may also be made of various materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, steel, and aluminum alloys. The material of the end cover 111 may be the same as or different from the material of the case 12.

[0070] In the battery cell 10, there may be one or two end covers 111. If the case 12 is a hollow structure with an opening formed at one end, one end cover 111 is provided accordingly. If the case 12 is a hollow structure with openings formed at both ends, two end covers 111 are provided accordingly, and the two end covers 111 each cover the two openings of the case 12.

[0071] Refer to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an end cover assembly 11 according to some embodiments of the present application. The end cover assembly 11 includes an end cover 111, electrode terminals 112, and a pressure release mechanism 114. The end cover 111 is provided with an injection hole 1113, and the pressure release mechanism 114 is attached to the end cover 111. The end cover 111 may be fitted with two electrode terminals 112 with opposite polarity, which is applicable to a technical solution in which the tab is drawn from the same side. Alternatively, the end cover 111 may be fitted with only one electrode terminal 112, which is applicable to a technical solution in which the tab is drawn from one side. For the sake of clarity, the embodiments of the present application will describe an example of an end cover 111 that is fitted with two electrode terminals 112 and is applicable when the tab is drawn from both sides.

[0072] The pressure release mechanism 114 is an element or component that operates to release the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 10 when the internal pressure or temperature reaches a predetermined threshold. The pressure release mechanism 114 can take the form of an explosion-proof valve, a rupture disc, an air valve, a pressure relief valve, or a safety valve, and specifically, it can employ an element or structure that is sensitive to pressure or temperature. In other words, when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 10 reaches a predetermined threshold, the pressure release mechanism 114 operates, or a vulnerable structure provided in the pressure release mechanism 114 is destroyed, forming an opening or passage that allows the internal pressure or temperature to be released.

[0073] Embodiments of this application provide an end cover assembly 11 that can improve the problem of the upper plastic rotating relative to the end cover 111. The specific structure of the end cover assembly 11 will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0074] Refer to Figures 5, 6, and 7. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an end cover assembly 11 according to another embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view along line CC of Figure 5 according to several embodiments of the present application. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 6. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure when a first position limiting portion 1112 is provided on the electrode terminal 112 according to several embodiments of the present application.

[0075] Embodiments of this application provide an end cover assembly 11 including an end cover 111, the end cover 111 having a mounting hole 1111. At least a portion of the electrode terminal 112 is mounted in the mounting hole 1111. At least a portion of the insulating member 113 is located in the mounting hole 1111, and at least a portion is provided between the electrode terminal 112 and the end cover 111, insulating and separating the electrode terminal 112 and the end cover 111. The end cover 111 and / or the electrode terminal 112 are provided with a first position limiting portion 1112, and the insulating member 113 is provided with a second position limiting portion 1131, and the fitting of the first position limiting portion 1112 and the second position limiting portion 1131 restricts the rotation of the insulating member 113 relative to the end cover 111 and / or the electrode terminal 112.

[0076] The mounting hole 1111 is a pull-out hole provided in the end cover 111 for pulling out the electrode terminals 112. The mounting hole 1111 is a through hole that penetrates the inner and outer surfaces of the end cover 111 along the thickness direction of the end cover 111. The inner surface of the end cover 111 is the surface that faces the inside of the battery cell 10 when the end cover 111 is in use, and the outer surface of the end cover 111 is the surface that faces the outside of the battery cell 10 when the end cover 111 is in use.

[0077] The insulating member 113 may be upper plastic, and at least a portion of the insulating member 113 is located in the mounting hole 1111, and at least a portion of it is provided between the electrode terminal 112 and the end cover 111, thereby performing an insulating role and reducing the risk of short circuit between the electrode terminal 112 and the end cover 111.

[0078] The insulating member 113 is provided with a second position limiting portion 1131, which may be an intentionally created uneven structure on the insulating member 113. Of course, a part of the insulating member 113 may be used as the second position limiting portion 1131. For example, if a part of the corner of the insulating member 113 is used as the second position limiting portion 1131, it becomes unnecessary to provide a separate uneven structure on the insulating member 113.

[0079] The first position limiting portion 1112 is a position limiting structure that fits into the second position limiting portion 1131 to limit the rotation of the insulating member 113 relative to the end cover 111. Limiting the insulating member 113 means preventing the insulating member 113 from rotating, or making it difficult for the insulating member 113 to rotate. The first position limiting portion 1112 may be provided on the end cover 111 (as shown in Figure 7), or on the electrode terminal 112 (as described later). Of course, the first position limiting portion 1112 may be provided on both the end cover 111 and the electrode terminal 112, that is, a position limiting structure that fits into the insulating member 113 may be provided on both the end cover 111 and the electrode terminal 112.

