Battery cell and its manufacturing method, manufacturing device, battery, and power consumption device

Abstract

Examples of the present application provide a battery cell and a manufacturing method, manufacturing apparatus, battery, and power consumption device, the battery cell including a case having a first opening at one end along a first direction, a first end cap sealing the first opening, the first end cap including an end cap body and a first electrode terminal provided on the end cap body, an electrode assembly provided within the case and including a main body and a first tab drawn out from the main body, and a first adapter including a first part, a second part, and a third part, the first part being located on a side of the main body from which the first tab is drawn out and electrically connected to the first tab, the second part being located on a side of the main body closer to the first end cap and connected to the first part, a first end of the third part along the second direction being connected to a side end of the second part along the second direction, at least a portion of the third part being located between the second part and the end cap body and electrically connected to the first electrode terminal, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery cell and a manufacturing method and apparatus thereof, a battery, and a power consuming device. [Background technology]

[0002] Lithium-ion batteries and other batteries have advantages such as high energy density, high power density, many cycles, and long storage time, and are therefore already widely used in electric vehicles.

[0003] However, optimizing the assembly process of batteries in electric vehicles has remained a challenge within the industry. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The objective of this application is to improve the battery assembly process.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present application, there is provided a battery cell, the battery cell comprising: a case having a first opening at one end along a first direction; a first end cap for sealing the first opening, the first end cap including an end cap body and a first electrode terminal provided on the end cap body; an electrode assembly provided within the case and including a body portion and a first tab extending from the body portion; a first adapter including a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion; Including, the first portion is located on a side of the body portion from which the first tab is drawn out and is electrically connected to the first tab; the second portion is connected to the first portion on a side of the body adjacent to the first end cap; a first end of the third portion along the second direction is connected to a side end of the second portion along the second direction, and at least a portion of the third portion is located between the second portion and the end cap body and is electrically connected to the first electrode terminal; The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0006] In the first adapter of this embodiment, by extending the third part to the second part, when the third part and the first electrode terminal are electrically connected, an angle formed between the third part and the second part can be formed between the third part and the second part, and an operation space for connecting the third part and the first electrode terminal is formed in the region where the angle is located, thereby improving the convenience of assembly and improving the reliability of the electrical connection. After the third part and the first electrode terminal are electrically connected, the third part is directly folded together with the first end cap around the rotation axis toward the direction close to the second part, so that the first end cap can seal the first opening. This structure can thereby skillfully realize the electrical connection between the third part and the first electrode terminal and the assembly of the first end cap.

[0007] Furthermore, first inserting the electrode assembly into the case and then attaching the first end cap makes it easier to ensure the fitting accuracy between the first end cap and the first opening, prevents relatively large acting forces from occurring between the first end cap and the case, and between the electrode assembly and the case, and optimizes assembly performance, thereby improving the performance and operational reliability of the battery cell.

[0008] In addition, when a second opening is provided at the other end of the battery cell along the first direction and the second opening is sealed by a second end cap, in order to solve the problem that the electrical connection between the third portion and the first electrode terminal and the assembly of the first end cap cannot be realized at the same time, the first end cap may be attached last during assembly, so that such an assembly method can be applied to battery cells with different structures, and there is no need to specially match the structure of the battery cell with the assembly process, and it is highly versatile.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second direction corresponds to a thickness direction of the electrode assembly.

[0010] In this embodiment, when the third portion is bent together with the first end cap around the rotation axis toward the second portion, the first end cap can rotate about its own long side until it seals the first opening, thereby reducing the rotation radius of the first end cap, reducing the positional deviation and rocking that occurs during rotation, allowing the first end cap to fit accurately into the first opening, ensuring the consistency of the gap between the first end cap and the first opening in the entire circumferential direction, and improving the welding effect between the first end cap and the case.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first tab extends from a side edge of the body portion along a third direction, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0012] In this embodiment, the first tab is provided on the side surface of the body adjacent to the first end cap, so that when the first tab and the first electrode terminal are electrically connected to the first adapter, an independent operation space can be provided, which is advantageous for facilitating assembly and ensuring the reliability of the electrical connection. The first and second parts are located on two adjacent side surfaces of the body to form an L-shaped structure, and before assembly, the third part and the second part have an angle between them, for example, perpendicular to each other, and the third part is located at the side end of the second part along the second direction, so that the rigidity of the entire first adapter can be improved, and the second part is less likely to deform during the process of leaving, moving, or assembling the parts.

[0013] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly further includes a second tab extending from the body portion, the first and second tabs being of opposite polarity and extending from the same side end of the body portion.

[0014] In this embodiment, the space occupied by the battery cell in the third direction can be reduced, and the energy density of the battery cell can be improved.

[0015] In some embodiments, a second end of the third portion along the second direction is a free end, and the third portion is configured to be folded toward the second portion with the first end cap connected thereto to seal the first opening.

[0016] In this embodiment, the third part is folded to realize the electrical connection between the third part and the first electrode terminal and the assembly of the first end cap. During assembly, the electrode assembly may be inserted into the case first and then the first end cap may be attached, which can ensure the fitting accuracy between the first end cap and the first opening, facilitate the welding between the first end cap and the first opening, and optimize the assembly performance. In addition, for a battery cell having end caps on both ends, in order to solve the problem that the electrical connection between the third part and the first electrode terminal and the assembly of the first end cap cannot be simultaneously realized, the first end cap may be attached last during assembly, thereby making the assembly process more versatile for battery cells with different structures.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion are all plate-like structures, the first portion and the second portion are disposed perpendicularly, and the second portion and the third portion are disposed parallel.

[0018] In this embodiment, the first part and the second part are arranged vertically, and after electrically connecting the first part and the first tab, the second part and the side facing the first end cap of the main body may be arranged parallel to each other to reduce the occupied space of the second part in the first direction, and after folding the third part until the first end cap seals the first opening, the second part and the third part may be arranged parallel to each other, for example in contact or with a relatively small gap, which can further reduce the occupied space of the second part in the first direction.

[0019] In some embodiments, the connection location between the second portion and the third portion is recessed a preset distance relative to an outer edge of the second portion along the second direction.

[0020] In this embodiment, by setting the root position of the third part back a predetermined distance from the outer edge of the second part, it is possible to prevent the third part from protruding beyond the outer edge of the second part along the second direction and coming into contact with the case after bending, thereby ensuring a gap between the electrode assembly and the case, and a gap between the first end cap and the case after assembly.

[0021] In some embodiments, the connection between the third portion and the second portion includes a weakened area.

[0022] In this embodiment, by providing a weak area at the connection point between the third part and the second part, it is easy to fold the third part together with the first end cap toward the second part after the third part and the first electrode terminal are electrically connected, and during the folding process, it is possible to prevent excessive force from being applied to the connection point between the first part and the first tab, which would affect the connection effect, and it is also possible to prevent deformation of the first adapter due to a relatively large folding force, thereby making the folding position of the third part relative to the second part accurate, improving the positioning accuracy after the first end cap seals the first opening, making the circumferential gap between the first end cap and the first opening uniform, and improving the welding effect.

[0023] In some embodiments, the weakened area includes at least one of a thinned portion and a through slot extending along a third direction, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first adapter is formed from a stack of multiple layer structures.

[0025] In this embodiment, because each layer structure is thin, the first adapter formed by stacking multiple layer structures reduces the rigidity of the connection point between the second portion and the third portion, allowing the third portion to bend more easily.

