Battery cells, batteries, power consumption devices, battery cell manufacturing methods, and equipment

Abstract

This application discloses a battery cell, a battery, a power consumption device, a method for manufacturing a battery cell, and an apparatus. The battery cell includes an end cap and a housing forming a receiving cavity, an electrode assembly received in the receiving cavity, an insulating member for isolating the end cap and the electrode assembly, and a protective film for fitting around the outer periphery of the electrode assembly and engaging with the insulating member. The protective film and the insulating member are interlocked, eliminating the need for a thermal fusion bonding method during assembly and avoiding problems such as stringing due to over-fusion of the protective film or falling off due to insufficient fusion.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to the field of batteries, and more particularly to battery cells, batteries, power consuming devices, methods for manufacturing battery cells, and equipment for manufacturing battery cells. [Background technology]

[0002] A chemical battery, electrified battery, electrochemical cell, or electrochemical pond is a device that converts the chemical energy of a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material into electrical energy through an oxidation-reduction reaction. Unlike conventional oxidation-reduction reactions, the oxidation and reduction reactions occur separately—oxidation at the negative electrode and reduction at the positive electrode—but electron gain and loss occur via an external circuit, forming an electric current. This is an essential characteristic of all batteries. After long-term research and development, chemical batteries have become diverse and widely used. Types range from gigantic devices large enough to house a building to millimeter-sized devices. Advances in modern electronics technology have placed high demands on chemical batteries. Each breakthrough in chemical battery technology has led to revolutionary developments in electronic devices. Many electrochemical scientists around the world are focusing their research and development efforts on the field of chemical batteries, which power electric vehicles.

[0003] Lithium ion batteries, as a type of chemical battery, have advantages such as small volume, high energy density, high power density, many cycles, and long storage time, and are widely used in various electronic devices, electric vehicles, electric toys, and electric devices. For example, lithium ion batteries are currently widely used in mobile phones, laptops, battery cars, electric vehicles, electric airplanes, electric steamers, electric toy cars, electric toy steamers, electric toy airplanes, and electric tools.

[0004] The application of lithium-ion batteries includes three levels: battery cells, battery modules, and battery packs. With the continuous development of lithium-ion battery technology, higher requirements are being placed on the performance of lithium-ion batteries, and it is desirable for lithium-ion batteries to be able to simultaneously consider various design factors. The protective film (Mylar) inside the battery cell is connected to the insulating material by heat sealing, but due to factors such as temperature, pressure, and the protective film material, problems such as stringing due to over-welding of the protective film and falling off due to insufficient welding can easily occur. The protective film does not fulfill its role of protecting the electrode assembly, and stringing due to over-welding is likely to cause defects in the end cap weld burst points. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application proposes a battery cell, a battery, a power consumption device, a manufacturing method of a battery cell, and an apparatus, and by installing the protective film and the insulating member so that they are interlocked, it is not necessary to use a thermal fusion bonding method in the assembly process, and phenomena such as stringing due to over-fusion of the protective film caused by thermal fusion connection, or falling off due to insufficient fusion, are avoided.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present application, there is provided a battery cell, the battery cell comprising: an end cap and a housing forming a receiving cavity; an electrode assembly housed within the housing cavity; an insulating member for isolating the end cap and the electrode assembly; The electrode assembly further includes a protective film that is fitted onto the outer periphery of the electrode assembly and is engaged with the insulating member.

[0007] The interlocking arrangement between the protective film and the insulating member eliminates the need for thermal fusion bonding during the assembly process, avoiding the stringing that can occur with thermal fusion bonding, which can affect the quality of the weld between the end cap and the housing. The interlocking connection between the protective film and the insulating member is more reliable, preventing the protective film from falling off due to poor thermal fusion bonding between the protective film and the insulating member. Furthermore, the relative relationship between the protective film and the electrode assembly can be maintained for a long period of time, improving the protection performance of the electrode assembly and thereby improving battery safety. Furthermore, the interlocking connection between the protective film and the insulating member reduces labor and time required for the assembly process, thereby accelerating battery production efficiency.

[0008] In some embodiments, the insulating member has a locking claw, the protective film has a hole corresponding to the locking claw, and the protective film and the insulating member are locked to the locking claw by the hole.

[0009] The engagement structure between the protective film and the insulating member may be designed in various types, and by adopting a fitting structure of an engagement claw and a hole, design and manufacturing become easier, the engagement combination between the protective film and the insulating member becomes easier, and the protective film and the insulating member become less likely to separate after engagement, ensuring the strength of the protective film and the insulating member after engagement.

[0010] In some embodiments, the insulating member has an outer surface facing an inner wall of the housing, and the locking claw is disposed on the outer surface.

[0011] Since the protective film is fitted onto the outer periphery of the electrode assembly, the locking claws are installed on the outer surface of the insulating member so that the protective film is locked onto the insulating member after being folded, which allows the locking process to be achieved quickly and does not require excessive adjustment, making the locking process between the protective film and the insulating member relatively easy.

[0012] In some embodiments, the outer surface has a groove, and the locking claw is disposed in the groove.

[0013] Since the energy density of a battery is a quality specification that is always required in the battery manufacturing process, it is necessary to reduce the volume of the battery, while at the same time improving the utilization rate of the battery's internal space. By installing the locking claws in the grooves, the space occupied by the accommodating cavity can be reduced, preventing the housing volume from becoming excessively large and being ineffectively utilized, thereby contributing to improving the energy density of the battery.

[0014] In some embodiments, the distance between the outer surface and the corresponding inner wall is J, and the distance between the surface of the housing facing the locking pawl and the corresponding inner wall is K, where J≦K.

[0015] During the battery cell assembly process, the insulating member, electrode assembly, and protective film must be inserted into the housing at the same time. By limiting the distance between the locking claws and the outer surface, the locking claws do not protrude beyond the outer surface of the insulating member, which facilitates the insertion of the insulating member into the housing and facilitates battery cell assembly.

[0016] In some embodiments, the groove has a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite each other along the thickness of the end cap, the second surface being farther from the end cap than the first surface, and the latching claw being disposed on the second surface.

