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

Abstract

To provide a battery cell, a manufacturing method thereof, a manufacturing system therefor, a battery and a power consumption device capable of improving safety of the battery cell.SOLUTION: Provided are a battery cell, a manufacturing method thereof, a manufacturing system therefor, a battery and a power consumption device. The battery cell includes an electrode assembly, a housing, a pressure discharge mechanism and a cover assembly. A storage space for storing the electrode assembly is provided in the housing, and the housing includes a first side plate which is positioned at one side in a first direction. The pressure discharge mechanism is installed on the first side plate, and the cover assembly seals the housing. On an inner surface of the first side plate of the housing, a first channel extending along the inner surface is provided, the first channel guides a gas in the storage space to the pressure discharge mechanism and when a pressure reaches a threshold, the pressure discharge mechanism is actuated and releases the pressure. An exhaust rate in the case of thermal runaway of the battery cell is improved, and safety of the battery cell is improved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Battery cells are widely used in electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, electric bicycles, electric cars, electric airplanes, electric steamships, electric toy cars, electric toy steamships, electric toy airplanes, power tools, etc. Battery cells may include nickel-cadmium battery cells, nickel-metal hydride battery cells, lithium-ion battery cells, secondary alkaline zinc-manganese battery cells, etc. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] In the development of battery technology, in addition to improving the performance of battery cells, safety issues have also become a problem that cannot be ignored. If the safety of a battery cell cannot be ensured, the battery cell cannot be used. Therefore, how to improve the safety of battery cells has become a technical issue in battery technology that needs to be solved as soon as possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a battery cell, a manufacturing method and system thereof, a battery, and a power consumption device that can improve the safety of the battery cell.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present application, an embodiment of the present application provides a battery cell, the battery cell including an electrode assembly, a housing, a pressure relief mechanism, and a cover assembly, wherein the housing has an accommodating space for accommodating the electrode assembly, the housing includes a first side plate located on one side along a first direction, the pressure relief mechanism is installed on the first side plate, and the cover assembly is for sealing the housing, wherein a first flow path is provided extending along an inner surface of the first side plate of the housing, and the first flow path is configured to guide gas in the accommodating space to the pressure relief mechanism so that the pressure relief mechanism is activated and releases the pressure when the pressure reaches a threshold value.

[0006] In the above aspect, the embodiment of the present application installs a first flow path on the first side plate of the housing, which guides the gas released when the battery cell experiences thermal runaway from the storage space to the pressure relief mechanism, allowing the pressure relief mechanism to operate in a timely manner and release the gas, thereby improving the exhaust rate when the battery cell experiences thermal runaway and improving the safety of the battery cell.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first flow path includes a plurality of first grooves disposed on and extending along the inner surface of the first side plate, one end of each first groove communicating with the pressure relief mechanism. The first flow path is configured as a plurality of first grooves, each of which communicates with the pressure relief mechanism, so that when thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell, the released gas can be guided along the first grooves from the accommodating space to the pressure relief mechanism for discharge, improving the exhaust rate when the battery cell experiences thermal runaway and improving the safety of the battery cell. The first grooves are disposed on the inner surface of the first side plate, so as not to occupy the accommodating space and affect the energy density of the battery cell.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first grooves are parallel to one another, which is advantageous for improving the exhaust efficiency in the longitudinal direction of the first grooves, or the first grooves are diverging from the pressure relief mechanism to the periphery, which is advantageous for improving the exhaust efficiency in the circumferential direction of the pressure relief mechanism.

[0009] In some embodiments, a protrusion protruding into the accommodating space is formed on the inner surface of the first side plate, the protrusion having a top surface away from the inner surface, and the first flow path is formed in the space between the top surface of the protrusion and the inner surface. In these embodiments, the top surface of the protrusion is for supporting the electrode assembly, and the first flow path is formed in the space between the top surface of the protrusion and the inner surface, which can improve the exhaust rate when the battery cell experiences thermal runaway and improve the safety of the battery cell.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first flow path includes a plurality of branch flow paths communicating with the pressure relief mechanism, and the protrusions are multiple, and the plurality of protrusions extend circumferentially in a divergent manner from the pressure relief mechanism at the center and are spaced apart from each other, so that a single branch flow path is formed between two adjacent protrusions and the inner surface. The plurality of protrusions extend circumferentially in a divergent manner from the pressure relief mechanism at the center and are spaced apart from each other, which is advantageous for improving exhaust efficiency in the circumferential direction of the pressure relief mechanism.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first flow path includes a plurality of branch flow paths and a connecting flow path, the protrusions are multiple, each extending substantially along the second direction of the first side plate, the protrusions are spaced apart and spaced apart along a third direction of the first side plate, a branch flow path is formed between two adjacent protrusions and the inner surface, the adjacent two branch flow paths communicate with each other via a connecting flow path, at least one of the branch flow paths communicates with the pressure relief mechanism via the connecting flow path, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first and second directions. By providing the protrusions extending along the second direction of the first side plate, forming a branch flow path between two adjacent protrusions and the inner surface, and connecting the branch flow path to the pressure relief mechanism via the connecting flow path, it is possible to improve exhaust efficiency in the second direction.

[0012] In some embodiments, the housing includes a pair of second side plates arranged opposite each other along the second direction, and a third gap is provided between one end of each protrusion in the second direction and an adjacent one of the second side plates, the third gap forming at least a part of a connecting flow path. By providing the third gap to form a part of a connecting flow path connecting the branch flow path to the pressure relief mechanism, gas in the branch flow path can be quickly guided to the pressure relief mechanism by the connecting flow path and discharged.

[0013] In some implementations, the at least one protrusion includes a plurality of sub-protrusions, the sub-protrusions are spaced apart along the second direction, and a fourth gap is formed between adjacent sub-protrusions, the fourth gap forming at least a portion of a connecting flow path. By providing the fourth gap to form a portion of a connecting flow path connecting the branch flow path to the pressure relief mechanism, gas in the branch flow path can be quickly guided to the pressure relief mechanism and discharged through the connecting flow path.

[0014] In some embodiments, the protrusion is configured in an arc or a broken line shape protruding in the third direction away from the pressure release mechanism. The arc or broken line protruding in the direction away from the pressure release mechanism can guide the airflow toward the pressure release mechanism during exhaust, which is advantageous for rapid discharge of gas.

[0015] In some embodiments, an insulating layer is provided on the top surface of the protrusion, and the insulating layer is for realizing insulation between the electrode assembly and the housing, which eliminates the need for additional support parts, reduces space occupation, does not affect the exhaust of the battery cell, and is advantageous for improving the energy density of the battery cell.

[0016] In some embodiments, the housing includes a pair of second side plates facing each other in a second direction, the storage space includes a first gap between the electrode assembly and each second side plate, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction, the housing further includes a pair of third side plates facing each other in a third direction, the storage space includes a second gap between the electrode assembly and each third side plate, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and the first flow path communicates with the first gap and / or the second gap.

[0017] In some embodiments, from the position where the first flow passage communicates with the pressure relief mechanism, at least a portion of the first flow passage has a depth that gradually decreases in a direction away from the pressure relief mechanism, thereby forming a slope that gradually increases in depth in a direction approaching the pressure relief mechanism and slopes toward the exhaust direction of the pressure relief mechanism, which is advantageous in guiding gas to the pressure relief mechanism and improving exhaust efficiency.

[0018] In some embodiments, the device further includes a support component disposed between the first side plate and the electrode assembly to support the electrode assembly, and a second flow path is provided on the support component, the second flow path communicating with the first flow path and the storage space. By forming the second flow path on the support component and communicating with the first flow path and the storage space, the exhaust flow area can be increased, thereby improving exhaust efficiency.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second flow path includes a first through-hole that penetrates the support component along the first direction, the first through-hole communicating the first flow path with the receiving space.