[0026] In some embodiments, a second opening is provided at the other end of the case along the first direction, the electrode assembly further includes a second tab extending from the body portion, and the battery cell includes: a second end cap for sealing the second opening, the second end cap including an end cap body and a second electrode terminal provided on the end cap body; and a second adapter including a first part and a second part, the first part being located on a side of the body part from which the second tab is pulled out and electrically connected to the second tab, the second part being located on a side of the body part closer to the second end cap and connected to the first part, and the second part being electrically connected to the second electrode terminal.

[0027] In this embodiment, when the battery cell has both the first end cap and the second end cap, the second electrode terminal and the second part of the second adapter may be electrically connected first, the first parts of the first adapter and the second adapter may be electrically connected to the first tab and the second tab, the electrode assembly and the second end cap may be inserted into the case through the second opening, the second end cap may be made to seal the second opening, and finally the first electrode terminal and the third part may be electrically connected, and the first end cap may be made to seal the first opening by bending. Such a structure can facilitate the assembly of the battery cell having end caps on both ends and simplify the structure of the second adapter.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the present application, there is provided a battery, the battery including the battery cell of the above embodiment.

[0029] According to a third aspect of the present application, there is provided a power consuming device including a battery according to any of the above embodiments, the battery being adapted to provide electrical energy to the power consuming device.

[0030] According to a fourth aspect of the present application, there is provided a method for manufacturing a battery cell, the method comprising: providing a part to be assembled including a case, an electrode assembly, a first end cap, and a first adapter, wherein one end of the case along a first direction is provided with a first opening, the first end cap includes an end cap body and a first electrode terminal provided on the end cap body, the electrode assembly includes a main body portion and a first tab extending from the main body portion, the first adapter includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, the second portion is connected to the first portion, and a first end of the third portion along the second direction is connected to a side end of the second portion along the second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction; positioning the first adapter such that the first portion is located on a side of the body from which the first tab is drawn and the second portion is located on a side of the body closer to the first end cap, and electrically connecting the first portion of the first adapter and the first tab; placing the electrode assembly within a case; electrically connecting the third portion of the first adapter and the first electrode terminal; positioning at least a portion of the third portion between the second portion and the first end cap, causing the first end cap to seal the first opening; Includes.

[0031] In some embodiments, when electrically connecting the first electrode terminal and the third portion, the third portion and the second portion have a predetermined angle formed between the third portion and the second portion, at least a part of the third portion is positioned between the second portion and the first end cap, and the first end cap seals the first opening. Folding the third portion, with the first end cap connected thereto, toward the second portion until the first end cap seals the first opening.

[0032] According to a fifth aspect of the present application, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing a battery cell, the apparatus comprising: a component providing member configured to provide a case, an electrode assembly, a first end cap, and a first adapter, the case having an end along a first direction with a first opening, the first end cap including an end cap body and a first electrode terminal provided on the end cap body, the electrode assembly including a main body portion and a first tab extending from the main body portion, the first adapter including a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, the second portion being connected to the first portion, a first end of the third portion along the second direction being connected to a side end of the second portion along the second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction; a tab connection member configured to position the first adapter such that a first portion is located on a side of the body from which the first tab is led out and a second portion is located on a side of the body closer to the first end cap, and to electrically connect the first portion of the first adapter and the first tab; an electrode mounting member configured to insert the electrode assembly into the case through the first opening; a terminal connection member configured to electrically connect the third portion of the first adapter and the first electrode terminal; and an end cap sealing member configured to position at least a portion of the third portion between the second portion and the first end cap and to cause the first end cap to seal the first opening. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] In order to more clearly describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings that need to be used in the embodiments of the present application. It is obvious that the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on the drawings without paying creative efforts. [Figure 1] 1A to 1C are structural schematic diagrams of some embodiments of installing the battery of the present application in a vehicle. [Diagram 2] 1 is an exploded view of some embodiments of a battery of the present application. [Diagram 3]1A-1D are structural schematic diagrams of some embodiments of the battery unit of the present application. [Figure 4] 1A-1D are structural schematic diagrams of some embodiments of battery cells of the present application. [Diagram 5] 1A-1C are exploded views of some embodiments of battery cells of the present application. [Figure 6] 1A-1C are structural schematic diagrams of some embodiments of a first adapter in a battery cell of the present application. [Figure 7A] FIG. 13 is a structural schematic diagram of a weakened area provided in the first adaptor; [Figure 7B] FIG. 13 is a structural schematic diagram of providing another weakened area on the first adapter. [Figure 7C] FIG. 13 is a structural schematic diagram of providing yet another weakened area in the first adapter. [Figure 8] 11A-11C are structural schematic diagrams of some other embodiments of the first adapter in the battery cell of the present application. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion A in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a structural schematic diagram of the second portion of the first adapter in an unfolded state after being electrically connected with the first electrode terminal. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a structural schematic diagram of the first adapter after being folded together with the second portion and the first end cap. [Figure 12] 1A-1D are structural schematic diagrams of some embodiments of the battery cell manufacturing method of the present application. [Figure 13] 1 is a schematic diagram of a module configuration of some embodiments of a battery cell manufacturing apparatus of the present application. FIG.

[0034] In the drawings, the drawings are not drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] The following describes the embodiments of the present application in more detail in conjunction with the drawings and examples. The detailed description of the following embodiments and the drawings are for illustrative purposes only to explain the principles of the present application, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present application, i.e., the present application is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0036] In the description of this application, it should be explained that unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more, and the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "up", "down", "left", "right", "inside", "outside", etc. is merely for the convenience and simplification of the description of this application, and does not indicate or imply that the referenced device or element has a particular orientation or must be configured and operated in a particular orientation, and should not be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0037] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance. "Vertical" does not mean strictly perpendicular, but has a margin of error. "Parallel" does not mean strictly parallel, but has a margin of error. All directional terms appearing in the following description refer to the directions shown in the drawings, and do not limit the specific structure of this application.

[0038] In the description of the present application, it should be further explained that unless otherwise clearly defined or limited, the terms "attached", "connected" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, they may be fixedly connected, detachably connected or integrally connected, and may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application according to the specific situation.

[0039] An "embodiment" referred to in this specification means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least some of the embodiments of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to all the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art can explicitly and implicitly understand that the embodiments described in this specification can be combined with other embodiments.

[0040] In describing the embodiments of the present application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more (including two); similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more (including two sets); and "multiple sheets" refers to two or more (including two sheets).

[0041] Although this application employs descriptions of orientations or positional relationships indicated by "up", "down", "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "inside" and "outside", etc., this is for the purpose of facilitating the description of this application and does not indicate or imply that the referenced devices have a particular orientation or must be configured and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0042] The batteries referred to in the embodiments of this application are single physical modules that contain multiple battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity, for example, the batteries referred to in this application may include battery modules, battery packs, etc.