[0017] Since the internal structure of different types of batteries is different, the latching claws may be installed at different positions within the groove according to actual needs to meet the usage demands of different types of batteries. By installing the latching claws on the second surface, a relatively high strength can be obtained after the protective film and the insulating member are locked together.

[0018] In some embodiments, a stopper portion is provided on the first surface, extending toward the second surface, and the stopper portion is provided at a distance from the locking claw and aligned along the recess direction of the groove, and the stopper portion is provided overlapping the protective film.

[0019] The gap between the stopper portion and the locking claw is relatively small, and after the protective film and the insulating member are locked together, the stopper portion forms a limit structure for the protective film, and by combining with the locking claw, it is possible to effectively prevent the protective film from coming off the locking claw.

[0020] In some embodiments, the groove has a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, and an end of the stopper portion facing the second surface extends toward the third surface to form a bent portion.

[0021] The folding portion can serve two purposes: when the protective film and the insulating member are engaged, the folding portion forms a guide structure that facilitates the edge of the protective film to enter the engaging claw, and after the protective film and the insulating member are engaged, it can further effectively prevent the protective film from coming off the engaging claw.

[0022] In some embodiments, the insulating member has a boss protruding toward the electrode assembly, the boss is used to abut against the electrode assembly, and the locking claw is installed on the boss.

[0023] Since the boss is equivalent to increasing the thickness of the insulating member, the boss has a relatively large design space, and the boss structure can be utilized rationally, allowing for the design of different locking pawl structures as needed.

[0024] In some embodiments, the boss has two end faces along the length of the end cap, and the groove extends through the two end faces.

[0025] By designing the groove to have an open structure at both ends, after the protective film and the insulating member are engaged, the protective film and the insulating member are in close contact with each other, and the protective film does not wrinkle at the engaging point, but remains flat.

[0026] In some embodiments, the height of the portion of the protective film located in the groove is H, the height of the groove is I, and H <Iである。

[0027] By limiting the height of the portion of the protective film located in the groove, after the protective film and the insulating member are engaged with each other, the protective film and the insulating member are in close contact with each other, the protective film does not wrinkle at the engaging portion, and the protective film remains flat.

[0028] In some embodiments, the protective film includes two first protective portions disposed opposite to each other along a thickness direction of the electrode assembly and two second protective portions disposed opposite to each other along a longitudinal direction of the end cap, and the thickness direction of the end cap, the thickness direction of the electrode assembly, and the longitudinal direction of the end cap are perpendicular to each other; Each of the second guards has an extension portion, the extension portion extending toward a side of the first guard that faces away from the electrode assembly, and the holes include a first hole provided in the first guard and a second hole provided in the extension portion, and the second hole partially overlaps the first hole so that the second hole and the first hole are engaged with the same engaging claw; or Each of the first protective parts has an extension part provided thereon, the extension part extending toward the side of the second protective part away from the electrode assembly, the holes including a first hole provided in the second protective part and a second hole provided in the extension part, and the second hole partially overlaps with the first hole so that the second hole and the first hole are engaged with the same engaging claw.

[0029] By installing the extension portion, the extension portion can combine and connect two first protective portions and two second protective portions using a locking claw, and the various parts of the protective film are combined into one unit, making them less likely to separate and strengthening the reliability of the connection between the protective film and the insulating member.

[0030] In some embodiments, the insulating member has a hole, the protective film has a boss corresponding to the hole, and the protective film and the insulating member are locked in the hole by the boss.

[0031] The locking structure between the protective film and the insulating member may be designed in various types, and the boss and hole fitting structure similarly facilitates the locking combination between the protective film and the insulating member, and the protective film is locked to the insulating member after being folded, so that the locking process can be achieved quickly and does not require excessive adjustment, making the locking process between the protective film and the insulating member relatively easy.

[0032] In some embodiments, a connection is provided between the boss and the inner wall of the protective film, the hole includes a first segment and a second segment, the second segment is provided on a side of the first segment away from the end cap, at least a portion of the connection is provided within the second segment, and the boss and the first segment form an interference fit to restrict the boss from separating from the first segment.

[0033] By forming a tight fit between the boss and the first segment, the boss is prevented from easily coming out of the hole after it has entered the hole, and the strength of the protective film and the insulating member after engagement can be ensured.

[0034] According to a second aspect of the present application, there is provided a battery, the battery including the battery cell according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0035] According to a third aspect of the present application, there is provided a power consuming device, the power consuming device including a battery cell according to any one of the preceding claims, the battery cell being for providing electrical energy.

[0036] According to a fourth aspect of the present application, there is provided a method for manufacturing a battery cell, the method comprising: providing an end cap and an insulating member; providing an electrode assembly such that the insulating member separates the end cap and the electrode assembly; providing a protective film, wrapping the protective film around the outer periphery of the electrode assembly, and fastening the protective film to the insulating member; providing a housing and connecting the end cap to the housing to form a receiving cavity for receiving the electrode assembly.

