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

Abstract

To provide a battery cell, a battery, a power consumption device, and a method and system for manufacturing a battery cell that are capable of giving use safety by suppressing short circuits.SOLUTION: A battery cell 40 comprises a case 41, an electrode assembly 42, and an end cover assembly 43. The electrode assembly is provided in the case. The electrode assembly has a main body part 421, a tab 422, and an isolation part 423. The tab extends from an end part of the main body part toward an opening. The isolation part is provided on an outer periphery of the tab. The end cover assembly comprises an end cover 431 and a first insulation member 432. The end cover is arranged so as to cover the opening while being connected with the case. The first insulation member is provided at a side close to the case interior of the end cover. The first insulation member has a recessed part 432a. At least a part of the tab is accommodated in the recessed part. The first insulation member is arranged so as to be pressed against the isolation part to make the tab and the case separate from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Rechargeable batteries have advantages such as high energy density, high power density, multiple cycles, and long storage time, and are therefore commonly used in electric vehicles, mobile devices, and power tools. Batteries include battery cells. However, battery cells can suffer from short-circuit problems during use, which can affect the safety of the battery cells. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The embodiments of the present application are directed to a battery cell, a battery, a power consumption device, a method and system for manufacturing a battery cell, and aim to solve the problem of short circuits in battery cells affecting safety in use.

[0004] An embodiment of the present application provides a battery cell including a case, an electrode assembly, and an end cover assembly. The case has an opening. The electrode assembly is provided within the case. The electrode assembly includes a main body, a tab, and a separator. The tab extends from an end of the main body toward the opening. The separator is provided on the outer periphery of the tab. The end cover assembly is used to seal the opening. The end cover assembly includes an end cover and a first insulating member. The end cover is arranged to cover the opening and connect to the case. The first insulating member is provided on a side of the end cover closer to the inside of the case. The first insulating member has a recess. At least a portion of the tab is housed in the recess. The first insulating member is arranged in pressure against the separator to isolate the tab from the case.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present application, the first insulating member includes a body and an extension portion connected to each other. The body is arranged to be connected to the end cover. The extension portion extends and protrudes from the body toward the electrode assembly to form a recess, which is placed on the outer periphery of the tab and pressed against the separator. Because the first insulating member has the extension portion, during assembly, the extension portion of the first insulating member can be inserted into the gap between the tab and the case, thereby guiding the tab to accurately insert into the recess of the first insulating member. During assembly, the first insulating member applies extrusion stress to the tab, reducing the possibility of deformation of the tab. At the same time, the extension portion can provide protection and restriction for the tab early during the assembly process.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present application, the extension portion is located on the side of the separator closest to the end cover and is pressed against the separator in a direction away from the end cover. The extension portion can form a limiting constraint with respect to the separator, reducing the possibility of the separator moving toward or away from the end cover, thereby reducing the possibility of the separator moving toward or away from the end cover causing the extension portion and the separator to break away from the pressed state. At the same time, the extension portion can form a limiting constraint with respect to the electrode assembly, reducing the possibility of the electrode assembly moving toward or away from the end cover.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present application, the extension has a closed ring structure that extends continuously. Since the end face of the extension away from the end cover has a closed ring structure, the extension can provide protection and isolation for the tab around the entire periphery of the tab, further improving the isolation effect. Alternatively, the extension has a ring structure with a notch. The notch in the extension can provide a sheltering space.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present application, the standoff is annular and is fitted entirely around the outer periphery of the tab, thereby protecting the tab in the entire circumferential direction.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present application, the tab has a step portion. The step portion has a first side surface, a transition surface, and a second side surface. The first side surface is adjacent to the main body portion, the transition surface connects the first side surface and the second side surface, the transition surface faces the end cover, the minimum radial dimension of the first side surface is larger than the maximum radial dimension of the second side surface, and at least a portion of the inner wall of the recess surrounds the second side surface. A portion of the tab corresponding to the second side surface is located within the recess. In this way, a portion of the tab can be located within the recess of the first insulating member, which helps to reduce the overall axial dimension of the electrode assembly of the battery cell for a battery cell of the same capacity, thereby helping to improve the energy density of the battery cell.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present application, the extension surrounds the second side surface and the separator is located on the transition surface, and an end face of the extension faces the transition surface and presses against the separator, reducing the possibility of the electrode assembly moving toward or away from the end cover.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present application, an electrode assembly includes a first electrode sheet, a second electrode sheet, and a separator. Both the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet have coated and uncoated areas. The portions of the electrode assembly corresponding to the coated areas of the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet are main portions, the uncoated areas of the first electrode sheet or the second electrode sheet form tabs, and the separator is used to separate the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet. The separating portion is a portion of the separator that extends beyond the main portion and is located on the outer periphery of the tab, which helps reduce the number of parts used and the difficulty of assembly. Furthermore, because the separator has an integral structure, the formed separating portion is less likely to fall off.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present application, the electrode assembly further includes a second insulating member. The second insulating member surrounds the first insulating member and the pressing region of the separator, thereby isolating the pressing region from the case. The extension portion, the pressing region of the separator, and the second insulating member can form a double isolation and protection structure for the tab, which helps to further reduce the possibility of contact between the tab and the case and causing a short circuit.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present application, the second insulating member is pressed against the outer surface of the first insulating member facing the case and contacts the isolating portion, and contact areas can be formed between the second insulating member and the first insulating member and between the second insulating member and the isolating portion, respectively, so that the second insulating member can block conductive impurities.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present application, the outer surface has a guide slope that slopes toward the recess in a direction away from the end cover. When assembling the end cover assembly after placing the electrode assembly with the second insulating member in the case, the guiding action of the guide slope allows the portion of the first insulating member that corresponds to the guide slope to easily enter the space defined by the second insulating member.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present application, the second insulating member is bonded to the outer surface, which helps to improve the reliability and stability of the connection between the second insulating member and the first insulating member.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present application, the area of ​​the outer surface where the second insulating member is pressed is closer to the end cover than the tab, thereby reducing the possibility of conductive impurities entering the tab through the gap between the first insulating member and the second insulating member, which do not contact each other, during the assembly process.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present application, the end cover assembly further includes an adapter sheet accommodated in the recess. The adapter sheet has a first adapter portion, the first adapter portion being arranged to be connected to the tab, and the first insulating member and the electrode assembly pushing out the first adapter portion. The first adapter portion is less likely to be displaced relative to the electrode assembly, which helps to reduce the possibility of the first adapter portion and the tab becoming disconnected due to movement of the first adapter portion relative to the electrode assembly.

