Batteries and power consumption devices

Abstract

A battery and power consumption device, wherein the battery (100) includes a first battery cell (20) and a buffer assembly (30), the first battery cell (20) includes a first surface (24) perpendicular to a first direction (X), the first surface (24) facing other adjacent battery cells (20), the buffer assembly (30) is installed on the first surface (24), and the buffer assembly (30) includes a first buffer member (31) and a second buffer member, both of which are elongated. The battery (100) includes (32), a third buffer member (33), and a fourth buffer member (34), wherein the first buffer member (31) and the second buffer member (32) are located on either side of the central axis of the first surface (24) along the second direction (Y), and the third buffer member (33) and the fourth buffer member (34) are located on either side of the central axis of the first surface (24) along the third direction (Z), and the first direction (X), the second direction (Y), and the third direction (Z) are perpendicular to each other. By placing different buffer members in different edge regions of the first surface (24), the battery (100) can secure a certain expansion space for the battery cells (20) and satisfy the expansion requirements of the battery cells (20). Furthermore, by manufacturing different buffer members individually, the probability of repeatedly cutting the buffer members and wasting material can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-Reference to Related Applications This application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 202420684620.0, filed on April 3, 2024, entitled "Battery and Power Consumption Device", the entire content of which is incorporated into this application by reference.

[0002] The present application relates to the field of batteries, and in particular to a battery and a power consumption device.

Background Art

[0003] Battery cells in a battery are generally attached to the bottom of a casing by adhesion. When pressure is applied to the battery cells to improve the connection stability between the battery cells and the casing, adhesive is likely to leak into the gap formed between two adjacent battery cells. In this way, during the cyclic expansion process of the battery cells, the battery cells are subjected to uneven force, resulting in the phenomenon of local lithium precipitation.

[0004] In order to improve local lithium precipitation caused by adhesive leakage between two adjacent battery cells, generally a buffer assembly is arranged between two adjacent battery cells, and the buffer assembly prevents the adhesive at the bottom of the casing from overflowing between two adjacent battery cells. Current buffer assemblies have complex structures and thus high production costs, therefore, there is a strong demand for buffer assemblies with low production costs at present.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present application provides a battery and a power consumption device.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the present application provides a battery comprising a first battery cell and a buffer assembly. The first battery cell comprises a first surface perpendicular to a first direction, the first surface facing other adjacent battery cells, and the buffer assembly is mounted on the first surface, comprising a first buffer member, a second buffer member, a third buffer member and a fourth buffer member, all of which are elongated, the first and second buffer members each located on either side of a central axis along a second direction of the first surface, and the third and fourth buffer members each located on either side of a central axis along a third direction of the first surface, the first, second and third directions being perpendicular to each other.

[0007] In the technical solution of the embodiment of this application, different cushioning members of the cushioning assembly are placed in different edge regions of the first surface of the battery cell. When the battery cell expands, the degree of expansion of the central region of the first surface of the battery cell is greater than the degree of expansion of the edge regions of the first surface. Therefore, by placing different cushioning members in different edge regions of the first surface, a certain expansion space can be secured for the battery cell, and the expansion requirements of the battery cell can be met.

[0008] Furthermore, by manufacturing different cushioning materials individually, it is possible to reduce the probability of wasting material by repeatedly cutting cushioning materials that do not meet actual needs, thereby saving the materials required to manufacture cushioning materials.

[0009] In some embodiments, the projections of the first, second, third, and fourth cushioning members in the first direction are completely misaligned.

[0010] Since the projections of each cushioning member in the first direction do not overlap, after all the cushioning members are attached to the first surface, some parts of two of the cushioning members do not overlap along the first direction. This reduces the probability of stress concentration occurring in the overlapped areas, which would otherwise result from some parts of the cushioning members overlapping and causing the overlapped areas to become thicker than other parts.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first buffer member, the second buffer member, the third buffer member, and the fourth buffer member are installed with a gap between them.

[0012] By pre-setting a gap between two adjacent cushioning members, this gap functions as a pressing space when the cushioning members are pressed. This reduces the probability of stress concentration occurring and causing lithium deposition due to the overlapping of some parts of the two adjacent cushioning members caused by the pressing. Furthermore, compared to connecting the ends of two adjacent cushioning members together, this method can reduce the production cost of the cushioning assembly by reducing the amount of material required to manufacture the cushioning members.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first battery cell includes an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly includes a tab, the tab extends along a third direction, the first and second buffer members are positioned parallel to the third direction, and the first and second buffer members are distributed symmetrically with respect to a central axis along the third direction of the first surface.

[0014] When the battery cell expands and presses against the first and second buffer members, the distance from the first and second buffer members to the second central axis is equal in the second direction. Therefore, the external force applied to the battery cell by the first and second buffer members is approximately equal. Consequently, the pressing force received by the battery cell from the first and second buffer members is relatively uniform, reducing the probability of the battery cell tilting due to uneven force.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first battery cell includes an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly includes tabs, the tabs extend along a third direction, the third and fourth buffer members are positioned parallel to the second direction, and the third and fourth buffer members are distributed symmetrically with respect to a central axis along the second direction of the first surface.

[0016] When the battery cell expands and presses against the third and fourth buffer members, the distance from the third and fourth buffer members to the first central axis is equal in the third direction. Therefore, the external force applied to the battery cell by the third and fourth buffer members is approximately equal. Consequently, the pressing force received by the battery cell from the third and fourth buffer members is relatively uniform, reducing the probability of the battery cell tilting due to uneven force.

[0017] In some embodiments, the battery includes a mounting plate, the first battery cell includes a second surface, the second surface is adjacent to the first surface, the second surface is adhesively connected to the mounting plate, the mounting plate is perpendicular to the third direction, and the fourth buffer member is positioned closer to the mounting plate than the third buffer member.

[0018] The maximum distance between the first buffer member and the fourth buffer member is less than the maximum distance between the first buffer member and the third buffer member.

[0019] In this way, the amount of material used to manufacture the cushioning component can be reduced as much as possible without affecting the effectiveness of the cushioning assembly.

[0020] In some embodiments, the battery includes a mounting plate, the first battery cell includes a second surface, the second surface is adjacent to the first surface, the second surface is adhesively connected to the mounting plate, the mounting plate is perpendicular to the third direction, and the fourth buffer member is positioned closer to the mounting plate than the third buffer member.

[0021] The maximum distance between the second buffer member and the fourth buffer member is less than the maximum distance between the second buffer member and the third buffer member.

[0022] In this way, the amount of material used to manufacture the cushioning component can be reduced as much as possible without affecting the effectiveness of the cushioning assembly.

[0023] In some embodiments, the maximum distance between the first buffer member and the third buffer member along the third direction is 5.5 mm or less.

[0024] In this way, the probability that the overlapping of the first buffer member and the third buffer member increases the thickness of the overlapping region, causes stress concentration, and leads to local lithium precipitation is reduced.

[0025] In some embodiments, along the third direction, the maximum distance between the second buffer member and the third buffer member is 5.5 mm or less.

[0026] In this way, the probability that the overlapping of the second buffer member and the third buffer member increases the thickness of the overlapping region, causes stress concentration, and leads to local lithium precipitation is reduced.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first battery cell comprises an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly comprises a tab, the tab extends along the third direction, the third buffer member is disposed closer to the tab than the fourth buffer member, and the elasticity of the fourth buffer member is greater than that of the third buffer member.

