Batteries and power consumption devices

Abstract

A battery 100 and a power consumption device, which relate to the field of battery technology. The battery 100 includes a plurality of battery cells 20 and a thermal management member 30. The plurality of battery cells 20 are stacked and arranged along a first direction X1. Each battery cell 20 includes an electrode assembly 21. Along the first direction X1, the thermal management member 30 is provided opposite to the battery cell 20. The projection of the main body portion 211 of the electrode assembly 21 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 and the projection of the thermal management member 30 adjacent to the main body portion 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 at least partially overlap. When a battery cell 20 undergoes thermal runaway, the thermal management member 30 acts as a heat insulation layer, reducing the amount of heat transferred from the thermally runaway battery cell 20 to the adjacent battery cell 20 or other members and delaying the occurrence of heat diffusion. Since the thermal management member 30 can play the roles of both thermal management and heat insulation layer, the space utilization rate of the battery is improved, and thereby the energy density of the battery can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and specifically to batteries and power consumption devices.

Background Art

[0002] Secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and all-solid-state batteries have excellent advantages such as high energy density and good cycle characteristics, and are widely applied in fields such as portable electronic devices, electric transportation, electric tools, drones, and energy storage devices. The energy density of the battery is one of the main issues that users mainly focus on, and it is also one of the main factors restricting the development of the battery. Therefore, in the field of batteries, how to improve the energy density of the battery has become an urgent issue.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] To provide a battery and a power consumption device that improve the energy density of the battery.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a battery including a plurality of battery cells and a thermal management member. The plurality of battery cells are stacked and arranged along a first direction. Each battery cell includes an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a main body portion and a tab protruding from the main body portion along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The thermal management member is provided facing the battery cells along the first direction and is configured to adjust the temperature of the battery cells. The projection of the main body portion on a plane perpendicular to the first direction and the projection of the thermal management member adjacent to the main body portion on a plane perpendicular to the first direction at least partially overlap.

[0005] In the above technical solution, the thermal management member and the battery cell are arranged facing each other along a first direction. When the battery cell is operating normally, the thermal management member can regulate the temperature of the battery cell. When the battery cell experiences thermal runaway, the thermal management member acts as an insulating layer, reducing the amount of heat transferred from the runaway battery cell to adjacent battery cells or other components, and delaying the occurrence of thermal diffusion. Because the thermal management member can perform both thermal management and insulating layer functions, the space utilization rate of the battery is improved, thereby increasing the energy density of the battery and reducing costs.

[0006] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the projected area of ​​the main body in a plane perpendicular to the first direction is S1, and the area of ​​the portion where the projection of the main body in a plane perpendicular to the first direction overlaps with the projection of the heat management member adjacent to the main body in a plane perpendicular to the first direction is S2, satisfying 0.05 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 1.

[0007] In the above technical solution, when S2 / S1 < 0.05, the overlapping area between the thermal management member and the main body is smaller than the projected area of ​​the main body in a plane perpendicular to the first direction, resulting in a small effective temperature control area for the battery cell by the thermal management member. Consequently, the efficiency of temperature control by the thermal management member for the battery cell decreases, causing both the main body and tabs of the electrode assembly to become hot during the charging and discharging process, accelerating the decomposition of the electrolyte inside the battery cell and side reactions of the active material, thus shortening the service life of the battery cell. By satisfying 0.05 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 1 for S1 and S2, the thermal management member has a sufficient temperature control area for the battery cell and high temperature control efficiency for the battery cell. Therefore, it is advantageous for extending the service life of the battery cell.

[0008] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, 0.25 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 1.

[0009] In the above technical solution, the thermal management efficiency of the thermal management component is significantly improved. Therefore, during the battery charging and discharging process, the thermal management component cools the battery cell, further mitigating the decomposition rate of the electrolyte in the battery cell and the occurrence of side reactions of the active material, which is even more advantageous in extending the service life of the battery cell.