[0037] According to a fifth aspect of the present application, there is provided a battery cell manufacturing apparatus, the manufacturing apparatus comprising: a provision module for providing the end cap, the housing, the electrode assembly, the insulating member and the protective film; and an assembly module for isolating the end cap and the electrode assembly with the insulating member, wrapping the protective film around the outer periphery of the electrode assembly, engaging the protective film with the insulating member, and connecting the end cap to the housing to form an accommodating cavity that accommodates the electrode assembly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] The drawings described herein are used to provide further understanding of the present application and constitute a part of the present application, and the exemplary embodiments and the description thereof are used to interpret the present application and do not constitute undue limitations of the present application. [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are structural schematic diagrams of several embodiments of vehicles employing the battery cells of the present application; [Figure 2]1A and 1B show structural schematic diagrams of several embodiments of batteries employing the battery cells of the present application. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery cell according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a perspective schematic view of a battery cell according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates a perspective schematic view of an insulating member according to some embodiments of the present application; [Figure 6] An enlarged view of part B in FIG. 5 is shown. [Figure 7] 1 shows a perspective schematic view of a folded state of a protective film according to some embodiments of the present application; [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional schematic view of a pawl according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional schematic view of a pawl according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 10] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional schematic view of a pawl according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional schematic view of a pawl according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 12] An enlarged view of part A in FIG. 4 is shown. [Figure 13] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional schematic view of a pawl according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 14] 1 shows a schematic front view of a protective film in an unfolded state according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 15] 1 shows a schematic front view of a protective film in an unfolded state according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 16] 1 illustrates a perspective schematic view of a battery cell according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 17] 1 illustrates a perspective schematic view of an insulating member according to some embodiments of the present application; [Figure 18] 1 shows a perspective schematic view of a folded state of a protective film according to some embodiments of the present application; [Figure 19] 1 illustrates a perspective schematic view of a battery cell according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 20] 1 illustrates a perspective schematic view of an insulating member according to some embodiments of the present application; [Figure 21] 1 shows a perspective schematic view of a folded state of a protective film according to some embodiments of the present application; [Figure 22] 1 illustrates a schematic front view of a battery cell according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 23] FIG. 22 shows a cross section taken along CC. [Figure 24] An enlarged view of part D in FIG. 23 is shown. [Figure 25] 1 illustrates a perspective schematic view of a hole and a boss according to some embodiments of the present application; [Figure 26] 1 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for manufacturing a battery cell according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 27] 1 illustrates a structural schematic diagram of a battery cell manufacturing equipment according to some embodiments of the present application; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] In order to clarify the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present application, the following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the drawings showing several embodiments of the present application, and it should be understood that the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments described in the present application without any creative efforts fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art. The terms used in the specification of this application are merely for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. The terms "comprehensive," "comprising," "having," "having," "containing," "including," and the like in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned drawings are open-ended terms. For example, a method or apparatus that "comprises," "includes," or "has" one or more steps or elements includes one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to only having those one or more elements. The terms "first," "second," and the like in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned drawings are not intended to describe a particular order or hierarchy, but are intended to distinguish between different objects. The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature qualified as a "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more than two.

[0041] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "center," "lateral," "length," "width," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" are orientations or positional relationships shown based on the drawings, and are merely for the convenience and simplification of the description of this application, and do not indicate or imply that the referred-to devices or elements must have a specific orientation or be configured and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limitations on this application.

[0042] In the description of this application, it should be explained that unless otherwise clearly defined or limited, the terms "attached," "connected," "connected," and "attached" should be understood in a broad sense, and may refer to, for example, a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection, a direct connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application according to specific circumstances.

[0043] The term "embodiment" as used herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Appearances of this phrase in various locations throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor are they mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand, both explicitly and implicitly, that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0044] As mentioned above, it should be emphasized that when the term "including" is used herein, it is used to explicitly denote the presence of said features, integers, steps or assemblies, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or grouped features, integers, steps or components. As used in this application, the singular forms "one", "an" and "the" also include the plural, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0045] The words "a" and "one" as used herein may refer to one, or may coincide with the meaning of "at least one" or "one or more." The term "about" generally means plus or minus 10% to the stated numerical value, or more specifically, plus or minus 5%. The term "or" as used in the claims means "and / or," unless expressly indicated to refer only to alternatives.

[0046] The term "and / or" in this application merely describes the relationship between related objects and indicates that three relationships may exist, for example, A and / or B may represent three cases: A alone, a combination of A and B, and B alone. Also, the character " / " in this application generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0047] A battery, as referred to in this application, is a single physical module that includes one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. For example, a battery, as referred to in this application, may include a battery module or a battery pack.

[0048] Rechargeable batteries are also called secondary batteries, secondary batteries, or storage batteries. Unlike disposable batteries, the manufacturing materials and processes for rechargeable batteries offer the advantage of being able to be used repeatedly after charging. Rechargeable batteries also have a higher output current load than most disposable batteries. Common types of rechargeable batteries today include lead-acid batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries have advantages such as light weight, large capacity (1.5 to 2 times that of nickel-metal hydride batteries of the same weight), no memory effect, and a very low self-discharge rate, so they remain widely used despite their relatively high price. Lithium-ion batteries are also used in pure electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. While the capacity of lithium-ion batteries used in these applications is relatively low, they offer relatively high output, charging current, and a relatively long service life, but are relatively expensive.

[0049] Lithium-ion batteries (referring to battery cells) operate primarily through the movement of lithium ions between positive and negative plates. Lithium-ion batteries use embedded lithium compounds as electrode materials. Currently, common positive electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries include lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2), lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4), lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2), and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4). A separator is placed between the positive and negative plates to form a film structure with three layers of material. This film structure is typically wound or stacked to create an electrode assembly of the required shape. For example, in a prismatic battery, the three-layer film structure is wound around a prismatic electrode assembly, while in a rectangular battery, the film structure is wound or stacked around a rectangular electrode assembly.

[0050] Multiple battery cells can be connected in series and / or parallel via electrode terminals and used in various applications. In high-power applications, such as some electric vehicles, battery cell applications include three levels: battery cells, battery modules, and battery packs. The battery referred to in this application includes a battery module or a battery pack. A battery module protects batteries from external impact, heat, vibration, and the like, and is formed by electrically connecting a certain number of batteries and placing them in a frame. A battery pack is the final stage of a battery system installed in an electric vehicle. Currently, most battery packs are constructed by assembling various control and protection systems, such as a battery management system (BMS) and thermal management components, with one or more battery modules. With technological developments, the battery module level may be omitted, i.e., a battery may be directly formed from multiple battery cells. This improvement will improve the battery's gravimetric energy density and volumetric energy density while significantly reducing the number of components.

[0051] In related technology, the method of connecting the protective film (Mylar) inside the battery cell to the insulating member is heat fusion connection, which is prone to problems such as stringing due to over-fusion of the protective film and falling off due to insufficient fusion. Stringing due to over-fusion can become a welding burst point between the end cap and the housing, and falling off due to insufficient fusion can cause the protective film to fail to protect the electrode assembly. In this application, the protective film and the insulating member are installed so that they are interlocked, eliminating the need to use heat fusion connection in the assembly process and avoiding problems such as stringing due to over-fusion of the protective film and falling off due to insufficient fusion.

