Battery cell, battery, power consumption device, manufacturing equipment and method for battery cell

Abstract

The present embodiments provide a battery cell, a battery, a power consumption device, and a manufacturing apparatus and method for the battery cell, which belong to the battery technical field. The battery cell includes a case, an electrode assembly, an end cover assembly, and a current collecting member. The electrode assembly is housed in the case, and the electrode assembly includes a tab. The end cover assembly includes an end cover, an electrode terminal, and an insulating member. The end cover is used to cover the opening of the case, the electrode terminal is attached to the end cover, and the insulating member is located on the side of the end cover facing the electrode assembly. The current collecting member is used to connect the electrode terminal and the tab. A first recess configured to accommodate at least a portion of the tab and / or at least a portion of the current collecting member is formed on the side of the insulating member facing the electrode assembly. A first protrusion is formed on the side of the insulating member away from the electrode assembly, and a second recess for accommodating the first protrusion is formed on the side of the end cover facing the electrode assembly. This configuration increases the space available for the electrode assembly, effectively improving the capacity of the battery cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of batteries, and specifically to battery cells, batteries, power-consuming devices, manufacturing equipment and methods for battery cells.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, the most commonly used battery in vehicles is generally a lithium-ion battery. As a type of rechargeable battery, the lithium-ion battery has advantages such as a small volume, a high energy density, a high power density, a large number of cycles, and a long storage time.

[0003] The rechargeable battery includes a case, an end cover assembly, and an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly is located within the case, and the end cover assembly covers the case to provide a sealed environment for the electrode assembly.

[0004] In the case of a general rechargeable battery, the capacity of the battery cell is limited by the structure of the end cover assembly, which further affects the capacity of the battery cell.

[0005] Therefore, how to improve the capacity of the battery cell is an urgent technical problem to be solved in battery technology.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of this application provide a battery cell, a battery, a power-consuming device, manufacturing equipment and methods for a battery cell that can effectively improve the capacity of the battery cell.

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application includes a case having an opening, an electrode assembly housed in the case and including tabs, and an end cover assembly including an end cover, electrode terminals, and an insulating member. The end cover is used to cover the opening, the electrode terminals are attached to the end cover, and the insulating member is located on a side of the end cover facing the electrode assembly. The end cover assembly further includes a current collecting member used to connect the tabs and the electrode terminals so as to electrically connect the tabs and the electrode terminals. A first recess is formed on a side of the insulating member facing the electrode assembly and configured to accommodate at least a part of the tabs and / or at least a part of the current collecting member. A first protrusion is formed at a position corresponding to the first recess on a side of the insulating member away from the electrode assembly. A second recess for accommodating the first protrusion is formed on a side of the end cover facing the electrode assembly. A battery cell is provided.

[0008] In the above technical solution, a first recess is formed on a side of the insulating member facing the electrode assembly. The first recess can accommodate at least a part of the tabs and / or at least a part of the current collecting member, and can increase the space for the electrode assembly. A first protrusion is formed at a position corresponding to the first recess on a side of the insulating member away from the electrode assembly. On the one hand, the first protrusion can play a reinforcing role with respect to the position where the first recess of the insulating member is provided. On the other hand, due to the installation of the first protrusion, the first recess is recessed along a direction away from the electrode assembly as much as possible so as to increase the depth of the depression of the first recess. Further, a second recess is formed on a side of the end cover facing the electrode assembly, and the first protrusion is accommodated in the second recess. Thereby, the space inside the case occupied by the insulating member is reduced, and the space for the electrode assembly can be further increased, thereby effectively improving the capacity of the battery cell.

[0009] In some embodiments, the end cover includes a first body for covering the opening, the first body has a first inner surface facing the electrode assembly, and the second recess is recessed from the first inner surface along a direction away from the electrode assembly.

[0010] In the above technical solution, the end cover includes a first main body for covering the opening of the case, and the second recess is recessed outward from the first inner surface of the first main body. The end cover with such a structure has a simple structure and is easy to mold and manufacture.

[0011] In some embodiments, the end cover further includes a second convex portion. The first main body further has a first outer surface disposed opposite to the first inner surface. The second convex portion is protrudingly provided on the first outer surface and is at a position corresponding to the second recess.

[0012] In the above technical solution, a second convex portion is installed at a position corresponding to the second recess on the first outer surface of the first main body. The second convex portion can play a reinforcing role with respect to the position where the second recess of the first main body is installed, and improve the strength of the end cover.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second convex portion has a first end surface. The second convex portion extends from the first outer surface to the first end surface along a direction away from the electrode assembly, and the first end surface does not exceed the electrode terminal in the direction away from the electrode assembly.

[0014] In the above technical solution, the first end surface of the second convex portion does not exceed the electrode terminal in the direction away from the electrode assembly. In this way, the second convex portion rationally utilizes the space from the first outer surface of the first main body to the end of the electrode terminal.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second recess has a first bottom wall. The second recess is recessed from the first inner surface to the first bottom wall along a direction away from the electrode assembly, and the first bottom wall protrudes from the first outer surface along a direction away from the electrode assembly.

[0016] In the above technical solution, the first bottom wall of the second recess protrudes from the first outer surface along the direction away from the electrode assembly. As a result, the second recess is recessed into the second protrusion, and further, the depth of the recess of the second recess increases, and the space for accommodating the first protrusion of the second recess also increases. Thereby, the first protrusion can extend to a deeper position of the second recess.

[0017] In some embodiments, the insulating member includes a second body and the first protrusion. The second body has opposing second inner and outer surfaces. The second inner surface faces the electrode assembly. The first recess is recessed from the second inner surface along the direction away from the electrode assembly. The first protrusion is convexly provided on the second outer surface.

[0018] In the above technical solution, the first protrusion is convexly provided on the second outer surface of the second body, and the first recess is recessed from the second inner surface of the second body along the direction away from the electrode assembly. The insulating member having such a configuration has a simple structure and is easy to mold and manufacture.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second outer surface is in contact with the first inner surface.

[0020] In the above technical solution, the second outer surface of the second body is in contact with the first inner surface of the first body. Thereby, the first protrusion is completely accommodated in the first recess, and the space for the electrode assembly can be enlarged.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first protrusion has a second end face. The first protrusion extends from the second outer surface to the second end face along the direction away from the electrode assembly. The second recess has a first bottom wall. The second recess is recessed from the first inner surface to the first bottom wall along the direction away from the electrode assembly. There is a gap between the second end face and the first bottom wall.

[0022] In the above technical solution, there is a gap between the second end face of the first convex portion and the first bottom wall of the second concave portion. Thereby, it is ensured that the second outer surface of the second body effectively abuts against the first inner surface of the first body, and the risk of excessive positioning between the insulating member and the end cover is reduced.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first concave portion has a second bottom wall, and the first concave portion is recessed from the second inner surface to the second bottom wall along a direction away from the electrode assembly body, and the second bottom wall protrudes from the second outer surface along a direction away from the electrode assembly body.

[0024] In the above technical solution, the second bottom wall of the first concave portion protrudes from the second outer surface along a direction away from the electrode assembly body. Thereby, the first concave portion is recessed into the first convex portion, and further, the depth of the recess of the first concave portion increases, and the space for accommodating the tab and / or the current collecting member of the first concave portion also increases. Thereby, the tab and / or the current collecting member can extend to a deeper position of the first concave portion, and the space for the electrode assembly body can be enlarged.