[0010] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, along the second direction, at least one end of the main body extends beyond the corresponding end of the thermal management member, or along the second direction, at least one end of the thermal management member extends beyond the corresponding end of the main body.

[0011] In the above technical solution, if at least one end of the main body along the second direction extends beyond the corresponding end of the thermal management member, at least one end of the thermal management member along the second direction will not extend beyond the battery cell, thereby reducing the risk of the thermal management member interfering with other structural positions of the battery along the second direction. If at least one end of the thermal management member along the second direction extends beyond the corresponding end of the main body, a portion of the thermal management member along the second direction can exchange heat with areas other than the main body, thereby increasing the heat exchange area between the battery cell and the thermal management member, and further improving the temperature control efficiency of the battery cell by the thermal management member.

[0012] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, along the second direction, both ends of the main body extend beyond the corresponding ends of the thermal management member, or along the second direction, both ends of the thermal management member extend beyond the corresponding ends of the main body.

[0013] In the above technical solution, if both ends of the main body along the second direction extend beyond both ends of the thermal management member, neither end of the thermal management member along the second direction extends beyond the battery cell, further reducing the risk of the thermal management member interfering with other structural positions of the battery along the second direction and ensuring sufficient space for installing other battery structures. If both ends of the thermal management member along the second direction extend beyond the corresponding ends of the main body, the two portions of the thermal management member that extend beyond the main body along the second direction can exchange heat with areas other than the main body, thereby increasing the heat exchange area between the battery cell and the thermal management member, and further improving the temperature control efficiency of the battery cell by the thermal management member.

[0014] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, at least one end of the main body is flush with the corresponding end of the thermal management member along the second direction.

[0015] In the above technical solution, at least one end of the main body is flush with one end of the thermal management member, thereby maximizing the projected area of ​​the overlapping portion between the thermal management member and the main body in a plane perpendicular to the first direction. This gives the thermal management member a large effective thermal management area relative to the battery cell, which is advantageous in improving the temperature control efficiency of the battery cell and extending the service life of the battery cell.

[0016] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, both ends of the main body are flush with the corresponding ends of the thermal management member along the second direction.

[0017] In the above technical solution, along the second direction, both ends of the main body are flush with both ends of the thermal management member. Therefore, the thermal management member has a large effective thermal management area relative to the battery cell, which is advantageous in improving the temperature control efficiency of the battery cell and extending the service life of the battery cell.

[0018] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, along the first direction, the main body has a first surface facing the thermal management member, and the first surface is the surface of the main body with the largest area.

[0019] In the above technical solution, the thermal management member is provided facing the surface with the largest area of ​​the main body, thereby increasing the area over which the thermal management member regulates the temperature of the battery cell, which is advantageous in improving the temperature regulation efficiency of the battery cell and extending the service life of the battery cell.

[0020] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the battery cell further includes an outer case, electrode terminals and a pressure reducing mechanism, the outer case including a plurality of walls which jointly define a housing space for housing the electrode assembly, the electrode terminals used for electrically connecting to the tabs, the pressure reducing mechanism used for releasing pressure inside the battery cell, and the pressure reducing mechanism and the electrode terminals are each provided in different walls.

[0021] In the above technical solution, the pressure reduction mechanism and electrode terminals are provided on different wall sections, which effectively increases the distance between the discharged flue gas and the high-pressure bath component when the battery cell experiences thermal runaway, thereby effectively reducing the risk of high-pressure arc discharge. Furthermore, each wall of the outer case has good structural strength. Therefore, the problem of reduced structural strength of the wall section caused by installing the pressure reduction mechanism and electrode terminals on the same wall section of the outer case is mitigated.

[0022] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the pressure reducing mechanism and the electrode terminals are provided on two of the walls that are arranged opposite to each other along the second direction, or the pressure reducing mechanism and the electrode terminals are provided on two of the walls that are arranged to intersect each other.