[0052] For a better understanding of the present application, the following describes in detail the embodiments of the present application in conjunction with FIGS. 1 to 27. FIG.

[0053] The batteries disclosed in the embodiments of the present application may be used in power-consuming devices such as, but not limited to, vehicles, ships, and aircraft. A power supply system comprising the battery cells and batteries disclosed in the present application may also be used to configure the power-consuming device. This is advantageous in improving battery performance and battery life.

[0054] The embodiments of the present application provide a power-consuming device that uses a battery as a power source. The power-consuming device may be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop, an electric toy, an electric tool, a battery-powered vehicle, an electric car, a steamship, a spacecraft, etc. Here, the electric toy may include a stationary or mobile electric toy, such as a game console, an electric car toy, an electric steamship toy, and an electric airplane toy, and the spacecraft may include an airplane, a rocket, a space shuttle, a spaceship, etc.

[0055] For convenience of explanation, the following embodiment will be described by taking an example in which the power consumption device of one embodiment of the present application is a vehicle 6.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle 6 according to some embodiments of the present application. The vehicle 6 may be a gasoline-powered vehicle, a gas-powered vehicle, or a new energy vehicle, and the new energy vehicle may be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, a range-extender vehicle, etc. A battery 7 is installed inside the vehicle 6, and the battery 7 may be installed at the bottom, head, or tail of the vehicle 6. The battery 7 may be used to supply power to the vehicle 6, for example, the battery 7 may be used as an operating power source for the vehicle 6. The vehicle 6 may further include a controller 8 and a motor 9, and the controller 8 is used to control the battery 7 to supply power to the motor 9, for example, for starting the vehicle 6, navigation, and operating power consumption needs during driving.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present application, the battery 7 can provide driving power to the vehicle 6 not only as an operating power source for the vehicle 6 but also as a driving power source for the vehicle 6, in place of, or in place of, gasoline or natural gas.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic view of a battery 7 according to some embodiments of the present application. The battery 7 includes a housing 11 and battery cells 10 housed within the housing 11. Here, the housing 11 may be used to provide a storage space for the battery cells 10, and the housing 11 may have various structures. In some embodiments, the housing 11 may include an upper cover 1101 and a lower cover 1102, which are fitted over each other and jointly define a storage space for housing the battery cells 10. The lower cover 1102 may have a hollow structure with one end open, or the upper cover 1101 may have a plate-like structure and the upper cover 1101 is fitted over the open side of the lower cover 1102 so that the upper cover 1101 and the lower cover 1102 jointly define the storage space. The upper cover 1101 and the lower housing 1102 may both have a hollow structure with one side open, and the open side of the upper cover 1101 covers the open side of the lower housing 1102. Of course, the housing 11 formed by the upper cover 1101 and the lower housing 1102 may have various shapes, such as a cylindrical body or a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0059] The battery 7 may include a plurality of battery cells 10, and the plurality of battery cells 10 may be connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel. A series-parallel connection means that the plurality of battery cells 10 may be connected in series or in parallel. The plurality of battery cells 10 may be directly connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel, and then the entire battery cell set may be housed in the housing 11. Of course, the battery 7 may also include a plurality of battery cells 10 first connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel to form a battery module, and then the plurality of battery modules may be connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel to form an integrated battery module housed in the housing 11. The battery 7 may further include other structures. For example, the battery 7 may further include busbar members (not shown) for electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells 10.

[0060] Here, each battery cell 10 may be a secondary battery or a primary battery, and may be, but is not limited to, a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-ion battery, or a magnesium-ion battery. The battery cells 10 may be cylindrical, flat, rectangular, or have other shapes.

[0061] Referring to Figure 3, Figure 3 is an exploded schematic view of a battery cell 10 according to some embodiments of the present application. The battery cell 10 is the smallest unit constituting a battery 7. In Figure 3, the battery cell 10 includes an end cap 1, an electrode assembly 3, a housing 5, and other functional members.

[0062] The end cap 1 is a member that covers the opening of the housing 5 and isolates the internal environment of the battery cell 10 from the external environment. Without being limited thereto, the shape of the end cap 1 may be adapted to fit the housing 5. Alternatively, the end cap 1 may be made of a material (e.g., aluminum alloy) with a certain degree of hardness and strength. This makes the end cap 1 less likely to deform when subjected to a pressure impact, allowing the battery cell 10 to have higher structural strength and improved safety performance. Functional members such as electrode terminals may be installed on the end cap 1. The electrode terminals may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly 3 and used to output or input electrical energy to the battery cell 10. The end cap 1 may be made of various materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not particularly limited thereto. In some embodiments, an insulating member 2 may be further installed inside the end cap 1. The insulating member 2 may be used to isolate the end cap 1 from the electrical connection members in the housing 5 to reduce the risk of short circuits. Illustratively, the insulating member 2 may be made of plastic, rubber, etc. In some embodiments, the end cap 1 is further provided with an interface for monitoring the inside of the battery core, and the internal condition of the battery core is monitored through the monitoring interface.

[0063] The housing 5 is an assembly that fits over the end cap 1 to form an internal environment for the battery cell 10. This internal environment may be used to accommodate the electrode assembly 3, electrolyte, and other components. The housing 5 and the end cap 1 may be separate components, or an opening may be formed in the housing 5, and the end cap 1 may be placed over the opening to form the internal environment for the battery cell 10. Without being limited thereto, the end cap 1 and the housing 5 may be integrated. Specifically, the end cap 1 and the housing 5 may first form a common connection surface before other components are placed in the case, and the end cap 1 may be placed over the housing 5 when packaging is required. The housing 5 may have various shapes and dimensions, such as a rectangular parallelepiped, cylindrical, or hexagonal prism. Specifically, the shape of the housing 5 may be determined depending on the specific shape and dimensions of the electrode assembly 3. The housing 5 may be made of various materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or plastic, and the embodiments of the present application are not particularly limited thereto.