[0043] The battery cells mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may include a lithium ion secondary battery, a lithium ion primary battery, a lithium sulfur battery, a sodium lithium ion battery, a sodium ion battery, or a magnesium ion battery, etc., but the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto. The battery cells may have a cylindrical, flat, rectangular, or other shape, etc., but the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto. Battery cells are generally divided into three types, namely, cylindrical battery cells, rectangular battery cells, and pouch battery cells, based on the packaging method, but the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0044] Current battery cells generally include a case and an electrode assembly housed in the case, and the case is filled with an electrolyte. The electrode assembly is generally formed by stacking or winding a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate having opposite polarity, and generally a separator is provided between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. The portions of the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate that are coated with an active material constitute the main body of the electrode assembly, and the portions of the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate that are not coated with an active material constitute the first tab and the second tab, respectively. In the lithium ion battery, the first plate may be a first plate including a positive electrode collector and a positive electrode active material layer provided on both sides of the positive electrode collector, the material of the positive electrode collector may be, for example, aluminum, the positive electrode active material may be, for example, lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganate, etc., the second plate may be a second plate including a negative electrode collector and a negative electrode active material layer provided on both sides of the negative electrode collector, the material of the negative electrode collector may be, for example, copper, the negative electrode active material may be, for example, graphite or silicon, etc. The first tab and the second tab may be jointly located at one end of the body part or may be located at both ends of the body part respectively. During charging and discharging of the battery cell, the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material react with the electrolyte, and the tabs are connected to the terminals to form a current circuit.

[0045] According to the inventors' findings from practice, currently in most rectangular parallelepiped battery cells, an end cap is generally provided on one end surface of the case, and the end cap includes an end cap body and two electrode terminals provided on the end cap body. During assembly, an adapter is first welded to each electrode terminal, and then the two adapters are welded to the first tab and the second tab, respectively, so that the end cap and the electrode assembly form an entire structure, and then the entire structure is inserted into the case.

[0046] However, during the actual assembly process, when the entire structure formed by the end caps and the electrode assembly is inserted into the case, the gaps between the electrode assembly and the case and between the end caps and the case are both relatively small, making it inevitable that assembly errors will occur and not easy to correct these errors, which will affect the assembly effect and efficiency.

[0047] In the case of a battery cell in which end caps are provided on both ends of the case, each end cap is provided with one electrode terminal. If the electrode terminal on one of the end caps is first connected to the electrode assembly as an entire structure via an adapter and then this end cap is inserted into the case and sealed, it is not possible to simultaneously assemble the other end cap and weld the electrode terminal thereon to the corresponding adapter.

[0048] Based on the above findings, the inventors attempt to further improve the assembly performance of the battery cell and to improve the battery cell so that such an assembly method has relatively high versatility for different battery cells.

[0049] The battery of the present application may be used in an electric device and may provide electric energy to a power consuming device, and the device may be a mobile phone, a portable device, a laptop, a battery car, an electric car, a steamship, a spacecraft, an electric toy, an electric tool, etc., for example, the spacecraft includes an airplane, a rocket, a space shuttle, a spaceship, etc., the electric toy includes a stationary or mobile electric toy, for example, a game console, an electric car toy, an electric steamship toy, an electric airplane toy, etc., and the electric tool includes a metal cutting power tool, a polishing power tool, an assembly power tool, a railway power tool, for example, an electric drill, an electric grinder, an electric wrench, an electric screwdriver, an electric hammer, a hammer drill, a concrete vibrator, and an electric planer.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 1, the power consumption device may be a vehicle 200, for example, a new energy vehicle, which may be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a range extender vehicle, etc., or the power consumption device may be a drone or a steamship, etc. Specifically, the vehicle 200 may include an axle 201, a wheel 202 connected to the axle 201, a motor 203, a controller 204, and a battery 100, in which the motor 203 is used to drive the rotation of the axle 201, the controller 204 is used to control the operation of the motor 203, and the battery 100 may be installed at the bottom, head, or tail of the vehicle 200, and is used to provide electrical energy for the operation of the motor 203 and other components in the vehicle.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 2, in order to meet various power usage demands, the battery 100 may include multiple battery cells 10, and the multiple battery cells 10 may be connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel, where series-parallel connection is a mixture of series and parallel connections.

[0052] 2 is a structural schematic diagram of some embodiments of the battery 100 of the present application, which may include a housing assembly 101 and at least one battery unit 100'. The interior of the housing assembly 101 is a hollow structure, and the at least one battery unit 100' is accommodated in the housing assembly 101.

[0053] For example, the housing assembly 101 may include two parts, referred to herein as a housing 101A and a cover 101B, respectively. The housing 101A and the cover 101B are engaged with each other. For example, the housing 101A and the cover 101B may each be a hollow rectangular parallelepiped, each having only one open surface, and the opening of the housing 101A and the opening of the cover 101B may be placed opposite each other, and the housing 101A and the cover 101B may be engaged with each other to form a housing having a sealed cavity. Alternatively, the housing 101A may be a rectangular parallelepiped with an opening, but the cover 101B may be a plate-shaped one, or the cover 101B may be a rectangular parallelepiped with an opening, but the housing 101A may be a plate-shaped one, and the housing 101A and the cover 101B may be placed opposite each other and engaged with each other to form a housing having a sealed cavity. A plurality of battery cells 10 are combined in parallel, series, or series-parallel connections, and then placed in a sealed cavity formed by engaging the housing 101A and the lid 101B.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 3, each battery unit 100′ may include a plurality of battery cells 10 arranged in parallel and electrically connected to each other, for example, the plurality of battery cells 10 may be arranged in parallel along the second direction y.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, the battery cell 10 includes a case 1 and a first end cap 2 and a second end cap 2' provided at both ends of the case 1 along a first direction x, where the first direction x is perpendicular to a second direction y. Due to the angle in the figure, only the first end cap 2 is shown, and the first end cap 2 includes an end cap body 21 and a first electrode terminal 22 provided on the end cap body 21, and the second end cap 2' includes an end cap body 21 and a second electrode terminal 22' provided on the end cap body 21, where the first electrode terminal 22 and the second electrode terminal 22' have opposite polarities. Alternatively, the first end cap 2 is provided only at one end of the case 1 along the first direction x, and the first electrode terminal 22 and the second electrode terminal 22' are provided at the same time on the end cap.

[0056] Since the first electrode terminal 22 and the second electrode terminal 22' are not installed in a plane perpendicular to the third direction z of the battery unit 100', and the third direction z is perpendicular to the first direction x and the second direction y, the thermal management member 102 may be installed on both sides of the battery unit 100' along the third direction z, and the two opposing sides of the battery unit 100' are used to simultaneously regulate the temperature, thereby improving the efficiency of temperature regulation. For example, when the battery 100 operates for a long time, such a structure can improve the heat dissipation performance of the battery 100 and prevent the occurrence of a heat dissipation bottleneck during long-term high-power operation.

[0057] In some embodiments, the thermal management member 102 is used to contain a fluid to adjust the temperature of the battery unit 100'. The fluid here may be a liquid or a gas, and adjusting the temperature is to heat or cool the battery cells. When cooling or lowering the temperature of the battery unit 100', the thermal management member 102 is used to contain a cooling fluid to lower the temperature of the battery cells, and in this case, the thermal management member 102 may be called a cooling member, a cooling system, a cooling plate, etc., and the contained fluid may be called a cooling medium or a cooling fluid, more specifically, a cooling liquid or a cooling gas. The thermal management member 102 may also be used to heat the battery cells to increase their temperature, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto. Optionally, the fluid may circulate to achieve a better temperature adjustment effect. Optionally, the fluid may be water, a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, air, etc.

[0058] Specifically, the thermal management member 102 may include a substrate 1021 and a heat exchange tube 1022 provided on the substrate 1021, and the heat exchange tube 1022 covers the entire surface of the battery unit 100' in a continuous S-shape or other extending path to achieve a better heat exchange effect. A channel for fluid to flow is formed in the heat exchange tube 1022, and both ends of the heat exchange tube 1022 are respectively an inlet 1022A and an outlet 1022B for the heat exchange fluid. Alternatively, the thermal management member 102 may include a substrate 1021, and a heat exchange channel for fluid to flow is provided in the substrate 1021.