[0023] In the above technical means, the pressure reducing mechanism and the electrode terminal are respectively provided on two wall portions arranged opposite to each other along the second direction, or the pressure reducing mechanism and the electrode terminal are respectively provided on the two wall portions arranged to intersect, so that the installation becomes easy. Further, even if the battery cell undergoes thermal runaway, the discharged flue gas is separated from the high-pressure bus member, so that the occurrence of high-pressure arc discharge is effectively avoided.

[0024] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the electrode assembly includes two tabs with opposite polarities, and along the second direction, the two tabs are provided at the same end of the main body portion.

[0025] In the above technical solution, by providing the two tabs at the same end of the main body portion, when assembling the battery cell, the two tabs can be respectively connected to other structures at the same end of the main body portion, which makes the assembly of the battery cell easier and is advantageous for improving the assembly efficiency.

[0026] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the electrode assembly includes two tabs with opposite polarities, and along the second direction, the two tabs are respectively provided at opposite ends of the main body portion.

[0027] In the above technical solution, by providing the two tabs at opposite ends of the main body portion respectively, the risk of the battery cell short-circuiting can be reduced, and the risk of interference between the two tabs when they are respectively connected to other structures can be reduced.

[0028] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the projection of the tab in the plane perpendicular to the first direction at least partially overlaps with the projection of the heat management member adjacent to the main body portion in the plane perpendicular to the first direction.

[0029] In the above technical solution, because the temperature of the tab is high during the charging and discharging process of the battery cell, the projection of the tab in a plane perpendicular to the first direction overlaps at least partially with the projection of the thermal management member adjacent to the main body in a plane perpendicular to the first direction. This allows the thermal management member to exchange heat with the tab, remove heat from the tab, and reduce the risk of thermal runaway of the battery cell.

[0030] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the thermal management member is provided between at least two adjacent battery cells along the first direction.

[0031] In the above technical solution, by providing thermal management members on two adjacent battery cells along the first direction, the thermal management members can perform heat exchange simultaneously with the battery cells on both sides, improving heat exchange efficiency and further enhancing the temperature control capability of the battery cells by the thermal management members. Furthermore, when one of the two battery cells with a thermal management member between them experiences thermal runaway, the thermal management member acts as an insulating layer, reducing the amount of heat transferred from the runaway battery cell to the other adjacent battery cell and delaying the occurrence of heat diffusion. Since the thermal management member can perform both thermal management and insulating layer functions, the space utilization rate of the battery is improved, thereby increasing the energy density of the battery.

[0032] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, a plurality of thermal management members are provided, the plurality of thermal management members are spaced apart along the first direction, and at least one battery cell is provided between two adjacent thermal management members.

[0033] In the above technical solution, multiple thermal management members can work together to regulate the temperature of the battery cell, improving temperature control efficiency, thereby enabling the battery cell to operate normally and reducing the risk of thermal runaway. By providing at least one battery cell between two adjacent thermal management members, the occurrence of heat diffusion from both sides along the first direction of the battery cell can be delayed.

[0034] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the battery cells and the thermal management members are arranged alternately along the first direction.

[0035] In the above technical solution, battery cells and thermal management members are arranged alternately along a first direction, so that each battery cell has at least one thermal management member facing it, and the thermal management member helps to reduce the temperature difference between each battery cell in the battery by regulating its temperature, resulting in a more uniform temperature distribution inside the battery, which is advantageous for achieving normal charging and discharging of the battery.

[0036] According to a second embodiment, an embodiment of the present application provides a power consumption device including a battery provided by any embodiment of the first embodiment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] To more clearly explain the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the following drawings necessary for the embodiments are briefly introduced. It should be understood that these drawings merely illustrate some embodiments of this application and should not be considered limiting in scope. Those skilled in the art can obtain other relevant drawings based on these drawings without requiring any creative effort.