[0028] By making the elasticity of the fourth buffer member greater than that of the third buffer member, more buffer space can be provided for the overlapping region of the electrode plates.

[0029] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly comprises a main body, the tab protrudes from the main body, and the fourth buffer member faces at least a part of the main body along the first direction.

[0030] Therefore, by providing the fourth buffer member with a high elastic deformation capability, more buffer space can be provided for the electrode assembly, that is, more buffer space can be provided for the battery cell, and the reaction force exerted by the fourth buffer member on the main body can be reduced.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first battery cell includes an end cap and a case, the end cap and case are fitted together along a third direction, the end cap is welded to the case, the third buffer member is positioned closer to the end cap than the fourth buffer member, and the welded joint formed by the welding of the end cap and case is completely offset from the third buffer member.

[0032] Even after the battery cell expands, the third buffer member does not press against the welded seam. This reduces the probability that the welded seam will be damaged by prolonged pressure from the expanded third buffer member, causing cracks between the case and the end cap, and consequently affecting the normal operation of the battery cell.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first surface includes a first edge, the first edge is located on the side of the first surface closer to the end cap along a third direction, and the welded joint is located between the third buffer member and the first edge.

[0034] In this way, not only can the welded joint be protected from being pressed when the third buffer member expands, but the probability of wear on the first welded joint can also be reduced, thereby improving the stability of the connection between the end cap and the case.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first battery cell includes an end cap and a case, the end cap and case are fitted together along a third direction, the end cap is welded to the case, the third buffer member is positioned closer to the end cap than the fourth buffer member, the edge of the first surface closer to the end cap along the third direction is the first edge, and the maximum distance between the third buffer member and the first edge along the third direction is 1.5 mm or less.

[0036] Considering the assembly tolerance of the third buffer member during assembly, the distance between the third buffer member and the first edge in the third direction was limited to avoid affecting the normal use of the end cap and the third buffer member, thereby ensuring the quality of the assembly of the end cap and the third buffer member and the stable operation of the battery cell.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first battery cell includes a first side surface, the first side surface is adjacent to a first surface, the first side surface and the first surface are transitionally connected via a rounded curved surface, the second buffer member is positioned closer to the first side surface than the first buffer member, and the second buffer member is positioned at a distance from the rounded curved surface.

[0038] Therefore, a certain amount of expansion space can be provided for the battery cells without having to install a buffer between the rounded curved surfaces corresponding to two adjacent battery cells. By installing it in this way, the amount of buffer material used can be reduced, and the production cost of the buffer assembly can be lowered.

[0039] In some embodiments, the maximum distance between the curved surface that is rounded along the second direction and the second buffer member is 1.5 mm or less.

[0040] Considering the assembly tolerances of the second buffer section, the distance between the second buffer section and the rounded curved surface in the second direction was limited to ensure the quality of the second buffer section's assembly and the stable operation of the battery cell.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first battery cell includes a case and an electrode assembly, the case includes a first case wall, the first case wall extends perpendicularly to a third direction, a support member is installed between the electrode assembly and the first case wall, the fourth buffer member is closer to the first case wall than the third buffer member, and the fourth buffer member is installed at a distance from the outer surface of the first case wall.

[0042] In this way, the production cost of the buffer assembly can be reduced by further decreasing the amount of buffer material used, even without connecting the fourth buffer member and the first case wall together.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first battery cell includes a case and an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly being housed within the case, the case including a first case wall perpendicular to the third direction, and the maximum distance between the fourth buffer member and the outer surface of the first case wall along the third direction is 1.5 mm or less.

[0044] During the assembly process, considering the assembly tolerances of the fourth buffer member, the distance between the fourth buffer member and the first case wall in the third direction may be limited so as not to affect the normal use of the fourth buffer member, thereby ensuring the quality of the assembly of the fourth buffer member and the stable operation of the battery cell.

[0045] In some embodiments, the length of the first buffer member along the second direction is a, where 3 mm ≤ a ≤ 10 mm.

[0046] In this way, by limiting the width range of the first cushioning member, the machinable range of the first cushioning member can be expanded without affecting the performance of the first cushioning member. Furthermore, by using a combination of different cushioning members of different widths to fit batteries having first surfaces of different dimensions, the range of use of the cushioning assembly can be expanded.

[0047] In some embodiments, the length of the second buffer member along the second direction is b, where 3 mm ≤ b ≤ 10 mm.

[0048] In this way, by limiting the width range of the second cushioning member, the machinable range of the second cushioning member can be expanded without affecting the performance of the first cushioning member. Furthermore, by using a combination of different cushioning members of different widths to fit batteries having first surfaces of different dimensions, the range of use of the cushioning assembly can be expanded.

[0049] In some embodiments, the length of the third buffer member along the third direction is c, where 3 mm ≤ c ≤ 8 mm.

[0050] In this way, by limiting the width range of the third cushioning member, the machinable range of the third cushioning member can be expanded without affecting the performance of the third cushioning member. Furthermore, by using a combination of different cushioning members of different widths to fit batteries having first surfaces of different dimensions, the range of use of the cushioning assembly can be expanded.

[0051] In some embodiments, the length of the fourth buffer member along the third direction is d, where 3 mm ≤ d ≤ 8 mm.

[0052] In this way, by limiting the width range of the fourth cushioning member, the machinable range of the fourth cushioning member can be expanded without affecting the performance of the fourth cushioning member. Furthermore, by using a combination of different cushioning members of different widths to fit batteries having first surfaces of different dimensions, the range of use of the cushioning assembly can be expanded.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first buffer member, the second buffer member, the third buffer member, and the fourth buffer member work together to enclose and form a closed frame.

[0054] In this way, the enclosed frame has good connection stability between its two adjacent buffer members, and the overall connection stability of the frame can be improved.

[0055] According to a second aspect, the present application provides a power consumption device, the power consumption device including the battery in the above embodiment, the battery for providing electrical energy.

[0056] When different cushioning members of a buffer assembly in a power consumption device are placed in different edge regions of the first surface of a battery cell, and the battery cell expands, the degree of expansion of the central region of the first surface of the battery cell is greater than the degree of expansion of the edge regions of the first surface. Therefore, by placing different cushioning members in different edge regions of the first surface, a certain expansion space can be secured for the battery cell, and the expansion requirements of the battery cell can be met.

[0057] Furthermore, by manufacturing different cushioning materials individually, it is possible to reduce the probability of wasting material by repeatedly cutting cushioning materials that do not meet actual needs, thereby saving the materials required to manufacture cushioning materials.

[0058] The above description is merely an outline of the proposed technology of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application, and to make the above and other objectives, features, and advantages of this application clearer and easier to understand, specific embodiments of this application are listed below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0059] To more clearly illustrate the technical concept of the embodiments of this application, the drawings necessary for use in the embodiments of this application are briefly described below. However, as is clear, the drawings described below represent only a few embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without expending any creative effort. In the drawings,

[0060] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle according to one or more embodiments.

[0061] [Figure 2] This is an exploded view of a battery according to one or more embodiments.

[0062] [Figure 3] This is an exploded view of a battery cell according to one or more embodiments.

[0063] [Figure 4] A schematic diagram of a battery in one or more embodiments, concealing some of its structural features.

[0064] [Figure 5] Schematic diagram of the battery from a different perspective in Figure 4.

[0065] [Figure 6] This is a three-dimensional view of a battery cell with a buffer assembly assembled, according to one or more embodiments.