[0059] Optionally, the thermal management member 102 may provide temperature regulation through control of the conductive members.

[0060] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of some embodiments of a battery cell 10 of the present application, where the battery cell 10 includes a case 1, a first end cap 2, an electrode assembly 3, and a first adapter 4.

[0061] A first opening 11 is provided at one end of the case 1 along the first direction x. The first end cap 2 is used to seal the first opening 11, and includes an end cap body 21 and a first electrode terminal 22 provided on the end cap body 21. The electrode assembly 3 is provided in the case 1, and includes a main body portion 31 and a first tab 32 drawn out from the main body portion 31.

[0062] The first adapter 4 includes a first part 41, a second part 42, and a third part 43, the first part 41 being located on the side of the main body 31 from which the first tab 32 is pulled out and electrically connected to the first tab 32, the second part 42 being located on the side of the main body 31 closer to the first end cap 2 and connected to the first part 41, a first end of the third part 43 along the second direction y being connected to a side end of the second part 42 along the second direction y, at least a portion of the third part 43 being located between the second part 42 and the end cap body 21 and electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 22, and the second direction y being perpendicular to the first direction x.

[0063] Here, the case 1 is a member for housing the electrode assembly 3, and the case 1 may be a hollow structure having a first opening 11 at one end and sealed by a first end cap 2, or the case 1 may be a hollow structure having a first opening 11 and a second opening 11' at both ends, in which case the first opening 11 is sealed by the first end cap 2 and the second opening 11' is sealed by the second end cap 2'. The material of the case 1 may be various, for example, copper, iron, aluminum, steel, aluminum alloy, etc. The case 1 may be a rectangular parallelepiped, etc.

[0064] The first end cap 2 is a member that is placed over the first opening 11 of the case 1 to isolate the internal environment of the battery cell 10 from the external environment. The shape of the first end cap 2 may be adapted to the shape of the case 1, for example, the case 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped structure and the first end cap 2 has a rectangular plate-like structure that fits the case 1. The material of the first end cap 2 may be various, for example, copper, iron, aluminum, steel, aluminum alloy, etc., and the material of the first end cap 2 may be the same as or different from the material of the case 1.

[0065] The electrode assembly 3 is a member in which an electrochemical reaction occurs in the battery cell 10, and the electrode assembly 3 may be a rectangular parallelepiped or the like. The electrode assembly 3 may include a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator. The electrode assembly 3 may be a wound structure formed by winding the first electrode plate, the separator, and the second electrode plate, and the wound structure may include two flat surfaces S1 and two arcuate surfaces S2, where the two flat surfaces S1 are disposed opposite each other along the second direction y, and the flat surfaces S1 are perpendicular to the second direction y, and both ends of the arcuate surfaces S2 are respectively connected to ends located on the same side of the two flat surfaces S1. Alternatively, the electrode assembly 3 may be a stacked structure formed by stacking and arranging the first electrode plate, the separator, and the second electrode plate.

[0066] For example, the first plate may be a positive plate including a positive electrode collector and a positive electrode active material layer coated on both opposing sides of the positive electrode collector, and the portion of the first plate not coated with the positive electrode active material layer forms a first tab 32. The second plate may be a negative plate including a negative electrode collector and a negative electrode active material layer coated on both opposing sides of the negative electrode collector, and the portion of the second plate not coated with the negative electrode active material layer forms a second tab 32', and the first tab 32 and the second tab 32' have opposite polarities. The portion of the first plate other than the first tab 32 and the portion of the second plate other than the second tab 32' form the main body 31 after being wound or stacked.

[0067] The first adapter 4 is used to electrically connect the first tab 32 and the first electrode terminal 22, and may be made of a conductive material and formed by cutting a thin plate and then bending it. The first part 41 is located on the side of the body 31 where the first tab 32 is pulled out and is electrically connected to the first tab 32, and may be electrically connected by, for example, welding. The second part 42 is located on the side of the body 31 close to the first end cap 2, specifically, the second part 42 is installed perpendicular to the first direction x, and the second part 42 is connected to the first part 41.

[0068] A first end of the third portion 43 along the second direction y is connected to a side end of the second portion 42 along the second direction y, and in FIG. 5, the side end of the second portion 42 connected to the first portion 41 is adjacent to the side end connected to the third portion 43. Alternatively, the side end of the second portion 42 connected to the first portion 41 may be disposed opposite to the side end connected to the third portion 43. For example, the first portion 41, the second portion 42, and the third portion 43 may all have a rectangular structure. Before the first end cap 2 seals the first opening 11, the third portion 43 is configured to be bent relative to the second portion 42 under the action of an external force, and the connecting side between the third portion 43 and the second portion 42 is set as a rotation axis.

[0069] In the first adapter 4 of this embodiment, by extending the third portion 43 from the second portion 42, when the third portion 43 and the first electrode terminal 22 are electrically connected, an angle formed between the third portion 43 and the second portion 42 can be formed between the third portion 43 and the second portion 42, and an operation space for connecting the third portion 43 and the first electrode terminal 22 is formed in the region where the angle is located, thereby improving the convenience of assembly and improving the reliability of the electrical connection. After the third portion 43 and the first electrode terminal 22 are electrically connected, the third portion 43 is directly folded together with the first end cap 2 around the rotation axis toward the direction close to the second portion 42, so that the first end cap 2 can seal the first opening 11. This structure can thereby skillfully realize the electrical connection between the third portion 43 and the first electrode terminal 22 and the assembly of the first end cap 2.

[0070] Furthermore, first inserting the electrode assembly 3 into the case 1 and then attaching the first end cap 2 makes it easier to ensure the fitting accuracy between the first end cap 2 and the first opening 11, prevents relatively large acting forces from occurring between the first end cap 2 and the case 1, and between the electrode assembly 3 and the case 1, and optimizes assembly performance, thereby improving the performance and operational reliability of the battery cell 10.

[0071] Furthermore, when a second opening 11' is provided at the other end of the battery cell 10 along the first direction x and the second opening 11' is sealed by a second end cap 2', the first end cap 2 may be attached last during assembly to solve the problem that the electrical connection between the third portion 43 and the first electrode terminal 22 and the assembly of the first end cap 2 cannot be simultaneously achieved. As a result, such an assembly method can be applied to battery cells 10 with different structures, and there is no need to specially match the structure of the battery cell 10 with the assembly process, resulting in high versatility.

[0072] For a battery cell 10 having a relatively large ratio of its size in the first direction x to its size in the third direction z, or for a battery cell having a long and low shape, providing the first end cap 2 at the end of the case 1 along the first direction can prevent the first electrode terminal 22 from occupying extra space in the third direction z, thereby improving the utilization rate of the battery cell 10 in the third direction z and improving the energy density of the battery cell 10.

[0073] In some embodiments, the second direction y coincides with the thickness direction of the electrode assembly 3, as shown in FIG.

[0074] Here, the thickness direction of the wound electrode assembly 3 is perpendicular to the flat surface S1, and the thickness direction of the laminated electrode assembly 3 is the overlapping direction of the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. The electrode assembly 3 may be installed singly or in multiples by overlapping along the second direction y, and a positioning groove 411 is provided at the middle position of the first portion 41 along the second direction y to realize the positioning of the first adapter 4 along the second direction y.