[0080] In this embodiment, by providing a first position limiting portion 1112 on the end cover 111 and / or electrode terminal 112, the fitting of the first position limiting portion 1112 with the second position limiting portion 1131 on the insulating member 113 reduces the risk of rotation of the insulating member 113 relative to the end cover 111, improves the sealing performance between the insulating member 113 and the end cover 111, and between the insulating member 113 and the electrode terminal 112, reduces the risk of electrolyte leakage, and enhances the reliability of the battery cell 10.

[0081] The first position limiting portion 1112 and the second position limiting portion 1131 may be in a form in which a projection and a groove fit together, and the rotation of the insulating member 113 relative to the end cover 111 is limited when the projection is fitted into the groove.

[0082] In some embodiments, at least a portion of one of the first position limiting portion 1112 and the second position limiting portion 1131 is a position limiting projection, and at least a portion of the other is a position limiting groove.

[0083] That is, at least a part of the first position limiting portion 1112 may be a position limiting projection and at least a part of the second position limiting portion 1131 may be a position limiting groove, or at least a part of the first position limiting portion 1112 may be a position limiting groove and at least a part of the second position limiting portion 1131 may be a position limiting groove.

[0084] In an embodiment in which at least a portion of the first position limiting portion 1112 is a position limiting projection, the first position limiting portion 1112 may be entirely a projection or only partially a projection. In this case, it may include other position limiting structures such as recesses. In an embodiment in which at least a portion of the second position limiting portion 1131 is a position limiting projection, the second position limiting portion 1131 may be entirely a projection or only partially a projection. In this case, the second position limiting portion 1131 may include other structures such as recesses.

[0085] Similarly, in embodiments where at least a portion of the first position limiting portion 1112 is a position limiting groove, the first position limiting portion 1112 may be entirely a groove or only partially a groove. In this case, the first position limiting portion 1112 may include other position limiting structures such as protrusions. In embodiments where at least a portion of the second position limiting portion 1131 is a position limiting groove, the second position limiting portion 1131 may be entirely a groove or only partially a groove. In this case, the second position limiting portion 1131 may include other structures such as protrusions.

[0086] The first position limiting portion 1112 and the second position limiting portion 1131 are fitted together in the form of a position limiting projection and a position limiting groove, and since the projection is fitted into the groove, the structure is simple and easy to manufacture.

[0087] It should be understood that the fitting of the projection and groove is an exemplary implementation of the fitting of the first position limiting portion 1112 and the second position limiting portion 1131. In order to restrict the rotation of the insulating member 113 relative to the end cover 111, the first position limiting portion 1112 and the second position limiting portion 1131 may be fitted in other forms, for example, the first position limiting portion 1112 and the second position limiting portion 1131 may be opposite hook structures. Alternatively, the first position limiting portion 1112 and the second position limiting portion 1131 may be strip-shaped structures such as rubber strips, with one rubber strip provided on the end cover 111 and one rubber strip on the insulating member 113, and the two rubber strips intertwined and connected so that the positions of the insulating member 113 and the end cover 111 are relatively fixed and the rotation of the insulating member 113 relative to the end cover 111 is restricted.

[0088] In some embodiments, the first position limiting portion 1112 is a position limiting projection, and the second position limiting portion 1131 is a position limiting groove. In other words, the end cover 111 and / or electrode terminal 112 are provided with position limiting projections, and the insulating member 113 is provided with position limiting grooves.

[0089] Providing position-restricting protrusions on the end cover 111 and / or electrode terminal 112 not only serves to restrict the rotation of the insulating member 113, but also helps to strengthen the structural strength of the end cover 111 and / or electrode terminal 112.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first position limiting portion 1112 is provided on the end cover 111.

[0091] In other words, the end cover 111 restricts the rotation of the insulating member 113 by fitting the first position limiting portion 1112 with the second position limiting portion 1131 on the insulating member 113.

[0092] Referring to Figure 6, in some embodiments, the first position limiting portion 1112 is provided on the outer surface of the end cover 111.

[0093] Compared to the case where the first position limiting portion 1112 is provided at another location on the end cover 111, providing the first position limiting portion 1112 on the outer surface of the end cover 111 not only makes it easier to process and mold the first position limiting portion 1112, but also reduces the influence of the first position limiting portion 1112 on the internal structure of the battery cell 10.