[0066] [Figure 7] This is a front view of a battery cell with a buffer assembly assembled, according to one or more embodiments.

[0067] [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell with a buffer assembly assembled according to one or more embodiments.

[0068] [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell with a buffer assembly assembled according to one or more embodiments.

[0069] [Figure 10] This is a front view of a battery cell with a buffer assembly assembled, according to one or more embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0070] The following describes the technical concepts of the embodiments of this application clearly and completely with reference to the drawings of the embodiments of this application; however, obviously, the embodiments described are only a selection of embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. All other embodiments that a person skilled in the art can obtain without creative effort based on the embodiments of this application are all within the scope of protection of this application.

[0071] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., where they appear, are intended solely to distinguish different subjects, and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number, specific order, or hierarchical relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise explicitly limited, “plural” means two or more.

[0072] As used herein, “Examples” means that certain features, structures, or properties described in combination with the Examples may be included in at least one Example of this Application. The phrase “Examples” appearing in various parts of this Specification does not necessarily refer to the same Example, nor do they represent mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative Examples. Those skilled in the art will understand, both explicitly and implicitly, that the Examples described herein may be combined with other Examples.

[0073] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple," where it appears, refers to two or more (including two), and in the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "center," "length," "width," "thickness," "bottom," "inside," and "outside," where they appear, refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown, which is the orientation or positional relationship shown based on the drawings, and are merely used to facilitate the description of the embodiments of this application and to simplify the explanation, and do not indicate or imply that the shown device or element necessarily has a specific orientation or is constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the embodiments of this application.

[0074] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specifically defined and limited, technical terms such as “attachment,” “connection,” “connection,” and “fixing” should be understood in a broad sense, for example, a fixed connection, a removable or integral connection, a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, a direct connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, or internal communication or interaction relationship between two elements. Those skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application depending on the specific circumstances.

[0075] Currently, given the development of the market, the applications of power batteries are expanding more and more. Power batteries are not only used in energy storage and power systems such as hydroelectric power plants, thermal power plants, wind power plants, and solar power plants, but are also widely used in electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as in multiple fields such as military equipment and aerospace. As the application fields of power batteries continue to expand, the market demand for them will also continue to increase.

[0076] During repeated use, battery cells expand, primarily due to the expansion of the electrode assemblies. This expansion affects not only the outer casing of the cell in which the electrode assembly is located, but also adjacent cells, potentially causing damage to the cell casing or leakage, ultimately impacting the reliability of the battery cells. Therefore, buffer assemblies are typically placed between two adjacent battery cells to provide space for expansion.

[0077] However, the cushioning assemblies currently in use are typically complex in structure and require repeated cutting, leading to waste of manufacturing materials and increasing production costs.

[0078] To reduce the production cost of the buffer assembly, an embodiment of this application provides a battery. Four elongated buffer members are placed on the first surface of the battery cell facing other battery cells, and the four buffer members are divided into two groups, each group containing two buffer members, and the two buffer members in each group are distributed parallel to each other with spacing along the same direction, where the extension direction of the buffer members in each group is perpendicular. In this way, the production cost of the buffer assembly is reduced by simplifying the structure of the buffer assembly.

[0079] The batteries disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be used in power-consuming devices such as vehicles, ships, or aircraft, but are not limited to these uses. The batteries disclosed in this application can be used to constitute a power supply system for such power-consuming devices.

[0080] Embodiments of this application provide a power consumption device that uses a battery as a power source, and the power consumption device may be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, tablet, laptop computer, electric toy, power tool, electric motorcycle, electric car, ship, or spacecraft. Here, electric toys may include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric steamship toys and electric airplane toys, and spacecraft may include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles and spacecraft.

[0081] In the following embodiments, for the sake of clarity, the power consumption device of one embodiment of this application will be described as a vehicle.

[0082] Referring to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle 1000 according to some embodiments of the present application, the vehicle 1000 may be a fuel oil vehicle, a natural gas vehicle, or a new energy vehicle, and the new energy vehicle may be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or an extended-range vehicle. A battery 100 is installed inside the vehicle 1000, and the battery 100 may be installed at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 can be used to supply power to the vehicle 1000, for example, the battery 100 can be used as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000. The vehicle 1000 may further include a controller 200 and a motor 300, the controller 200 is used to control the battery 100 to supply power to the motor 300, for example, to meet the operating power requirements for starting, navigation, and driving the vehicle 1000.

[0083] In some embodiments of the present invention, the battery 100 can provide driving power to the vehicle 1000 not only as an operating power source for the vehicle 1000, but also as a driving power source for the vehicle 1000, by substituting or partially substituting fuel or natural gas.

[0084] Referring to Figure 2, which is an exploded view of a battery 100 according to some embodiments of the present application, the battery 100 comprises a housing 10 and a battery cell 20, the battery cell 20 being housed within the housing 10. Here, the housing 10 is used to provide a housing space for the battery cell 20, and the housing 10 can employ various structures. In some embodiments, the housing 10 may include a first part 11 and a second part 12, the first part 11 and the second part 12 overlapping each other, and the first part 11 and the second part 12 jointly define a housing space for housing the battery cell 20. The second part 12 may be a hollow structure with one end open, and the first part 11 may be a plate-like structure, with the first part 11 covering the open side of the second part 12, thereby the first part 11 and the second part 12 jointly defining the housing space, and both the first part 11 and the second part 12 may be hollow structures with one side open, with the open side of the first part 11 covering the open side of the second part 12. Of course, the housing 10 formed by the first part 11 and the second part 12 may be of various shapes such as a cylinder or a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0085] In the battery 100, there may be multiple battery cells 20, and the multiple battery cells 20 may be connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel connection, where series-parallel connection means that the multiple battery cells 20 are connected in both series and parallel. Multiple battery cells 20 can be directly connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel, and then the entire assembly of the multiple battery cells 20 can be housed in the housing 10. Of course, the battery 100 may first form a battery module by connecting multiple battery cells 20 in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel, and then form the whole by connecting the multiple battery modules in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel, and then housed in the housing 10. The battery 100 may further include other structures, for example, the battery 100 may further include bus members for realizing electrical connections between the multiple battery cells 20.

[0086] Here, each battery cell 20 may be a secondary battery or a primary battery, and may be a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-ion battery, or a magnesium-ion battery, but is not limited to these. The battery cell 20 may be cylindrical, flattened, rectangular, or have other shapes.

[0087] Referring to Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of several battery cells 20 of this application, a battery cell 20 refers to the smallest unit that constitutes a battery 100. As shown in Figure 3, a battery cell 20 includes an end cap 21, a case 22, an electrode assembly 23, and other functional components.

[0088] The end cap 21 refers to a component that is placed over the opening of the case 22 to isolate the internal environment of the battery cell 20 from the external environment. While not limited to this, the shape of the end cap 21 may be matched to the shape of the case body 22 in order to fit the case body 22. Selectively, the end cap 21 may be manufactured from a material having a certain hardness and strength (e.g., an aluminum alloy), so that the end cap 21 is less likely to deform when pressed or struck, thereby allowing the battery cell 20 to have higher structural strength and potentially improving safety performance. Functional components such as electrode terminals 21a may be installed on the end cap 21. The electrode terminals 21a may be used for electrical connection to the electrode assembly 23 to output or input electrical energy from the battery cell 20. In some embodiments, the end cap 21 may also be equipped with a pressure release mechanism to release internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 reaches a threshold. The material of the end cap 21 can be various, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or plastic, and is not particularly limited in the embodiments of this application. In some embodiments, an insulating member may also be installed inside the end cap 21, which can be used to isolate the electrical connection members in the case 22 from the end cap 21 and reduce the risk of short circuits. Exemplarily, the insulating member may be plastic, rubber, or the like.