[0064] The electrode assembly 3 is a component in the battery cell 10 that is impregnated with the electrolyte and where an electrochemical reaction occurs. One or more electrode assemblies 3 may be contained within the housing 5. The electrode assembly 3 is typically formed by winding or stacking positive and negative electrode plates, with a separator typically disposed between the positive and negative electrode plates. The portions of the positive and negative electrode plates that contain active material form the body of the electrode assembly 3, while the portions of the positive and negative electrode plates that do not contain active material form tabs, respectively. The positive and negative electrode tabs may both be located at one end of the body, or may be located at both ends of the body. During charging and discharging of the battery cell, the positive and negative electrode active materials react with the electrolyte, and the tabs are connected to the electrode terminals to form a current circuit.

[0065] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, this is a battery cell 10 according to one embodiment of the present application, and includes an end cap 1 and a housing 5 that form an accommodating cavity, an electrode assembly 3 that is accommodated in the accommodating cavity, an insulating member 2 that isolates the end cap 1 from the electrode assembly 3, and a protective film 4 that is fitted around the outer periphery of the electrode assembly 3 and is engaged with the insulating member 2.

[0066] By providing a lock between the protective film 4 and the insulating member 2, there is no need to use a heat-sealing method in the assembly process, avoiding the stringing that occurs with heat-sealing connections. This avoids the impact on the quality of the weld between the end cap 1 and the housing 5 that would otherwise be caused by stringing caused by heat-sealing, while also improving the reliability of the locking connection between the protective film 4 and the insulating member 2, preventing the protective film 4 from falling off due to poor heat-sealing between the protective film 4 and the insulating member 2. Furthermore, the relative relationship between the protective film 4 and the electrode assembly 3 can be maintained for a long period of time, improving the protection performance of the electrode assembly 3 and thereby improving battery safety. Furthermore, the locking connection between the protective film 4 and the insulating member 2 saves labor and time in the assembly process, thereby accelerating battery production efficiency.

[0067] The battery cell in this embodiment may be a rectangular parallelepiped or cubic shape, and the one shown in the drawings is a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective film 4 is a polyester film commonly known in the art as Mylar.

[0068] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7, the insulating member 2 is provided with a locking claw 203, and the protective film 4 is provided with a hole 408 corresponding to the locking claw 203, and the protective film 4 and the insulating member 2 are locked together by the hole 408 and the locking claw 203.

[0069] The insulating member 2 is provided with a plurality of locking claws 203, and the protective film 4 is provided with a plurality of holes 408 corresponding to the locking claws 203. For example, the insulating member 2 is provided with six locking claws 203 on both sides along the longitudinal direction X (the X-axis direction in FIG. 5) of the end cap 1, and the protective film 4 is provided with six holes 408. Depending on the structure of the battery cell, the number of the locking claws 203 and the holes 408 may be increased or decreased.

[0070] The locking structure between the protective film 4 and the insulating member 2 may be designed in various types. By adopting the fitting structure between the locking claws 203 and the holes 408, the design and manufacture become easy, the combination of the locking between the protective film 4 and the insulating member 2 becomes easy, and after locking, it is difficult for the protective film 4 and the insulating member 2 to separate, ensuring the firmness after the locking between the protective film 4 and the insulating member 2.

[0071] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the insulating member 2 has a boss 202 protruding toward the electrode assembly 3. The boss 202 is used to abut against the electrode assembly 3, and the locking claws 203 are installed on the boss 202. In FIG. 3, the insulating member 2 is provided with three bosses 202. Depending on the structure of the battery cell, the number of the bosses 202 may be increased or decreased. The inside of the boss 202 is a hollow structure, and on the premise of meeting the structural requirements, the weight of the insulating member 2 can be reduced.

[0072] Since the boss 202 corresponds to increasing the thickness of the insulating member 2, there is a relatively large design space for the boss 202. By reasonably utilizing the structure of the boss 202, locking claws 203 with different structures can be designed as required.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the length of the hole 408 is G, the length of the locking claw 203 is F, and F < G. Since both the locking claws 203 and the holes 408 are plural, F < G provides a margin for the movement of the locking claws 203 within the holes 408, ensuring that each hole 408 can enter into the locking claws 203.

[0074] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the insulating member 2 has an outer surface 2011 facing the inner wall of the housing 5, and the locking claw 203 is installed on the outer surface 2011.

[0075] The provision of the locking claws 203 on the outer surface 2011 is relatively easy to design and manufacture. Because the protective film 4 is extrapolated onto the outer periphery of the electrode assembly 3, each portion of the protective film 4 gradually approaches the outer surface 2011 of the insulating member 2 during the folding process. Therefore, by providing the locking claws 203 on the outer surface 2011 of the insulating member 2, the protective film 4 can be locked to the insulating member 2 after being folded. This speeds up the locking process and does not require excessive adjustment, making the locking process between the protective film 4 and the insulating member 2 relatively easy.

[0076] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, the outer surface 2011 has a groove 2016 formed therein, and the locking claw 203 is disposed in the groove 2016.

[0077] The groove 2016 is formed by recessing the outer surface 2011, and the internal space of the groove 2016 may be used to install the locking claw 203. Since the energy density of a battery is a quality specification that is always required in the battery manufacturing process, it is necessary to reduce the volume of the battery, while at the same time improving the utilization rate of the internal space of the battery. By installing the locking claw 203 in the groove 2016, the space occupied by the receiving cavity can be reduced, and the volume of the housing 5 can be prevented from being excessively large and ineffectively used, which can contribute to improving the energy density of the battery.

[0078] 9, the distance between the outer surface 2011 and the corresponding inner wall is J, and the distance between the surface of the locking pawl 203 facing the housing 5 and the corresponding inner wall is K, where J≦K. In general, J=K may be selected, and the outer surface 2011 is flush with the surface of the locking pawl 203 facing the housing 5.