[0018] The battery cell of the present invention includes a case, an electrode assembly, and an end cover assembly. The recess of the first insulating member of the end cover assembly accommodates the tab of the electrode assembly. At the same time, the first insulating member and the separator of the electrode assembly press against each other to form an isolation structure around the tab, thereby isolating the tab from the case. In this way, on the one hand, when the tab releases its elastic restoring force and deforms during use of the battery cell, it comes into contact with the first insulating member and the separator and is isolated by the first insulating member and the separator, thereby effectively reducing the possibility of the tab contacting the case and causing a short circuit. On the other hand, because the first insulating member and the separator press against each other, at least a portion of the tab is accommodated in the recess of the first insulating member, and the tab is protected by the first insulating member and the separator. This makes it difficult for external conductive impurities to come into contact with the tab, reducing the possibility of conductive impurities conducting the tab to the case and causing a short circuit.

[0019] The present embodiment further provides a battery comprising the battery cell described in the above embodiment.

[0020] An embodiment of the present application further provides a power consuming device comprising a battery cell according to any of the above embodiments used to provide electrical energy.

[0021] An embodiment of the present application is a method for manufacturing the battery cell described in the above embodiment, an electrode assembly including a main body, a tab, and a separator is placed in a case having an opening, wherein the tab extends from an end of the main body toward the opening, and the separator is disposed on an outer periphery of the tab; an end cover assembly including an end cover and a first insulating member is assembled to a case, the end cover is adapted to cover the opening so as to be connected to the case, and the first insulating member is positioned on a side of the end cover adjacent to the inside of the case, wherein the first insulating member has a recess, at least a part of the tab is accommodated in the recess, and the first insulating member is pressed against the separating portion so as to separate the tab from the case; The present invention further provides a method for manufacturing a battery cell, including:

[0022] An embodiment of the present application is a battery cell manufacturing system according to the above embodiment, a first assembly device arranged to place an electrode assembly including a main body, a tab, and a separator in a case having an opening, wherein the tab extends from an end of the main body toward the opening and the separator is disposed on an outer periphery of the tab; a second assembly device arranged to assemble an end cover assembly including an end cover and a first insulating member to a case, the second assembly device covering the opening with the end cover to be connected to the case, and positioning the first insulating member on a side of the end cover adjacent to the inside of the case, wherein the first insulating member has a recess, at least a portion of the tab is received in the recess, and the first insulating member is pressed against the isolation portion to isolate the tab and the case; There is further provided a battery cell manufacturing system comprising: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] In order to more clearly explain the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings necessary for the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application, and those skilled in the art can further obtain other drawings based on the drawings without any creative work. [Figure 1] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle disclosed in one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 2] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a battery disclosed in one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 3] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a battery module disclosed in one embodiment of the present application; [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic exploded view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic exploded view of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an electrode assembly disclosed in one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic plan view of a battery cell disclosed in one embodiment of the present application; [Figure 8] 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion B in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an end cover assembly disclosed in one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of an end cover assembly disclosed in another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery cell of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a portion C in FIG. [Figure 15] 1 is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of a battery cell disclosed in one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of a battery cell according to a further embodiment of the present application; [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery cell of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of a portion D in FIG. [Figure 19] 1 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 20] 1 is a schematic diagram of a battery cell manufacturing system according to one embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The embodiments of the present application will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings and examples. The detailed description of the following examples and the drawings are used to exemplify the principles of the present application, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present application, i.e., the present application is not limited to the described examples.

[0025] In the description of this application, it should be understood that "plurality" means two or more unless otherwise specified. The terms "up," "down," "left," "right," "inside," "outside," and other designated orientations or positional relationships are merely for the purpose of facilitating and simplifying the description of this application. They do not indicate or imply that the designated device or element must have a particular orientation, be configured, or operate in a particular orientation, and should not be understood as limiting this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," and the like are used merely for explanatory purposes and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. "Perpendicular" does not mean perpendicular in the strict sense, but rather within a margin of error. "Parallel" does not mean parallel in the strict sense, but rather within a margin of error.

[0026] All directional terms used in the following description refer to directions shown in the drawings and do not limit the specific structure of the present application. It should be further explained that in the description of the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified or limited, the terms "attached," "coupled," and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, they may be fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrally connected. They may be directly connected or indirectly connected via an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application according to specific circumstances.