[0038] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle according to several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an exploded view of a battery according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to several embodiments of the present application. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 5] This is an exploded view of a battery cell according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 8]This is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of an electrode assembly according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 12] This is a view of the electrode assembly in Figure 11, aligned with the front in one direction. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 14] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the battery, including the battery cells. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 17] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a battery including the battery cells. [Figure 18] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 20] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of a battery including the battery cells. [Figure 21] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 22] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 23] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 24] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 25] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 26] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 27] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 28] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 29] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039] To further clarify the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings of the embodiments. Clearly, the embodiments described are only some, not all, embodiments of this application. The components of the embodiments of this application shown in the drawings of this specification can generally be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations.

[0040] Accordingly, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present application provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but only to illustrate the selected embodiments of the present application. All other embodiments obtained by a person skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present application without requiring any creative effort are all within the scope of the present application.

[0041] Furthermore, the embodiments and features described herein can be combined with each other, as long as they do not contradict each other.

[0042] Similar symbols and letters indicate similar items in the following drawings; therefore, if an item is defined in one drawing, it is not necessary to further define and interpret it in subsequent drawings.

[0043] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the indicated orientations or positional relationships are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings, or are the orientations or positional relationships that are normally arranged when using the product of this application, or are orientations or positional relationships that a person skilled in the art would normally understand, and are merely for the purpose of facilitating and simplifying the description of this application, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element in question has a specific orientation, or should be configured and operated in a specific orientation, and should therefore not be understood as limiting this application. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are merely for the purpose of distinguishing and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0044] Currently, with the evolving market conditions, the applications of power batteries are expanding rapidly. Power batteries are not limited to applications in energy storage and power systems such as hydroelectric, thermal, wind, and solar power plants, but are also widely used in electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as in multiple fields such as military equipment and aerospace. As the application fields of power batteries continue to expand, the demand for them in the market is also constantly growing.

[0045] The batteries referred to in the embodiments of this application refer to a single physical module containing one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. For example, the batteries referred to in this application may include battery modules or battery packs. The batteries generally further include a housing for packaging one or more battery cells. The housing can prevent liquids or other foreign matter from affecting the charging and discharging of the battery cells.

[0046] During the charging and discharging process, a chemical reaction occurs in the electrode assembly of the battery cell, generating heat. Therefore, to ensure the normal operation of the battery cell and reduce the problem of thermal runaway, it is necessary to immediately lower the temperature of the battery cell. If the ambient temperature is very low, it is necessary to raise the temperature of the battery cell to ensure the normal operation of the battery. Accordingly, the battery may further include thermal management components used to regulate the temperature of the battery cell. Furthermore, to prevent heat diffusion caused by thermal runaway of the battery cell, the battery may further include an insulating layer provided between adjacent battery cells. In related technologies, if thermal management components and insulating layers are installed in the battery simultaneously, and if the installation positions of the thermal management components and insulating layers are different, the space utilization rate of the battery may decrease, and the energy density of the battery may decrease.

[0047] As a result of considering the above, in order to mitigate the problem of reduced energy density of the battery due to the installation of an insulating layer, the inventors, after thorough research, designed a battery including multiple battery cells and a thermal management member. The multiple battery cells are arranged in a stack along a first direction, and each battery cell includes an electrode assembly, which includes a body and a tab protruding from the body along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The thermal management member is provided opposite the battery cells along the first direction. The projection of the body in a plane perpendicular to the first direction and the projection of the thermal management member adjacent to the body in a plane perpendicular to the first direction overlap at least partially.

[0048] The thermal management component and the battery cell are positioned opposite each other along a first direction. When the battery cell is operating normally, the thermal management component can regulate the temperature of the battery cell. When the battery cell experiences thermal runaway, the thermal management component acts as an insulating layer, reducing the amount of heat transferred from the runaway battery cell to adjacent battery cells or other components, and delaying the occurrence of thermal diffusion. Because the thermal management component can perform both thermal management and insulating layer functions, the space utilization rate of the battery is improved, thereby increasing the energy density of the battery and reducing costs.