[0025] In some embodiments, the end cover includes a first body for covering the opening and a third convex portion. The first body has a first inner surface facing the electrode assembly body. The third convex portion has a third end face. The third convex portion extends from the first inner surface to the third end face along a direction facing the electrode assembly body. The second concave portion is recessed from the third end face to the first inner surface along a direction away from the electrode assembly body.

[0026] In the above technical solution, by providing the third convex portion on the first inner surface of the first body, the second concave portion is formed on the side of the end cover facing the electrode assembly body, and the structure is simple.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first main body further has a first outer surface disposed opposite to the first inner surface, and at a position corresponding to the third convex portion on the side of the first main body away from the electrode assembly, a third concave portion is formed that is recessed from the first outer surface along the direction facing the electrode assembly, and the third concave portion is configured to accommodate at least a part of the electrode terminal.

[0028] In the above technical solution, on the side of the first main body away from the electrode assembly, a third concave portion is formed that is recessed from the first outer surface along the direction facing the electrode assembly. The third concave portion can be used to accommodate at least a part of the electrode terminal and shorten the length of the portion of the electrode terminal protruding from the first main body. Further, since the third concave portion is disposed at a position corresponding to the third convex portion of the first main body, due to the third convex portion, the third concave portion is recessed as much as possible along the direction facing the electrode assembly, and the length of the portion of the electrode terminal protruding from the first main body can be further shortened.

[0029] In some embodiments, the third concave portion has a third bottom wall, and the third concave portion is recessed from the first outer surface to the third bottom wall along the direction facing the electrode assembly, and the third bottom wall protrudes from the first inner surface along the direction facing the electrode assembly.

[0030] In the above technical solution, the third bottom wall of the third concave portion protrudes from the first inner surface along the direction facing the electrode assembly, whereby the third concave portion is recessed into the third convex portion, the depth of the recess of the third concave portion is further increased, the space for accommodating the electrode terminal of the third concave portion is also increased, and thereby the electrode terminal can be attached deeper into the third concave portion.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first convex portion and the second concave portion are positioned and fitted together.

[0032] In the above technical solution, since the first concave portion and the second concave portion are positioned and fitted, the displacement of the insulating member in the thickness direction perpendicular to the end cover with respect to the end cover is restricted. When assembling the insulating member and the end cover, when the first convex portion is inserted into the second concave portion, the positioning of the insulating member and the end cover is realized, and thus it is realized that the insulating member and the end cover can be assembled accurately and quickly.

[0033] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is abutted against the insulating member along a direction away from the electrode assembly.

[0034] In the above technical solution, the electrode assembly is abutted against the insulating member along the direction facing the end cover, whereby the electrode assembly and the insulating member become more compact, which is advantageous for improving the capacity of the battery cell.

[0035] In some embodiments, the tab includes a first connection portion, the current collecting member includes a second connection portion for connecting to the first connection portion, and the first concave portion is configured to accommodate at least a part of the first connection portion and / or at least a part of the second connection portion.

[0036] In the above technical solution, the first connection portion is the portion where the tab is connected to the current collecting member, the second connection portion is the portion where the current collecting member is connected to the tab, and at least a part of the first connection portion of the tab and / or at least a part of the second connection portion of the current collecting member are accommodated in the first concave portion, and the space for the electrode assembly can be enlarged, thereby effectively improving the capacity of the battery cell.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first connection portion and the second connection portion are distributed in a stacked manner in the thickness direction of the end cover.

[0038] In the above technical solution, the first connection portion and the second connection portion are distributed in a stacked manner in the thickness direction of the end cover, whereby it becomes easy to connect the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

[0039] In some embodiments, both the first connection portion and the second connection portion are received in the first recess.

[0040] In the above technical solution, both the first connection portion and the second connection portion are received in the first recess, whereby the space for the electrode assembly can be further enlarged.

[0041] In some embodiments, the current collecting member further includes a third connection portion for connecting with the electrode terminal, and the third connection portion and the second connection portion are arranged at intervals in the thickness direction of the end cover.

[0042] In the above technical solution, the third connection portion and the second connection portion are arranged at intervals in the thickness direction of the end cover, whereby it becomes easy to accommodate the second connection portion in the first recess.

[0043] In some embodiments, the electrode terminal is arranged offset from the second recess in a predetermined direction, and the predetermined direction is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the end cover.

[0044] In the above technical solution, the electrode terminal is arranged offset from the second recess in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the end cover, whereby the second recess is formed in a region other than the region where the electrode end cover of the end cover is attached, and the installation of the second recess does not affect the attachment of the electrode terminal.

[0045] In some embodiments, the end cover assembly includes two electrode terminals distributed at intervals along the predetermined direction, and the second recess is located between the two electrode terminals in the predetermined direction.

[0046] In the above technical solution, the second recess is located between two electrode terminals in a predetermined direction, that is, the second recess is installed in a region between two electrode terminals of the end cover, whereby the space between two electrode terminals of the end cover is reasonably utilized.

[0047] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a battery including a housing and a battery cell according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect.

[0048] The battery cell is housed in the housing.

[0049] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an electric power consuming device including the battery according to any one of the embodiments of the second aspect.

[0050] In a fourth aspect, a method for manufacturing a battery cell includes steps of providing a case having an opening, providing an electrode assembly including tabs, providing an end cover assembly including an end cover, electrode terminals, and an insulating member, wherein the electrode terminals are attached to the end cover, providing a current collecting member, housing the electrode assembly in the case, connecting the current collecting member to the electrode terminals and the tabs so as to electrically connect the tabs and the electrode terminals, and covering the opening with the end cover. The insulating member is located on a side of the end cover facing the electrode assembly, and a first recess configured to accommodate at least a part of the tabs and / or at least a part of the current collecting member is formed on a side of the insulating member facing the electrode assembly. A first protrusion is formed at a position corresponding to the first recess on a side of the insulating member away from the electrode assembly, and a second recess for accommodating the first protrusion is formed on a side of the end cover facing the electrode assembly.

[0051] In the fifth aspect, the embodiment of the present application includes a first providing means for providing a case having an opening, a second providing means for providing an electrode assembly including tabs, and a third providing means for providing an end cover assembly including an end cover, electrode terminals, and an insulating member, wherein the electrode terminals are attached to the end cover. The third providing means includes a fourth providing means for providing a current collecting member, an assembling means used to accommodate the electrode assembly in the case and to connect the current collecting member to the electrode terminals and the tabs so as to electrically connect the tabs and the electrode terminals, and further used to cover the end cover over the opening. The insulating member is located on the side of the end cover facing the electrode assembly, and a first recess is formed on the side of the insulating member facing the electrode assembly and configured to accommodate at least a part of the tabs and / or at least a part of the current collecting member. A first protrusion is formed at a position corresponding to the first recess on the side of the insulating member away from the electrode assembly, and a second recess for accommodating the first protrusion is formed on the side of the end cover facing the electrode assembly. The present application further provides a manufacturing apparatus for a battery cell.