[0020] In some embodiments, the housing includes a pair of second side plates arranged opposite each other in a second direction, the accommodating space includes a first gap arranged between the electrode assembly and each second side plate, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction; the housing further includes a pair of third side plates arranged opposite each other in a third direction, the accommodating space further includes a second gap arranged between the electrode assembly and each third side plate, the third direction being perpendicular to the first and second directions; the support part has a first surface and a second surface arranged opposite each other, the first surface facing the first side plate and the second surface facing the electrode assembly; the second flow path includes a second groove provided on the first surface, the second groove communicating with the first gap and / or the second gap, and the second groove communicating with the first flow path. By providing a first gap and / or a second gap in the support component and a second groove communicating with the first flow path, the exhaust flow path area can be increased, thereby improving exhaust efficiency.

[0021] In some embodiments, the housing further includes an insulating film enclosing a portion of the electrode assembly and separating the electrode assembly from the housing, the insulating film including a first side film positioned between the electrode assembly and the support component, the first side film having a second through hole, the second through hole and the first through hole in the support component projected in a first direction not overlapping, the second through hole in the first side film of the insulating film projected in a first direction not overlapping the first through hole in the support component, ensuring reliable insulation between the electrode assembly and the first side plate, and enabling communication between the storage space and the first flow path by the first through hole and the second through hole, thereby improving exhaust efficiency.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present application, there is provided a battery, the battery including the battery cell of the first aspect.

[0023] According to a third aspect of the present application, there is provided a power consuming device, the power consuming device comprising a battery according to the second aspect.

[0024] In some embodiments, the power consuming device is a vehicle, a watercraft, or a spacecraft.

[0025] According to a fourth aspect of the present application, there is provided a method for manufacturing a battery cell, the method including: providing an electrode assembly; providing a housing having an accommodation space for accommodating the electrode assembly and including a first side plate located on one side along a first direction; providing a pressure relief mechanism installed on the first side plate; providing a cover assembly for sealing the housing; and assembling the electrode assembly, the housing, the pressure relief mechanism and the cover assembly to form a battery cell, wherein providing the housing includes forming a first flow path on an inner surface of the first side plate of the housing, the first flow path extending along the inner surface, and guiding gas in the accommodation space to the pressure relief mechanism so that the pressure relief mechanism is activated and releases the pressure when a pressure threshold is reached.

[0026] According to a fifth aspect of the present application, there is provided a battery cell manufacturing system, the system including: an electrode assembly providing device for providing an electrode assembly; a housing providing device for providing a housing having an accommodation space for accommodating the electrode assembly and including a first side panel located on one side along a first direction; a pressure relief mechanism providing device for providing a pressure relief mechanism to be installed on the first side panel; a cover assembly providing device for providing a cover assembly for sealing the housing; and an assembling device for assembling the electrode assembly, the housing, the pressure relief mechanism and the cover assembly to form a battery cell, wherein a first flow path is formed on an inner surface of the first side panel of the housing, extending along the inner surface, and the first flow path is configured to guide gas in the accommodation space to the pressure relief mechanism so that the pressure relief mechanism is activated and releases pressure when the pressure reaches a threshold value.

[0027] The battery cell, its manufacturing method and manufacturing system, battery and power consumption device according to the present application can improve exhaust efficiency when the battery cell experiences thermal runaway, and improve the safety of the battery cell. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] The drawings described herein are intended to provide a further understanding of the present application, constitute a part of the present application, and the illustrative embodiments and the description thereof are intended to aid in the interpretation of the present application and are not to be construed as undue limitations of the present application.

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded schematic view of a battery according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the battery module shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an exploded schematic view of a battery cell according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 5] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a housing of a battery cell according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 6] 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the housing shown in FIG. 5 taken along line AA. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a battery cell according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 8] 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery cell shown in FIG. 7, taken along the line BB, that employs the housing of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is an enlarged schematic view of a portion C of the battery cell shown in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 10] 9 is an enlarged schematic view of a portion D of the battery cell shown in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a housing of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a housing of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a top schematic view of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 14] 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery cell shown in FIG. 13, taken along the line EE, that employs the housing of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 15] 15 is an enlarged schematic view of a portion F of the battery cell shown in FIG. 14. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a housing of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a housing of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a battery cell provided with a support component according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a support component of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a support component of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a support component of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a battery cell provided with a support component and an insulating film according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic view of a support component and an insulating film of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 24] 24 is a schematic top view of the support component and insulating film shown in FIG. 23 after being combined. [Figure 25] 1 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a battery cell according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 26] 1 is a schematic block diagram of a battery cell manufacturing system according to some embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] In order to clarify the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly explained below in conjunction with the drawings of the embodiments of the present application. It is clear that the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, and do not include all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present application without any creative effort fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all scientific and technical terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art. In this application, the terms used in the specification are used only to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the application. The terms "comprise," "have," and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above description of the drawings are intended to cover a non-exclusive "comprise." The terms "first," "second," etc. in the specification and claims of this application or the above drawings are intended to distinguish different objects and are not intended to describe a specific order or a primary-subordinate relationship.

[0032] When referring to an "embodiment" in this application, it means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. Appearances of this phrase in various places in the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, nor are they mutually exclusive, separate, or alternative embodiments of other embodiments.

[0033] In the description of this application, it should be explained that unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "attached," "connected," "connected," and "externally 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 communication between the interiors of two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application according to specific circumstances.

[0034] 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.

[0035] In the embodiments of the present application, the same reference numerals represent the same elements, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same elements in different embodiments will be omitted. Note that the dimensions such as thickness, length, and width of each member in the embodiments of the present application and the overall dimensions such as thickness, length, and width of the integrated device shown in the drawings are merely illustrative and do not limit the present application.

[0036] In this application, "plurality" refers to two or more (including two).

[0037] In this application, the battery cells may include lithium-ion secondary battery cells, lithium-ion primary battery cells, lithium-sulfur battery cells, sodium-lithium ion battery cells, sodium ion battery cells, or magnesium ion battery cells, but are not limited thereto in the embodiments of this application. The battery cells may have a cylindrical, flat, rectangular, or other shape, but are not limited thereto in the embodiments of this application. Battery cells are generally divided into three types based on their packaging: prismatic battery cells, rectangular battery cells, and pouch battery cells, but are not limited thereto in the embodiments of this application.

[0038] The battery referred to in the examples of this application refers to a single physical module containing one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery referred to in this application may include a battery module or a battery pack. The battery generally includes a housing for packaging one or more battery cells. The housing can prevent liquids or other foreign objects from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells.

[0039] The battery cell includes an electrode assembly and an electrolyte, and the electrode assembly includes a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator. The battery cell operates primarily through the movement of metal ions between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate. The positive electrode plate includes a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material layer, with the positive electrode active material layer coated on the surface of the positive electrode current collector. The positive electrode current collector includes a positive electrode current collector portion and a positive electrode protrusion protruding from the positive electrode current collector portion. The positive electrode current collector portion is coated with the positive electrode active material layer, and at least a portion of the positive electrode protrusion is not coated with the positive electrode active material layer, and the positive electrode protrusion functions as a positive electrode tab. In the case of a lithium-ion battery, for example, the positive electrode current collector may be made of aluminum, and the positive electrode active material layer includes a positive electrode active material, which may be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, lithium manganese oxide, or the like. The negative electrode plate includes a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material layer, and the negative electrode active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative electrode current collector. The negative electrode current collector includes a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode protrusion protruding from the negative electrode current collector. The negative electrode current collector is coated with the negative electrode active material layer, and at least a portion of the negative electrode protrusion is not coated with the negative electrode active material layer, and the negative electrode protrusion functions as a negative electrode tab. The negative electrode current collector may be made of copper, and the negative electrode active material layer includes a negative electrode active material, which may be carbon or silicon, for example. To prevent melting even when a large current is passed through, multiple positive electrode tabs are stacked, and multiple negative electrode tabs are stacked. The separator may be made of PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), or the like. The electrode assembly may have a wound structure or a stacked structure, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0040] The battery cell may further include an outer casing assembly, the interior of which has a receiving cavity, the receiving cavity being an enclosed space provided by the outer casing assembly for the electrode assembly and the electrolyte.