[0049] Embodiments of the present invention provide a power consumption device powered by a battery, which may be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, tablet, laptop computer, electric toy, power tool, battery car, electric vehicle, ship, spacecraft, etc. Electric toys may include stationary or mobile electric toys such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric boat toys and electric aircraft toys, spacecraft may include aircraft, rockets, space shuttles and spacecraft, and further embodiments may include energy storage systems, energy storage power plants, etc.

[0050] In the following embodiments, for the sake of explanation, the power consumption device of the embodiment of the present application will be described as a vehicle 1000.

[0051] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle 1000 according to some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 1000 may be a gasoline vehicle, a natural gas vehicle, or a new energy vehicle, and the new energy vehicle may be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a range extender vehicle, etc. A battery 100 is provided inside the vehicle 1000, and the battery 100 may be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 can be used to supply power to the vehicle 1000, for example, as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000. The vehicle 1000 may further include a controller 200 and a motor 300, the controller 200 is used to control the battery 100 to supply power to the motor 300, for example, to meet the operating power requirements for starting, navigation, and driving the vehicle 1000.

[0052] In some embodiments of the present invention, the battery 100 can provide driving power to the vehicle 1000 not only as an operating power source for the vehicle 1000, but also as a driving power source for the vehicle 1000, by substituting or partially substituting fuel or natural gas.

[0053] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a battery 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, the battery 100 includes a housing 10 and a battery cell 20, the battery cell 20 being housed within the housing 10. The housing 10 is used to provide a housing space for the battery cell 20 and can employ various structures. In some embodiments, the housing 10 may include a first part 11 and a second part 12, and by overlapping the first part 11 and the second part 12, the first part 11 and the second part 12 jointly define a housing space for housing the battery cell 20. The second part 12 may be a hollow structure with one end open to form a housing portion for housing the battery cell 20, and the first part 11 may be a plate-like structure, with the first part 11 covering the open side of the second part 12, so that the first part 11 and the second part 12 jointly define a housing space. Both the first part 11 and the second part 12 are hollow structures with one side open to form a housing for the battery cell 20, and the open side of the first part 11 may be fitted over the open side of the second part 12. Naturally, the housing 10 formed by the first part 11 and the second part 12 may be of various shapes such as a cylinder or a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0054] In the battery 100, there may be multiple battery cells 20, and the multiple battery cells 20 can be connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel. Series-parallel connection means that the multiple battery cells 20 are connected in both series and parallel. Multiple battery cells 20 can be directly connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel, and then the entire assembly composed of multiple battery cells 20 can be housed in the housing 10. Alternatively, the battery 100 may first be formed by connecting multiple battery cells 20 in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel to form a battery module, and then the multiple battery modules may be further connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel to form a single unit which is then housed in the housing 10. The battery 100 may further include other structures; for example, the battery 100 may further include bus members (not shown) which are generally welded to the electrode terminals 23 (shown in Figure 3) of the battery cells 20 in order to realize electrical connections between the multiple battery cells 20.

[0055] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4, in some embodiments, the battery 100 includes a plurality of battery cells 20 and a thermal management member 30. The plurality of battery cells 20 are arranged in a stack along a first direction X1, and each battery cell 20 includes an electrode assembly 21. The electrode assembly 21 includes a body portion 211 and tabs 212 protruding from the body portion 211 along a second direction Y1. The second direction Y1 is perpendicular to the first direction X1. The thermal management member 30 is provided opposite the battery cells 20 along the first direction X1 and is configured to regulate the temperature of the battery cells 20. The projection of the body portion 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 and the projection of the thermal management member 30 adjacent to the body portion 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 overlap at least partially.