[0079] During the battery cell assembly process, the insulating member 2, electrode assembly 3, and protective film 4 must be inserted into the housing 5 at the same time. By limiting the distance between the locking claws 203 and the outer surface 2011, the locking claws 203 do not protrude beyond the outer surface 2011 of the insulating member 2, which facilitates the insertion of the insulating member 2 into the housing 5 and facilitates the assembly of the battery cell.

[0080] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the height of the portion of the protective film 4 located in the groove 2016 is H, the height of the groove 2016 is I, and H <Iである。

[0081] By limiting the height of the portion of the protective film 4 located within the groove 2016, after the protective film 4 and the insulating member 2 are engaged with each other, the protective film 4 and the insulating member 2 are in close contact with each other, and the protective film 4 does not wrinkle at the engagement point, and remains flat.

[0082] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the groove 2016 has a first surface 2012 and a second surface 2014 arranged opposite each other along the thickness direction of the end cap 1 (the Z-axis direction in FIG. 9), the second surface 2014 being farther away from the end cap 1 than the first surface 2012, and the locking claw 203 being arranged on the second surface 2014.

[0083] Since the internal structure differs depending on the type of battery, the locking claw 203 may be installed at different positions in the groove 2016 according to actual needs to meet the usage demands of different types of batteries. The locking claw 203 is installed on the second surface 2014, so that a relatively high strength can be obtained after the protective film 4 and the insulating member 2 are locked together. As shown in Fig. 10, the locking claw 203 may be installed on the third surface 2013, or as shown in Fig. 11, the locking claw 203 may be installed on the first surface 2012.

[0084] 12 and 13 , in some embodiments, a stopper portion 2015 extending toward the second surface 2014 is provided on the first surface 2012, and the stopper portion 2015 is provided at a distance from the locking claw 203, and the stopper portion 2015 and the protective film 4 are provided so as to overlap with each other along the recessed direction of the groove 2016. The recessed direction of the groove 2016 is the direction E in FIG.

[0085] There is a relatively narrow gap between the stopper portion 2015 and the locking claw 203, and the edge of the protective film 4 enters the groove 2016 through this gap and is locked by the locking claw 203. After the protective film 4 and the insulating member 2 are locked together, the stopper portion 2015 forms a limit structure for the protective film 4, and by combining with the locking claw 203, it is possible to effectively prevent the protective film 4 from coming off the locking claw 203.

[0086] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 13 , the groove 2016 has a third surface 2013 connecting the first surface 2012 and the second surface 2014, and the end of the stopper portion 2015 facing the second surface 2014 extends toward the third surface 2013 to form a bent portion.

[0087] The folding portion can serve two purposes. When the protective film 4 is engaged with the insulating member 2, the folding portion forms a guide structure, which makes it easier for the edge of the protective film 4 to enter the engaging claw 203, and more effectively prevents the protective film 4 from coming off the engaging claw 203 after the protective film 4 and the insulating member 2 are engaged.

[0088] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the boss 202 has two end faces along the longitudinal direction of the end cap 1, and the recessed groove 2016 penetrates the two end faces.

[0089] The longitudinal direction of the end cap 1 is the X-axis direction in Fig. 5, the width direction of the end cap 1 is the Y-axis direction in Fig. 5, and the thickness direction of the end cap 1 is the Z-axis direction in Fig. 5. By designing the groove 2016 to have an open structure at both ends, after the protective film 4 and the insulating member 2 are engaged with each other, the protective film 4 and the insulating member 2 are in close contact with each other, and the protective film 4 does not wrinkle at the engaging points, so that the protective film 4 remains flat.

[0090] 14 and 15 , the protective film 4 includes two first protective portions arranged opposite each other along the thickness direction of the electrode assembly 3 and two second protective portions arranged opposite each other along the longitudinal direction of the end cap 1, and the thickness direction of the end cap 1, the thickness direction of the electrode assembly 3, and the longitudinal direction of the end cap 1 are perpendicular to each other. The two first protective portions are first protective portion 401 and first protective portion 402, respectively, and the two second protective portions are second protective portion 403 and second protective portion 404, respectively. First protective portion 401 and first protective portion 402 are connected by third protective portion 405.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 14, each second protective part 402 is provided with an extension part, a first extension part 406 is provided on one side of the second protective part 403, and a second extension part 407 is provided on one side of the second protective part 404. After the protective film 4 is folded, the extension part extends to the side of the first protective part away from the electrode assembly 3 (the side corresponding to the largest surface of the electrode assembly 3), and the hole 408 is connected to the first hole 4081 provided in the first protective part and the extension part 407. 12 and 13 , the first extension portion 406 is located on the side of the first protective portion 401 that faces away from the electrode assembly 3, and the second hole 4082 and the first hole 4081 partially overlap each other so that they can be locked by the same locking claw 203.

[0092] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 15 , each first protective part is provided with an extension part. Taking the first protective part 401 as an example, a first extension part 406 and a second extension part 407 are provided on both sides of the first protective part 401, respectively. After the protective film 4 is folded, the first extension part 406 is provided on the side of the second protective part 403 that is away from the electrode assembly 3 (the side in the width direction Y of the end cap of the electrode assembly 3). the narrow side of the electrode assembly 3), the second extending portion 407 extends to the side of the second protective portion 404 that is away from the electrode assembly 3, and the hole 408 includes a first hole 4081 located in the second protective portion and a second hole 4082 located in the extending portion, and the second hole 4082 and the first hole 4081 partially overlap each other so that the second hole 4082 and the first hole 4081 are engaged with the same engaging claw 203.

[0093] By providing the extension portion, the extension portion can combine and connect two first protective portions and two second protective portions using the locking claws 203, and each portion of the protective film 4 is combined and integrated, making it difficult to separate and strengthening the reliability of the connection between the protective film 4 and the insulating member 2.

[0094] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 16, 17 and 18, there is no need to install an extension portion on the protective film 4, and the hole 408 includes a first hole 4081 installed in the first protective portion and a first hole 4081 installed in the second protective portion, and after the protective film 4 is folded, the first protective portion 401, the first protective portion 402, the second protective portion 403 and the second protective portion 404 are engaged with the engaging claw 203 by the first hole 4081.