[0089] The case 22 is an assembly for forming the internal environment of the battery cell 20 in combination with the end cap 21, where the formed internal environment can be used to house the electrode assembly 23, electrolyte, and other components. The case 22 and the end cap 21 may be separate components, or the case 22 may have an opening, and the internal environment of the battery cell 20 is formed by placing the end cap 21 over the opening. The end cap 21 and the case 22 may be integrated, but are not limited to this, and specifically, the end cap 21 and the case 22 may form a common connection surface before other components enter the case, and the end cap 21 is placed over the case 22 when it is necessary to package the inside of the case 22. The case 22 may be of various shapes and sizes, such as a rectangular parallelepiped, cylindrical, or hexagonal prism. Specifically, the shape of the case 22 may be determined by the specific shape and size of the electrode assembly 23. The material of case 22 can be various, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or plastic, and is not particularly limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0090] The electrode assembly 23 is the component in which the electrochemical reaction occurs in the battery cell 20. The case 22 may contain one or more electrode assemblies 23. The electrode assembly 23 is mainly formed by winding or stacking positive and negative electrode plates, and usually a separator is provided between the positive and negative electrode plates. The portions of the positive and negative electrode plates containing active material constitute the battery core body, and the portions of the positive and negative electrode plates not containing active material each constitute a tab. The positive and negative electrode tabs may both be located at one end of the body, or they may each be located at both ends of the body. During the charging and discharging process of the battery, the positive and negative electrode active materials react with the electrolyte, and the tabs are connected to the electrode terminals 21a to form an electric current circuit.

[0091] In the following, the battery according to the embodiment of this application will be described with reference to a specific embodiment in which the battery cell 20 is a rectangular battery cell.

[0092] Referring to Figures 4 to 6, an embodiment of the present application provides a battery 100. The battery 100 includes a first battery cell 20 and a buffer assembly 30. The first battery cell 20 includes a first surface 24 perpendicular to a first direction X, the first surface 24 facing other adjacent battery cells 20, and the buffer assembly 30 is mounted on the first surface 24, and the buffer assembly 30 includes a first buffer member 31, a second buffer member 32, a third buffer member 33 and a fourth buffer member 34, all of which are elongated, the first buffer member 31 and the second buffer member 32 each located on either side of the central axis of the first surface 24 along a second direction Y, and the third buffer member 33 and the fourth buffer member 34 each located on either side of the central axis of the first surface 24 along a third direction, the first direction X, the second direction Y and the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other.

[0093] In a battery 100, generally, multiple battery cells 20 are distributed along the same direction. The first surface 24 of a battery cell 20 includes a central axis extending along a second direction Y and a central axis extending along a third direction Z. To facilitate distinction, the central axis extending along the second direction Y may be called the first central axis 241, and the central axis extending along the third direction Z may be called the second central axis 242.

[0094] To make it clear, along the third direction Z, the distance from the first central axis 241 to the two edges of the first surface 24 is equal. Along the second direction Y, the distance from the first central axis 241 to the two edges of the first surface 24 is equal.

[0095] The buffer assembly 30 is installed between two adjacent battery cells 20, fits into the gap formed between the two adjacent battery cells 20, and is used to buffer and dampen vibrations against the battery cells 20 by providing a certain expansion space for the battery cells 20. The four buffer members of the buffer assembly 30 can be enclosed together to form a closed or open structure. When all buffer members are enclosed to form an open structure, each buffer member is installed independently of the others.

[0096] It should be explained that the manufacturing materials for each cushioning component may be the same, but they may also differ in their elastic deformation.

[0097] Exemplary, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, multiple battery cells 20 are distributed along a first direction X, and a buffer assembly 30 may be installed between any two adjacent battery cells 20. The first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z can be considered as the thickness direction, length direction, and width direction of the corresponding battery cell 20 in the drawings.

[0098] This explanation will use a rectangular battery cell as the battery cell 20, designate one of the multiple battery cells 20 as the first battery cell 20, and attach the buffer assembly 30 to the first battery cell 20 as an example.

[0099] A buffer assembly 30 is installed on the first surface 24 of the first battery cell 20. The buffer assembly 30 may, but is not limited to, be attached to the first surface 24 by adhesive.

[0100] As shown in Figure 6, assume that the first surface 24 has a first central axis 241 extending along the second direction Y and a second central axis 242 extending along the third direction Z. In some examples, the first buffer member 31 and the second buffer member 32 are distributed on both sides of the second central axis 242 along the second direction Y, and both the first buffer member 31 and the second buffer member 32 are installed extending along the third direction Z. The third buffer member 33 and the fourth buffer member 34 are distributed on both sides of the first central axis 241 along the third direction Z, and both the third buffer member 33 and the fourth buffer member 34 are installed extending along the second direction Y.

[0101] In some other examples, the first buffer member 31 and the second buffer member 32 are distributed on both sides of the first central axis 241 along the third direction Z, and both the first buffer member 31 and the second buffer member 32 are installed extending along the second direction Y. The third buffer member 33 and the fourth buffer member 34 are distributed on both sides of the second central axis 242 along the second direction Y, and both the third buffer member 33 and the fourth buffer member 34 are installed extending along the third direction Z.

[0102] As can be seen from this, when the battery cell 20 expands, the degree of expansion of the central region of the first surface 24 of the battery cell 20 is greater than the degree of expansion of the edge regions of the first surface 24 of the battery cell 20. Therefore, by placing different cushioning members on different edge regions of the first surface 24, a certain expansion space can be secured for the battery cell 20, and the expansion requirements of the battery cell 20 can be met.

[0103] Furthermore, by manufacturing different cushioning materials individually, it is possible to reduce the probability of wasting material by repeatedly cutting cushioning materials that do not meet actual needs, thereby saving the materials required to manufacture cushioning materials.

[0104] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 6 and 7, the projections of the first buffer member 31, the second buffer member 32, the third buffer member 33, and the fourth buffer member 34 in the first direction X are completely misaligned.

[0105] In other words, the contours of the projections of two adjacent buffer members onto the first direction X are either separated by a certain distance or are just touching. For example, the first buffer member 31 and the second buffer member 32 are closer to the fourth buffer member 34 than the third buffer member 33, and the first buffer member 31 is closer to the first end of the fourth buffer member 34 than the second buffer member 32. The projection of the first buffer member 31 onto the first direction X does not overlap with the projection of the first end of the fourth buffer member 34 onto the first direction X. Naturally, the projections of other parts of the fourth buffer member 34 onto the first direction X also do not overlap with the projection of the first buffer member 31 onto the first direction X.

[0106] Similarly, the projection of the second buffer member 32 into the first direction X and the projection of the fourth buffer member 34 into the first direction X do not overlap. By analogy, the projections of each buffer member into the first direction X do not overlap.

[0107] Since the projections of each cushioning member into the first direction X do not overlap, after all the cushioning members are attached to the first surface 24, some parts of two of the cushioning members do not overlap along the first direction X. This reduces the probability of stress concentration occurring in the overlapped areas, which would otherwise result from some parts of the cushioning members overlapping and causing the overlapped areas to become thicker than other parts.