[0075] The third portion 43 may be installed directly opposite the first electrode terminal 22 along the first direction x, and the extension length of the second portion 42 along the third direction z may be designed according to the installation position of the third portion 43, and the end of the second portion 42 away from the first portion 41 may be flush with the third portion 43 or may extend beyond the third portion 43.

[0076] In this embodiment, when the third portion 43 is bent together with the first end cap 2 around the rotation axis toward the direction closer to the second portion 42, the first end cap 2 can rotate based on its own long side until it seals the first opening 11, thereby reducing the rotation radius of the first end cap 2, reducing the positional deviation and shaking that occurs during rotation, allowing the first end cap 2 to fit accurately into the first opening 11, ensuring the consistency of the gap between the first end cap 2 and the first opening 11 in the entire circumferential direction, and improving the welding effect between the first end cap 2 and the case 1.

[0077] Furthermore, the size of the electrode assembly 3 in the thickness direction is relatively small, and the size of the second portion 42 along the second direction y is also relatively small, so that the second portion 42 is less likely to deform when the third portion 43 is bent. Furthermore, this structure allows for flexible design of the position at which the third portion 43 is connected to the side end portion of the second portion 42 in order to accommodate the position of the first electrode terminal 22.

[0078] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the first tab 32 extends from a side edge of the body portion 31 along a third direction z, the third direction z being perpendicular to the first direction x and the second direction y.

[0079] Here, in order to facilitate the connection between the first tab 32 and the first portion 41, the length of the first portion 41 is shortened and the first tab 32 is located at one end of the body portion 31 along the first direction x. The first tab 32 is pulled out from a side end of the body portion 31 along the third direction z, and the winding axis of the wound electrode assembly 3 is set along the third direction. This structure allows the entire end of the electrode assembly 3 along the winding axis to be immersed in the electrolyte, and the first and second plates to be uniformly infiltrated with the electrolyte over their entire extension lengths, thereby ensuring the electrochemical performance of the electrode assembly 3, thereby improving the performance of the battery cell 10.

[0080] In this embodiment, the first tab 32 is provided on the side surface of the main body 31 adjacent to the first end cap 2, so that when the first tab 32 and the first electrode terminal 22 are electrically connected to the first adapter 4, an independent operation space can be provided, which is advantageous for facilitating assembly and ensuring the reliability of the electrical connection. The first portion 41 and the second portion 42 are located on two adjacent side surfaces of the main body 31 to form an L-shaped structure, and before assembly, the third portion 43 and the second portion 42 have an angle therebetween, for example, perpendicular to each other, and the third portion 43 is located on the side end of the second portion 42 along the second direction y, so that the rigidity of the entire first adapter 4 can be improved, and the second portion 42 is less likely to deform during the process of leaving, moving, or assembling the parts.

[0081] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 3 further includes a second tab 32' extending from the main body portion 31, the first tab 32 and the second tab 32' having opposite polarities and extending from the same end of the main body portion 31.

[0082] In this embodiment, the space occupied by the battery cell 10 in the third direction z can be reduced, and the energy density of the battery cell 10 can be improved.

[0083] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5 , the second end of the third portion 43 along the second direction y is a free end, and the third portion 43 is configured to be folded toward the second portion 42 together with the first end cap 2 connected thereto so that the first end cap 2 seals the first opening 11.

[0084] 6 , before being folded, the third portion 43 and the second portion 42 form an angle, which facilitates electrical connection, for example, welding, between the third portion 43 and the first electrode terminal 22 in the region where the angle is located, and after the third portion 43 and the first electrode terminal 22 are electrically connected, the third portion 43 is folded around its connection edge with the second portion 42 until the first end cap 2 seals the first opening 11. After being folded, if the projection of the third portion 43 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction x is located within the second portion 42, the entire third portion 43 is located between the second portion 42 and the first end cap 2, and if the projection of the third portion 43 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction x protrudes beyond the edge of the second portion 42, a part of the third portion 43 is located between the second portion 42 and the first end cap 2.

[0085] In this embodiment, the assembly method of bending the third portion 43 can realize the electrical connection between the third portion 43 and the first electrode terminal 22 and the assembly of the first end cap 2. During assembly, the electrode assembly 3 may be first loaded into the case 1 and then the first end cap 2 may be attached, which can ensure the fitting accuracy between the first end cap 2 and the first opening 11, facilitate welding between the first end cap 2 and the first opening 11, and optimize the assembly performance. In addition, for a battery cell 10 having end caps installed on both ends, in order to solve the problem that the electrical connection between the third portion 43 and the first electrode terminal 22 and the assembly of the first end cap 2 cannot be simultaneously realized, the first end cap 2 may be attached last during assembly, thereby making the assembly process more versatile for battery cells 10 with different structures.

[0086] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5 , the first portion 41, the second portion 42, and the third portion 43 are all plate-like structures, the first portion 41 and the second portion 42 are arranged vertically, and the second portion 42 and the third portion 43 are arranged in parallel and are all perpendicular to the first direction x.

[0087] In this embodiment, the first portion 41 and the second portion 42 are arranged vertically, and after the first portion 41 and the first tab 32 are electrically connected, the second portion 42 and the side of the main body 31 facing the first end cap 2 may be arranged parallel to each other in order to reduce the occupied space of the second portion 42 in the first direction x, and after the third portion 43 is folded until the first end cap 2 seals the first opening 11, the second portion 42 and the third portion 43 may be arranged parallel to each other, for example, in contact or with a relatively small gap, so that the occupied space of the second portion 42 in the first direction x can be further reduced.

[0088] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6 , the connection position between the second portion 42 and the third portion 43 is recessed a predetermined distance relative to the outer edge of the second portion 42 along the second direction y.

[0089] In this embodiment, by setting the base position of the third portion 43 back a predetermined distance from the outer edge of the second portion 42, it is possible to prevent the third portion 43 from protruding beyond the outer edge of the second portion 42 along the second direction y and coming into contact with the case 1 after bending, thereby ensuring a gap between the electrode assembly 3 and the case 1, and a gap between the first end cap 2 and the case 1 after assembly.

[0090] 7A-7C, in some embodiments, a weakened area is provided at the connection between the third portion 43 and the second portion 42. The weakened area is a structure that weakens the strength of the connection between the third portion 43 and the second portion 42, making it more favorable for deformation to occur.

[0091] In this embodiment, by providing a weak region at the connection point between the third portion 43 and the second portion 42, it is possible to easily fold the third portion 43 together with the first end cap 2 toward the second portion 42 after the third portion 43 and the first electrode terminal 22 are electrically connected, and it is possible to prevent excessive force from being applied to the connection point between the first portion 41 and the first tab 32 during the folding process, which would affect the connection effect, and it is also possible to prevent deformation of the first adapter 4 due to a relatively large folding force, thereby making the folding position of the third portion 43 relative to the second portion 42 accurate, improving the positioning accuracy after the first end cap 2 seals the first opening 11, making the circumferential gap between the first end cap 2 and the first opening 11 uniform, and improving the welding effect.

[0092] For example, the weakened area includes at least one of a thinned portion 44 and a through groove 45 extending along a third direction z, the third direction z being perpendicular to the first direction x and the second direction y. Three installation forms of the weakened area are shown below.

[0093] 7A, the weakened region includes a thinned portion 44 extending along the third direction z, and the thinned portion 44 may extend along the entire length of the third portion 43 along the third direction z, or one or more thinned portions 44 extending along a portion of the length of the third portion 43 may be provided in the third portion 43. Such a structure allows the external force that needs to be applied when bending the third portion 43 to be controlled by the thickness of the thinned portion 44.