[0041] The main safety risk for battery cells comes from the charging and discharging process, necessitating appropriate environmental temperature design. To effectively prevent unnecessary losses, battery cells typically have at least three protective measures. Specifically, these include at least a switching element, the selection of an appropriate separator material, and a pressure relief mechanism. The switching element is a device that can stop charging or discharging the battery when the temperature or resistance within the battery cell reaches a certain threshold. The separator separates the positive and negative plates. When heated to a certain temperature, it automatically dissolves and removes the micropores on the order of microns (or even nanometers) that adhere to the separator, preventing metal ions from passing through the separator and terminating the internal reaction of the battery cell.

[0042] The pressure relief mechanism is an element or component that operates to release the internal pressure of a battery cell when the internal pressure reaches a predetermined threshold. The design of this threshold varies depending on design needs. The threshold may be determined by one or more of the materials of the positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, the electrolyte, and the separator in the battery cell. The pressure relief mechanism may take the form of an explosion-proof valve, an air valve, a pressure relief valve, a safety valve, etc., and may specifically be a pressure-sensitive element or structure. That is, when the internal pressure of the battery cell reaches a predetermined threshold, the pressure relief mechanism performs an operation or a fragile structure provided in the pressure relief mechanism ruptures, thereby forming an opening or a flow path for releasing the internal pressure or temperature.

[0043] The term "activation" as used herein refers to the pressure relief mechanism being activated or being activated to a certain state, thereby releasing the internal pressure of the battery cell. The activation of the pressure relief mechanism may include, but is not limited to, at least a portion of the pressure relief mechanism being ruptured, crushed, broken, or opened. When the pressure relief mechanism is activated, the high-temperature and high-pressure material inside the battery cell is discharged as a discharge from the activated portion. In this manner, if the pressure is controllable, the pressure in the battery cell can be released, thereby avoiding the occurrence of a potentially more serious accident.

[0044] The emissions from battery cells referred to in this application include, but are not limited to, electrolyte, dissolved or split positive and negative plates, separator fragments, high temperature and pressure gases produced by reactions, flames, etc.

[0045] The pressure relief mechanism in a battery cell has an important impact on the safety of the battery cell. For example, when a short circuit or overcharging occurs, thermal runaway can occur inside the battery cell, causing a sudden rise in pressure. In such cases, the pressure relief mechanism can be activated to release the internal pressure to the outside, preventing the battery cell from exploding or catching fire.

[0046] The pressure relief mechanism is usually attached to the outer casing assembly. The inventors discovered that in order to improve the energy density of the battery cell, the space inside the battery cell that allows gas to flow is limited, which results in a low gas discharge rate during thermal runaway. In addition, the pressure relief mechanism may be shielded by components inside the outer casing assembly, preventing smooth discharge, which may pose a potential safety risk.

[0047] In view of this, the embodiments of the present application provide a technical solution, in which a battery cell includes an electrode assembly, a housing, a pressure relief mechanism, and a cover assembly. The housing has an accommodation space for accommodating the electrode assembly, and the housing includes a first side plate located on one side along a first direction. The pressure relief mechanism is installed on the first side plate. The cover assembly seals the housing, and a first flow path extending along the inner surface of the first side plate of the housing guides gas in the accommodation space to the pressure relief mechanism so that the pressure relief mechanism activates and releases pressure when the pressure reaches a threshold. A battery cell with such a structure guides high-temperature, high-pressure gas to the pressure relief mechanism during thermal runaway, improving the exhaust rate and safety performance.

[0048] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application are applicable to batteries and power-consuming devices using batteries.

[0049] The power consuming devices may be vehicles, mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, steamships, spacecraft, electric toys, power tools, etc. The vehicles may be gasoline-powered automobiles, gas-powered automobiles, or new energy automobiles, and the new energy automobiles may be pure electric vehicles, hybrid automobiles, range-extender automobiles, etc. The spacecraft may include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, spaceships, etc. The electric toys may include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric boat toys, and electric airplane toys, and the electric tools may include metal cutting power tools, grinding power tools, assembly power tools, and railway power tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, hammer drills, concrete vibrators, electric planes, etc. In the embodiments of the present application, the above power consuming devices are not particularly limited.

[0050] In the following embodiments, for ease of explanation, the power consuming device is a vehicle.

[0051] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle according to some embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 1, a battery 2 is provided inside the vehicle 1, and the battery 2 may be provided at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 1. The battery 2 can be used to supply power to the vehicle 1, for example, the battery 2 can be an operating power source for the vehicle 1.

[0052] The vehicle 1 may further include a controller 3 and a motor 4, where the controller 3 controls the battery 2 to power the motor 4 for use in, for example, starting, navigating, and running the vehicle 1 for its operating power needs.

[0053] In some embodiments of the present application, the battery 2 can be used not only as an operating power source for the vehicle 1, but also as a driving power source for the vehicle 1, providing driving power to the vehicle 1 in place of, or in place of, gasoline or natural gas.

[0054] 2 is an exploded schematic view of a battery according to some embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 2, the battery 2 includes a housing 5 and a battery cell (not shown in FIG. 2) housed within the housing 5.

[0055] The housing 5 is used to house the battery cells, and the housing 5 may have various structures. In some embodiments, the housing 5 may include a first housing portion 51 and a second housing portion 52, which are covered with each other and which jointly define a housing space 53 for housing the battery cells. The second housing portion 52 may have a hollow structure with an opening at one end, and the first housing portion 51 has a plate-like structure, and the first housing portion 51 is covered with the open side of the second housing portion 52 to form the housing 5 having the housing space 53. The first housing portion 51 and the second housing portion 52 may also both have a hollow structure with an opening at one end, and the open side of the first housing portion 51 is covered with the open side of the second housing portion 52 to form the housing 5 having the housing space 53. Of course, the first housing part 51 and the second housing part 52 may have various shapes such as a cylindrical body or a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0056] In order to improve the sealing performance after the first housing part 51 and the second housing part 52 are connected, a sealing member such as a sealant or a seal ring may be provided between the first housing part 51 and the second housing part 52.

[0057] Assuming that the first housing part 51 is covered on top of the second housing part 52, the first housing part 51 may be referred to as the upper housing cover, and the second housing part 52 may be referred to as the lower housing.

[0058] The battery 2 may have one or more battery cells. If there are multiple battery cells, the multiple battery cells may be connected in series, parallel, or series-parallel, and a series-parallel connection means that the multiple battery cells may be connected in both series and parallel. The multiple battery cells may be directly connected in series, parallel, or series-parallel, and then the entire configuration of the multiple battery cells may be housed in the housing 5. Of course, the multiple battery cells may first be connected in series, parallel, or series-parallel to form a battery module 6, and then the multiple battery modules 6 may be connected in series, parallel, or series-parallel to form a single entire configuration and housed in the housing 5.

[0059] Fig. 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the battery module shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 3, in some embodiments, there are a plurality of battery cells 7, and the plurality of battery cells 7 are first connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel to form a battery module 6. The plurality of battery modules 6 are further connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel to form a whole, and are housed in a housing.