[0027] After noticing the short-circuit problem in conventional battery cells, the applicant studied and analyzed the structure of the battery cell. The battery cell includes a case, an electrode assembly, an end cover, electrode terminals, and an adapter sheet. The electrode assembly is disposed within the case. The end cover is connected to the case. The electrode terminals are disposed on the end cover. The electrode assembly includes a main body and a tab. The tab extends away from the main body. The adapter sheet connects the electrode terminal to the tab of the electrode assembly. The applicant discovered that the tab of the battery cell and the case come into lap contact, causing a short circuit. After further research, the applicant found that the tab of the electrode assembly is deformed through a bending or flattening process to meet assembly requirements, and therefore accumulates elastic restoring force. When the battery cell is fully assembled, the tab does not come into lap contact with the case, causing a short circuit. However, after a certain period of use, the tab releases its accumulated elastic restoring force, causing springback, which leads to the tab and the case coming into lap contact and causing a short circuit.

[0028] Based on the above-mentioned problems discovered, the applicant has improved the structure of the battery cell and pressed the insulating member of the end cover assembly against the outer standoff of the tab, thereby reducing the possibility of the tab and the case coming into lap contact.

[0029] For a better understanding of the present invention, an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0030] An embodiment of the present application provides a power consumption device that uses a battery 10 as a power source. The power consumption device may be, but is not limited to, a vehicle, a ship, an aircraft, or the like. As shown in FIG. 1 , one embodiment of the present application provides a vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 may be a fuel-powered vehicle, a gas-powered vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle may be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a range-extending vehicle, or the like. In one embodiment of the present application, the vehicle 1 may include a motor 1a, a controller 1b, and a battery 10. The controller 1b controls the battery 10 to supply power to the motor 1a. The motor 1a is connected to wheels via a transmission mechanism, thereby driving the vehicle 1 to run. The battery 10 can provide driving power to the vehicle 1, replacing or partially replacing fuel oil or natural gas as the driving power source for the vehicle 1. In one example, the battery 10 can be installed at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 1. The battery 10 may be used to supply power to the vehicle 1. In one example, the battery 10 can be used to power the circuit system of the vehicle 1 as an operating power source for the vehicle 1. Illustratively, the battery 10 may be used for vehicle 1 startup, navigation, and operational power consumption needs during driving.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the battery 10 includes a housing. The type of housing is not limited. The housing may be a frame-shaped housing, a disk-shaped housing, a box-shaped housing, or the like. Illustratively, the housing includes a first portion 11 and a second portion 12 covered by the first portion 11, and a housing is formed by the covering of the first portion 11 and the second portion 12. The battery 10 includes a plurality of battery cells 40. The plurality of battery cells 40 may constitute the battery 10, or may first constitute a battery module 20, which then constitutes the battery 10. FIG. 3 schematically shows a battery module 20 of one embodiment, in which the battery module 20 is installed in the housing housing.