[0094] The thin portion 44 may be provided on the inner surface where the third portion 43 and the second portion 42 are connected, making it easier to fold back and bringing the third portion 43 closer to the second portion 42 after folding, thereby reducing the space occupied by the third portion 43 in the first direction x.

[0095] 7B, the weakened region includes a through groove 45 extending along the third direction z, and the through groove 45 may be an elongated groove, and the through groove 45 may extend along the third direction z for a portion of the length of the third portion 43, and the through groove 45 may be provided at a middle position of the third portion 43 along the third direction z. Such a structure does not require high-precision control of the thinning thickness, and is easier to process.

[0096] In the third type of structure, as shown in Fig. 7C, the weakened region includes a plurality of through grooves 45 extending at intervals along the third direction z, for example, three through grooves 45 may be provided, one through groove 45 is provided at the middle position of the third portion 43 along the third direction z, and two other through grooves 45 are provided at the upper and lower regions of the third portion 43 along the third direction z, respectively, and the outer ends of each of these two through grooves 45 may be sealed or provided with an opening. This structure is easy to process, and by providing a plurality of through grooves 45 at intervals, the strength of the connection portion between the second portion 42 and the third portion 43 can be better weakened, which is advantageous for bending the third portion 43.

[0097] In some embodiments, the first adapter 4 may be formed by bending a single-layer thin plate, and such a first adapter 4 has a simple structure, is easy to process, and has a relatively low cost.

[0098] 8 and 9, the first adapter 4 is formed by stacking multiple layer structures 46. Since each layer structure 46 is thin, the first adapter 4 formed by stacking multiple layer structures 46 reduces the stiffness of the connection between the second portion 42 and the third portion 43, allowing the third portion 43 to bend more easily.

[0099] In some embodiments, a second opening 11' is provided at the other end of the case 1 along the first direction x, the electrode assembly 3 further includes a second tab 32' extending from the main body 31, and the battery cell 10 further includes a second end cap 2' and a second adapter 4'. The second end cap 2' is used to seal the second opening 12, and the second end cap 2' includes an end cap body 21 and a second electrode terminal 22' provided on the end cap body 21. The second adapter 4' includes a first portion 41 and a second portion 42, the first portion 41 being located on a side of the main body 31 where the second tab 32' is extended and electrically connected to the second tab 32', the second portion 42 being located on a side of the main body 31 close to the second end cap 2' and connected to the first portion 41, and the second portion 42 being electrically connected to the second electrode terminal 22'.

[0100] Here, a plurality of grooves 421 are provided on the side surface of the second portion 42 away from the second electrode terminal 22', and the plurality of grooves 421 are densely distributed in the region corresponding to the second electrode terminal 22'. As a result, when the second portion 42 and the second electrode terminal 22' are welded from the side of the second portion 42 away from the second end cap 2', the plurality of grooves 421 absorb excess laser light, reduce reflection of the laser light, and ensure the welding effect.

[0101] In this embodiment, when the battery cell 10 has the first end cap 2 and the second end cap 2' at the same time, the second electrode terminal 22' may be first electrically connected to the second portion 42 of the second adapter 4', the first portion 41 of the first adapter 4 and the second adapter 4' may be electrically connected to the first tab 32 and the second tab 32', the electrode assembly 3 together with the second end cap 2' may be inserted into the case 1 through the second opening 11', the second end cap 2' may be made to seal the second opening 11', and finally the first electrode terminal 22 may be electrically connected to the third portion 43, and the first end cap 2 may be made to seal the first opening 11 by bending. Such a structure can smoothly realize the assembly of the battery cell 10 having end caps installed on both ends, and can simplify the structure of the second adapter 4'.

[0102] Alternatively, the second adapter 4' may adopt the same structure as the first adapter 4, and the assembly manner of the second end cap 2' is the same as that of the first end cap 2. This structure only requires one type of adapter, which can reduce the number of parts, simplify the structure of the battery cell 10, and reduce the number of assembly processes.

[0103] The following takes FIG. 5 as an example to illustrate a specific embodiment of the battery cell 10 of the present application.

[0104] The battery cell 10 includes a case 1, a first end cap 2, a second end cap 2', an electrode assembly 3, a first adapter 4, and a second adapter 4'.

[0105] A first opening 11 and a second opening 11' are provided at both ends of the case 1 along the first direction x. The first end cap 2 is used to seal the first opening 11, and includes an end cap body 21 and a first electrode terminal 22 provided on the end cap body 21. The second end cap 2' includes the end cap body 21 and a second electrode terminal 22' provided on the end cap body 21. The electrode assembly 3 is provided in the case 1, and includes a main body portion 31 and a first tab 32 and a second tab 32' drawn out from both ends of the main body portion 31 along the third direction z.

[0106] The first adapter 4 includes a first part 41, a second part 42, and a third part 43, the first part 41 being located on the side of the main body 31 from which the first tab 32 is pulled out and electrically connected to the first tab 32, the second part 42 being located on the side of the main body 31 closer to the first end cap 2 and connected to the first part 41, a first end of the third part 43 along the second direction y being connected to the side end of the second part 42 along the second direction y, and the third part 43 being installed so as to be bendable around its connection side with the second part 42 as a rotation axis, and at least a portion of the third part 43 being located between the second part 42 and the end cap body 21 and electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 22, where the second direction y is perpendicular to the first direction x and coincides with the thickness direction of the electrode assembly 3.

[0107] The second adapter 4' includes a first part 41 and a second part 42, the first part 41 being located on the side of the main body 31 from which the second tab 32' is pulled out and electrically connected to the second tab 32', the second part 42 being located on the side of the main body 31 closer to the second end cap 2' and connected to the first part 41, and the second part 42 being electrically connected to the second electrode terminal 22'.

[0108] When assembling such a battery cell 10, the following steps are taken.

[0109] 1. The second part 42 of the second adapter 4' and the second electrode terminal 22' may be electrically connected, for example, by welding from the side of the second part 42 remote from the second electrode terminal 22', and the first part 41 of the second adapter 4' may be positioned on the side of the main body 31 from which the second tab 32' is pulled out, thereby electrically connecting the first part 41 of the second adapter 4' and the second tab 32'.

[0110] 2. The first adapter 4 is positioned so that the first portion 41 is located on the side of the main body 31 from which the first tab 32 is pulled out, and the second portion 42 is located on the side of the main body 31 closer to the first end cap 2, and the first portion 41 of the first adapter 4 and the first tab 32 are electrically connected.

[0111] 3. The electrode assembly 3 is placed into the case 1 together with the second end cap 2', the second adapter 4', and the first adapter 4 through the second opening 11', and the second end cap 2' seals the second opening 11'. At this time, the third portion 43 and the second portion 42 of the first adapter 4 may be in a state in which the two members form an angle, as shown in FIG.

[0112] 4. Operating from the space between the second portion 42 and the third portion 43 of the first adapter 4, electrically connect the third portion 43 and the first electrode terminal 22.

[0113] 5. Fold the third portion 43 together with the first end cap 2 connected thereto towards the second portion 42 until the first end cap 2 seals the first opening 11, as shown in FIG.

[0114] 6. The first end cap 2 and the second end cap 2' are welded to the case 1.