[0056] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the battery cell 20 refers to the smallest unit constituting the battery 100. The battery cell 20 further includes an outer case 22 and other functional members. The outer case 22 includes a housing 221 and an end cover 222, which is fitted over the opening 2211 of the housing 221 to isolate the internal environment of the battery cell 20 from the external environment. The shape of the end cover 222 can be adapted to the shape of the housing 221 and fitted to the housing 221, but is not limited to this. Selectively, the end cover 222 can be manufactured from a material having a certain hardness and strength (e.g., an aluminum alloy), so that the end cover 222 is less likely to deform even when pressed or struck, and the battery cell 20 can have higher structural strength. Functional members such as electrode terminals 23 may be provided on the end cover 222. The electrode terminals 23 can be used to electrically connect to the electrode assembly 21 and are used to output or input electrical energy of the battery cell 20. In some embodiments, the end cover 222 may be further equipped with a pressure reducing mechanism 25 used to release internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 reaches a threshold. The material of the end cover 222 can be any of several materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or plastic, and the embodiments of this application are not particularly limited thereto. In some embodiments, an insulating member may be provided inside the end cover 222 (not shown), which may be used to insulate and isolate the end cover 222 from the electrical connection members in the housing 221, thereby reducing the risk of short circuits. Exemplarily, the insulator may be plastic, rubber, or the like.

[0057] The housing 221 is an assembly that fits with the end cover 222 to form the internal environment of the battery cell 20, which may be used to house the electrode assembly 21, electrolyte, and other components. The housing 221 and the end cover 222 may be separate components, or the housing 221 may have an opening 2211, at which point the end cover 222 is placed over the opening 2211 to form the internal environment of the battery cell 20. The end cover 222 and the housing 221 may be integrated. Specifically, the end cover 222 and the housing 221 may have a common connecting surface before other components are placed in the housing. If it is necessary to seal the inside of the housing 221, the end cover 222 is placed over the housing 221, but is not limited to this. The housing 221 may have various shapes and dimensions, such as a rectangular parallelepiped, cylinder, or hexagonal prism. Specifically, the shape of the housing 221 is determined by the specific shape and size of the electrode assembly 21. The housing 221 can be made of any material, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or plastic, and the embodiments of this application are not particularly limited to these materials.

[0058] The electrode assembly 21 is a component that generates an electrochemical reaction in the battery cell 20. One or more electrode assemblies 21 can be contained within the housing 221. The electrode assembly 21 is mainly formed by winding or stacking a positive electrode sheet and a negative electrode sheet, and generally a separator is provided between the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet. The portions of the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet containing the active material constitute the main body 211 of the electrode assembly 21, and the portions of the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet not containing the active material each constitute a tab 212. The positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab may be located together at one end of the main body 211, or they may be located at both ends of the main body 211, respectively. During the charging and discharging process of the battery cell 20, the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material react with the electrolyte, and the tabs 212 are connected to the electrode terminals 23 to form an electric circuit. The tabs 212 may be electrically connected to the electrode terminals 23 via a current collector 24 (shown in Figure 5).

[0059] The thermal management member 30 may be used to lower the temperature of the battery cell 20, or it may be used to raise the temperature of the battery cell 20. The thermal management member 30 may be a plate-like structure with a housing cavity formed inside for housing a heat exchange medium. The heat exchange medium may be water, air, a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, a refrigerant, a phase change material, etc., and may be a circulating fluid. The thermal management member 30 may also be called a water-cooled plate, liquid-cooled plate, heat exchange plate, temperature control plate, etc.

[0060] The thermal management member 30 may be connected to the surface of the outer case 22 of the battery cell 20 facing the thermal management member 30 by bonding the thermal management member 30 to the surface of the outer case 22 of the battery cell 20, or by welding the thermal management member 30 to the outer case 22 of the battery cell 20. The thermal management member 30 may be in contact with the surface of the outer case 22 of the battery cell 20, or a thermal conductive member such as a thermal conductive pad may be placed between the thermal management member 30 and the surface of the outer case 22 of the battery cell 20, and this application is not limited thereto.