[0032] In some embodiments, the battery 10 may have multiple battery cells 40 to meet different power consumption needs. The multiple battery cells 40 may be connected in series, parallel, or a combination, with the combination referring to a combination of series and parallel. That is, the multiple battery cells 40 may be directly installed in the housing to form the battery 10. The battery cells 40 may have a cylindrical structure or a rectangular structure with six sides; the external shape of the battery cells 40 is not limited here. In the embodiments of the present application, the battery cells 40 are described as having a cylindrical structure, but this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the battery module 20 includes a housing 30 and battery cells 40 installed in the housing 30. In one example, the housing 30 includes a cylindrical body 31, a first cover 32, and a second cover 33. The first cover 32 and the second cover 33 are respectively provided on both ends of the cylindrical body 31. The first cover 32 and the second cover 33 are each removably connected to the cylindrical body 31. For example, the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 can be respectively locked to the cylindrical body 31 or connected with screws. An accommodating space is formed by assembling the cylindrical body 31, the first cover 32, and the second cover 33. The battery cells 40 are installed in the accommodating space of the housing 30.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 5 , a battery cell 40 according to the present embodiment includes a case 41 and an electrode assembly 42 installed within the case 41. The case 41 according to the present embodiment has a cylindrical structure. The case 41 has an internal space for accommodating the electrode assembly 42 and an electrolyte, and an opening 411 communicating with the internal space. The electrode assembly 42 can be inserted into the case 41 through the opening 411. The case 41 can be made of a material such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or plastic. The electrode assembly 42 includes a main body 421 and a tab 422. The main body 421 has an end 421a. The electrode assembly 42 is installed within the case 41, with the end 421a of the main body 421 facing the opening 411 of the case 41 and the tab 422 extending from the end 421a of the main body 421 to the opening 411 of the case 41.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5 , the battery cell 40 of the present embodiment further includes an end cover assembly 43 and an adapter sheet 44. The end cover assembly 43 is used to close the opening 411 of the case 41. The end cover assembly 43 includes an end cover 431, a first insulating member 432, and an electrode terminal 433. The end cover 431 is disposed to cover the opening 411 of the case 41 and is connected to the case 41. For example, the end cover 431 may be connected to the case 41 by welding. The first insulating member 432 and the electrode terminal 433 are both provided on the end cover 431. The first insulating member 432 is provided on a side of the end cover 431 closer to the interior of the case 41. The first insulating member 432 has a recess 432a. The recess 432a is recessed from the surface of the first insulating member 432 away from the end cover 431 toward the end cover 431, and the opening of the recess faces the electrode assembly 42. The electrode terminal 433 is electrically connected to the electrode assembly 42 via the adapter sheet 44. In one example, there are two end cover assemblies 43 and two adapter sheets 44. An end cover assembly 43 and an adapter sheet 44 are installed at each of the opposing ends of the electrode assembly 42.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 6, the electrode assembly 42 of the present embodiment can be formed by winding together a first electrode sheet 42a, a second electrode sheet 42b, and a separator 42c. Here, the separator 42c is an insulator interposed between the first electrode sheet 42a and the second electrode sheet 42b. The separator 42c is used to insulate and isolate the first electrode sheet 42a and the second electrode sheet 42b and prevent contact between the first electrode sheet 42a and the second electrode sheet 42b. Both the first electrode sheet 42a and the second electrode sheet 42b include coated and uncoated areas. The active material of the first electrode sheet 42a is coated in the coated area of ​​the first electrode sheet 42a, and the active material of the second electrode sheet 42b is coated in the coated area of ​​the second electrode sheet 42b. The active material is applied to a current collector formed of a thin metal plate in the coated area, and no active material is applied in the uncoated area. The portions of the electrode assembly 42 corresponding to the coated areas of the first electrode sheet 42a and the second electrode sheet 42b are the main body portion 421. The uncoated areas of the first electrode sheet 42a or the second electrode sheet 42b form tabs 422. The main body portion 421 has two opposite ends 421a. The tabs 422 extend from one end 421a of the main body portion 421. The tabs 422 have a multi-layer structure. For example, the uncoated areas of the first electrode sheet 42a are laminated to form a positive electrode tab, and the uncoated areas of the second electrode sheet 42b are laminated to form a negative electrode tab. The positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab each extend from one end 421a of the main body portion 421. When the first electrode sheet 42a, the second electrode sheet 42b, and the separator 42c are wound together, at the end of the winding process, the separator 42c is wound by itself a predetermined number of times, so that the separator 42c that exceeds the first electrode sheet 42a and the second electrode sheet 42b envelops the first electrode sheet 42a and the second electrode sheet 42b. Along the winding axis direction of the electrode assembly 42, the dimensions of the separator 42c are larger than the dimensions of the coating area of ​​the first electrode sheet 42a and larger than the dimensions of the coating area of ​​the second electrode sheet 42b. Therefore, along the winding axis direction of the electrode assembly 42, a portion of the separator 42c of the electrode assembly 42 extends beyond the main body portion 421, and the portion of the separator 42c that exceeds the main body portion 421 is located on the outer periphery of the tab 422.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the end cover 431 is connected to the case 41 to enclose the electrode assembly 42 within the case 41. A first insulating member 432 can isolate the electrode assembly 42 from the end cover 431. For example, the case 41 has two opposing openings 411. The two end covers 431 cover the two openings 411, respectively, and are both connected to the case 41. The electrode assembly 42 has two opposing tabs 422. The two tabs 422 extend from both ends 421a of the main body 421, respectively. The polarities of the two tabs 422 are opposite. The two electrode terminals 433 are connected to the two tabs 422, respectively. The two first insulating members 432 are connected to the two end covers 431, respectively.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the electrode assembly 42 further includes a separator 423. The separator 423 is disposed on the outer periphery of the tab 422, so that the tab 422 is positioned inside the separator 423. Here, "inner" refers to the side away from the case 41. The separator 423 extends along the periphery of the tab 422. The separator 423 does not extend beyond the tab 422 along the winding axis of the electrode assembly 42. In this embodiment, the first insulating member 432 has a recess 432a. The tab 422 extends into the recess 432a. At least a portion of the tab 422 is accommodated in the recess 432a of the first insulating member 432. The first insulating member 432 can act as a limiting restraint for the electrode assembly 42, reducing the possibility of the electrode assembly 42 moving into the case 41 due to impact or vibration of the battery cell 40. The first insulating member 432 is disposed by pressing against the isolation portion 423 to isolate the tab 422 from the case 41. A pressing area is formed after the first insulating member 432 and the isolation portion 423 are pressed together, and the tab 422 is located inside the pressing area. The first insulating member 432 and the isolation portion 423 together form an isolation structure around the tab 422, thereby isolating the tab 422 from the case 41.

[0039] The battery cell 40 of this embodiment includes a case 41, an electrode assembly 42, and an end cover assembly 43. The recess 432a of the first insulating member 432 of the end cover assembly 43 accommodates the tab 422 of the electrode assembly 42. At the same time, the first insulating member 432 and the isolation portion 423 of the electrode assembly 42 press against each other to form an isolation structure around the tab 422, thereby isolating the tab 422 from the case 41. Thus, during use of the battery cell 40, when the tab 422 releases its elastic restoring force and deforms, it comes into contact with the first insulating member 432 and the isolation portion 423, and is then insulated by the first insulating member 432 and the isolation portion 423, thereby effectively reducing the possibility of the tab 422 lap-contacting the case 41 and causing a short circuit. On the other hand, since the first insulating member 432 and the isolation portion 423 press against each other and at least a portion of the tab 422 is accommodated in the recess 432a of the first insulating member 432, the tab 422 is protected by the first insulating member 432 and the isolation portion 423, thereby making it difficult for external conductive impurities to come into contact with the tab 422 and reducing the possibility of the conductive impurities conducting electricity between the tab 422 and the case 41 and causing a short circuit.