[0095] Accordingly, three locking claws 203 are provided on bosses 202 provided at both ends of insulating member 2, and locking claws 203 located at both ends of insulating member 2 are fitted into second protective portion 403 and first holes 4081 of second protective portion 404, respectively, and recesses are provided between these three locking claws 203, the bottom surfaces of which are lower than the outer surfaces of locking claws 203. When the edge of protective film 4 enters locking claw 203, the recesses can avoid interference between the multiple protective portions of protective film 4.

[0096] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 19, 20, and 21, holes 204 are provided in the insulating member 2, bosses 410 are provided in the protective film 4 corresponding to the holes 204, and the protective film 4 and the insulating member 2 are engaged with the holes 204 by the bosses 410.

[0097] The insulating member 2 has a plurality of holes 204, and the protective film 4 has a plurality of bosses 410 corresponding to the holes 204. For example, the insulating member 2 has eight holes 204 on both sides in the longitudinal direction X, and the protective film 4 has eight bosses 410. The number of holes 204 and bosses 410 may be increased or decreased depending on the structure of the battery cell.

[0098] The locking structure between the protective film 4 and the insulating member 2 may be designed in various types. The fitting structure of the boss 410 and the hole 204 makes it easy to lock the protective film 4 and the insulating member 2 together. After the protective film 4 is folded, it is locked to the insulating member 2, and the locking process is quickly realized without the need for excessive adjustment, making the locking process between the protective film 4 and the insulating member 2 relatively easy.

[0099] 22, 23, and 24, the bosses 410 are fixed to the inner surface of the protective film 4 and protrude toward the inside of the boss 202, and each boss 410 is inserted into one corresponding hole 204. Since the inside of the boss 202 has a hollow structure, the boss 410 may be inserted into the hole 204.

[0100] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 25 , a connection portion 411 is provided between the boss 410 and the inner wall of the protective film 4, the hole 204 includes a first segment 2041 and a second segment 2042, the second segment 2042 is provided on the side of the first segment 2041 away from the end cap 1, and at least a portion of the connection portion 411 is provided within the second segment 2042, and the boss 410 and the first segment 2041 form an interference fit to restrict the boss 410 from separating from the first segment 2041.

[0101] By forming a tight fit between the boss 410 and the first segment 2041, the boss 410 is prevented from easily coming out of the hole 204 after it has entered the hole 204, thereby ensuring the strength of the protective film 4 and the insulating member 2 after they are engaged.

[0102] The boss 410 may be spherical, cylindrical, prismatic or frustoconical, the first segment 2041 may be circular or polygonal, and the connecting portion 411 may be cylindrical or prismatic.

[0103] An example will be described in which the boss 410 is spherical, the connecting portion 411 is cylindrical, and the first segment 2041 is circular. The diameter of the connecting portion 411 is required to be smaller than that of the boss 410, the width of the second segment 2042 is required to be smaller than the diameter of the first segment 2041, and the diameter of the boss 410 is required to be slightly larger than the diameter of the first segment 2041. When the boss 410 is inserted into the corresponding hole 204, the connecting portion 411 is located within the second segment 2042, and the boss 410 and the first segment 2041 form an interference fit, preventing the boss 410 from easily coming out of the hole 204.

[0104] According to a second aspect of the present application, a battery is provided. As shown in Fig. 2, the battery includes the battery cell 10 according to the first aspect. For parts not described in detail in this embodiment, reference may be made to the above-described embodiments.

[0105] According to a third aspect of the present application, there is provided a power consumption device, as shown in Fig. 1, which includes a battery cell 10 according to the first aspect, and the battery cell 10 is for providing electrical energy. For parts not described in detail in this embodiment, reference may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0106] According to a fourth aspect of the present application, there is provided a method for manufacturing a battery cell. As shown in Fig. 26, the method for manufacturing a battery cell includes the following steps:

[0107] Step S1: An end cap 1 and an insulating member 2 are provided.

[0108] Step S2: Provide the electrode assembly 3 so that the insulating member 2 separates the end cap 1 from the electrode assembly 3.

[0109] Step S3: Provide a protective film 4, wrap the protective film 4 around the outer periphery of the electrode assembly 3, and fasten the protective film 4 to the insulating member 2.

[0110] Step S4: Providing a housing 5, and connecting the end cap 1 to the housing 5 to form a receiving cavity for receiving the electrode assembly 3.

[0111] For parts not described in detail in this embodiment, reference may be made to the above-described embodiments.

[0112] According to a fifth aspect of the present application, there is provided a battery cell manufacturing apparatus 7. As shown in FIG. 27, the battery cell manufacturing apparatus 12 includes: a provision module 1201 for providing the end cap 1, the housing 5, the electrode assembly 3, the insulating member 2 and the protective film 4; and an assembly module 1202 for isolating the end cap 1 and the electrode assembly 3 with an insulating member 2, wrapping the protective film 4 around the outer periphery of the electrode assembly 3, engaging the protective film 4 with the insulating member 2, and connecting the end cap 1 to the housing 5 to form an accommodating cavity for accommodating the electrode assembly 3.

[0113] For parts not described in detail in this embodiment, reference may be made to the above-described embodiments.

[0114] Finally, it should be noted that the above examples are only for illustrating the technical solutions of the present application, and are not intended to limit the same. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the above examples, those skilled in the art may still modify the technical solutions described in the above examples or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features therein, but these modifications or substitutions should be understood as not causing the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1, end cap, 2, insulating member, 201, main body, 2011, outer surface, 2012, first surface, 2013, third surface, 2014, second surface, 2015, stopper portion, 2016, groove, 202, boss, 203, locking claw, 204, hole, 2041, first segment, 2042, second segment, 3, electrode assembly, 301, electrode terminal, 4, protective film, 401, first protective portion, 402, first protective portion, 403, second protective portion, 404 , second protective part, 405, third protective part, 406, first extension part, 407, second extension part, 408, hole, 4081, first hole, 4082, second hole, 409, easy-to-fold line, 410, boss, 411, connection part, 5, housing, 6, vehicle, 7, battery, 8, controller, 9, motor, 10, battery cell, 11, casing, 1101, upper cover, 1102, lower casing, 12, battery cell manufacturing equipment, 1201, providing module, 1202, assembly module.