[0052] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the drawings used in the embodiment of the present application are briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application. On the premise that no creative labor is required for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0053]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 7

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Figure 19

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0054] To more clearly explain the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application, hereinafter, while referring to the drawings of the embodiments of this application, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly explained. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this application, any other embodiments that can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor shall fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms or scientific terms used in this application have the ordinary meaning that can be understood by those skilled in the art of this application. The terms used in the specification of this application are only for explaining specific embodiments and not for limiting this application. The terms "including", "having", and any variations thereof in the specification, claims, and brief description of the above drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification, claims, or above drawings of this application are not for explaining a specific order or primary-secondary relationship, but are used to distinguish different objects.

[0056] The "embodiments" referred to in this application mean that specific features, structures, or characteristics described while referring to the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. Although this phrase appears at various positions in the specification, it does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment to other embodiments.

[0057] However, in the description of this application, unless there are specific and clear regulations and limitations, technical terms such as "installation", "connection", "attachment", "mounting", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may be fixedly connected, removably connected, or integrally connected. They may be directly connected, indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or there may be internal communication between two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application according to specific situations.

[0058] The term "and / or" in this application is merely for explaining the relevant relationship of the relevant object, indicating that there are three relationships. For example, in the case of A and / or B, it refers to three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Also, the character " / " in this application generally indicates that the relevant objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0059] In the embodiments of this application, the same members are represented by the same reference numerals. And for the sake of brevity, in different embodiments, the detailed description of the same members is omitted. As can be understood, the sizes such as the thickness, length, and width of various members in the embodiments of this application shown in the drawings, and the sizes such as the overall thickness, length, and width of the integrated device are merely for illustrative explanation and do not limit this application.

[0060] The "plurality" mentioned in this application means two or more (including two).

[0061] In this application, the battery cell 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, a magnesium-ion battery, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this. The battery cell may be in the shape of a cylinder, a flat body, a cuboid, or other shapes, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this either. Generally, according to the packaging method, the battery cell is divided into a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, and a soft-pack battery cell, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this either.

[0062] The battery according to the embodiments of this application refers to a single physical module including one or more battery cells for providing a higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery according to this application may include a battery module or a battery pack, etc. Generally, the battery includes a housing for packaging one or more battery cells. The housing avoids the influence of liquid or other foreign matters on the charging or discharging of the battery cells.

[0063] The battery cell includes an electrode assembly and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly is composed of a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator. The battery cell mainly operates by the movement of metal ions between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate. The positive electrode plate includes a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material layer. The positive electrode active material layer is coated on the surface of the positive electrode current collector. The positive electrode current collector without the coating of the positive electrode active material layer protrudes from the positive electrode current collector coated with the positive electrode active material layer, and the positive electrode current collector without the coating of the positive electrode active material layer functions as a positive electrode tab. Taking a lithium-ion battery as an example, the material of the positive electrode current collector may be aluminum, and the positive electrode active material may be lithium cobaltate, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, lithium manganate, etc. The negative electrode plate includes a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material layer. The negative electrode active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative electrode current collector. The negative electrode current collector without the coating of the negative electrode active material layer protrudes from the negative electrode current collector coated with the negative electrode active material layer, and the negative electrode current collector without the coating of the negative electrode active material layer functions as a negative electrode tab. The material of the negative electrode current collector may be copper, and the negative electrode active material may be carbon or silicon, etc. In order to ensure that it does not melt and break even when a high current is flowing, the positive electrode tab is a plurality of integrally laminated ones, and the negative electrode tab is a plurality of integrally laminated ones. The material of the separator may be polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), etc. Also, the electrode assembly may have a wound structure or a laminated structure, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0064] The battery cell may further include a case and an end cover assembly. The end cover assembly covers the case, provides a sealed space for the electrode assembly and the electrolyte, and the tab of the electrode assembly and the electrode terminal of the end cover assembly are electrically connected through a current collecting member. In a general battery cell, the capacity of the battery cell may be affected by the end cover assembly.

[0065] The inventors have found that in a battery cell, after the end cover of the end cover assembly is covered by the case, the tab and the current collector member are located within the case, and the tab and the current collector member occupy a part of the space inside the case, thereby reducing the space for the electrode assembly inside the case and further reducing the capacity of the battery cell accordingly.

[0066] In view of this, in the embodiments of the present application, a first recess is formed on the side of the insulating member facing the electrode assembly, a first protrusion is formed at a position corresponding to the first recess on the side of the insulating member away from the electrode assembly, and a second recess is formed on the side of the end cover facing the electrode assembly. The first protrusion is accommodated in the second recess, and at least a part of the tab and / or at least a part of the current collector member are accommodated in the first recess, thereby enlarging the space for the electrode assembly and thus providing a technical solution for improving the capacity of the battery cell.

[0067] The technical solution described in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to batteries and power-consuming devices using the batteries.

[0068] The power-consuming device may be a vehicle, a mobile phone, a portable device, a notebook computer, a ship, a spacecraft, an electric toy, an electric tool, etc. The vehicle may be a gasoline vehicle, a 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 electric vehicle, etc. The spacecraft includes airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spaceships, etc. The electric toy includes fixed or movable electric toys such as game machines, electric vehicle toys, electric boat toys, and electric airplane toys. The electric tool includes metal cutting electric tools, grinding electric tools, assembly electric tools, and railway electric tools. For example, electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric drivers, electric hammers, impact drills, concrete vibrators, and electric planers, etc. The embodiments of the present application are not particularly limited to the above power-consuming devices.

[0069] In the following embodiments, for the sake of easy explanation, the case where the power-consuming device is a vehicle will be described as an example.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle 1000 according to some embodiments of the present application. A battery 100 is installed inside the vehicle 1000, and the battery 100 may be installed at the bottom, head or rear of the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 may supply power to the vehicle 1000. For example, the battery 100 may function as an operating power source of the vehicle 1000.

[0071] 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, it is used for the operating power required when the vehicle 1000 starts, navigates and moves forward.

[0072] In some embodiments of the present application, the battery 100 can not only function as an operating power source of the vehicle 1000, but also as a driving power source of the vehicle 1000 to replace or partially replace fuel or natural gas to provide driving power to the vehicle 1000.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the battery 100 according to some embodiments of the present application. The battery 100 includes a housing 10 and battery cells 20, and the battery cells 20 are housed inside the housing 10.

[0074] The housing 10 is used to provide a storage space 11 for the battery cells 20, and the housing 10 may use multiple types of structures.

[0075] In some embodiments, the housing 10 may include a first portion 12 and a second portion 13. The first portion 12 and the second portion 13 are coupled to each other, and both the first portion 12 and the second portion 13 define a storage space 11 for accommodating the battery cells 20. The second portion 13 may have a hollow structure with one end open, the first portion 12 may have a plate-like structure, and the first portion 12 is coupled to the opening side of the second portion 13. Thus, both the first portion 12 and the second portion 13 can define the storage space 11. Both the first portion 12 and the second portion 13 may have a hollow structure with one side open, and the opening side of the first portion 12 is coupled to the opening side of the second portion 13. Of course, the housing 10 formed by the first portion 12 and the second portion 13 may have a plurality of shapes, such as a cylinder, a cuboid, etc.