[0040] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9 , the first insulating member 432 includes a main body 4321 and an extension 4322 connected to each other. The first insulating member 432 is connected to the end cover 431 by the main body 4321. Illustratively, after the electrode terminal 433 is connected and fixed to the end cover 431, a portion of the electrode terminal 433 is located on the side of the main body 4321 away from the end cover 431, and this portion applies a pressing force to the main body 4321 toward the end cover 431, thereby realizing connection between the first insulating member 432 and the end cover 431. The extension 4322 extends from the main body 4321 toward the electrode assembly 42. The main body 4321 and the extension 4322 intersect with each other. The main body 4321 and the extension 4322 form a recess 432a. The extension 4322 is provided on the outer periphery of the tab 422. The extension 4322 extends along the circumferential side of the tab 422. The first insulating member 432 is abutted and fitted into the separator 423 by the extension 4322. The first insulating member 432 is previously connected and fixed to the end cover 431 by the body 4321, and then the end cover 431 with the first insulating member 432 and the case 41 can be assembled. Because the first insulating member 432 has the extension 4322, the extension 4322 of the first insulating member 432 can be inserted into the gap between the tab 422 and the case 41 during assembly. As a result, the extension 4322 can guide the tab 422 so that it is accurately inserted into the recess 432a of the first insulating member 432. During the assembly process, the first insulating member 432 applies a compressive stress to the tab 422, reducing the possibility of deformation of the tab 422. At the same time, the extension portion 4322 can provide protection and restriction to the tab 422 early during the assembly process. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the isolation portion 423 is located within the recess 432a. The extension portion 4322 is pressed from the outside of the isolation portion 423 against the surface of the isolation portion 423 facing the case 41, so that the extension portion 4322 and the isolation portion 423 can protect or isolate the tab 422 from the outer periphery of the tab 422. Here, the outside refers to the side closest to the case 41.

[0041] In some examples, the separator 423 may be a separate structural member, and the separator 423 needs to be assembled around the outer periphery of the tab 422. Alternatively, the separator 423 is a portion of the separator 42c that extends beyond the main body 421 and is located around the outer periphery of the tab 422. During the winding process, a portion of the separator 42c extends beyond the first and second electrode sheets 42a and 42b. The separator 42c extends beyond the portions of the first and second electrode sheets 42a and 42b (i.e., the separator 42c that has been wound a predetermined number of times independently at the end of the winding process described above) and also extends beyond the main body 421 along the axial direction of the electrode assembly 42. The portion of the separator 42c that extends beyond the main body 421 and is located around the outer periphery of the tab 422 can be used to form the separator 423. This eliminates the need to specifically install the separator 423, which helps reduce the number of parts used and the difficulty of assembly. Furthermore, since separator 42c has an integral structure, separating portion 423 formed thereon is less likely to fall off.

[0042] In some examples, the standoff 423 may be an annular structure having a central hole. The tab 422 passes through the central hole of the standoff 423. The standoff 423 is fitted entirely around the outer periphery of the tab 422, thereby providing protection against the tab 422 in the entire circumferential direction.

[0043] In some examples, the first insulating member 432 may be a cover having a spherical structure. The surface of the first insulating member 432 where the recess 432a is formed is a spherical surface, that is, the inner wall of the recess 432a is a spherical surface.

[0044] 9 and 10 , the adapter sheet 44 includes a first adapter portion 441 and a second adapter portion 442. The first adapter portion 441 and the second adapter portion 442 are connected to each other. The adapter sheet 44 is connected to the tab 422 of the electrode assembly 42 by the first adapter portion 441. For example, the first adapter portion 441 and the tab 422 are connected by welding. The adapter sheet 44 is connected to the electrode terminal 433 by the second adapter portion 442. For example, the second adapter portion 442 and the electrode terminal 433 are connected by rivets. As shown in FIG. 9 , after the assembly of the battery cell 40 is complete, the first adapter portion 441 is bent relative to the second adapter portion 442. The first adapter portion 441 is located between the first insulating member 432 and the electrode assembly 42 and is located within the recess 432 a. The first insulating member 432 and the electrode assembly 42 together push out the first adapter portion 441, which makes the first adapter portion 441 less likely to displace relative to the electrode assembly 42 and helps reduce the possibility that the first adapter portion 441 and the tab 422 will become disconnected due to the first adapter portion 441 moving relative to the electrode assembly 42. In one example, the body 4321 of the first insulating member 432 and the electrode assembly 42 together push out the first adapter portion 441.

[0045] In some embodiments, FIG. 10 schematically illustrates the adapter sheet 44 being connected to the electrode terminal 433 in an unfolded state. As shown in FIG. 10 , the extension 4322 has a ring-shaped structure with a notch 43221, and the extension 4322 is separated from the end face of the end cover 431 to form an open ring structure. The notch 43221 of the extension 4322 allows the second adapter portion 442 to retreat. The second adapter portion 442 of the adapter sheet 44 can pass through the notch 43221, allowing the first adapter portion 441 and the second adapter portion 442 of the adapter sheet 44 to remain flat during the manufacturing process of the adapter sheet 44, thereby reducing the number of processing steps for the adapter sheet 44. The remaining portions of the extension 4322 other than the notch 43221 may be extruded into the isolation portion 423.

[0046] 11 schematically illustrates that, in some embodiments, the adapter sheet 44 is connected to the electrode terminal 433 without being folded. As shown in FIG. 11 , the extension portion 4322 has a continuously extending closed-ring structure, and the extension portion 4322 separates from the end face of the end cover 431 to form the closed-ring structure. The first adapter portion 441 and the second adapter portion 442 of the adapter sheet 44 need to be folded during manufacturing, so that the adapter sheet 44 can avoid the extension portion 4322 after the second adapter portion 442 is connected to the electrode terminal 433. The extension portion 4322 can be extruded into the isolation portion 423, and the end face of the extension portion 4322 separated from the end cover 431 forms the closed-ring structure, so that the extension portion 4322 can provide protection and isolation for the tab 422 around the entire periphery of the tab 422, further improving the isolation effect. In an embodiment in which the isolation portion 423 is also annular, the extension portion 4322 forms a continuously extending closed-ring isolation region after being pressed against the isolation portion 423, thereby isolating the tab 422 from the case 41 at each position around the tab 422.