[0108] As shown in Figure 7, in some embodiments, the first buffer member 31, the second buffer member 32, the third buffer member 33, and the fourth buffer member 34 are installed with a gap between them.

[0109] In other words, the projections of the first buffer member 31, the second buffer member 32, the third buffer member 33, and the fourth buffer member 34 into the first direction X are all separated by a certain distance.

[0110] As an example, as shown in Figure 7, the shape formed by the joint enclosing of the first buffer member 31, the second buffer member 32, the third buffer member 33, and the fourth buffer member 34 is an open frame. Two adjacent buffer members are not connected and are separated by a certain distance.

[0111] When the battery cell 20 expands and presses against the buffer material, under the action of the pressing force, some parts of two adjacent buffer materials may overlap, causing stress concentration at the overlapping areas, which could result in the problem of localized lithium deposition.

[0112] By pre-setting a gap between two adjacent cushioning members, this gap functions as a pressing space when the cushioning members are pressed. This reduces the probability of stress concentration occurring and causing lithium deposition due to the overlapping of some parts of the two adjacent cushioning members caused by the pressing of the cushioning members. Furthermore, compared to connecting the ends of the two adjacent cushioning members together, the above method can also reduce the production cost of the cushioning assembly 30 by reducing the amount of material required to manufacture the cushioning members.

[0113] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, in some embodiments, the first battery cell 20 includes an electrode assembly 23, the electrode assembly 23 includes a tab (not shown), the tab extends along a third direction Z, the first buffer member 31 and the second buffer member 32 are positioned parallel to the third direction Z, and the first buffer member 31 and the second buffer member 32 are distributed symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the first surface 24 along the third direction Z.

[0114] Since the central axis (second central axis 242) extending along the third direction Z of the first surface 24 actually coincides with the central axis extending along the third direction Z of the electrode assembly 23, the first buffer member 31 and the second buffer member 32 are actually distributed along two edges distributed along the second direction Y of the first surface 24, and the distance from the first buffer member 31 and the second buffer member 32 to the second central axis 242 is equal.

[0115] When the battery cell 20 expands and presses against the first buffer member 31 and the second buffer member 32, the distance from the first buffer member 31 and the second buffer member 32 to the second central axis 242 is equal in the second direction Y. Therefore, the external force applied to the battery cell 20 by the first buffer member 31 and the second buffer member 32 is approximately equal. Consequently, the pressing force received by the battery cell 20 from the first buffer member 31 and the second buffer member 32 is also relatively uniform, reducing the probability that the battery cell 20 will tilt due to uneven force.

[0116] Continuing to refer to Figure 7, in some embodiments, the first battery cell 20 includes an electrode assembly 23, the electrode assembly 23 includes tabs, the tabs extend along a third direction Z, the third buffer member 33 and the fourth buffer member 34 are positioned parallel to the second direction Y, and the third buffer member 33 and the fourth buffer member 34 are distributed symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the first surface 24 along the second direction Y.

[0117] Since the central axis (first central axis 241) extending along the second direction Y of the first surface 24 actually coincides with the central axis extending along the second direction Y of the electrode assembly 23, the third buffer member 33 and the fourth buffer member 34 are actually distributed along two edges distributed along the third direction Z of the first surface 24, and the distance from the third buffer member 33 and the fourth buffer member 34 to the first central axis 241 is equal.

[0118] When the battery cell 20 expands and presses against the third buffer member 33 and the fourth buffer member 34, the distance from the third buffer member 33 and the fourth buffer member 34 to the first central axis 241 is equal in the third direction Z. Therefore, the external forces applied to the battery cell 20 by the third buffer member 33 and the fourth buffer member 34 are approximately equal. Consequently, the pressing force received by the battery cell 20 from the third buffer member 33 and the fourth buffer member 34 is also relatively uniform, reducing the probability that the battery cell 20 will tilt due to uneven forces.

[0119] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, in some embodiments, the battery 100 includes a mounting plate (not shown), the first battery cell 20 includes a second surface 25, the second surface 25 is adjacent to the first surface 24, the second surface 25 is adhesively connected to the mounting plate, the mounting plate is perpendicular to the third direction Z, the fourth buffer member 34 is positioned closer to the mounting plate than the third buffer member 33, and the maximum distance between the first buffer member 31 and the fourth buffer member 34 is smaller than the maximum distance between the first buffer member 31 and the third buffer member 33.

[0120] In some embodiments, the maximum distance between the second buffer member 32 and the fourth buffer member 34 is smaller than the maximum distance between the second buffer member 32 and the third buffer member 33.

[0121] The mounting plate is for mounting all the battery cells 20, and the maximum distance between the first buffer member 31 and the fourth buffer member 34 can be understood as the size of the gap they form in the third direction Z. The maximum distance between the first buffer member 31 and the third buffer member 33 can be understood as the size of the gap they form in the third direction Z. The maximum distance between the second buffer member 32 and the fourth buffer member 34 can be understood as the size of the gap they form in the third direction Z. The maximum distance between the second buffer member 32 and the third buffer member 33 can be understood as the size of the gap they form in the third direction Z. In different embodiments, the size of the gap formed between different buffer members differs.

[0122] In some examples, the maximum distance between the first buffer member 31 and the third buffer member 33 is less than the maximum distance between the first buffer member 31 and the fourth buffer member 34, and the maximum distance between other buffer members is not specifically limited.

[0123] In some other examples, the maximum distance between the second buffer member 32 and the fourth buffer member 34 is smaller than the maximum distance between the second buffer member 32 and the third buffer member 33, and the maximum distance between other buffer members is not specifically limited. Also in some examples, the maximum distance between the first buffer member 31 and the third buffer member 33 is smaller than the maximum distance between the first buffer member 31 and the fourth buffer member 34, and the maximum distance between the second buffer member 32 and the fourth buffer member 34 is smaller than the maximum distance between the second buffer member 32 and the third buffer member 33.

[0124] When the first battery cell 20 is mounted on the mounting plate and the buffer assembly 30 is assembled on the first surface 24, the space between the fourth buffer member 34 and the mounting plate is actually filled with adhesive. Because the gaps formed between the first buffer member 31 and the fourth buffer member 34 and the gaps formed between the second buffer member 32 and the fourth buffer member 34 are small, the adhesive placed on the mounting plate can directly pass through the gaps formed between the first buffer member 31 and the fourth buffer member 34, or the gaps formed between the second buffer member 32 and the fourth buffer member 34, and reach between two adjacent battery cells 20, thereby reducing the probability of stress concentration between the two adjacent battery cells 20 and consequently causing localized lithium deposition.

[0125] In this way, the amount of material used to manufacture the cushioning member can be reduced as much as possible without affecting the effectiveness of the cushioning assembly 30.

[0126] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, in some embodiments, the maximum distance between the first buffer member 31 and the third buffer member 33 along the third direction Z is 5.5 millimeters (mm) or less. In some embodiments, the maximum distance between the second buffer member 32 and the third buffer member 33 along the third direction Z is 5.5 mm or less.

[0127] For example, in some cases, the maximum distance between the first buffer member 31 and the third buffer member 33 along the third direction Z is L1, where L1 is 5.5 mm or less, and the maximum distance between other buffer members is not specifically limited. In some other cases, the maximum distance between the second buffer member 32 and the third buffer member 33 along the third direction Z is L2, where L2 is 5.5 mm or more, and the maximum distance between other buffer members is not specifically limited. Also in some cases, the maximum distance L1 between the first buffer member 31 and the third buffer member 33 along the third direction Z is 5.5 mm or less, and the maximum distance L2 between the second buffer member 32 and the third buffer member 33 along the third direction Z is 5.5 mm or more.