[0076] In the battery 100, the number of battery cells 20 may be one or more. When there are a plurality of battery cells 20, the plurality of battery cells 20 may be connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel. Series-parallel connection means that both series connection and parallel connection exist among the plurality of battery cells 20. The plurality of battery cells 20 are directly connected in series or in parallel with each other, or integrally connected in series-parallel, and the whole formed by the plurality of battery cells 20 may be accommodated in the housing 10. Of course, after the plurality of battery cells 20 are connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel to form battery modules 30, the plurality of battery modules 30 may be connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel to be integrated and accommodated in the housing 10.

[0077] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the battery module 30 shown in FIG. 2. The battery 100 includes a plurality of battery modules 30. The battery module 30 includes a plurality of battery cells 20. The plurality of battery cells 20 are first connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel to form the battery module 30. The plurality of battery modules 30 are connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel to be integrated and accommodated in the housing 10 (see FIG. 2).

[0078] The plurality of battery cells 20 of the battery module 30 are electrically connected to each other via a bus member 31, and parallel connection, series connection, or series-parallel connection of the plurality of battery cells 20 of the battery module 30 is realized.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a battery cell 20 according to some embodiments of the present application. The battery cell 20 includes a case 21, an electrode assembly 22, an end cover assembly 23, and a current collector member 24. The case 21 has an opening, the electrode assembly 22 is housed in the case 21, and the electrode assembly 22 includes tabs 221. The end cover assembly 23 includes an end cover 231, electrode terminals 232, and an insulating member 233. The end cover 231 covers the opening, the electrode terminals 232 are attached to the end cover 231, and the insulating member 233 is located on the side of the end cover 231 facing the electrode assembly 22. The current collector member 24 is used to connect the electrode terminals 232 and the tabs 221 to electrically connect the tabs 221 and the electrode terminals 232.

[0080] The case 21 may have a plurality of types of shapes, for example, a cylinder, a rectangular parallelepiped, etc. The shape of the case 21 can be determined according to the specific shape of the electrode assembly 22. For example, when the electrode assembly 22 has a cylindrical structure, the case 21 may have a cylindrical structure, and when the electrode assembly 22 has a rectangular parallelepiped structure, the case 21 may have a rectangular parallelepiped structure. In FIG. 4, illustratively, both the case 21 and the electrode assembly 22 have a rectangular parallelepiped structure.

[0081] The material of the case 21 may be of a plurality of types, for example, copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum, etc., and the embodiments of the present application do not particularly limit this.

[0082] The number of electrode assemblies 22 housed in the case 21 may be one or more. In FIG. 4, the number of electrode assemblies 22 housed in the case 21 is two.

[0083] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of an electrode assembly 22 according to some embodiments of the present application. The electrode assembly 22 further includes a positive electrode plate 222, a negative electrode plate 223, and a separator 224. The electrode assembly 22 may have a wound structure in which the positive electrode plate 222, the separator 224, and the negative electrode plate 223 are wound, or the electrode assembly 22 may have a stacked structure in which the positive electrode plate 222, the separator 224, and the negative electrode plate 223 are stacked. FIG. 5 illustrates a case where the electrode assembly 22 has a wound structure.

[0084] The positive electrode plate 222 may include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material layer, and the positive electrode active material layer is coated on the surface of the positive electrode current collector. The negative electrode plate 223 may include a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material layer, and the negative electrode active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative electrode current collector. The separator 224 is interposed between the positive electrode plate 222 and the negative electrode plate 223, and is used to block the positive electrode plate 222 and the negative electrode plate 223 to reduce the risk of short circuit between the positive electrode plate 222 and the negative electrode plate 223.

[0085] The material of the separator 224 may be polypropylene (PP) or PE (polyethylene), etc.

[0086] The tabs 221 in the electrode assembly 22 are divided into a positive electrode tab and a negative electrode tab. The positive electrode tab may be a portion of the positive electrode current collector where the positive electrode active material layer is not coated, and the negative electrode tab may be a portion of the negative electrode current collector where the negative electrode active material layer is not coated.

[0087] In an embodiment of the present application, referring to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the battery cell 20 shown in FIG. 4. The end cover 231 of the end cover assembly 23 covers the opening of the case 21B to form a sealed space 25 for accommodating the battery cell 20, and the sealed space 25 can further be used to accommodate an electrolyte such as an electrolytic solution. The electrode terminal 232 of the end cover assembly 23 is an output member for outputting the electrical energy of the battery cell 20, and the number of electrode terminals 232 in the end cover assembly 23 may be one or two.

[0088] The number of openings in the case 21 may be one or two. When there is one opening in the case 21, the number of end cover assemblies 23 may be one. When there are two openings in the case 21, the number of end cover assemblies 23 may be two, and the end covers 231 of the two end cover assemblies 23 cover the two openings respectively.

[0089] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, there is one opening in the case 21, and there is also one end cover assembly 23. Two electrode terminals 232 may be installed in the end cover assembly 23. One electrode terminal 232 in the end cover assembly 23 is electrically connected to one tab 221 (positive tab) of the electrode assembly 22 through one current collector member 24, and the other electrode terminal 232 in the end cover assembly 23 is electrically connected to another tab 221 (negative tab) of the electrode assembly 22 through another current collector member 24.

[0090] In other embodiments, the case 21 has two openings, the two openings are disposed on opposite sides of the case 21, there are two end cover assemblies 23, and the two end cover assemblies 23 cover the two opening locations of the case 21 respectively. In this case, the number of electrode terminals 232 in the end cover assembly 23 may be one. The electrode terminal 232 in one end cover assembly 23 is electrically connected to one tab 221 (positive tab) of the electrode assembly 22 through one current collecting member 24, and the electrode terminal 232 of the other end cover assembly 23 is electrically connected to another tab 221 (negative tab) of the electrode assembly 22 through another current collecting member 24.

[0091] In some embodiments, the battery cell 20 may further include a pressure relief mechanism 234. The pressure relief mechanism 234 is attached to the end cover 231 and is used to release the pressure inside the battery cell 20 when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 reaches a threshold value.

[0092] Of course, when there is one end cover assembly 23 of the battery cell 20, the pressure relief mechanism 234 is attached to the end cover 231 of the end cover assembly 23. When there are two end cover assemblies 23 of the battery cell 20, the pressure relief mechanism 234 may be attached to the end cover 231 of each end cover assembly 23, or the pressure relief mechanism 234 may be attached only to the end cover 231 of one end cover assembly 23.

[0093] Exemplarily, the pressure relief mechanism 234 may be an explosion-proof valve, an explosion-proof sheet, an air valve, a pressure relief valve or a safety valve, etc.

[0094] In the embodiment of the present application, in order to improve the capacity of the battery cell 20, referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is a partial enlarged view of the battery cell 20 shown in FIG. 6. A first recess 2331 is formed on the side of the insulating member 233 facing the electrode assembly 22, and the first recess 2331 is configured to accommodate at least a part of the tab 221 and / or at least a part of the current collector member 24. A first protrusion 2332 is formed at a position corresponding to the first recess 2331 on the side of the insulating member 233 away from the electrode assembly 22. A second recess 2311 is formed on the side of the end cover 231 facing the electrode assembly 22, and the second recess 2311 is used to accommodate the first protrusion 2332.