[0047] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 , the extension 4322 is located on the side of the separator 423 closest to the end cover 431. The extension 4322 is pressed against the separator 423 in a direction away from the end cover 431. One end of the extension 4322 that faces away from the end cover 431 is pressed against the separator 423. In this manner, the extension 4322 can form a limiting constraint with respect to the separator 423, reducing the possibility that the separator 423 will move toward or away from the end cover 431. This reduces the possibility that the extension 4322 and the separator 423 will break away from their pressed state due to the separator 423 moving toward or away from the end cover 431. At the same time, the extension 4322 can form a limiting constraint with respect to the electrode assembly 42, reducing the possibility that the electrode assembly 42 will move toward or away from the end cover 431.

[0048] 14 , the tab 422 has a step portion 422a. The step portion 422a has a first side surface 4221, a transition surface 4222, and a second side surface 4223. The tab 422 has a first extending segment corresponding to the first side surface 4221 and a second extending segment corresponding to the second side surface 4223. The first side surface 4221 is proximate to the main body portion 421, and the second side surface 4223 is proximate to the end cover 431. The transition surface 4222 connects the first side surface 4221 and the second side surface 4223. The transition surface 4222 faces the end cover 431. The minimum radial dimension of the first side surface 4221 is greater than the maximum radial dimension of the second side surface 4223, i.e., the minimum radial dimension of the first extending segment is greater than the maximum radial dimension of the second extending segment. A portion of the tab 422 corresponding to the second side surface 4223 is located within the recess 432a, i.e., the second extension segment of the tab 422 is located within the recess 432a. In this manner, a portion of the tab 422 can be located within the recess 432a of the first insulating member 432, which helps to shorten the overall axial dimension of the electrode assembly 42 of the battery cell 40 relative to a battery cell 40 of the same capacity, thereby helping to improve the energy density of the battery cell 40. In one example, the extension portion 4322 is disposed around the second side surface 4223. A portion of the inner wall of the recess 432a corresponding to the extension portion 4322 surrounds the second side surface 4223.

[0049] In one example, as shown in FIG. 14, the entire tab 422 is flattened by a flattening process to form a step portion 422a. The separator 423 is a separate structure. After the tab 422 is flattened, the separator 423 is placed on the transition surface 4222 and pressed against the separator 423 by a first insulating member 432. In another example, as shown in FIG. 15, before the electrode sheet is unwound, a portion of the electrode sheet where the second extension segment will be formed is cut, so that the width of that portion is smaller than the width of the remaining portion of the electrode sheet. After the electrode sheet is completely wound, the second extension segment is formed in the cut portion, and the first extension segment is formed in the uncut portion. A portion of the separator 42c axially extending beyond the second extension segment and located on the outer periphery of the first extension segment may form the separator 423.

[0050] In one example, the separator 423 is disposed on the transition surface 4222. The end face of the extension 4322 faces the transition surface 4222 and is pressed against the separator 423. Because the separator 423 is located on the transition surface 4222 of the tab 422, when the extension 4322 applies a compressive stress to the separator 423, the separator 423 can transmit the force to the transition surface 4222, allowing the tab 422 to absorb the compressive stress. In this way, on the one hand, the possibility of the electrode assembly 42 moving toward or away from the end cover 431 is reduced. On the other hand, the compressive stress of the extension 4322 on the separator 423 acts directly on the main body 421, causing the separator 42c of the main body 421 to shift position, thereby reducing the possibility of the first electrode sheet 42a and the second electrode sheet 42b coming into contact with each other and causing a short circuit.

[0051] 16 to 18, the electrode assembly 42 further includes a second insulating member 424. The second insulating member 424 is disposed around the pressed area of ​​the first insulating member 432 and the isolating portion 423, thereby isolating the case 41 from the pressed area of ​​the first insulating member 432 and the isolating portion 423. In one example, the second insulating member 424 forms an isolation structure on the outside of the extension portion 4322 of the first insulating member 432, thereby reducing the possibility of conductive impurities entering the pressed area of ​​the extension portion 4322 and the isolating portion 423. The second insulating member 424 can also provide isolation protection for the tab 422, reducing the possibility of the tab 422 coming into contact with the case 41 when the extension portion 4322 and the isolating portion 423 are unexpectedly released from the pressed state. In this way, the pressing region between the extension portion 4322 and the isolation portion 423 and the second insulating member 424 can form a double isolation and protection structure for the tab 422, which helps to further reduce the possibility of contact and short circuit between the tab 422 and the case 41. In one example, the second insulating member 424 has an annular structure. The second insulating member 424 extends continuously along the circumferential side of the extension portion 4322, thereby providing protection for the entire circumferential direction of the extension portion 4322.