[0060] Electrical connection can be achieved between the multiple battery cells 7 in the battery module 6 via bus bars, thereby realizing parallel connection, series connection, or series-parallel connection of the multiple battery cells 7 in the battery module 6.

[0061] FIG. 4 is an exploded schematic view of a battery cell according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 4, a battery cell 7 according to an embodiment of the present application includes an electrode assembly 10 and an outer casing assembly 20, and the electrode assembly 10 is housed in the outer casing assembly 20.

[0063] In some embodiments, the battery cell 7 includes an electrode assembly 10, a housing 21, a pressure relief mechanism 30, and an end cover 22. The housing 21 has an accommodating space 216 for accommodating the electrode assembly 10, the housing 10 includes a first side plate 212 located on one side along the first direction Z, the pressure relief mechanism 30 is installed on the first side plate 212, and the end cover 22 is for sealing the housing 21, and a first flow path extending along the inner surface 2120 of the first side plate 212 of the housing 21 is provided on the inner surface 2120, and the first flow path guides gas in the accommodating space 216 to the pressure relief mechanism 30 so that the pressure relief mechanism 30 is activated and releases the pressure when the pressure reaches a threshold value.

[0064] In some embodiments, the housing assembly 20 may further contain an electrolyte, for example, an electrolyte solution. The housing assembly 20 may be of various construction types.

[0065] In some embodiments, the outer casing assembly 20 may include a housing 21 and a cover assembly 22, where the housing 21 is a hollow structure that is open on one side, and the cover assembly 22 is covered over the open portion of the housing 21 to form a receiving cavity for receiving the electrode assembly 10 and the electrolyte, and forms a sealed connection therewith.

[0066] The housing 21 may have various shapes, such as a cylinder, a rectangle, etc. The shape of the housing 21 can be determined based on the specific shape of the electrode assembly 10. For example, if the electrode assembly 10 has a cylindrical structure, a cylindrical housing can be selected. If the electrode assembly 10 has a rectangular parallelepiped structure, a rectangular parallelepiped housing can be selected.

[0067] In some embodiments, the cover assembly 22 includes an end cover 221, which covers the opening of the housing 21. The end cover 221 may have various structures, for example, the end cover 221 has a plate-like structure. Illustratively, in FIG. 4 , the housing 21 has a rectangular parallelepiped structure, the end cover 221 has a plate-like structure, and the end cover 221 covers the opening at the top of the housing 21.

[0068] The end cover 221 may be made of an insulating material (e.g., plastic) or a conductive material (e.g., metal). If the end cover 221 is made of a metal material, the cover assembly 22 may further include an insulating plate, which is located on the side of the end cover 221 facing the electrode assembly 10 so as to insulate and separate the end cover 221 and the electrode assembly 10.

[0069] In some embodiments, the cover assembly 22 may further include electrode terminals 222, which are attached to the end cover. There are two electrode terminals 222, which are defined as a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal, respectively, and both the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal are electrically connected to the electrode assembly 10 to output electrical energy generated in the electrode assembly 10.

[0070] In some other embodiments, the outer casing assembly 20 may have other structures, for example, the outer casing assembly 20 includes a housing 21 and two cover assemblies 22, the housing 21 is a hollow structure with openings on opposite sides, and one cover assembly 22 covers one opening of the housing 21 and forms a sealing connection therewith to form an accommodating cavity for accommodating the electrode assembly 10 and the electrolyte. In such a structure, two electrode terminals 222 may be provided on one cover assembly 22, while no electrode terminals 222 may be provided on another cover assembly 22, or one electrode terminal 222 may be provided on each of the two cover assemblies 22.

[0071] In the battery cell 7, the electrode assembly 10 housed in the outer casing assembly 20 may be one or more. Illustratively, in FIG. 4, there are two electrode assemblies 10.

[0072] The electrode assembly 10 includes a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator. The electrode assembly 10 may be a wound electrode assembly, a stacked electrode assembly, or another type of electrode assembly.

[0073] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 10 is a wound electrode assembly. The positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, and the separator are all strip-shaped. In some embodiments of the present application, the electrode assembly 10 can be formed by sequentially stacking the positive electrode plate, the separator, and the negative electrode plate and winding them two or more times.

[0074] In some other embodiments, the electrode assembly 10 is a stacked electrode assembly. Specifically, the electrode assembly 10 includes a plurality of positive electrode plates and a plurality of negative electrode plates, the positive electrode plates and the negative electrode plates being alternately stacked in a stacking direction parallel to the thickness direction of the positive electrode plates and the thickness direction of the negative electrode plates.

[0075] From the outside, the electrode assembly 10 includes a main body portion 11 and a tab portion 12 connected to the main body portion. Illustratively, the main body portion extends from the end of the main body portion closest to the cover assembly.

[0076] In some embodiments, there are two tab portions 12, defined as a positive tab portion and a negative tab portion, which may extend from the same end of the main body portion 11 or from opposite ends of the main body portion 11.

[0077] The main body 11 is a core portion where the electrode assembly 10 realizes the charge / discharge function, and the tab portion 12 is for drawing out the current generated in the main body 11. The main body 11 includes a positive electrode current collector of a positive electrode current collector, a positive electrode active material layer, a negative electrode current collector of a negative electrode current collector, a negative electrode active material layer, and a separator. The positive electrode tab portion includes multiple positive electrode tabs, and the negative electrode tab portion includes multiple negative electrode tabs.

[0078] The tab portion 12 is for electrically connecting to the electrode terminal 222. The tab portion 12 may be directly connected to the electrode terminal 222 by welding or other means, or may be indirectly connected to the electrode terminal 222 via another component. For example, the battery cell 7 further includes a current collecting member 13, which is for electrically connecting the electrode terminal 222 and the tab portion 12. There are two current collecting members 13, which are defined as a positive current collecting member and a negative current collecting member, respectively. The positive current collecting member is for electrically connecting the positive electrode terminal and the positive tab portion, and the negative current collecting member is for electrically connecting the negative electrode terminal and the negative tab portion. When the battery cell 7 includes multiple electrode assemblies 10, the positive current collecting members of the multiple electrode assemblies 10 may be integrally mounted, and the negative current collecting members of the multiple electrode assemblies 10 may be integrally mounted.

[0079] The first side plate 212 is located on one side of the outer casing assembly 20 along the first direction Z. The housing 21 of the outer casing assembly 20 has an end opening on the other side facing the first side plate 212 along the first direction Z.

[0080] When the housing 21 has a hollow structure that is open at one end, the first side plate 212 is the bottom plate of the housing 21 that is located on the side away from the cover assembly 22 of the electrode assembly 10 .

[0081] The pressure relief mechanism 30 is installed on the first side plate 212. The pressure relief mechanism 30 may be part of the first side plate 212 or may be separate from the first side plate 212. The first side plate 212 has a pressure relief hole 210 that penetrates through the thickness of the first side plate 212, and the pressure relief mechanism 30 is fixed to the first side plate 212 by welding or other means and covers the pressure relief hole 210. The pressure relief mechanism 30 seals the pressure relief hole 210, thereby isolating the spaces inside and outside the first side plate 212 and preventing electrolyte from leaking through the pressure relief hole 210 during normal operation.

[0082] The pressure relief mechanism 30 is designed to operate to release the internal pressure of the battery cell 7 when the internal pressure reaches a threshold. When excessive gas is generated in the battery cell 7, causing the internal pressure of the housing 21 to rise and reach a threshold, the pressure relief mechanism 30 will operate or a fragile structure provided in the pressure relief mechanism 30 will burst, allowing the gas and other high-temperature and high-pressure substances to be released to the outside through the torn opening of the pressure relief mechanism 30 and the pressure relief hole 210, further preventing the battery cell 7 from exploding.