[0094] Refer to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an end cover 111 according to some embodiments of this application. In some embodiments, the position limiting projection is an annular projection provided around the mounting hole 1111, and the annular projection is a non-rotating body.

[0095] The position-restricting projection may be a closed annular projection. Of course, the presence of a certain notch is also permissible; that is, the position-restricting projection may be an annular projection that is not completely closed.

[0096] The annular projection may include, but is not limited to, rectangular, rhombic, triangular, or elliptical rings. These annular projections have corners and a symmetrical structure. The symmetrical structure helps control manufacturing precision during production, and the corners help to restrict the position of the insulating member 113 in the circumferential direction, thereby enhancing the positional restriction effect on the insulating member 113.

[0097] The statement that an annular projection is a non-swirl means that the annular projection has a non-ring structure. The inner ring of the annular projection may be non-ring, the outer ring may be non-ring, and of course, both the inner and outer rings of the annular projection may be non-ring. Here, the inner ring of the annular projection refers to the surface of the annular projection that faces the electrode terminal 112, and the outer ring of the annular projection refers to the surface of the annular projection that is opposite to the electrode terminal 112.

[0098] The position-restricting projection includes an annular projection provided around the mounting hole 1111, and since the annular projection is a non-rotating body, it has the advantage that the rotation of the insulating member 113 can be restricted more effectively by making the annular projection a non-rotating body.

[0099] In some embodiments, the position-limiting projection is an annular projection provided around the mounting hole 1111, the annular projection is a swivel body, and the central axis of the swivel body is non-collinear with the central axis of the mounting hole 1111.

[0100] The fact that the central axis of the slewing body is non-collinear with the central axis of the mounting hole 1111 means that the slewing body is offset from the mounting hole 1111.

[0101] The annular projection may be a closed swirl. For example, the swirl is a closed ring. Of course, the presence of certain notches is also permitted; that is, the annular projection may be a swirl that is not completely closed.

[0102] Since the insulating member 113 is attached to the mounting hole 1111 and the rotation center of the insulating member 113 is the center of the mounting hole 1111, if the central axis of the swivel body is collinear with the central axis of the mounting hole 1111, the degree of circumferential position restriction of the insulating member 113 by the swivel body is weakened. Therefore, if the annular projection is a swivel body, and the central axis of the swivel body is non-collinear with the central axis of the mounting hole 1111, and the annular projection is offset from the mounting hole 1111, the circumferential position restriction effect of the insulating member 113 can be strengthened.

[0103] Furthermore, using a rotating body instead of an annular projection improves manufacturing convenience. The symmetrical structure of the rotating body is useful for controlling manufacturing precision during production.

[0104] In some embodiments, the end cover 111 is provided with multiple annular protrusions, and one of two adjacent annular protrusions is provided along the outer circumference of the other.

[0105] "Multiple" means two or more.

[0106] Multiple annular protrusions can be arranged in a concentric pattern.

[0107] By providing multiple annular protrusions on the end cover 111, the limiting effect on the insulating member 113 can be enhanced, further reducing the possibility of the insulating member 113 rotating relative to the end cover 111.

[0108] Refer to Figures 9, 10, 11, and 12. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an end cover 111 according to another embodiment of the present application. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an end cover 111 according to yet another embodiment of the present application. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an end cover 111 according to yet another embodiment of the present application. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an end cover 111 according to yet another embodiment of the present application.

[0109] In some embodiments, the position-limiting projections include punctate projections and / or band-shaped projections.

[0110] As shown in Figure 9, the position-limiting protrusions are punctate protrusions. It should be understood that the punctate protrusions may be circular, elliptical, or irregularly shaped punctate structures. Because the position-limiting protrusions are punctate, the amount of material used for the punctate protrusions is small, which helps to control material costs.

[0111] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the position-restricting projection is a band-shaped projection. Compared to point-shaped projections, the band-shaped projection has a larger contact area with the insulating member 113, which helps to improve the rotation-restricting effect of the insulating member 113 by the first position-restricting portion 1112.

[0112] As shown in Figure 12, the position-restricting projection includes dot-shaped projections and strip-shaped projections. The dot-shaped projections and strip-shaped projections may be arranged alternately around the mounting hole 1111, or one strip-shaped projection may be provided for every two dot-shaped projections, or strip-shaped projections may be provided on one side of the mounting hole 1111 and dot-shaped projections on the other side. By arranging the position-restricting projection to include dot-shaped projections and strip-shaped projections, the arrangement of the first position-restricting portion 1112 becomes more flexible. Such an arrangement allows for consideration of both material costs and the rotation-restricting effect of the insulating member 113.