[0061] In some embodiments of the present application, the thermal management member 30 has a plate-like structure, and the first direction X1 is parallel to the thickness direction X2 of the thermal management member. The second direction Y1 may be parallel to the width direction Y2 of the thermal management member, or it may be parallel to the longitudinal direction Z2 of the thermal management member. The thickness direction X2, the longitudinal direction Z2, and the width direction Y2 of the thermal management member intersect orthogonally in pairs.

[0062] The projection of the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 and the projection of the heat management member 30 adjacent to the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 may partially overlap or may completely overlap.

[0063] The thermal management member 30 and the battery cell 20 are arranged facing each other along the first direction X1. When the battery cell 20 is operating normally, the thermal management member 30 can regulate the temperature of the battery cell 20. When the battery cell 20 experiences thermal runaway, the thermal management member 30 acts as an insulating layer, reducing the amount of heat transferred from the thermally runaway battery cell 20 to adjacent battery cells 20 or other components (other components include, but are not limited to, the walls of the housing 10, electrical components within the housing 10, partition beams within the housing 10, etc.), and delaying the occurrence of thermal diffusion. Because the thermal management member 30 can perform both thermal management and insulating layer functions, the space utilization rate of the battery 100 is improved, thereby improving the energy density of the battery 100 and achieving cost reduction.

[0064] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the projected area of ​​the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 is S1, and the area of ​​the overlapping portion of the projection of the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 and the projection of the heat management member 30 adjacent to the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 is S2, satisfying 0.05 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 1.

[0065] The value of S2 / S1 may be 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, etc.

[0066] The inventors selected 21 identical battery cells 20 and thermal management members 30, and each battery cell 20 and thermal management member 30 formed a set numbered from 1 to 21. The S2 / S1 values ​​for each set were different, as shown in Table 1. Under the same experimental conditions, each of the 21 battery cells 20 was charged at a charge rate of 2C, and simultaneously, a cooling liquid with an initial temperature of 23°C was introduced into the thermal management member 30 to cool the battery cells 20 and lower their temperature. Charging and cooling were performed simultaneously and continued for 10 minutes before being stopped simultaneously. Next, each battery cell 20 was left to stand for 5 minutes, and then the maximum temperature of the main body 211 and the tab 212 of the electrode assembly 21 of each battery cell 20 was measured. The experimental results are shown in Table 1.

[0067] [Table 1]

[0068] As shown in Table 1, when the value of S2 / S1 is 0.025, the maximum temperature of the main body 211 is 63°C and the maximum temperature of the tab 212 is 105°C. If the maximum temperature of the main body 211 exceeds 60°C and the maximum temperature of the tab exceeds 90°C, the decomposition of the electrolyte and side reactions of the active material are accelerated, shortening the service life of the battery cell 20. When 0.05 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 1, the heat management member 30 can cool the battery cell 20 and lower its temperature so that the maximum temperature of the main body 211 does not exceed 60°C and the maximum temperature of the tab 212 does not exceed 90°C. Therefore, it is advantageous to extend the service life of the battery cell 20.

[0069] In some examples, 0.25 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 1.

[0070] The value of S2 / S1 may be 0.28, 0.33, 0.38, 0.43, 0.48, 0.53, 0.58, 0.63, 0.68, 0.73, 0.78, 0.83, 0.88, 0.93, 0.98, etc.

[0071] Continuing to refer to Table 1, when 0.25 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 1, the maximum temperature of the main body 211 does not exceed 50°C, which further reduces the decomposition rate of the electrolyte and the occurrence of side reactions of the active material, and is even more advantageous in extending the service life of the battery cell 20.

[0072] Furthermore, in some examples, 0.5 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 1.

[0073] Continuing to refer to Table 1, when 0.5 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 1, the maximum temperature of the main body 211 does not exceed 40°C, which further reduces the decomposition rate of the electrolyte and the occurrence of side reactions of the active material, and is even more advantageous in extending the service life of the battery cell 20.