[0083] The pressure relief mechanism 30 may be any possible pressure relief structure, but is not limited to such in the embodiments of the present application. For example, the pressure relief mechanism 30 may be a pressure-sensitive pressure relief mechanism that is configured to burst when the internal pressure of the battery cell 7 provided with the pressure-sensitive pressure relief mechanism reaches a threshold value.

[0084] In some embodiments, cuts, grooves, or other structures are formed in the pressure relief mechanism 30 to reduce the local strength of the pressure relief mechanism 30 and create a weak structure on the pressure relief mechanism 30, so that when the internal pressure of the battery cell 7 reaches a threshold, the pressure relief mechanism 30 ruptures at the weak structure, and the portion of the pressure relief mechanism 30 located along the rupture folds back to form an opening, allowing the high-temperature, high-pressure material to escape.

[0085] When a phenomenon such as a short circuit or overcharging occurs, the battery cell 7 will experience thermal runaway and release a large amount of high-temperature, high-pressure material, such as high-temperature, high-pressure gas. The first flow path guides the gas flow and guides the gas in the accommodating space 216 to the pressure relief mechanism 30. The gas acts on the pressure-receiving surface of the pressure relief mechanism 30 and applies pressure to the pressure relief mechanism 30. As the gas increases, the pressure received by the pressure relief mechanism 30 increases. When the pressure reaches a threshold value, the pressure relief mechanism 30 will activate and release the gas and other high-temperature, high-pressure material to the outside of the battery cell 7, thereby releasing the internal pressure of the battery cell 7 and preventing the battery cell 7 from exploding or catching fire.

[0086] In the embodiment of the present application, a first flow path 2151 is installed on the first side plate 212 of the housing 21, so that the gas released when the battery cell 7 experiences thermal runaway can be guided from the storage space 216 to the pressure relief mechanism 30, allowing the pressure relief mechanism 30 to operate in a timely manner and release the gas, thereby improving the exhaust rate when the battery cell 7 experiences thermal runaway and improving the safety of the battery cell 7.

[0087] FIG. 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a housing of a battery cell according to some embodiments of the present application, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram along AA of the housing shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 7 is a top view schematic diagram of a battery cell according to some embodiments of the present application, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram at point BB of a battery cell shown in FIG. 7 that employs the housing of the embodiment of FIG. 5, FIG. 9 is an enlarged schematic diagram of point C of the battery cell shown in FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is an enlarged schematic diagram of point D of the battery cell shown in FIG. 8.

[0088] 5 to 10 , in some embodiments, the first flow path 2151 includes a plurality of first grooves 2141 disposed on and extending along the inner surface 2120 of the first side plate 212, with one end of each first groove 2141 communicating with the pressure relief mechanism 30. The first flow path 2151 is configured as a plurality of first grooves 2141, each of which communicates with the pressure relief mechanism 30. When the battery cell 7 experiences thermal runaway, the released gas can be guided along the first grooves 2141 from the accommodating space 216 to the pressure relief mechanism 30 for discharge, thereby improving the exhaust rate of the battery cell 7 during thermal runaway and improving the safety of the battery cell 7. Furthermore, the first grooves 2141 are disposed on the inner surface of the first side plate 212 and do not occupy the accommodating space 216, thereby not affecting the energy density of the battery cell 7.

[0089] 5 and 6, in some embodiments, the plurality of first grooves 2141 are parallel to and spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, each of the first grooves 2141 extends along a third direction Y, which is perpendicular to the first direction Z. The plurality of first grooves 2141 are arranged along a second direction X, which is perpendicular to the first direction Z and the third direction Y.

[0090] In some embodiments, the plurality of first grooves 2141 may have similar or different widths along the second direction X. In some embodiments, the plurality of first grooves 2141 may have similar or different depths along the first direction Z.

[0091] The housing 21 includes a pair of second side plates 213 arranged opposite each other along the third direction Y, and a pair of third side plates 211 arranged opposite each other along the second direction X. The second side plate 213 and the third side plate 211 are both connected to the first side plate 212, and adjacent second side plates 213 and third side plates 211 are also connected to each other to jointly form an accommodating space 216.

[0092] The plurality of first grooves 2141 have one end communicating with the pressure relief hole 210 and the other end extending to a position close to the second side plate 213 .

[0093] 7 to 10 , the accommodating space 216 includes a first gap G1 disposed between the electrode assembly 10 and each second side plate 213. A first flow path 2151 communicates with the first gap G1. The first flow path 2151 communicates with the first gap G1, thereby realizing communication between the first flow path 2151 and the accommodating space 216. Gas generated inside the electrode assembly 10 may directly enter the pressure relief mechanism 30 from the first flow path 2151.

[0094] 9 , a first gap G1 is formed between the electrode assembly 10 and each second side plate 213, and the plurality of first grooves 2141 constituting the first flow passage 2151 extend in the third direction Y to the vicinity of the adjacent second side plate 213 and beyond the lower edge of the electrode assembly 10 in the third direction Y to communicate with the first gap G1. Furthermore, when excessive gas is generated in the battery cells 7, causing the internal pressure of the housing 21 to rise and reach a threshold value, the gas passes through the first gap G1 and then moves to the pressure relief mechanism 30 via the plurality of first grooves 2141 without being blocked by the electrode assembly 10, and is then discharged. Note that the gas generated inside the electrode assembly 10 may also enter the pressure relief mechanism 30 directly via the first flow passage 2151, improving exhaust efficiency.

[0095] In some embodiments, one first gap G1 is formed between the electrode assembly 10 and each second side plate 213, and multiple first grooves 2141 are respectively connected to the first gap G1 on both sides and the pressure relief mechanism 30 in the third direction Y.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 10 , in some embodiments, from the point where the first flow path 2151 communicates with the pressure relief mechanism 30, at least a portion of the length of the first flow path 2151 gradually decreases in depth H along a direction away from the pressure relief mechanism 30.

[0097] Specifically, from the position of the first flow path 2151 communicating with the pressure release mechanism 30, the depth H of each first groove 2141 constituting the first flow path 2151 gradually decreases in the direction away from the pressure release mechanism 30 over at least a portion of its length along the third direction Y of the first groove 2141. As shown in FIG. 10 , the depth H of each first groove 2141 over at least a portion of its length gradually increases in the direction approaching the pressure release mechanism 30, forming a slope that slopes toward the exhaust direction of the pressure release mechanism 30, which is more advantageous for guiding gas to the pressure release mechanism 30 for exhaust and improving exhaust efficiency. The slope may be linear or arc-shaped.

[0098] The partial length indicates that the portion where the depth H varies may occupy only a portion of the length of the first flow channel 2151 that is connected to the pressure relief mechanism 30 in the third direction Y, and the depth of the first flow channel 2151 may be maintained constant for the remaining portion of the length. In other embodiments, the depth H of the first flow channel 2151 may vary over the entire length of the first flow channel 2151.

[0099] The position of the first flow path 2151 that communicates with the pressure release mechanism 30 is the position of the first flow path 2151 that is connected to the edge of the pressure release mechanism 30. When the pressure release hole 210 is installed on the housing 21, the position of the first flow path 2151 that communicates with the pressure release mechanism 30 is the position of the first flow path 2151 that is connected to the pressure release hole 210.

[0100] FIG. 11 is a structural schematic diagram of a housing of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0101] Referring to the embodiment in Figure 11, the difference between the housing 21 in Figure 11 and the housing 21 in the embodiment in Figure 5 is that the multiple first grooves 2141 are centered on the pressure relief mechanism 30, extend circumferentially in a diverging manner, and are spaced apart from each other.