[0113] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, in some embodiments, the band-like projection extends in a straight, bent, or curved manner.

[0114] The band-like projections include, but are not limited to, linear (see Figure 10), bent, L-shaped curved (see Figure 11), U-shaped curved, or S-shaped curved.

[0115] The band-shaped projection can extend in a straight, bent, or curved shape, thereby limiting the rotation of the insulating member 113 relative to the end cover 111, and also simplifying the manufacturing method and reducing the difficulty of manufacturing.

[0116] In some embodiments, the position-limiting projection includes a plurality of dot-like projections, which are spaced apart around the mounting hole 1111, and / or the position-limiting projection includes a plurality of strip-like projections, which are spaced apart around the mounting hole 1111.

[0117] As shown in Figure 9, two dot-shaped protrusions are provided, and these two dot-shaped protrusions are located on both sides of the mounting hole 1111. Of course, in other embodiments, the number of dot-shaped protrusions may be three, four, or other numbers.

[0118] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, two strip-shaped protrusions are provided, and these two strip-shaped protrusions are located on both sides of the mounting hole 1111. Of course, in other embodiments, the number of strip-shaped protrusions may be three, four, or other numbers.

[0119] As shown in Figure 12, the dot-shaped protrusions and band-shaped protrusions are arranged alternately around the mounting hole 1111. Of course, in other embodiments, one band-shaped protrusion may be provided for every two dot-shaped protrusions, or multiple band-shaped protrusions may be provided on one side of the mounting hole 1111 and multiple dot-shaped protrusions on the other side.

[0120] By providing multiple point-like protrusions and / or band-like protrusions, the limiting effect of the end cover 111 on the insulating member 113 can be enhanced, further reducing the possibility of the insulating member 113 rotating relative to the end cover 111.

[0121] Refer to Figure 13. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure in which a first position limiting portion 1112 is provided on the electrode terminal 112 according to some embodiments of this application. In some embodiments, the first position limiting portion 1112 is provided on the electrode terminal 112. The first position limiting portion 1112 is fitted into a second position limiting portion 1131 on the insulating member 113, thereby reducing the possibility of the insulating member 113 rotating relative to the end cover 111.

[0122] Refer to Figure 13. In some embodiments, the insulating member 113 is provided with a through hole 1132, the electrode terminal 112 is provided through the through hole 1132, the first position limiting portion 1112 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the electrode terminal 112, and the second position limiting portion 1131 is provided on the hole wall of the through hole 1132.

[0123] As shown in Figure 13, the first position limiting portion 1112 is a position limiting projection provided on the outer circumferential surface of the electrode terminal 112, and the second position limiting portion 1131 is a position limiting groove provided on the hole wall of the insulating member 113. Of course, in other embodiments, a position limiting groove may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the electrode terminal 112, and a position limiting projection may be provided on the hole wall of the insulating member 113 in correspondence with it.

[0124] By providing a first position limiting portion 1112 on the outer circumferential surface of the electrode terminal 112 and a second position limiting portion 1131 on the hole wall of the through hole 1132 of the insulating member 113, the fitting of the first position limiting portion 1112 and the second position limiting portion 1131 reduces the risk of the insulating member 113 rotating relative to the electrode terminal 112, improves the sealing performance between the electrode terminal 112 and the insulating member 113, improves the sealing performance between the end cover 111 and the insulating member 113, reduces the risk of electrolyte leakage, and improves the reliability of the battery cell 10.

[0125] In some embodiments, multiple second position limiting portions 1131 are provided, and these multiple second position limiting portions 1131 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the through hole 1132. The multiple second position limiting portions 1131 further enhance the limiting effect on the insulating member 113 and reduce the risk of the insulating member 113 rotating relative to the end cover 111.

[0126] Embodiments of this application further provide an end cover 111 having a first position limiting portion 1112, wherein the first position limiting portion 1112 is fitted to an insulating member 113 and used to limit the rotation of the insulating member 113 relative to the end cover 111.

[0127] Embodiments of this application further provide a battery cell 10 comprising a case 12 and an end cover assembly 11 provided in any of the above embodiments or an end cover 111 provided in any of the above embodiments, wherein the case 12 has an opening and the end cover 111 covers the opening.

[0128] The embodiments of this application further provide a battery 100 including a battery cell 10 provided in any of the embodiments described above.