[0115] Next, the present application further provides a method for manufacturing the battery cell 10, as shown in FIG. 12 , the method includes: a step S110 of providing parts to be assembled, the parts including a case 1, an electrode assembly 3, a first end cap 2, and a first adapter 4, in which one end of the case 1 along a first direction x is provided with a first opening 11, the first end cap 2 includes an end cap body 21 and a first electrode terminal 22 provided on the end cap body 21, the electrode assembly 3 includes a main body portion 31 and a first tab 32 extending from the main body portion 31, the first adapter 4 includes a first portion 41, a second portion 42, and a third portion 43, the second portion 42 is connected to the first portion 41, and a first end of the third portion 43 along the second direction y is connected to a side end of the second portion 42 along the second direction y, the second direction y being perpendicular to the first direction x; Step S120: positioning the first adapter 4 so that the first portion 41 is located on the side of the main body 31 from which the first tab 32 is drawn and the second portion 42 is located on the side of the main body 31 closer to the first end cap 2, and electrically connecting the first portion 41 of the first adapter 4 to the first tab 32; Step S130 of placing the electrode assembly 3 in the case 1; a step S140 of electrically connecting the third portion 43 of the first adaptor 4 and the first electrode terminal 22; The step S150 includes positioning at least a portion of the third portion 43 between the second portion 42 and the first end cap 2 and causing the first end cap 2 to seal the first opening 11.

[0116] Here, steps S110 to S150 are performed sequentially. In step S130, if the second adaptor 4' also has the third part 43, the electrode assembly 3 may be inserted through the first opening 11 or the second opening 11'. If the second adaptor 4' does not have the third part 43, the electrode assembly 3 and the second end cap 2' must be inserted into the case 1 together through the second opening 11'. In step S140, before electrically connecting the third part 43 and the first electrode terminal 22, the first end cap 2 must first be positioned to ensure that the gap between the first end cap 2 and the inner wall of the case 1 is uniform after the first end cap 2 seals the first opening 11.

[0117] In the first adapter 4 of this embodiment, by extending the third portion 43 from the second portion 42, when the third portion 43 and the first electrode terminal 22 are electrically connected, an angle between the third portion 43 and the second portion 42 can be formed, and an operation space for connecting the third portion 43 and the first electrode terminal 22 is formed in the region where the angle is located, thereby improving the convenience of assembly and improving the reliability of the electrical connection. After the third portion 43 and the first electrode terminal 22 are electrically connected, the third portion 43 is directly folded together with the first end cap 2 around the rotation axis toward the direction closer to the second portion 42, so that the first end cap 2 can seal the first opening 11. This structure can thereby skillfully realize the electrical connection between the third portion 43 and the first electrode terminal 22 and the assembly of the first end cap 2.

[0118] Furthermore, first inserting the electrode assembly 3 into the case 1 and then attaching the first end cap 2 makes it easier to ensure the fitting accuracy between the first end cap 2 and the first opening 11, prevents relatively large acting forces from occurring between the first end cap 2 and the case 1, and between the electrode assembly 3 and the case 1, and optimizes assembly performance, thereby improving the performance and operational reliability of the battery cell 10.

[0119] In some embodiments, when the first electrode terminal 22 and the third portion 43 are electrically connected, the third portion 43 and the second portion 42 have a preset angle between them, for example, a right angle or other angle, and step S150 of positioning at least a portion of the third portion 43 between the second portion 42 and the first end cap 2 and causing the first end cap 2 to seal the first opening 11 includes bending the third portion 43 together with the first end cap 2 connected thereto toward the second portion 42 until the first end cap 2 seals the first opening 11.

[0120] The third part 43 in this embodiment is disposed so as to be bendable relative to the second part 42, and when electrically connected, a preset angle is formed between the third part 43 and the second part 42, providing an operating space for the electrical connection (e.g., welding) between the third part 43 and the first electrode terminal 22, and after the electrical connection, an external force is applied to the first end cap 2 to bend the third part 43 around the connection edge with the second part 42 until the first end cap 2 seals the first opening 11. Thus, in this embodiment, the electrical connection between the third part 43 and the first electrode terminal 22 and the assembly of the first end cap 2 can be realized by the assembly method of bending the third part 43.

[0121] In some embodiments, a second opening 11' is provided at the other end of the case 1 along the first direction x, the electrode assembly 3 further includes a second tab 32' extending from the main body 31, and the battery cell 10 further includes a second end cap 2' and a second adapter 4'. The second end cap 2' is used to seal the second opening 12, and the second end cap 2' includes an end cap body 21 and a second electrode terminal 22' provided on the end cap body 21. The second adapter 4' includes a first portion 41 and a second portion 42, The manufacturing method of the present application is a step S115 of electrically connecting the second portion 42 of the second adaptor 4' to the second electrode terminal 22', positioning the first portion 41 of the second adaptor 4' on the side of the main body portion 31 from which the second tab 32' is drawn out, and electrically connecting the first portion 41 of the second adaptor 4' to the second tab 32'; Step S130 of placing the electrode assembly 3 into the case 1, the step S130 including placing the electrode assembly 3 together with the second end cap 2', the second adapter 4', and the first adapter 4 into the case 1 through the second opening 11' and making the second end cap 2' seal the second opening 11'; Further includes:

[0122] Here, step S115 is not shown and is performed between step S110 and step S120. When the second part 42 and the second electrode terminal 22′ are electrically connected by welding in step S115, the welding may be performed from a side of the first part 41 of the second adapter 4′ remote from the second electrode terminal 22′.

[0123] Finally, the present application provides an apparatus 300 for manufacturing the battery cell 10, and in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 13, the apparatus 300 includes: a component providing member 310 configured to provide a case 1, an electrode assembly 3, a first end cap 2, and a first adapter 4, wherein a first opening 11 is provided at one end of the case 1 along a first direction x, the first end cap 2 includes an end cap body 21 and a first electrode terminal 22 provided on the end cap body 21, the electrode assembly 3 includes a main body portion 31 and a first tab 32 extending from the main body portion 31, the first adapter 4 includes a first portion 41, a second portion 42, and a third portion 43, the second portion 42 being connected to the first portion 41, and a first end of the third portion 43 along the second direction y being connected to a side end of the second portion 42 along the second direction y, the second direction y being perpendicular to the first direction x; a tab connection member 320 configured to electrically connect the first portion 41 of the first adapter 4 to the first tab 32 by positioning the first adapter 4 such that the first portion 41 is located on the side of the main body 31 from which the first tab 32 is drawn and the second portion 42 is located on the side of the main body 31 closer to the first end cap 2; and an electrode mounting member 330 configured to insert the electrode assembly 3 into the case 1 through the first opening 11; a terminal connection member 340 configured to electrically connect the third portion 43 of the first adapter 4 and the first electrode terminal 22; and an end cap sealing member 350 configured to position at least a portion of the third portion 43 between the second portion 42 and the first end cap 2 and seal the first opening 11 with the first end cap 2.