[0102] Specifically, the plurality of first grooves 2141 jointly constitute a first flow path 2151, and the plurality of first grooves 2141 are spaced apart and extend divergingly around the pressure relief mechanism 30 from its center. "Extending divergingly" refers to the plurality of first grooves 2141 being centered around the pressure relief mechanism 30 and extending radially around the center of the pressure relief mechanism 30. One end of each of the plurality of first grooves 2141 communicates with the pressure relief mechanism 30, and in some embodiments, the plurality of first grooves 2141 are connected to the pressure relief hole 210. The other end of some of the first grooves 2141 extends to the vicinity of the adjacent second side plate 213, and the other end of some of the first grooves 2141 extends to the vicinity of the third side plate 211.

[0103] In this embodiment, the accommodating space 216 includes a first gap G1 disposed between the electrode assembly 10 and each second side plate 213, and a portion of the first groove 2141 extending to the vicinity of the adjacent second side plate 213 communicates with the first gap G1. The accommodating space 216 further includes a second gap G2 disposed between the electrode assembly 10 and each third side plate 211, and a portion of the first groove 2141 extending to the vicinity of the third side plate 211 communicates with the second gap G2. In this manner, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell 7, gas can be guided to the pressure relief mechanism 30 along the first flow path 2151 by the first gap G1 and the second gap G2 in the circumferential direction of the pressure relief mechanism 30. Note that gas generated inside the electrode assembly 10 may also enter the pressure relief mechanism 30 directly from the first flow path 2151. To improve the safety of a battery cell 7 by improving the exhaust rate when the battery cell 7 experiences thermal runaway.

[0104] FIG. 12 is a structural schematic diagram of a housing of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present application, FIG. 13 is a top view schematic diagram of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present application, FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a battery cell shown in FIG. 13 at a point EE employing the housing of the embodiment of FIG. 12, and FIG. 15 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a point F of the battery cell shown in FIG. 14.

[0105] 12 to 15 , in some embodiments, a protrusion 2142 that protrudes into the storage space 216 is formed on the inner surface of the first side plate 212 of the housing 21, and the protrusion 2142 has a top surface 2140 that is away from the inner surface 2120, and a first flow path 2152 is formed in the space between the top surface 2140 of the protrusion 2142 and the inner surface 2120. In these embodiments, the top surface 2140 of the protrusion 2142 is for supporting the electrode assembly 10, and the first flow path 2152 is formed in the space between the top surface 2140 of the protrusion 2142 and the inner surface 2120, which can improve the exhaust rate when the battery cell 7 experiences thermal runaway and improve the safety of the battery cell 7.

[0106] 12 , the first flow path 2152 includes a plurality of branch flow paths 21521 that communicate with the pressure release mechanism 30, and there are a plurality of protrusions 2142 that extend divergently around the pressure release mechanism 30 and are spaced apart from one another, so that one branch flow path 21521 is formed between two adjacent protrusions 2142 and the inner surface 2120. The plurality of protrusions 2142 extend divergently around the pressure release mechanism 30 and are spaced apart from one another, which is advantageous for improving the exhaust efficiency of the pressure release mechanism 30 in the circumferential direction.

[0107] Specifically, one branch channel 21521 is formed between two adjacent protrusions 2142 and the inner surface 2120, and the multiple branch channels 21521 extend divergently around the pressure relief mechanism 30 and are spaced apart from one another. Extending divergently means that the multiple branch channels 21521 extend radially around the pressure relief mechanism 30, with the pressure relief mechanism 30 at the center. One end of the multiple branch channels 21521 communicates with the pressure relief mechanism 30, and in some embodiments, the multiple branch channels 21521 are connected to the pressure relief hole 210. The other ends of some of the branch channels 21521 extend to the vicinity of one second side plate 213 and communicate with the first gap G1, and the other ends of some of the branch channels 21521 extend to the vicinity of one third side plate 211 and communicate with the second gap G2.

[0108] In this embodiment, the accommodating space 216 includes a first gap G1 between the electrode assembly 10 and each second side plate 213, and a portion of the branch channel 21521 extending to the vicinity of one of the second side plates 213 communicates with the first gap G1. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 , the accommodating space 216 further includes a second gap G2 between the electrode assembly 10 and each third side plate 211, and a portion of the branch channel 21521 extending to the vicinity of one of the third side plates 211 communicates with the second gap G2. In this manner, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell 7, gas can be guided to the pressure relief mechanism 30 along the first channel 2152 in the circumferential direction of the pressure relief mechanism 30. Note that gas generated inside the electrode assembly 10 may also pass through the first channel 2152 and directly enter the pressure relief mechanism 30. This improves the exhaust rate when the battery cell 7 experiences thermal runaway, thereby improving the safety of the battery cell 7.

[0109] 11 and 12, the embodiment of FIG. 10 may be referred to, and from the position where the first flow path 2151 communicates with the pressure release mechanism 30, the depth H of at least a portion of the first flow path 2151 gradually decreases in the direction away from the pressure release mechanism 30.

[0110] FIG. 16 is a structural schematic diagram of a housing of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 16 , in some embodiments, in the housing 21, the first flow path 2153 includes a plurality of branch flow paths 21531 and a connecting flow path 21532, there are a plurality of protrusions 2143, each of which extends substantially along the second direction X of the first side plate 212, the plurality of protrusions 2143 are spaced apart and spaced apart along the third direction Y of the first side plate 212, one branch flow path 21531 is formed between two adjacent protrusions 2143 and the inner surface 2120, the two adjacent branch flow paths 21531 are connected to each other via the connecting flow path 21532, at least one of the branch flow paths 21531 is connected to the pressure relief mechanism 30 via the connecting flow path 21532, the second direction X is perpendicular to the first direction Z, and the third direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction Z and the second direction X. The first side plate 212 has protrusions 2143 extending along the second direction X, and a branch channel 21531 is formed between two adjacent protrusions 2143 and the inner surface 2120. The branch channel 21531 is connected to the pressure relief mechanism 30 via a connecting channel 21532, thereby improving the exhaust efficiency in the second direction X. When the width of the housing 21 in the second direction X is close to the length of the housing 21 in the third direction Y, the first channel 2153 of this embodiment can provide a good exhaust effect.

[0112] In this embodiment, a third gap G3 is provided between one end of each protrusion 2143 in the second direction X and the adjacent second side plate 213, and the third gap G3 forms at least a part of the connecting channel 21532. The connecting channel 21532 extends entirely along the third direction Y. By providing the third gap G3 to form a part of the connecting channel that connects the branch channel 21531 to the pressure relief mechanism 30, gas in the branch channel 21531 can be quickly guided to the pressure relief mechanism 30 by the connecting channel 21532 and discharged.

[0113] FIG. 17 is a structural schematic diagram of a housing of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0114] 17, the difference between this embodiment and the embodiment in FIG. 16 is that, in the housing 21, at least one protrusion 2144 includes a plurality of sub-protrusions 21441, the sub-protrusions 21441 are spaced apart along the second direction X, and a fourth gap G4 is formed between adjacent sub-protrusions 21441, and the fourth gap G4 also forms at least a part of the connecting flow path 21532. That is, in this embodiment, the connecting flow path 21532 includes a side connecting flow path 21533, of which the third gap G3 is a part, and an intermediate connecting flow path 21534, of which the fourth gap G4 is a part. The fourth gap G4 forms the intermediate connecting flow path 21534 that connects the branch flow path 21531 to the pressure relief mechanism, and the intermediate connecting flow path 21534 and the side connecting flow path 21533 work together to quickly guide and discharge gas from the branch flow path 21531 to the pressure relief mechanism 30 via the connecting flow path 21532.