[0129] Embodiments of this application provide an electrical device comprising a battery cell 10 provided in any of the above embodiments or a battery 100 provided in an embodiment of a second embodiment, wherein the battery cell 10 or battery 100 is used to power the electrical device.

[0130] Embodiments of this application further provide an end cover assembly 11 comprising an end cover 111, an insulating member 113, and an electrode terminal 112, wherein the end cover 111 is provided with a mounting hole 1111 which penetrates the end cover 111 along the thickness direction of the end cover 111, the insulating member 113 is provided with a through hole 1132 which the electrode terminal 112 is mounted in the through hole 1132, the insulating member 113 is mounted in the mounting hole 1111 which insulates and separates the electrode terminal 112 from the end cover 111, a position-restricting projection is provided on the outer surface of the end cover 111, and a position-restricting groove is provided on the outer circumference of the insulating member 113, and the rotation of the insulating member 113 relative to the end cover 111 is restricted by the fitting of the position-restricting projection and the position-restricting groove.

[0131] Furthermore, the embodiments and features described herein can be combined with each other, as long as they do not contradict each other.

[0132] The embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit this application. Those skilled in the art may modify and change this application in various ways. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application shall be covered by this application. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0133] 111 End cover 1111 Mounting holes 1112 First position limiting section 1113 Liquid injection hole 112 Electrode terminal 113 Insulating material 1131 Second position limiting section 1132 Through hole 114 Pressure release mechanism 10 battery cells 11 End cover assembly 12 cases 13 Electrode assembly 100 batteries 20 boxes 21 Part 1 22 Part 2 23 Containment space 1000 vehicles 200 motor 300 controllers

Claims

1. An end cover with mounting holes, The electrode terminal attached to the aforementioned mounting hole, The device includes an insulating member, at least a portion of which is located in the mounting hole and at least a portion of which is provided between the electrode terminal and the end cover, thereby insulating and separating the electrode terminal and the end cover. An end cover assembly comprising: a first position limiting portion provided on the end cover and / or the electrode terminal; a second position limiting portion provided on the insulating member; and a first position limiting portion and a second position limiting portion fitting together to limit the rotation of the insulating member relative to the end cover and / or the electrode terminal.

2. The end cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of one of the first position limiting portion and the second position limiting portion is a position limiting projection, and at least a portion of the other is a position limiting groove.

3. The end cover assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first position limiting portion is a position limiting projection, and the second position limiting portion is a position limiting groove.

4. The end cover assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first position limiting portion is provided on the end cover.

5. The end cover assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first position limiting portion is provided on the outer surface of the end cover.

6. The end cover assembly according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the position limiting projection includes an annular projection provided around the mounting hole, and the annular projection is a non-swivel body.

7. The end cover assembly according to claim 6, wherein the annular projection is a rectangular ring, a rhombic ring, a triangular ring, or an elliptical ring.

8. The end cover assembly according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the position limiting projection includes an annular projection provided around the mounting hole, the annular projection being a pivoting body, and the central axis of the pivoting body being non-collinear with the central axis of the mounting hole.

9. The end cover assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein a plurality of annular protrusions are provided, and one of two adjacent annular protrusions is provided along the outer circumference of the other.

10. The end cover assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the position limiting projection includes point-like projections and / or band-like projections.

11. The end cover assembly according to claim 10, wherein the band-shaped projection extends in a straight, bent, or curved manner.

12. The end cover assembly according to claim 10, wherein the position limiting projection includes a plurality of dot-like projections, the plurality of dot-like projections are spaced apart around the mounting hole, and / or the position limiting projection includes a plurality of strip-like projections, the plurality of strip-like projections are spaced apart around the mounting hole.

13. The end cover assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first position limiting portion is provided on the electrode terminal.

14. The end cover assembly according to claim 13, wherein the insulating member is provided with a through hole, the electrode terminal is provided through the through hole, the first position limiting portion is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the electrode terminal, and the second position limiting portion is provided on the hole wall of the through hole.

15. The end cover assembly according to claim 14, wherein a plurality of the second position limiting portions are provided, and the plurality of the second position limiting portions are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the through hole.

16. An end cover provided with a first position limiting portion, wherein the first position limiting portion is fitted to an insulating member and used to limit the rotation of the insulating member relative to the end cover.

17. An end cover assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15 or an end cover according to claim 16, A battery cell comprising a case having an opening, the end cover of which covers the opening.

18. A battery comprising the battery cell described in claim 17.

19. An electrical device comprising a battery cell according to claim 17 or a battery according to claim 18, wherein the battery cell or the battery is used to supply power to the electrical device.

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