[0128] When the first buffer member 31 is attached to the first surface 24, the attachment positions of the first buffer member 31 and the third buffer member 33 are separated by a certain distance, so the thickness of the overlapping portion increases due to the overlapping of the first buffer member 31 and the third buffer member 33, which reduces the risk of stress concentration. Furthermore, if the gap formed between the first buffer member 31 and the third buffer member 33 is enlarged, the adhesive will overflow from that gap into the gap between two adjacent gaps, causing localized stress concentration and leading to localized lithium deposition.

[0129] Similarly, limiting the gap formed between the second buffer member 32 and the third buffer member 33 along the third direction Z is also intended to reduce stress concentration caused by the overlapping of the second buffer member 32 and the third buffer member 33, which increases the thickness of the overlapping area. Furthermore, if the gap formed between the second buffer member 32 and the third buffer member 33 is enlarged, the adhesive will overflow from that gap into the gap between two adjacent gaps, causing localized stress concentration and leading to localized lithium deposition.

[0130] Referring to Figure 7, in some embodiments, the first battery cell 20 includes an electrode assembly 23, the electrode assembly 23 includes a tab, the tab extends along a third direction Z, the third buffer member 33 is positioned closer to the tab than the fourth buffer member 34, and the elasticity of the fourth buffer member 34 is greater than that of the third buffer member 33.

[0131] The fourth buffer member 34 can be made from a material with a Poisson's ratio greater than 0.45, such as a thermoplastic material like rubber, TPU, or TPE.

[0132] Typically, a gap is provided in the tab, and there is a certain distance between the tab and the electrode plates of the electrode assembly 23. The wound electrode plates have an overlapping portion, and the projection of this overlapping portion and the fourth buffer member 34 in the first direction X overlaps at least partially. Because the overlapping portion of the electrode plates is more prone to expansion, and the fourth buffer member 34 is closer to the overlapping portion of the electrode plates than the third buffer member 33, the expansion space required at the position of the fourth buffer member 34 is greater than the expansion space required at the position of the third buffer member 33. Therefore, by making the elasticity of the fourth buffer member 34 greater than that of the third buffer member 33, more buffer space can be provided for the overlapping portion of the electrode plates.

[0133] Referring to Figure 8, in some embodiments, the electrode assembly 23 includes a body, the tabs protrude from the body, and the fourth buffer member 34 faces at least a portion of the body along the first direction X.

[0134] In some examples, the projection of the fourth buffer member 34 into the first direction X is completely contained within the projection of the main body into the first direction X. In some other examples, the projection of the fourth buffer member 34 into the first direction X is not completely contained within the projection of the main body into the first direction X.

[0135] When the battery cell 20 expands, the body of the electrode assembly 23 is prone to expansion, pressing against the fourth buffer member 34 and causing elastic deformation of the fourth buffer member 34. Therefore, by giving the fourth buffer member 34 a high elastic deformation capacity, more buffer space can be provided for the electrode assembly 23, that is, more buffer space for the battery cell 20, and the reaction force that the fourth buffer member 34 applies to the body can be reduced.

[0136] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 8, the first battery cell 20 includes an end cap 21 and a case 22, the end cap 21 and case 22 are fitted together along a third direction Z, the end cap 21 is welded to the case 22, the third buffer member 33 is positioned closer to the end cap 21 than the fourth buffer member 34, and the welded joint formed by the welding of the end cap 21 and case 22 is completely offset from the third buffer member 33.

[0137] During the assembly of the battery cell 20, components that need to be assembled inside the case 22, such as the electrode assembly 23, can be mounted inside the case 22 along the third direction Z, and the end cap 21 and case 22 can be placed over each other and welded. A welded joint can be formed between the end cap 21 and the case 22 by welding, and the third buffer member 33 is positioned near the end cap 21 and at a certain distance from the welded joint.

[0138] In this way, even after the battery cell 20 expands, the third buffer member 33 does not press against the welded joint, and the probability that the welded joint will be damaged by prolonged pressure from the expanded third buffer member 33, causing a crack between the case 22 and the end cap 21, and consequently affecting the normal operation of the battery cell 20, can be reduced.

[0139] Specifically, referring to Figures 7 and 8, in some embodiments, the first surface 24 includes a first edge (not shown), the first edge is located along the third direction Z of the first surface 24 on the side closer to the end cap 21, and the welded joint is located between the third buffer member 33 and the first edge.

[0140] When welding the end cap 21 and the case 22 together, compared to placing the weld joint on the first edge, placing the weld joint between the third buffer member 33 and the first edge not only protects the weld joint from being pressed when the third buffer member 33 expands, but also reduces the probability of wear on the first weld joint, thereby improving the stability of the connection between the end cap 21 and the case 22.

[0141] In some embodiments, the first battery cell 20 includes an end cap 21 and a case 22, the end cap 21 and case 22 are fitted together along a third direction Z, the end cap 21 is welded to the case 22, the third buffer member 33 is positioned closer to the end cap 21 than the fourth buffer member 34, the first surface 24 includes a first edge (not shown), the first edge is located on the side of the first surface 24 closer to the end cap 21 along the third direction Z, and the maximum distance between the third buffer member 33 and the first edge along the third direction Z is 1.5 mm or less.

[0142] For example, in the example shown in Figure 7, the maximum distance between the third buffer member 33 and the first edge along the third direction Z is L3, and L3 is 1.5 mm.

[0143] Considering the assembly tolerance of the third buffer member 33 during assembly, the distance between the third buffer member 33 and the first edge in the third direction Z was limited to avoid affecting the normal use of the end cap 21 and the third buffer member 33, thereby ensuring the quality of the assembly of the end cap 21 and the third buffer member 33 and the stable operation of the battery cell 20.

[0144] Referring to Figures 6 and 9, in some embodiments, the first battery cell 20 includes a first side surface 28, the first side surface 28 is adjacent to the first surface 24, the first side surface 28 and the first surface 24 are transitionally connected via a rounded curved surface 26, the second buffer member 32 is positioned closer to the first side surface 28 than the first buffer member 31, and the second buffer member 32 is positioned at a distance from the rounded curved surface 26.

[0145] In the example shown in Figure 9, the first side surface 28 and the first surface 24 are connected along the second direction Y, and a rounded curved surface 26 is connected between them. The second buffer member 32 is provided on the side of the first surface 24 closer to the rounded curved surface 26, and the rounded curved surface 26 is interposed between the second buffer member 32 and the first side surface 28. In this way, if the buffer assembly 30 is not installed between two adjacent battery cells 20, there is a certain distance between the rounded curved surfaces 26 corresponding to each of the two adjacent battery cells 20. Moreover, since the buffer assembly 30 is installed between two adjacent battery cells 20, it is further ensured that there is a certain distance between the rounded curved surfaces 26 corresponding to the two adjacent battery cells 20.

[0146] Therefore, a certain expansion space can be provided for the battery cells 20 without having to install a buffer between the rounded curved surfaces 26 corresponding to two adjacent battery cells 20. By installing it in this way, the amount of buffer material used can be reduced, and the production cost of the buffer assembly 30 can be reduced.

[0147] Specifically, in some embodiments, the maximum distance between the rounded curved surface 26 along the second direction Y and the second buffer member 32 is 1.5 mm or less.