[0115] Optionally, in the embodiment shown in Figures 16 and 17, the protrusion 2143 or the protrusion 2144 is configured in an arc-like or broken line shape that protrudes in the third direction Y away from the pressure release mechanism 30. The arc-like or broken line-like protrusion 2143 or the protrusion 2144 that protrudes in the third direction Y away from the pressure release mechanism 30 can guide the airflow toward the pressure release mechanism 30 during exhaust, which is advantageous for rapid discharge of gas.

[0116] In the above embodiments, an insulating layer may be further provided on the top surface 2140 of the protrusion 2143 or the protrusion 2144. The insulating layer is for realizing insulation between the electrode assembly 10 and the housing 21, which eliminates the need for additional support parts, reduces the occupation of the accommodating space 216, does not affect the exhaust of the battery cell 7, and is advantageous for improving the energy density of the battery cell 7.

[0117] FIG. 18 is a structural schematic diagram of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 18 , this embodiment differs from the previous embodiments in that a support member 40 is added. The support member 40 is disposed between the electrode assembly 10 and the first side plate 212 and serves to support the electrode assembly 10. The electrode assembly 10, the support member 40, and the first side plate 212 are sequentially arranged along the first direction Z. Exemplarily, the support member 40 is made of an insulating material, which can insulate and isolate the first side plate 212 and the electrode assembly 10. The support member 40 supports the electrode assembly 10, thereby reducing shaking of the electrode assembly 10 when the battery cell 7 vibrates, and reducing the risk of the active material of the electrode assembly 10 falling off.

[0119] The support component 40 may directly contact the electrode assembly 10 to support the electrode assembly 10, or may be supported by another component. For example, the battery cell 7 further includes an insulating film coated on the outside of the main body 11 of the electrode assembly 10, with a portion of the insulating film being located between the support component 40 and the electrode assembly 10, and the support component 40 supporting the electrode assembly 10 via the insulating film. The support component 40 has a first surface 41 and a second surface 42 that are disposed opposite each other, with the first surface 41 facing the first side panel 2120 and the second surface 42 facing the electrode assembly 10.

[0120] In some embodiments, the support member 40 may abut against the first side plate 212. For example, in the embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 11, the support member 40 abuts against the first side plate 212 due to the gravitational force of the electrode assembly 10 and can contact the inner surface 2120 of the first side plate 212. Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 10, a first flow path is formed between the first surface 41 of the support member 40 and the first groove 2141 between the first side plate 212. Referring to FIG. 9, the support member 40 forms a fifth gap G5 with the second side plate 213 in the third direction Y. Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 15, the support member 40 forms a sixth gap G6 with the adjacent third side plate 211 in the second direction X. The first gap G1 communicates with the first flow path 2151 via the fifth gap G5. The second gap G2 communicates with the first flow path 2151 via a sixth gap G6.

[0121] The support component 40 may be spaced apart from the first side panel 212 in the first direction Z. For example, in the embodiments of FIGS. 12 to 17 , the support component 40 may be disposed on the surface of the protrusion 2142, 2143, or 2144, and spaced apart from the inner surface 2120 of the first side panel 212. The first flow channel 2152 or 2153 is formed between the first surface 41 of the support component 40 and the inner surface 2120 of the first side panel 212.

[0122] FIG. 19 is a structural schematic diagram of a support part for a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present application, FIG. 20 is a structural schematic diagram of a support part for a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present application, and FIG. 21 is a structural schematic diagram of a support part for a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0123] In some embodiments, a second flow path is provided on the support component 40, and the second flow path connects the first flow path 2151, 2152, or 2153 to the accommodation space 216. Forming a second flow path on the support component 40 and connecting the first flow path 2151, 2152, or 2153 to the accommodation space 216 can increase the exhaust flow path area and improve exhaust efficiency.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 19, in some embodiments, the second flow path includes a first through hole 402 that penetrates the support part 40 along the first direction Z, and the first through hole 402 connects the first flow path 2151, 2152 or 2153 to the accommodating space 216 in the first direction Z.

[0125] 20 , in some embodiments, the second flow path includes a second groove 401 provided on the first surface 41, the second groove 401 communicating with the first gap G1 and / or the second gap G2, and the second groove 401 communicating with the first flow path. By providing the second groove 401 communicating with the first gap G1 and / or the second gap G2 and the first flow path 2151, 2152, or 2153 in the support component 40, the exhaust flow path area can be increased, and the exhaust efficiency can be improved.

[0126] Specifically, the second groove 401 may be formed to be a groove that penetrates in the second direction X and / or the third direction Y, and the second groove 401 extends to the edge of the support part 40 in the second direction X and / or the third direction Y, and the second groove 401 communicates with the fifth gap G5 and / or the sixth gap G6, and communicates with the accommodating space 216 via the fifth gap G5 and / or the sixth gap G6.

[0127] 21, in some embodiments, a first through-hole 402 and a second groove 401 are provided on the support member 40, and the first through-hole 402 communicates with the second groove 401. This can further increase the exhaust flow area and improve exhaust efficiency.

[0128] FIG. 22 is a structural schematic diagram of a battery cell provided with a support component and an insulating film according to another embodiment of the present application, FIG. 23 is an exploded schematic diagram of the support component and insulating film of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present application, and FIG. 24 is a top schematic diagram of the support component and insulating film shown in FIG. 23 after they have been combined.

[0129] 22 to 24 , in some embodiments, the battery cell 7 further includes an insulating film 50 coated on the outside of the main body 11 of the electrode assembly 10, with a portion of the insulating film 50 located between the support part 40 and the electrode assembly 10, and the support part 40 supports the electrode assembly 10 via the insulating film 50. The support part 40 has a first surface 41 and a second surface 42 that are disposed opposite each other, with the first surface 41 facing the first side panel 212 and the second surface 42 facing the insulating film 50.

[0130] In some embodiments, the insulating film 50 is intended to encase a portion of the electrode assembly 10 and separate the electrode assembly 10 from the housing 21, and the insulating film 50 includes a first side film 501 located between the electrode assembly 10 and the support part 40, and the first side film 501 has a second through hole 5011, and the second through hole 5011 and the first through hole 402 of the support part 40 do not overlap in projection in the first direction Z. The second through hole 5011 in the first side film 501 of the insulating film 50 and the first through hole 402 in the support part 40 do not overlap in projection in the first direction Z, which prevents direct contact between the electrode assembly 10 and the first side plate 212 of the housing 21, thereby ensuring reliable insulation between the electrode assembly 10 and the first side plate 212. The first through hole 402 and the second through hole 5011 also enable communication between the accommodating space 216 and the first flow path 2151, 2152 or 2153, thereby improving exhaust efficiency.

[0131] 23 and 9 , the first side film 501 is located on one side of the insulating film 50 in the first direction Z. The insulating film 50 is provided with a third side film 502 disposed opposite the first side film 501 in the third direction Y. An opening 510 is provided in the third side film 502 at a position close to the first side film 501. Gas generated in the electrode assembly 10 enclosed by the insulating film 50 may be connected to the first flow paths 2151, 2152, or 2153 via the second through-hole 5011 and the first through-hole 402, or may be connected to the first flow paths 2151, 2152, or 2153 via the opening 510, the first gap G1, and the third gap G3 and further discharged by the pressure relief mechanism 30, thereby increasing the area of ​​the exhaust flow path and improving exhaust efficiency.

[0132] FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a battery cell according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 25, the manufacturing method of the battery cell according to the embodiment of the present application includes the following steps: Step S100 of providing an electrode assembly; Step S200 of providing a housing having a receiving space for receiving the electrode assembly and including a first side plate located on one side along a first direction; Step S300: providing a pressure relief mechanism disposed on the first side panel; a step S400 of providing a cover assembly for sealing the housing; Step S500 includes assembling the electrode assembly, the housing, the pressure relief mechanism and the cover assembly to form a battery cell; Here, step S200 of providing a housing includes forming a first flow path extending along the inner surface of a first side plate of the housing, and the first flow path is for guiding gas in the storage space to a pressure relief mechanism so that when the pressure reaches a threshold value, the pressure relief mechanism is activated and the pressure is released.