[0124] Although the present application has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, various modifications may be made and the elements therein may be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the present application. In particular, the respective technical features mentioned in each embodiment may be combined in any manner unless there is a structural conflict. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 200: vehicle, 201: axle, 202: wheel, 203: motor, 204: controller, 100: battery, 100': battery unit, 101: housing assembly, 101A: case, 101B: cover, 102: thermal management member, 1021: substrate, 1022: heat exchange tube, 1022A: inlet, 1022B: outlet, 10: battery cell, 1: case, 11: first opening, 11': second opening, 2: end cap, 21: end cap body, 22: first electrode terminal, 2': second end cap, 22': second electrode terminal, 3: electrode assembly, 31: main body, 32: first tab, 32': second tab, 4: first adapter, 4': second adapter, 41: first part, 411: positioning groove, 42: second part, 421: recessed groove, 43: third part, 44: thin-walled part, 45: through groove, 46: layer structure, x: first direction, y: second direction, z: third direction, S1: flat surface, S2: arcuate surface

Claims

1. A battery cell (10), A case (1) having a first opening (11) at one end along a first direction (x); a first end cap (2) for sealing the first opening (11), the first end cap (2) including an end cap body (21) and a first electrode terminal (22) provided on the end cap body (21); an electrode assembly (3) provided in the case (1) and including a main body portion (31) and a first tab (32) extending from the main body portion (31); a first adapter (4) including a first portion (41), a second portion (42) and a third portion (43); Including, the first portion (41) is located on a side of the body portion (31) from which the first tab (32) is pulled out and is electrically connected to the first tab (32); the second portion (42) is located on a side of the body portion (31) closer to the first end cap (2) and connected to the first portion (41); a first end of the third portion (43) along the second direction (y) is connected to a side end of the second portion (42) along the second direction (y), and at least a portion of the third portion (43) is located between the second portion (42) and the end cap body (21) and is electrically connected to the first electrode terminal (22); the second direction (y) is perpendicular to the first direction (x); The battery cell (10), wherein the first tab (32) is pulled out from a side end of the main body portion (31) along a third direction (z), the third direction (z) being perpendicular to the first direction (x) and the second direction (y).

2. The battery cell (10) according to claim 1, wherein the second direction (y) coincides with a thickness direction of the electrode assembly (3).

3. 3. The battery cell (10) of claim 2, wherein the electrode assembly (3) further includes a second tab (32') extending from the body portion (31), the first tab (32) and the second tab (32') having opposite polarities and extending from the same side end of the body portion (31).

4. The battery cell (10) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a second end of the third portion (43) along the second direction (y) is a free end, and the third portion (43) is configured to be folded toward the second portion (42) together with the first end cap (2) connected thereto so that the first end cap (2) seals the first opening (11).

5. 5. The battery cell (10) of claim 4, wherein the first portion (41), the second portion (42), and the third portion (43) are all plate-like structures, the first portion (41) and the second portion (42) are installed vertically, and the second portion (42) and the third portion (43) are installed in parallel.

6. The battery cell (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a connection position between the second portion (42) and the third portion (43) is set back a predetermined distance from an outer edge of the second portion (42) along the second direction (y).

7. The battery cell (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a weakened area is provided at a connection point between the third portion (43) and the second portion (42).

8. 8. The battery cell (10) of claim 7, wherein the weakened area includes at least one of a thinned portion (44) and a through groove (45) extending along a third direction (z), the third direction (z) being perpendicular to the first direction (x) and the second direction (y).

9. The battery cell (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first adapter (4) includes a plurality of layer structures (46) stacked on top of one another.

10. A second opening (11') is provided at the other end of the case (1) along the first direction (x), The electrode assembly (3) further includes a second tab (32') extending from the body portion (31); The front battery cell (10) is a second end cap (2') for sealing the second opening (11'), the second end cap (2') including an end cap body (21) and a second electrode terminal (22') provided on the end cap body (21); a second adapter (4') including the first portion (41) and the second portion (42); Further comprising: the first portion (41) is located on the side of the body portion (31) from which the second tab (32') is drawn out and is electrically connected to the second tab (32'); the second portion (42) is located on a side of the body portion (31) close to the second end cap (2') and is connected to the first portion (41), and the second portion (42) is electrically connected to the second electrode terminal (22'); A battery cell (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. A battery (100) comprising a battery cell (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. 12. A power consuming device comprising a battery (100) according to claim 11, said battery (100) being used to provide electrical energy to said power consuming device.

13. A method for manufacturing a battery cell (10), comprising: The present invention provides a component to be assembled, the component including a case (1), an electrode assembly (3), a first end cap (2), and a first adapter (4), wherein one end of the case (1) along a first direction (x) is provided with a first opening (11), the first end cap (2) includes an end cap body (21) and a first electrode terminal (22) provided on the end cap body (21), the electrode assembly (3) includes a main body portion (31) and a first tab (32) extending from the main body portion (31), and the first adapter (4) includes a first portion ( providing a part to be assembled, the part including a first portion (31) (41), a second portion (42) and a third portion (43), the second portion (42) being connected to the first portion (41), a first end of the third portion (43) along a second direction (y) being connected to a side end of the second portion (42) along the second direction (y), the second direction (y) being perpendicular to the first direction (x), the first tab (32) being pulled out from a side end of the body portion (31) along a third direction (z), the third direction (z) being perpendicular to the first direction (x) and the second direction (y); disposing the first adapter (4) so ​​that the first portion (41) is located on a side of the body portion (31) from which the first tab (32) is drawn out and the second portion (42) is located on a side of the body portion (31) closer to the first end cap (2), and electrically connecting the first portion (41) of the first adapter (4) to the first tab (32); placing the electrode assembly (3) in the case (1); electrically connecting the third portion (43) of the first adapter (4) and the first electrode terminal (22); positioning at least a portion of the third portion (43) between the second portion (42) and the first end cap (2) and causing the first end cap (2) to seal the first opening (11); A method for manufacturing a battery cell (10), comprising:

14. When the first electrode terminal (22) and the third portion (43) are electrically connected, a preset angle between the third portion (43) and the second portion (42) is formed between the third portion (43) and the second portion (42), Positioning at least a part of the third portion (43) between the second portion (42) and the first end cap (2) and causing the first end cap (2) to seal the first opening (11) 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising folding the third portion (43) together with the first end cap (2) connected thereto towards the second portion (42) until the first end cap (2) seals the first opening (11).

15. A manufacturing apparatus (300) for a battery cell (10), comprising: A component providing member (310) configured to provide a case (1), an electrode assembly (3), a first end cap (2), and a first adapter (4), wherein one end of the case (1) along a first direction (x) is provided with a first opening (11), the first end cap (2) includes an end cap body (21) and a first electrode terminal (22) provided on the end cap body (21), the electrode assembly (3) includes a main body portion (31) and a first tab (32) extending from the main body portion (31), and the first adapter (4) includes a first a component providing member (310) including a first portion (41), a second portion (42) and a third portion (43), the second portion (42) being connected to the first portion (41), a first end of the third portion (43) along a second direction (y) being connected to a side end of the second portion (42) along the second direction (y), the second direction (y) being perpendicular to the first direction (x), the first tab (32) being pulled out from a side end of the main body portion (31) along a third direction (z), the third direction (z) being perpendicular to the first direction (x) and the second direction (y); a tab connection member (320) configured to position the first adapter (4) such that the first portion (41) is located on a side of the body portion (31) from which the first tab (32) is drawn out and the second portion (42) is located on a side of the body portion (31) closer to the first end cap (2), and to electrically connect the first portion (41) of the first adapter (4) to the first tab (32); an electrode mounting member (330) configured to insert the electrode assembly (3) into the case (1) through the first opening (11); a terminal connection member (340) configured to electrically connect the third portion (43) of the first adapter (4) and the first electrode terminal (22); an end cap sealing member (350) configured to position at least a portion of the third portion (43) between the second portion (42) and the first end cap (2) and to cause the first end cap (2) to seal the first opening (11); A manufacturing apparatus (300) for a battery cell (10).

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