[0148] For example, in the example shown in Figure 10, the maximum distance between the rounded curved surface 26 along the second direction Y and the second buffer member 32 is L4, where L4 is 1.5 mm.

[0149] Considering the assembly tolerances of the second buffer member 32, the distance between the second buffer member 32 and the rounded curved surface 26 in the second direction Y was limited to ensure the quality of the assembly of the second buffer member 32 and the stable operation of the battery cell 20 for the normal use of the second buffer member 32.

[0150] Similarly, referring to Figures 6, 9, and 10, the first battery cell 20 further includes a second side surface 29, the first side surface 28 and the second side surface 29 are positioned opposite each other, the first side surface 28 and the first surface 24 are adjacent and transitionally connected via a rounded curved surface 26. The first buffer member 31 is positioned closer to the second side surface 29 than the second buffer member 32, and the first buffer member 31 is positioned at a distance from the rounded curved surface 26. The maximum distance between the rounded curved surface 26 and the first buffer member 31 along the second direction Y is 1.5 mm or less.

[0151] In this way, there is no need to install a cushioning member at the rounded curved surface 26 position on the first surface 24 of the battery cell 20, which is located close to the first cushioning member 31 and the second cushioning member 32. This reduces the amount of cushioning member used and lowers the production cost of the cushioning assembly 30.

[0152] As shown in Figure 8, in some embodiments, the first battery cell 20 includes a case 22 and an electrode assembly 23, the case 22 includes a first case wall 27, the first case wall 27 extends perpendicular to the third direction Z, a support member (not shown) is installed between the electrode assembly 23 and the first case wall 27, the fourth buffer member 34 is closer to the first case wall 27 than the third buffer member 33, and the fourth buffer member 34 is installed at a distance from the outer surface of the first case wall 27.

[0153] The support member is for supporting the electrode assembly 23. The fourth buffer member 34 is placed on the first surface 24 of the case 22 and near the first case wall 27, however the fourth buffer member 34 and the first case wall 27 are not connected. When the battery assembly 100 expands, it presses against the first surface 24 of the case 22 but not against the first case wall 27.

[0154] In this way, the production cost of the buffer assembly 30 can be reduced by further decreasing the amount of buffer material used, even without connecting the fourth buffer member 34 and the first case wall 27 together.

[0155] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, in some embodiments, the first battery cell 20 includes a case 22 and an electrode assembly 23, the electrode assembly 23 is housed within the case 22, the case 22 includes a first case wall 27 perpendicular to the third direction Z, and the maximum distance between the fourth buffer member 34 and the outer surface of the first case wall 27 along the third direction Z is 1.5 mm or less.

[0156] For example, in the example shown in Figure 7, the maximum distance between the fourth buffer member 34 and the outer surface of the first case wall 27 along the third direction Z is L5, where L5 is 1.5 mm.

[0157] During the assembly process, considering the assembly tolerances of the fourth buffer member 34, the distance between the fourth buffer member 34 and the first case wall 27 in the third direction Z may be limited so as not to affect the normal use of the fourth buffer member 34, thereby ensuring the assembly quality of the fourth buffer member 34 and the stable operation of the battery cell 20.

[0158] In different embodiments, the length, width, and thickness of each cushioning member can be adjusted according to the actual situation.

[0159] Referring to Figure 7, in some embodiments, the length of the first buffer member 31 along the second direction Y is a, where 3 mm ≤ a ≤ 10 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the second buffer member 32 along the second direction Y is b, where 3 mm ≤ b ≤ 10 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the third buffer member 33 along the third direction Z is c, where 3 mm ≤ c ≤ 8 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the fourth buffer member 34 along the third direction Z is d, where 3 mm ≤ d ≤ 8 mm.

[0160] In some examples, the length of the first buffer member 31 along the second direction Y is a, where 3 mm ≤ a ≤ 10 mm; the length of the second buffer member 32 along the second direction Y is b, where 3 mm ≤ b ≤ 10 mm; and the length of the third buffer member 33 along the third direction Z is c, where 3 mm ≤ c ≤ 8 mm.

[0161] In some other examples, the length of the first buffer member 31 along the second direction Y is a, where 3 mm ≤ a ≤ 10 mm; the length of the second buffer member 32 along the second direction Y is b, where 3 mm ≤ b ≤ 10 mm; and the length of the fourth buffer member 34 along the third direction Z is d, where 3 mm ≤ d ≤ 8 mm.

[0162] In some examples, the length of the first buffer member 31 along the second direction Y is a, where 3 mm ≤ a ≤ 10 mm; the length of the second buffer member 32 along the second direction Y is b, where 3 mm ≤ b ≤ 10 mm; the length of the third buffer member 33 along the third direction Z is c, where 3 mm ≤ c ≤ 8 mm; and the length of the fourth buffer member 34 along the third direction Z is d, where 3 mm ≤ d ≤ 8 mm. No further examples will be listed here. Here, the length of each buffer member along the second direction Y can be understood as the width of each buffer member.

[0163] In this way, by limiting the width range of each cushioning member, the machinable range of each cushioning member can be expanded without affecting the performance of each cushioning member. Furthermore, by using a combination of cushioning members of different widths to fit a battery 100 having first surfaces 24 of different dimensions, the usable range of the cushioning assembly 30 can be expanded.

[0164] Referring to Figure 10, in some embodiments, the first buffer member 31, the second buffer member 32, the third buffer member 33, and the fourth buffer member 34 work together to enclose and form a closed frame.

[0165] For example, the first buffer member 31 and the second buffer member 32 are distributed at intervals along the second direction Y and both extend along the third direction Z. The third buffer member 33 and the fourth buffer member 34 are distributed at intervals along the third direction Z and both extend along the second direction Y. By sequentially connecting all the buffer members from end to end, a rectangular frame can be formed.

[0166] In this way, the enclosed frame has good connection stability between its two adjacent buffer members, and the overall connection stability of the frame can be improved.

[0167] Furthermore, some embodiments of this application provide power consumption devices, which include the battery 100 in the above embodiments, and the battery 100 is for providing electrical energy. For details regarding the battery 100, please refer to the above description, and a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0168] By placing different cushioning members of the buffer assembly 30 in the power consumption device on different edge regions of the first surface 24 of the battery cell 20, when the battery cell 20 expands, the degree of expansion of the central region of the first surface 24 of the battery cell 20 is greater than the degree of expansion of the edge regions of the first surface 24. Therefore, by placing different cushioning members on different edge regions of the first surface 24, a certain expansion space can be secured for the battery cell 20, and the expansion requirements of the battery cell 20 can be met.

[0169] Furthermore, by manufacturing different cushioning materials individually, it is possible to reduce the probability of wasting material by repeatedly cutting cushioning materials that do not meet actual needs, thereby saving the materials required to manufacture cushioning materials.

[0170] In a specific embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the battery 100 includes a plurality of battery cells 20 and a plurality of buffer assemblies 30. Each battery cell 20 includes a first surface 24, the first surface 24 having a first central axis 241 extending along a second direction Y and a second central axis 242 extending along a third direction Z. The first surface 24 of one of the battery cells 20 faces an adjacent battery cell 20.