[0095] In the above structure, the first recess 2331 can accommodate at least a part of the tab 221 and / or at least a part of the current collector member 24, and the space for the electrode assembly 22 can be enlarged. A first protrusion 2332 is formed at a position corresponding to the first recess 2331 on the side of the insulating member 233 away from the electrode assembly 22. On the one hand, the first protrusion 2332 can play a reinforcing role at the position where the first recess 2331 of the insulating member 233 is installed. On the other hand, due to the installation of the first protrusion 2332, the first recess 2331 is recessed along the direction away from the electrode assembly 22 as much as possible, increasing the depth of the depression of the first recess 2331. Further, a second recess 2311 is formed on the side of the end cover 231 facing the electrode assembly 22, and the first protrusion 2332 is accommodated in the second recess 2311, reducing the space inside the case 21 occupied by the insulating member 233 and further enlarging the space for the electrode assembly 22, thereby effectively improving the capacity of the battery cell 20.

[0096] However, the first recess 2331 may be configured to accommodate at least a part of the tab 221 and / or at least a part of the current collector member 24, that is, at least a part of the tab 221 may be accommodated in the first recess 2331, at least a part of the current collector member 24 may be accommodated in the first recess 2331, or both at least a part of the tab 221 and at least a part of the current collector member 24 may be accommodated in the second recess 2311.

[0097] Exemplarily, any of the first concave portion 2331, the first convex portion 2332, and the second concave portion 2311 may be a cylinder, a cuboid, or the like.

[0098] In some embodiments, the first convex portion 2332 and the second concave portion 2311 are positioned and fitted together, whereby the displacement of the insulating member 233 relative to the end cover 231 in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction Z of the end cover 231 is restricted.

[0099] When assembling the insulating member 233 and the end cover 231, when the first convex portion 2332 is inserted into the second concave portion 2311, the positioning between the insulating member 233 and the end cover 231 is realized, whereby the accurate and rapid assembly of the insulating member 233 and the end cover 231 is realized.

[0100] Of course, the positioning and fitting of the first convex portion 2332 and the first concave portion 2331 may mean that the outer surface of the first convex portion 2332 and the inner surface of the second concave portion 2311 are positioned and fitted together. Taking the case where the first convex portion 2332 and the second concave portion 2311 are cylindrical as an example, the outer diameter of the first convex portion 2332 matches the inner diameter of the second concave portion 2311, and the outer peripheral surface of the first convex portion 2332 matches the inner peripheral surface of the second concave portion 2311.

[0101] In the embodiment of the present application, there may be a gap between the electrode assembly 22 and the insulating member 233 in the thickness direction Z of the end cover 231, and the electrode assembly 22 may be abutted against the insulating member 233 along the direction away from the electrode assembly 22. Thereby, the electrode assembly 22 and the insulating member 233 become more compact, which is advantageous for improving the capacity of the battery cell 20. FIG. 7 illustrates the case where the electrode assembly 22 is abutted against the insulating member 233 along the direction away from the electrode assembly 22.

[0102] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the positional relationship among the insulating member 233, the current collecting member 24, and the tab 221 shown in FIG. 7. The tab 221 includes a first connection portion 2211, the current collecting member 24 includes a second connection portion 241, and the second connection portion 241 is connected to the first connection portion 2211 of the tab 221. The first recess 2331 is configured to accommodate at least a part of the first connection portion 2211 and / or at least a part of the second connection portion 241.

[0103] The first connection portion 2211 is the portion of the tab 221 connected to the current collecting member 24, and the second connection portion 241 is the portion of the current collecting member 24 connected to the tab 221. Exemplarily, the first connection portion 2211 is integrally welded to the second connection portion 241.

[0104] Optionally, the first connection portion 2211 and the second connection portion 241 are distributed in a stacked manner in the thickness direction Z of the end cover 231, thereby facilitating the integral connection of the first connection portion 2211 and the second connection portion 241.

[0105] The first connection portion 2211 and the second connection portion 241 are distributed in a stacked manner in the thickness direction Z of the end cover 231. As a whole, the first connection portion 2211 and the second connection portion 241 occupy a larger space inside the case 21. However, when at least a part of the first connection portion 2211 of the tab 221 and / or at least a part of the second connection portion 241 of the current collecting member 24 are accommodated in the first recess 2331, the space for the electrode assembly 22 can be increased.

[0106] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, in the thickness direction Z of the end cover 231, the first connection portion 2211 is closer to the electrode assembly 22 than the second connection portion 241 (see FIG. 7), and the second connection portion 241 is accommodated in the first recess 2331. In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 9, FIG. 9 is a positional relationship diagram of the insulating member 233, the current collecting member 24, and the tab 221 according to another embodiment of the present application. In the thickness direction Z of the end cover 231, the second connection portion 241 is closer to the electrode assembly 22 than the first connection portion 2211, and the first connection portion 2211 is accommodated in the first recess 2331. In other embodiments, referring to FIG. 10, FIG. 10 is a positional relationship diagram of the insulating member 233, the current collecting member 24, and the tab 221 according to other embodiments of the present application. Both the first connection portion 2211 and the second connection portion 241 are accommodated in the first recess 2331, whereby the space for the electrode assembly 22 can be further enlarged.

[0107] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 11, FIG. 11 is a schematic structural diagram of the current collecting member 24 shown in FIG. 7. The current collecting member 24 may further include a third connection portion 242 and a fourth connection portion 243. The third connection portion 242 is used to connect to the electrode terminal 232. The third connection portion 242 and the second connection portion 241 are connected via the fourth connection portion 243, and the third connection portion 242 and the second connection portion 241 are installed at intervals in the thickness direction Z of the end cover 231. In the current collecting member 24 having such a configuration, the second connection portion 241 may be accommodated in the first recess 2331, and the third connection portion 242 may be located on the side closer to the electrode assembly 22 of the insulating member 233.

[0108] Exemplarily, the second connection portion 241, the fourth connection portion 243, and the third connection portion 242 are sequentially connected to form a "Z"-shaped sheet-like structure. In the thickness direction Z of the end cover 231, a protrusion 244 for connecting and fixing to the electrode terminal 232 is provided on the side of the third connection portion 242 closer to the second connection portion 241. For example, the protrusion 244 is welded to the electrode terminal 232.

[0109] In the embodiment of the present application, the second recess 2311 may be installed at multiple positions of the end cover 231. In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 12, FIG. 12 is a schematic structural diagram of the end cover assembly 23 shown in FIG. 7. The electrode terminal 232 is arranged offset from the second recess 2311 (see FIG. 7) in a predetermined direction X, and the predetermined direction X is perpendicular to the thickness direction Z of the end cover 231.

[0110] The electrode terminal 232 is arranged offset from the second recess 2311 in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction Z of the end cover 231, that is, there is a distance between the electrode terminal 232 and the second recess 2311 in the predetermined direction X. As a result, the second recess 2311 is formed in a region outside the region where the electrode end cover 231 of the end cover 231 is attached, and the installation of the second recess 2311 does not affect the attachment of the electrode terminal 232.

[0111] Exemplarily, the predetermined direction X is the length direction of the end cover 231.