[0134] It should be noted that the structures related to the battery cell manufactured by the above battery cell manufacturing method can refer to the battery cells provided by the above embodiments.

[0135] When assembling a battery cell based on the above battery cell manufacturing method, the steps do not necessarily have to be performed sequentially, i.e., the steps may be performed in the order described in the embodiments, or in an order different from the order described in the embodiments, or multiple steps may be performed simultaneously. For example, steps S100, S200, S300, and S400 may be performed in a random order or simultaneously.

[0136] FIG. 26 is a schematic block diagram of a battery cell manufacturing system according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 26 , a battery cell manufacturing system 8 of an embodiment of the present application includes an electrode assembly providing device 81 for providing an electrode assembly, a housing providing device 82 for providing a housing having an accommodation space for accommodating the electrode assembly and including a first side plate located on one side along a first direction, a pressure relief mechanism providing device 83 for providing a pressure relief mechanism to be installed on the first side plate, a cover assembly providing device 84 for providing a cover assembly for sealing the housing, and an assembling device 85 for assembling the electrode assembly, the housing, the pressure relief mechanism and the cover assembly to form a battery cell, wherein a first flow path extending along the inner surface of the first side plate of the housing is formed, and the first flow path is for guiding gas in the accommodation space to the pressure relief mechanism so that the pressure relief mechanism is activated and the pressure is released when the pressure reaches a threshold value.

[0138] For the structure related to the battery cells manufactured by the manufacturing system, reference can be made to the battery cells according to the above-described embodiments.

[0139] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments in the present application can be combined with each other.

[0140] Finally, it should be explained that the above embodiments are only used to explain 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 embodiments, those skilled in the art can still understand that the technical solutions described in the above embodiments can still be modified or some of the technical features can be replaced with equivalents, and such modifications and replacements will not cause the substance 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]

[0141] 1 vehicle 2 batteries 3 Controller 4 motors 5. Cabinet 6 Battery Module 7 battery cells 8 Manufacturing Systems 10. Housing 11 Main body 12 Tab section 13 Current collector parts 20 Outer housing assembly 21 Housing 22 Cover assembly 22 End cover 30 Pressure relief mechanism 40 Support parts 41 First Surface 42 Second Surface 50 insulating film 51 First housing part 52 Second housing section 53 Containment Space 81 Electrode assembly providing device 82 Housing provider 83 Pressure relief mechanism providing device 84 Cover assembly providing device 85 Equipment 210 Pressure relief hole 211 Third side panel 212 First side panel 213 Second side panel 216 Containment Space 221 End cover 222 Electrode terminal 401 Second groove 402 First through hole 501 First lateral membrane 502 Third lateral membrane 510 Aperture 2120 Interior 2140 Top surface 2141 First Groove 2142 Protrusion 2143 Protrusion 2144 Protrusion 2151 First Channel 2152 First Channel 2153 First Channel 5011 Second through hole 21441 Sub-protrusion 21521 Branch channel 21531 Branch channel 21532 Connecting channel 21533 Side connection channel 21534 Intermediate connecting channel G1 First gap G2 Second gap G3 Third Gap G4 Fourth Gap G5 The fifth gap G6 The 6th Gap

Claims

1. A battery cell, an electrode assembly; a housing having an accommodation space for accommodating the electrode assembly, the housing including a first side plate located on one side along a first direction, and an opening facing the first side plate; a pressure relief mechanism installed on the first side plate; a cover assembly for covering the opening in the housing and sealing the housing; Including, Here, a first flow path extending along an inner surface of the first side plate of the housing is provided, and the first flow path guides gas in the accommodating space to the pressure release mechanism so that when pressure reaches a threshold value, the pressure release mechanism is activated and the pressure is released, a protrusion protruding into the storage space is formed on the inner surface of the first side plate, the protrusion having a top surface away from the inner surface, the first flow path is formed in the space between the top surface of the protrusion and the inner surface, the first flow path includes a plurality of branch flow paths communicating with the pressure release mechanism, there are a plurality of protrusions, the plurality of protrusions extend divergingly around the pressure release mechanism and are spaced apart from each other, one branch flow path is formed between two adjacent protrusions and the inner surface.

2. 2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the first flow path includes a plurality of first grooves disposed on the inner surface of the first side plate and extending along the inner surface of the first side plate, and one end of each of the first grooves communicates with the pressure relief mechanism.

3. the plurality of first grooves are parallel to each other; or The battery cell according to claim 2 , wherein the plurality of first grooves extend in a diverging manner around the pressure relief mechanism.

4. 2. The battery cell of claim 1, wherein the first flow path includes a plurality of branch flow paths and a connecting flow path, the protrusions are multiple, each extending substantially along the second direction of the first side plate, the protrusions are arranged at intervals along the third direction of the first side plate and spaced apart from one another, one branch flow path is formed between two adjacent protrusions and the inner surface, two adjacent branch flow paths communicate with each other via the connecting flow path, at least one of the branch flow paths communicates with the pressure release mechanism via the connecting flow path, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

5. the housing includes a pair of third side plates disposed opposite each other along the second direction; 5. The battery cell according to claim 4, wherein a third gap is provided between one end of each of the protrusions in the second direction and an adjacent one of the third side plates, and the third gap forms at least a part of the connecting flow path.

6. 6. The battery cell of claim 4, wherein at least one protrusion includes a plurality of sub-protrusions, the plurality of sub-protrusions being spaced apart along the second direction, a fourth gap being formed between adjacent sub-protrusions, and the fourth gap forming at least a portion of the connecting flow path.

7. 7. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is configured in an arc shape or a broken line shape that protrudes in a direction away from the pressure release mechanism in the third direction.

8. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 and 4 to 7, wherein an insulating layer is provided on the top surface of the protrusion.

9. the housing includes a pair of second side plates disposed opposite each other along a third direction, the accommodating space includes a first gap disposed between the electrode assembly and each of the second side plates, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction; the housing further includes a pair of third side plates disposed opposite to each other along a second direction, the accommodating space further includes a second gap disposed between the electrode assembly and each of the third side plates, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction and the third direction; The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first flow path communicates with the first gap and / or the second gap.

10. 10. The battery cell according to claim 1, further comprising a support component disposed between the first side plate and the electrode assembly so as to support the electrode assembly, wherein a second flow path is provided on the support component, and the second flow path connects the first flow path and the accommodating space.

11. 11. The battery cell according to claim 10, wherein the second flow path includes a first through-hole that penetrates the support component along the first direction, the first through-hole connecting the first flow path to the storage space.

12. the housing includes a pair of second side plates disposed opposite each other along a third direction, the accommodating space includes a first gap disposed between the electrode assembly and each of the second side plates, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction; the housing further includes a pair of third side plates disposed opposite to each other along a second direction, the accommodating space further includes a second gap disposed between the electrode assembly and each of the third side plates, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction and the third direction; the support member has a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other, the first surface facing the first side plate, and the second surface facing the electrode assembly; 12. The battery cell of claim 10, wherein the second flow path includes a second groove provided on the first surface, the second groove communicating with the first gap and / or the second gap, and the second groove communicating with the first flow path.

13. an insulating film for enclosing a portion of the electrode assembly and separating the electrode assembly from the housing, the insulating film including a first side film positioned between the electrode assembly and the support component; The battery cell according to claim 11 , wherein the first side film has a second through hole, and the second through hole and the first through hole of the support component do not overlap in projection in the first direction.

14. A battery comprising the battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. 15. A power consuming device comprising the battery of claim 14.

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