[0052] In some examples, the second insulating member 424 may be a separate structural member. Two second insulating members 424 are provided corresponding to the two tabs 422, respectively. During the assembly process, the second insulating members 424 need to be pre-assembled around the outer peripheries of the tabs 422, and the second insulating members 424 do not cover the main body portion 421. Next, the electrode assembly 42 with the second insulating members 424 is placed into the case 41. Alternatively, the second insulating member 424 may be a separate structural member. The second insulating member 424 has a cylindrical structure. The second insulating member 424 encases the main body portion 421 and the tabs 422. The portion of the second insulating member 424 that extends beyond the main body portion 421 surrounds the pressing area between the first insulating member 432 and the separator 423.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first insulating member 432 has an outer surface 432b facing the case 41. The second insulating member 424 is pressed against the first insulating member 432 to face the outer surface 432b of the case 41 and to be in contact with the isolation portion 423, thereby forming contact areas between the second insulating member 424 and the first insulating member 432 and between the second insulating member 424 and the isolation portion 423, respectively. The second insulating member 424 can block conductive impurities, which helps to further reduce the possibility that conductive impurities will enter between the second insulating member 424 and the first insulating member 432 or between the second insulating member 424 and the isolation portion 423, into the space between the second insulating member 424 and the extension portion 4322, and then enter the pressed area between the extension portion 4322 and the isolation portion 423.

[0054] In some examples, the outer surface 432b of the first insulating member 432 has a guide slope. The guide slope slopes toward the recess 432a in a direction away from the end cover 431. In this way, when assembling the end cover assembly 43 after attaching the electrode assembly 42 with the second insulating member 424 to the case 41, the guiding action of the guide slope allows the portion of the first insulating member 432 corresponding to the guide slope to easily enter the space defined by the second insulating member 424, which helps reduce the possibility of the second insulating member 424 collapsing and losing its isolation function due to the first insulating member 432 being directly pressed against the second insulating member 424. In an example in which the first insulating member 432 includes a main body 4321 and an extension 4322, the guide slope provided on the first insulating member 432 causes the outer peripheral surface of the extension 4322 to have a conical shape.

[0055] In some examples, the second insulating member 424 is adhered to the outer surface 432b of the first insulating member 432, which helps to improve the reliability and stability of the connection between the second insulating member 424 and the first insulating member 432. This also reduces the possibility that the second insulating member 424 and the first insulating member 432 will come out of contact due to operating conditions such as impact and vibration during use of the battery cell 40. For example, the second insulating member 424 may be adhered to the outer surface 432b of the first insulating member 432 with tape or adhesive.

[0056] In some examples, the area where the second insulating member 424 is pressed against the outer surface 432b of the first insulating member 432 is closer to the end cover 431 than the tab 422, so that the contact area between the second insulating member 424 and the first insulating member 432 is closer to the end cover 431. During the assembly process, the first insulating member 432 can contact the second insulating member 424 more quickly, so that the first insulating member 432 can contact the second insulating member 424 before being pressed against the standoff 423. This reduces the possibility of conductive impurities entering the tab 422 through a gap between the first insulating member 432 and the second insulating member 424, which are not in contact with each other.

[0057] The battery cell 40 of the present embodiment includes an electrode assembly 42 having a tab 422 and a separator 423, and a first insulating member 432 having a recess 432a. The separator 423 is provided along the periphery of the tab 422. After the battery cell 40 is assembled, at least a portion of the tab 422 is accommodated in the recess 432a, and the first insulating member 432 is pressed against the separator 423, allowing the first insulating member 432 and the separator 423 to separate the tab 422 from the case 41. In this manner, during use of the battery cell 40, when the tab 422 releases its accumulated elastic restoring force and deforms, if the tab 422 reaches the first insulating member 432 and the separator 423, the tab 422 is restricted and restrained by the first insulating member 432 and the separator 423, making it less likely to come into contact with the case 41. This reduces the possibility of the battery cell 40 being short-circuited due to contact between the tab 422 and the case 41.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 19, based on the battery cell 40 of the above embodiment, the embodiment of the present application is as follows: The electrode assembly 42 having a main body 421, a tab 422, and a separator 423 is placed in a case 41 having an opening 411, wherein the tab 422 extends from an end 421a of the main body 421 toward the opening 411, and the separator 423 is disposed on the outer periphery of the tab 422; an end cover assembly 43 including an end cover 431 and a first insulating member 432 is assembled with a case 41, the end cover 431 is fitted to cover the opening 411 so as to be connected to the case 41, and the first insulating member 432 is positioned on a side of the end cover 431 that is close to the inside of the case 41, wherein the first insulating member 432 has a recess 432a, at least a part of the tab 422 is housed in the recess 432a, and the first insulating member 432 is pressed against the isolation portion 423 so as to isolate the tab 422 from the case 41; The present invention further provides a method for manufacturing a battery cell 40, including:

[0059] In the battery cell 40 manufactured by the manufacturing method of the battery cell 40 according to the embodiment of the present application, an electrode assembly 42 including a main body 421, tabs 422, and separators 423 is placed in a case 41, with the tabs 422 facing the opening 411 of the case 41. An end cover assembly 43 including a first insulating member 432 having recesses 432a and an end cover 431 is assembled with the case 41. In addition, at least a portion of the tabs 422 is received in the recesses 432a of the first insulating member 432, and the first insulating member 432 is pressed against the separators 423. According to the structural design that can isolate the tab 422 from the case 41 by the first insulating member 432 and the isolating portion 423, when the tab 422 releases the elastic restoring force accumulated in itself and deforms during use of the battery cell 40, it is restricted and restrained by the first insulating member 432 and the isolating portion 423 when it reaches the first insulating member 432 and the isolating portion 423, making it less likely to come into contact with the case 41, thereby reducing the possibility of the battery cell 40 being short-circuited due to contact between the tab 422 and the case 41.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 20, based on the battery cell 40 of the above embodiment, the embodiment of the present application is as follows: a first assembly device (51) arranged to insert an electrode assembly (42) having a main body (421), a tab (422) and a separator (423) into a case (41) having an opening (411), wherein the tab (422) extends from an end (421a) of the main body (421) toward the opening (411) and the separator (423) is disposed on the outer periphery of the tab (422); a second assembly device (52) for assembling an end cover assembly (43) having an end cover (431) and a first insulating member (432) with a case (41), the end cover (431) covering the opening (411) so as to be connected to the case (41), and the first insulating member (432) being arranged so as to be positioned on a side of the end cover (431) close to the inside of the case (41), wherein the first insulating member (432) has a recess (432a), at least a part of the tab (422) is housed in the recess (432a), and the first insulating member (432) is pressed against the isolation portion (423) so as to isolate the tab (422) from the case (41); The present invention further provides a battery cell manufacturing system 50 comprising:

[0061] Although the present application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications may be made thereto and equivalents may be substituted for elements therein without departing from the scope of the present application. In particular, unless there is a structural conflict, any of the technical features recited in each embodiment may be combined in any manner. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A battery cell comprising a case, an electrode assembly, and an end cover assembly, the case has an opening; the electrode assembly includes a main body, a tab, and a separator, and is disposed within the case; the tab extends from an end of the main body toward the opening, and the separator is disposed on an outer periphery of the tab; the end cover assembly includes an end cover and a first insulating member, and is used to close the opening; the end cover is arranged to cover the opening and to be connected to the case, the first insulating member is installed on a side of the end cover that is close to the inside of the case and has a recess, at least a part of the tab is housed in the recess, and the first insulating member is arranged to press against the isolation portion so as to isolate the tab from the case, the electrode assembly further includes a second insulating member, the second insulating member surrounding the first insulating member and the pressing region of the separator, thereby isolating the pressing region from the case; Battery cell.

2. the first insulating member includes a body and an extension connected to each other; the body is arranged to be connected to the end cover; the extension portion extends from the body toward the electrode assembly to form the recess, and is disposed on the outer periphery of the tab and pressed against the separator. The battery cell according to claim 1 .

3. The battery cell according to claim 2 , wherein the extension portion is located on a side of the separator that is closer to the end cover and is pressed against the separator in a direction away from the end cover.

4. The battery cell according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the extension portion has a continuously extending closed ring structure or a ring structure having a notch.

5. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the separator is annular.

6. The tab has a step portion, the step portion has a first side, a transition surface, and a second side; the first side surface is adjacent to the main body portion, the transition surface connects the first side surface and the second side surface and faces the end cover, the minimum radial dimension of the first side surface is greater than the maximum radial dimension of the second side surface, and an inner wall of at least a portion of the recess surrounds the second side surface; The battery cell according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

7. The battery cell of claim 6 , wherein the extension portion surrounds the second side surface and the isolation portion is located on the transition surface.

8. the electrode assembly includes a first electrode sheet, a second electrode sheet, and a separator; the first and second electrode sheets each have a coated area and an uncoated area, the portions of the electrode assembly corresponding to the coated areas of the first and second electrode sheets are the main body, the uncoated area of ​​the first or second electrode sheet forms the tab, the separator is used to separate the first and second electrode sheets, and the separating portion is a portion of the separator that extends beyond the main body and is located on the outer periphery of the tab; The battery cell according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The battery cell according to claim 8 , wherein the isolation portion is a portion of the separator that extends beyond the first side surface and is located on the outer periphery of the second side surface.

10. The battery cell according to claim 1 , wherein the second insulating member is pressed against an outer surface of the first insulating member facing the case and is in contact with the separator.

11. the outer surface of the first insulating member has a guide slope; The battery cell according to claim 10 , wherein the guide slope is inclined toward the recess in a direction away from the end cover.

12. The battery cell according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the second insulating member is bonded to an outer surface of the first insulating member.

13. The battery cell according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the area where the second insulating member is pressed against the outer surface of the first insulating member is closer to the end cover than the tab.

14. The end cover assembly further includes an adapter seat; the adapter seat is received within the recess and has a first adapter portion; the first adapter portion is disposed to connect to the tab and is protruded by the first insulating member and the electrode assembly; The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A battery comprising the battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A power consuming device comprising the battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 14, used to supply electrical energy.

17. an electrode assembly including a main body, a tab, a second insulating member, and a separator is placed in a case having an opening, wherein the tab extends from an end of the main body toward the opening, and the separator is disposed around the outer periphery of the tab; assembling an end cover assembly, including an end cover and a first insulating member, with the case; covering the opening with the end cover so as to be connected to the case; and positioning the first insulating member on a side of the end cover adjacent to the inside of the case; wherein the first insulating member has a recess, at least a part of the tab is housed in the recess, the first insulating member is pressed against the isolation portion to isolate the tab from the case; and the second insulating member surrounds the pressing area of ​​the first insulating member and the isolation portion, thereby isolating the pressing area from the case. A method for manufacturing a battery cell, comprising:

18. a first assembly device arranged to insert an electrode assembly including a main body, a tab, a second insulating member, and a separator into a case having an opening, wherein the tab extends from an end of the main body toward the opening, and the separator is disposed on an outer periphery of the tab; a second assembly device that assembles an end cover assembly, including an end cover and a first insulating member, to the case, covering the opening with the end cover to be connected to the case, and locating the first insulating member on a side of the end cover close to the interior of the case, wherein the first insulating member has a recess, at least a portion of the tab is housed in the recess, the first insulating member is pressed against the isolation portion to isolate the tab and the case, and the second insulating member surrounds a pressing area of ​​the first insulating member and the isolation portion, thereby isolating the pressing area and the case; A battery cell manufacturing system comprising:

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