[0112] However, in the end cover assembly 23, whether there is one electrode terminal 232 or two electrode terminals, it can be arranged offset in the predetermined direction X with respect to the second recess 2311. As can be understood, when there are two electrode terminals 232 of the end cover assembly 23, both of the two electrode terminals 232 are arranged offset in the predetermined direction X with respect to the second recess 2311.

[0113] In some embodiments, further referring to FIG. 12, there are two electrode terminals 232 of the end cover assembly 23, and the two electrode terminals 232 are located between the two electrode terminals along the predetermined direction X, that is, the second recess 2311 is installed in the region between the two electrode terminals 232 of the end cover 231. As a result, both of the two electrode terminals 232 are arranged offset from the second recess 2311 in the predetermined direction X, and the space between the two electrode terminals 232 of the end cover 231 is reasonably utilized.

[0114] Of course, there are two electrode terminals 232 of the end cover assembly 23, and there may also be two current collecting members 24. Taking the example that at least a part of the current collecting member 24 is accommodated in the first recess 2331, both of the two current collecting members 24 may have at least a part thereof accommodated in the same first recess 2331. Of course, two first recesses 2331 are formed in the insulating member 233, at least a part of one current collecting member 24 may be accommodated in one first recess 2331, and at least a part of another current collecting member 24 may be accommodated in another first recess 2331. In the end cover assembly 23 shown in FIG. 12, one second recess 2311 is formed in the end cover 231, one first recess 2331 and one second convex portion 2314 are formed in the insulating member 233, and at least a part of both of the two current collecting members 24 is accommodated in the first recess 2331. For example, the second connection portions 241 of the two current collecting members 24 are both accommodated in the first recess 2331.

[0115] In other embodiments, the second recess 2311 may not be offset from the electrode terminal 232 in the predetermined direction X. For example, the second recess 2311 is formed at the position where the electrode terminal 232 of the end cover 231 is installed, and the second recess 2311 and the electrode terminal 232 are respectively located on both sides in the thickness direction Z of the end cover 231.

[0116] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 13, FIG. 13 is a partial enlarged view of part A of the end cover assembly 23 shown in FIG. 12. The electrode terminal 232 includes a terminal body 2321 and a connecting body 2322. The terminal body 2321 is attached to the end cover 231 via the connecting body 2322, and the terminal body 2321 is connected to the current collecting member 24 to electrically connect the terminal body 2321 and the tab 221.

[0117] The connecting body 2322 is covered on the outer periphery of the terminal body 2321 in the circumferential direction to fix the connecting body 2322 and the terminal body 2321. The connecting body 2322 and the end cover 231 may be fixedly connected.

[0118] Exemplarily, the connecting component has a ring-shaped structure, and the connecting component is welded to the end cover 231.

[0119] In addition, the end cover 231 is provided with an electrode lead-out hole 2312. The protrusion 244 (see FIG. 11) of the third connecting portion 242 of the current collecting member 24 may penetrate through the electrode lead-out hole 2312 and be connected and fixed to the electrode terminal 232. For example, the protrusion 244 is welded to the electrode terminal 232.

[0120] In the embodiment of the present application, the second recess 2311 of the end cover 231 has multiple forming forms, which will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0121] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 14, FIG. 14 is a partial enlarged view of part B of the end cover assembly 23 shown in FIG. 12. The end cover 231 includes a first main body 2313, and the first main body 2313 covers the opening. The first main body 2313 has a first inner surface 2313a facing the electrode assembly 22 (see FIG. 7), and the second recess 2311 is recessed from the first inner surface 2313a along the direction away from the electrode assembly 22. The end cover 231 with such a structure has a simple structure and is easy to form and manufacture.

[0122] In some embodiments, the end cover 231 further includes a second protrusion 2314. The first main body 2313 further has a first outer surface 2313b installed opposite to the first inner surface 2313a. The second protrusion 2314 protrudes from the first outer surface 2313b and is located at a position corresponding to the second recess 2311. The second protrusion 2314 can play a reinforcing role with respect to the position where the second recess 2311 of the first main body 2313 is installed, and improve the strength of the end cover 231.

[0123] Optionally, the second convex portion 2314 has a first end face 2314a, and the second convex portion 2314 extends from the first outer face 2313b to the first end face 2314a along a direction away from the electrode assembly 22, and the first end face 2314a does not exceed the electrode terminal 232 in the direction away from the electrode assembly 22 (see FIG. 12). The second convex portion 2314 rationally utilizes the space from the first outer face 2313b of the first main body 2313 to the end of the electrode terminal 232, reducing the risk that the overall space occupied by the battery cell 20 will increase due to the first end face 2314a exceeding the electrode terminal 232.

[0124] When the end cover assembly 23 is provided with a pressure relief mechanism 234 (see FIG. 6), the pressure relief mechanism 234 may be attached to a region of the end cover 231 corresponding to the second convex portion 2314. Taking the case where the pressure relief mechanism 234 is an explosion-proof sheet as an example, the second convex portion 2314 may be provided with a pressure relief hole (not shown) that communicates with the second concave portion 2311 and penetrates the first end face 2314a of the second convex portion 2314, and the explosion-proof sheet is attached to the end cover 231 and closes the pressure relief hole.

[0125] The second concave portion 2311 has a first bottom wall 2311a, and the second concave portion 2311 is recessed from the first inner face 2313a to the first bottom wall 2311a along a direction away from the electrode assembly 22. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, the first bottom wall 2311a protrudes from the first outer face 2313b along the direction facing the electrode assembly 22. In other embodiments, referring to FIG. 15, FIG. 15 is a schematic connection diagram of the insulating member 233 and the end cover 231 according to another embodiment of the present application. The first bottom wall 2311a protrudes from the first outer face 2313b along the direction away from the electrode assembly 22 (see FIG. 7), that is, the first outer face 2313b is closer to the electrode assembly 22 than the first bottom wall 2311a, whereby the second concave portion 2311 is recessed into the second convex portion 2314, further increasing the depth of the recess of the second concave portion 2311 and the space for accommodating the first convex portion 2332 of the second concave portion 2311, whereby the first convex portion 2332 can extend deeper into the second concave portion 2311. In another embodiment, the first bottom wall 2311a may be in the same horizontal plane as the first outer face 2313b.

[0126] In some embodiments, further referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the insulating member 233 includes a second main body 2333 and a first convex portion 2332. The second main body 2333 has opposing second inner surface 2333a and second outer surface 2333b. The second inner surface 2333a faces the electrode assembly 22. The first recess 2331 is recessed from the second inner surface 2333a along a direction away from the electrode assembly 22. The first convex portion 2332 protrudes from the second outer surface 2333b.

[0127] Optionally, the second outer surface 2333b is abutted against the first inner surface 2313a so as to eliminate the gap between the second outer surface 2333b and the first inner surface 2313a. Thereby, the first convex portion 2332 is completely received within the first recess 2331, and the space for the electrode assembly 22 can be increased.

[0128] Furthermore, the first convex portion 2332 has a second end surface 2332a, and the first convex portion 2332 extends from the second outer surface 2333b along a direction away from the electrode assembly 22 to the second end surface 2332a. There is a gap between the second end surface 2332a and the first bottom wall 2311a. It is ensured that the second outer surface 2333b of the second main body 2333 is effectively abutted against the first inner surface 2313a of the first main body 2313, reducing the risk of excessive positioning between the insulating member 233 and the end cover 231.