Claims

1. A battery cell, an end cap and a housing forming a receiving cavity; an electrode assembly housed within the housing cavity; an insulating member for isolating the end cap and the electrode assembly; a protective film to be fitted onto the outer periphery of the electrode assembly and engaged with the insulating member; A battery cell, wherein the insulating member has a locking claw, the protective film has a hole corresponding to the locking claw, and the protective film and the insulating member are locked together by the hole and the locking claw.

2. A battery cell, an end cap and a housing forming a receiving cavity; an electrode assembly housed within the housing cavity; an insulating member for isolating the end cap and the electrode assembly; a protective film to be fitted onto the outer periphery of the electrode assembly and engaged with the insulating member; The battery cell, wherein the protective film portions are combined together to form a single unit.

3. 3. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein the insulating member has a locking claw, the protective film has a hole corresponding to the locking claw, and the protective film and the insulating member are locked together by the hole and the locking claw.

4. The battery cell according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the insulating member has an outer surface facing the inner wall of the housing, and the locking claw is disposed on the outer surface.

5. The battery cell according to claim 4 , wherein the outer surface is provided with a groove, and the locking claw is disposed in the groove.

6. 6. The battery cell of claim 5, wherein a distance between the outer surface and the corresponding inner wall is J, and a distance between a surface of the locking claw facing the housing and the corresponding inner wall is K, and J≦K.

7. 7. The battery cell of claim 5, wherein the groove has a first surface and a second surface that are oppositely disposed along the thickness direction of the end cap, the second surface being farther from the end cap than the first surface, and the locking claw is disposed on the second surface.

8. 8. The battery cell of claim 7, wherein a stopper portion extending toward the second surface is provided on the first surface, the stopper portion being spaced apart from the locking claw and aligned along the recess direction of the groove, the stopper portion being overlapped with the protective film.

9. 9. The battery cell of claim 8, wherein the groove has a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, and an end of the stopper portion facing the second surface extends toward the third surface to form a bent portion.

10. 10. The battery cell according to claim 5, wherein the insulating member has a boss protruding toward the electrode assembly, the boss is used to abut against the electrode assembly, and the locking claw is installed on the boss.

11. The battery cell according to claim 10 , wherein the boss has two end faces along the longitudinal direction of the end cap, and the groove penetrates the two end faces.

12. The battery cell according to claim 5 , wherein a height of a portion of the protective film located within the groove is H, a height of the groove is I, and H<I.

13. the protective film includes two first protective portions installed opposite to each other along a thickness direction of the electrode assembly and two second protective portions installed opposite to each other along a longitudinal direction of the end cap, and the thickness direction of the end cap, the thickness direction of the electrode assembly, and the longitudinal direction of the end cap are perpendicular to each other; Each of the second guards has an extension portion, the extension portion extending toward a side of the first guard that faces away from the electrode assembly, and the holes include a first hole provided in the first guard and a second hole provided in the extension portion, and the second hole partially overlaps the first hole so that the second hole and the first hole are engaged with the same engaging claw; or 13. The battery cell according to claim 3, wherein each of the first protective parts has an extension part, the extension part extending to a side of the second protective part away from the electrode assembly, the holes including a first hole provided in the second protective part and a second hole provided in the extension part, the second hole partially overlapping the first hole so that the second hole and the first hole are engaged with the same engaging claw.

14. 3. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein the insulating member has a hole, the protective film has a boss corresponding to the hole, and the protective film and the insulating member are engaged with each other by the boss and the hole.

15. 15. The battery cell of claim 14, wherein a connection portion is provided between the boss and the inner wall of the protective film, the hole includes a first segment and a second segment, the second segment is provided on a side of the first segment away from the end cap, at least a portion of the connection portion is provided within the second segment, and the boss and the first segment form an interference fit to restrict separation of the boss from the first segment.

16. A battery cell, an end cap and a housing forming a receiving cavity; an electrode assembly housed within the housing cavity; an insulating member for isolating the end cap and the electrode assembly; a protective film to be fitted onto the outer periphery of the electrode assembly and engaged with the insulating member; A battery cell, wherein the insulating member has a hole formed therein, the protective film has a boss formed therein corresponding to the hole, and the protective film and the insulating member are engaged with each other by the boss and the hole.

17. 17. The battery cell of claim 16, wherein a connection portion is provided between the boss and the inner wall of the protective film, the hole includes a first segment and a second segment, the second segment is provided on a side of the first segment away from the end cap, at least a portion of the connection portion is provided within the second segment, and the boss and the first segment form an interference fit to restrict separation of the boss from the first segment.

18. A battery comprising a battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. 18. A power consuming device comprising a battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 17, said battery cell being for providing electrical energy.

20. A method for manufacturing a battery cell, comprising: providing an end cap and an insulating member; providing the electrode assembly such that the insulating member separates the end cap and the electrode assembly; providing a protective film, wrapping the protective film around the outer periphery of the electrode assembly, and fastening the protective film to the insulating member; providing a housing and connecting the end cap to the housing to form a receiving cavity for receiving the electrode assembly; a locking claw is provided on the insulating member, a hole is provided in the protective film corresponding to the locking claw, and the protective film and the insulating member are locked together by the hole and the locking claw.

21. A battery cell manufacturing device, a provision module for providing the end cap, the housing, the electrode assembly, the insulating member and the protective film; an assembly module for isolating the end cap and the electrode assembly by the insulating member, wrapping the protective film around the outer periphery of the electrode assembly, fastening the protective film to the insulating member, and connecting the end cap to the housing to form a receiving cavity for receiving the electrode assembly; a locking claw is provided on the insulating member, a hole is provided in the protective film corresponding to the locking claw, and the protective film and the insulating member are locked together by the hole and the locking claw.

Images