[0171] A buffer assembly 30 is installed on the first surface 24 of the battery cell 20, and the buffer assembly 30 includes a first buffer member 31, a second buffer member 32, a third buffer member 33, and a fourth buffer member 34, all of which are elongated. The first buffer member 31 and the second buffer member 32 are distributed on both sides of the second central axis 242 along the second direction Y, and both the first buffer member 31 and the second buffer member 32 are installed extending along the third direction Z. The third buffer member 33 and the fourth buffer member 34 are distributed on both sides of the first central axis 241 along the third direction Z, and both the third buffer member 33 and the fourth buffer member 34 are installed extending along the second direction Y.

[0172] By placing different cushioning members of the cushioning assembly 30 on different edge regions of the first surface 24 of the battery cell 20, when the battery cell 20 expands, the degree of expansion of the central region of the first surface 24 of the battery cell 20 is greater than the degree of expansion of the edge regions of the first surface 24. Therefore, by placing different cushioning members on different edge regions of the first surface 24, a certain expansion space can be secured for the battery cell 20, and the expansion requirements of the battery cell 20 can be met.

[0173] Furthermore, by manufacturing different cushioning materials individually, it is possible to reduce the probability of wasting material by repeatedly cutting cushioning materials that do not meet actual needs, thereby saving the materials required to manufacture cushioning materials.

[0174] Each of the technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way, and for the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of each of the technical features in the above embodiments will be described. However, as long as these combinations of technical features are inconsistent, they should all be considered to fall within the scope described herein.

[0175] The above embodiments are merely examples of some embodiments of this application, and although their descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be understood as limiting the scope of the claims of this application. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art could make several further changes and improvements without departing from the concepts of this application, and all of these also fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the patent of this application should be in accordance with the attached claims.

[0176] The reference numerals in the drawings for embodiments of the invention are as follows: [Explanation of Symbols]

[0177] 1000 vehicles 100 batteries 200 controllers 300 motor 10 cabinets 11 Part 1 12 Part 2 20 battery cells 21 End caps 21a Electrode terminal 22 cases 23 Electrode Assembly 24 1st surface 241 1st center axis line 242 2nd center axis line 25 Second surface 26. Rounded curved surface 27 Case 1 Wall 28 First aspect 29 Second aspect 30 Buffer Assembly 31 First buffer member 32 Second buffer member 33 Third buffer member 34. Fourth buffer member X 1st direction Y Second direction Z 3rd direction

Claims

1. It is a battery, A first battery cell including a first surface perpendicular to a first direction, wherein the first surface is toward an adjacent battery cell, A battery comprising a buffer assembly installed on the first surface, the buffer assembly including a first buffer member, a second buffer member, a third buffer member, and a fourth buffer member, all of which are elongated in shape, wherein the first buffer member and the second buffer member are located on either side of a central axis along a second direction of the first surface, and the third buffer member and the fourth buffer member are located on either side of a central axis along a third direction of the first surface, and the first, second, and third directions are perpendicular to each other.

2. The battery according to claim 1, wherein the projections of the first buffer member, the second buffer member, the third buffer member, and the fourth buffer member are completely offset in the first direction.

3. The battery according to claim 2, wherein the first buffer member, the second buffer member, the third buffer member, and the fourth buffer member are installed at intervals from each other.

4. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first battery cell includes an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly includes a tab, the tab extends along the third direction, the first buffer member and the second buffer member are installed parallel to the third direction, and the first buffer member and the second buffer member are distributed symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the first surface along the third direction.

5. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first battery cell includes an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly includes a tab, the tab extends along the third direction, the third and fourth buffer members are positioned parallel to the second direction, and the third and fourth buffer members are distributed symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the first surface along the second direction.

6. The battery includes a mounting plate, the first battery cell includes a second surface, the second surface is adjacent to the first surface, the second surface is adhesively connected to the mounting plate, the mounting plate is perpendicular to the third direction, and the fourth cushioning member is installed closer to the mounting plate than the third cushioning member. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the maximum distance between the first buffer member and the fourth buffer member is smaller than the maximum distance between the first buffer member and the third buffer member.

7. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the battery includes a mounting plate, the first battery cell includes a second surface, the second surface is adjacent to the first surface, the second surface is adhesively connected to the mounting plate, the mounting plate is perpendicular to the third direction, the fourth buffer member is installed closer to the mounting plate than the third buffer member, and the maximum distance between the second buffer member and the fourth buffer member is less than the maximum distance between the second buffer member and the third buffer member.

8. The battery according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the maximum distance between the first buffer member and the third buffer member along the third direction is 5.5 mm or less.

9. The battery according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the maximum distance between the second buffer member and the third buffer member along the third direction is 5.5 mm or less.

10. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first battery cell includes an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly includes a tab, the tab extends along the third direction, the third buffer member is positioned closer to the tab than the fourth buffer member, and the elasticity of the fourth buffer member is greater than that of the third buffer member.

11. The battery according to claim 10, wherein the electrode assembly includes a body, the tab protrudes from the body, and the fourth buffer member faces at least a portion of the body in the first direction.

12. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first battery cell includes an end cap and a case, the end cap and the case are fitted together along the third direction, the end cap is welded to the case, the third buffer member is positioned closer to the end cap than the fourth buffer member, and the welded joint formed by the welding of the end cap and the case is completely offset from the third buffer member.

13. The battery according to claim 12, wherein the first surface includes a first edge, the first edge is located on the side of the first surface closer to the end cap along the third direction, and the welded joint is located between the third buffer member and the first edge.

14. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first battery cell includes an end cap and a case, the end cap and the case are fitted together along the third direction, the end cap is welded to the case, the third buffer member is positioned closer to the end cap than the fourth buffer member, the first surface includes a first edge, the first edge is located on the side of the first surface closer to the end cap along the third direction, and the maximum distance between the third buffer member and the first edge along the third direction is 1.5 mm or less.

15. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first battery cell includes a first side surface, the first side surface is adjacent to the first surface, the first side surface and the first surface are transitionally connected via a rounded curved surface, the second buffer member is positioned closer to the first side surface than the first buffer member, and the second buffer member is positioned at a distance from the rounded curved surface.

16. The battery according to claim 15, wherein the maximum distance between the rounded curved surface and the second buffer member along the second direction is 1.5 mm or less.

17. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the first battery cell includes a case and an electrode assembly, the case includes a first case wall, the first case wall extends perpendicularly to the third direction, a support member is installed between the electrode assembly and the first case wall, the fourth buffer member is closer to the first case wall than the third buffer member, and the fourth buffer member is installed at a distance from the outer surface of the first case wall.

18. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the first battery cell includes a case and an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly is housed within the case, the case includes a first case wall perpendicular to the third direction, and the maximum distance between the fourth buffer member and the outer surface of the first case wall along the third direction is 1.5 mm or less.

19. The battery according to any one of claims 4 to 18, wherein the length of the first buffer member along the second direction is a, and 3 mm ≤ a ≤ 10 mm.

20. The battery according to any one of claims 4 to 19, wherein the length of the second buffer member along the second direction is b, and 3 mm ≤ b ≤ 10 mm.

21. The battery according to any one of claims 4 to 20, wherein the length of the third buffer member along the third direction is c, and 3 mm ≤ c ≤ 8 mm.

22. The battery according to any one of claims 4 to 21, wherein the length of the fourth buffer member along the third direction is d, and 3 mm ≤ d ≤ 8 mm.

23. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the first buffer member, the second buffer member, the third buffer member, and the fourth buffer member jointly enclose each other to form a closed frame.

24. A power consumption device, wherein the power consumption device includes a battery according to any one of claims 1 to 23, and the battery is for providing electrical energy.

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