[0129] Optionally, the first recess 2331 has a second bottom wall 2331a. The first recess 2331 is recessed from the second inner surface 2333a along a direction away from the electrode assembly 22 to the second bottom wall 2331a. The second bottom wall 2331a of the first recess 2331 protrudes from the second outer surface 2333b along a direction away from the electrode assembly 22. Thereby, the first recess 2331 is recessed into the first convex portion 2332. Further, the depth of the recess of the first recess 2331 is increased, and the space for accommodating the tab 221 and / or the current collecting member 24 of the first recess 2331 is also increased. Thereby, the tab 221 and / or the current collecting member 24 can extend deeper into the first recess 2331, increasing the space for the electrode assembly 22.

[0130] As is apparent from the above embodiments, the second recess 2311 of the end cover 231 may be formed to be recessed from the inner surface of the first main body 2313 along a direction away from the electrode assembly 22. Of course, the second recess 2311 of the end cover 231 has other forming forms.

[0131] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 16, FIG. 16 is a partially enlarged view of a battery cell 20 according to another embodiment of the present application. The end cover 231 includes a first main body 2313 and a third convex portion 2315, and the first main body 2313 covers the opening of the case 21. The first main body 2313 has a first inner surface 2313a facing the electrode assembly 22, the third convex portion 2315 has a third end surface 2315a, and the third convex portion 2315 extends from the first inner surface 2313a to the third end surface 2315a along a direction facing the electrode assembly 22. The second recess 2311 is recessed from the third end surface 2315a to the first inner surface 2313a along a direction away from the electrode assembly 22. That is, by installing the third convex portion 2315 on the first inner surface 2313a of the first main body 2313, the second recess 2311 is formed on the side of the end cover 231 facing the electrode assembly 22.

[0132] Taking the example that the number of electrode terminals 232 of the end cover assembly 23 is two, two third convex portions 2315 may be convexly provided on the first inner surface 2313a of the first main body 2313, and one third convex portion 2315 corresponds to one electrode terminal 232. The second recess 2311 is formed between the two third convex portions 2315.

[0133] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 17, FIG. 17 is a partially enlarged view of the battery cell 20 shown in FIG. 16. The first main body 2313 further has a first outer surface 2313b installed opposite to the first inner surface 2313a, and a third recess 2316 recessed from the first outer surface 2313b along a direction facing the electrode assembly 22 is formed at a position corresponding to the third convex portion 2315 on the side of the first main body 2313 away from the electrode assembly 22, and the third recess 2316 is configured to accommodate at least a part of the electrode terminal 232.

[0134] The third recess 2316 may accommodate at least a part of the electrode terminal 232 so as to shorten the length of the portion protruding from the first main body 2313 of the electrode terminal 232. Further, since the third recess 2316 is installed at a position corresponding to the third convex portion 2315 of the first main body 2313, the third convex portion 2315 causes the third recess 2316 to be recessed along the direction facing the electrode assembly 22 as much as possible, and further shortens the length of the portion protruding from the first main body 2313 of the electrode terminal 232.

[0135] The electrode terminal 232 is attached to the bottom of the third recess 2316, whereby at least a part of the electrode terminal 232 is accommodated in the third recess 2316.

[0136] Optionally, the third recess 2316 has a third bottom wall 2316a, and the third recess 2316 is recessed from the first outer surface 2313b to the third bottom wall 2316a along the direction facing the electrode assembly 22, and the third bottom wall 2316a protrudes from the first inner surface 2313a along the direction facing the electrode assembly 22. With such a configuration, the third recess 2316 is recessed into the third convex portion 2315, and further the depth of the recess of the third recess 2316 increases, and the space for accommodating the electrode terminal 232 in the third recess 2316 also increases, whereby the electrode terminal 232 can be attached deeper into the third recess 2316.

[0137] Exemplarily, a fourth recess 2317 is provided in the third bottom wall 2316a of the third recess 2316, a part of the electrode terminal 232 extends into the fourth recess 2317, and the portion of the electrode terminal 232 extending to the fourth recess 2317 abuts against the bottom wall of the fourth recess 2317, whereby the electrode terminal 232 is attached to the end cover 231.

[0138] Taking as an example that the electrode terminal 232 includes a terminal body 2321 and a connecting body 2322, a part of the connecting body 2322 of the electrode terminal 232 extends into the fourth recess 2317, and the portion of the connecting body 2322 extending to the fourth recess 2317 abuts against the bottom wall of the fourth recess 2317, whereby the connecting body 2322 can be fixed by welding to the end cover 231.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 18, FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a battery cell 20 according to some embodiments of the present application. The method includes steps S100 to S700. S100: Provide a case 21 having an opening. S200: Provide an electrode assembly 22 including tabs 221. S300: Provide an end cover assembly 23 including an end cover 231, an electrode terminal 232, and an insulating member 233, and the electrode terminal 232 is attached to the end cover 231. S400: Provide a current collector member 24. S500: Accommodate the electrode assembly 22 in the case 21. S600: Connect the current collector member 24 to the electrode terminal 232 and the tabs 221 to electrically connect the tabs 221 and the electrode terminal 232. S700: Cover the opening with the end cover 231.

[0140] The insulating member 233 is located on the side of the end cover 231 facing the electrode assembly 22. A first recess 2331 is formed on the side of the insulating member 233 facing the electrode assembly 22. The first recess 2331 is configured to accommodate at least a part of the tabs 221 and / or at least a part of the current collector member 24. A first protrusion 2332 is formed at a position corresponding to the first recess 2331 on the side of the insulating member 233 away from the electrode assembly 22. A second recess 2311 is formed on the side of the end cover 231 facing the electrode assembly 22. The second recess 2311 is used to accommodate the first protrusion 2332.

[0141] In the above method, the order of steps S100, S200, S300, and S400 is not limited. For example, step S400 may be executed first, then step S300, then step S200, and finally step S100. Also, step S600 may be performed before step S500, or step S500 may be performed after step S600.

[0142] The related structure of the battery cell 20 manufactured by the above method may refer to the battery cell 20 according to each of the above embodiments.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 19, FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram of manufacturing equipment 2000 for a battery cell 20 according to some embodiments of the present application. The manufacturing equipment 2000 includes a first providing means 1100, a second providing means 1200, a third providing means 1300, a fourth providing means 1400, and an assembling means 1500.

[0144] The first providing means 1100 is used to provide a case 21 having an opening. The second providing means 1200 is used to provide an electrode assembly 22 including a tab 221. The third providing means 1300 is used to provide an end cover assembly 23 including an end cover 231, an electrode terminal 232, and an insulating member 233, and the electrode terminal 232 is attached to the end cover 231. The fourth providing means 1400 is used to provide a current collecting member 24. The assembling means 1500 is used to accommodate the electrode assembly 22 in the case 21. The assembling means 1500 is used to connect the current collecting member 24 to the electrode terminal 232 and the tab 221 to electrically connect the tab 221 and the electrode terminal 232. The assembling means 1500 is further used to cover the end cover 231 over the opening.

[0145] The insulating member 233 is located on the side of the end cover 231 facing the electrode assembly 22. A first recess 2331 is formed on the side of the insulating member 233 facing the electrode assembly 22. The first recess 2331 is configured to accommodate at least a part of the tab 221 and / or at least a part of the current collecting member 24. A first protrusion 2332 is formed at a position corresponding to the first recess 2331 on the side of the insulating member 233 away from the electrode assembly 22. A second recess 2311 is formed on the side of the end cover 231 facing the electrode assembly 22. The second recess 2311 is used to accommodate the first protrusion 2332.

[0146] The related structure of the battery cell 20 manufactured by the above manufacturing equipment 2000 may refer to the battery cell 20 according to each of the above embodiments.

[0147] In addition, when there is no contradiction, the embodiments of the present application and the features of the embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0148] The above embodiments are only for explaining the technical solution of the present application and do not limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application can be variously modified and changed. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application should all be included within the protection scope of the present application.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0149] 10 - housing, 11 - storage space, 12 - first part, 13 - second part, 20 - battery cell, 21 - case, 22 - electrode assembly, 221 - tab, 2211 - first connection part, 222 - positive electrode plate, 223 - negative electrode plate, 224 - separator, 23 - end cover assembly, 231 - end cover, 2311 - second recess, 2311a - first bottom wall, 2312 - electrode lead-out hole, 2313 - first body, 2313a - first inner surface, 2313b - first outer surface, 2314 - second protrusion, 2314a - first end face, 2315 - third protrusion, 2315a - third end face, 2316 - third recess, 2316a - third bottom wall, 2317 - fourth recess, 232 - electrode terminal, 2321 - terminal body, 2322 - connection body, 233 - insulating member, 2331 - first recess, 2331a - second bottom wall, 2332 - first protrusion, 2332a - second end face, 2333 - second body, 2333a - second inner surface, 2333b - second outer surface, 234 - pressure relief mechanism, 24 - current collector member, 241 - second connection part, 242 - third connection part, 243 - fourth connection part, 244 - protrusion, 25 - sealed space, 30 - battery module, 31 - bus member, 100 - battery, 200 - controller, 300 - motor, 1000 - vehicle, 1100 - first providing means, 1200 - second providing means, 1300 - third providing means, 1400 - fourth providing means, 1500 - assembling means, 2000 - manufacturing equipment, Z - thickness direction, X - predetermined direction

Claims

1. A battery cell, comprising: a case having an opening; an electrode assembly housed in the case and including tabs; an end cover assembly including an end cover, an electrode terminal, and an insulating member, wherein the end cover is used to cover the opening, the electrode terminal is attached to the end cover, and the insulating member is located on a side of the end cover facing the electrode assembly; a current collecting member used to connect the tab and the electrode terminal so as to electrically connect the tab and the electrode terminal; a first recess is formed on a side of the insulating member facing the electrode assembly so as to accommodate at least a part of the tab and / or at least a part of the current collecting member, a first protrusion is formed at a position corresponding to the first recess on a side of the insulating member away from the electrode assembly, and a second recess for accommodating the first protrusion is formed on a side of the end cover facing the electrode assembly; the insulating member includes a second body and the first protrusion; the second body has opposing second inner and outer surfaces, the second inner surface faces the electrode assembly, the first recess is recessed from the second inner surface along a direction away from the electrode assembly, and the first protrusion protrudes from the second outer surface; the electrode terminal is arranged offset from the second recess in a predetermined direction, and the predetermined direction is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the end cover; the tab includes a first connection portion, the current collecting member includes a second connection portion for connecting to the first connection portion, and the first recess is configured to accommodate at least a part of the first connection portion and / or at least a part of the second connection portion; the current collecting member further includes a third connection portion and a fourth connection portion, the third connection portion is used to connect to the electrode terminal, the third connection portion and the second connection portion are connected via the fourth connection portion, the third connection portion and the second connection portion are spaced apart in the thickness direction of the end cover, and the second connection portion, the fourth connection portion, and the third connection portion are sequentially connected to form a "Z"-shaped sheet-like structure, the battery cell.

2. The end cover includes a first body for covering the opening, the first body has a first inner surface facing the electrode assembly, and the second recess is recessed from the first inner surface along a direction away from the electrode assembly. The battery cell according to claim 1.

3. The end cover further includes a second convex portion, the first main body further has a first outer surface disposed opposite to the first inner surface, the second convex portion is convexly provided on the first outer surface, and is at a position corresponding to the second concave portion, the battery cell according to claim 2.

4. The second convex portion has a first end surface, the second convex portion extends from the first outer surface to the first end surface along a direction away from the electrode assembly, and the first end surface does not exceed the electrode terminal in a direction away from the electrode assembly, the battery cell according to claim 3.

5. The second concave portion has a first bottom wall, the second concave portion is recessed from the first inner surface to the first bottom wall along a direction away from the electrode assembly, and the first bottom wall protrudes from the first outer surface along a direction away from the electrode assembly, the battery cell according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The end cover includes a first main body, the first main body has a first inner surface facing the electrode assembly, and the second outer surface is abutted against the first inner surface, the battery cell according to claim 1.

7. The end cover includes a first main body, the first main body has a first inner surface facing the electrode assembly, the first convex portion has a second end surface, the first convex portion extends from the second outer surface to the second end surface along a direction away from the electrode assembly, the second concave portion has a first bottom wall, the second concave portion is recessed from the first inner surface to the first bottom wall along a direction away from the electrode assembly, and there is a gap between the second end surface and the first bottom wall, the battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The first concave portion has a second bottom wall, the first concave portion is recessed from the second inner surface to the second bottom wall along a direction away from the electrode assembly, and the second bottom wall protrudes from the second outer surface along a direction away from the electrode assembly, the battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. The end cover includes a first main body for covering the opening and a third convex portion, the first main body has a first inner surface facing the electrode assembly, the third convex portion has a third end surface, the third convex portion extends from the first inner surface to the third end surface along a direction facing the electrode assembly, and the second concave portion is recessed from the third end surface to the first inner surface along a direction away from the electrode assembly, the battery cell according to claim 1.

10. The first main body further has a first outer surface disposed opposite to the first inner surface, and at a position corresponding to the third convex portion on the side of the first main body away from the electrode assembly, a third concave portion is formed that is recessed from the first outer surface along the direction facing the electrode assembly, and the third concave portion is configured to accommodate at least a part of the electrode terminal. The battery cell according to claim 9.

11. The third concave portion has a third bottom wall, and the third concave portion is recessed from the first outer surface to the third bottom wall along the direction facing the electrode assembly. The third bottom wall protrudes from the first inner surface along the direction facing the electrode assembly. The battery cell according to claim 10.

12. The first convex portion and the second concave portion are positioned and fitted to each other. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The electrode assembly is brought into contact with the insulating member along the direction away from the electrode assembly. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The first connection portion and the second connection portion are distributed in a stacked manner in the thickness direction of the end cover. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. Both the first connection portion and the second connection portion are accommodated in the first concave portion. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The end cover assembly includes two of the electrode terminals distributed at intervals along the predetermined direction. The second concave portion is located between the two electrode terminals in the predetermined direction. The battery cell according to claim 1.

17. A battery including a housing and the battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 16. The battery cell is accommodated in the housing. The battery.

18. An electric power consuming device including the battery according to claim 17.

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