[0074] As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 8, along the second direction Y1, at least one end of the main body 211 extends beyond the corresponding end of the thermal management member 30, or along the second direction Y1, at least one end of the thermal management member 30 extends beyond the corresponding end of the main body 211.

[0075] Along the second direction Y1, at least one end of the main body 211 extends beyond the corresponding end of the thermal management member 30. This can be understood as at least one end of the main body 211 along the second direction Y1 being located outside the projection of the thermal management member 30 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1.

[0076] Therefore, by ensuring that at least one end of the main body 211 along the second direction Y1 extends beyond one end of the thermal management member 30, at least one end of the thermal management member 30 along the second direction Y1 does not extend beyond the battery cell 20, thereby reducing the risk of the thermal management member 30 interfering with other structural positions of the battery 100 along the second direction Y1.

[0077] Along the second direction Y1, only one end of the main body 211 may extend beyond one end of the thermal management member 30, that is, only one end of the main body 211 along the second direction Y1 is located outside the projection of the thermal management member 30 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1.

[0078] As shown in Figure 6, in an embodiment where the second direction Y1 is parallel to the width direction Y2 of the thermal management member, the main body 211 and the thermal management member 30 are offset from each other and partially overlap along the second direction Y1. The projection of the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 and the projection of the thermal management member 30 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 partially overlap. One end of the thermal management member 30 located in the second direction Y1 extends beyond the one end of the main body 211 located in the second direction Y1, and the other end of the main body 211 located in the second direction Y1 extends beyond the other end of the thermal management member 30 located in the second direction Y1. As shown in Figure 6, along the second direction Y1, the thermal management member 30 has opposing first end 31 and second end 32, and the main body 211 has opposing third end 2111 and fourth end 2112. The first end 31 corresponds to the third end 2111, and the first end 31 extends beyond the third end 2111, that is, the first end 31 is located outside the projection of the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1. The fourth end 2112 corresponds to the second end 32, and the fourth end 2112 extends beyond the second end 32, that is, the fourth end 2112 is located outside the projection of the thermal management member 30 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1. In Figure 6, the dashed line portion of the main body 211 indicates the region where the main body 211 is shielded by the thermal management member 30; in other words, the dashed line portion of the main body 211 indicates the portion where the thermal management member 30 overlaps with the main body 211. In this embodiment, along the second direction Y1, only one end of the main body 211 extends beyond one end of the thermal management member 30.

[0079] As shown in Figure 7, in another embodiment, the first end 31 is flush with the third end 2111, and the fourth end 2112 extends beyond the second end 32 along the second direction Y1. This can be understood as only one end of the main body 211 extending beyond the corresponding end of the thermal management member 30 along the second direction Y1.

[0080] Along the second direction Y1, at least one end of the thermal management member 30 extends beyond the corresponding end of the main body 211. This can be understood as at least one end of the thermal management member 30 along the second direction Y1 being located outside the projection of the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1. Along the second direction Y1, only one end of the thermal management member 30 may extend beyond the corresponding end of the main body 211. As shown in Figure 6, the first end 31 of the thermal management member 30 extends beyond the third end 2111 of the main body 211, and the fourth end 2112 of the main body 211 extends beyond the second end 32 of the thermal management member 30.

[0081] When at least one end of the thermal management member 30 along the second direction Y1 extends beyond the corresponding end of the main body 211, a portion of the thermal management member 30 along the second direction Y1 can exchange heat with areas other than the main body 211. This increases the heat exchange area between the battery cell 20 and the thermal management member 30, further improving the temperature control efficiency of the battery cell 20 by the thermal management member 30.

[0082] In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, both ends of the main body 211 extend beyond the corresponding ends of the thermal management member 30 along the second direction Y1. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 9, both ends of the thermal management member 30 extend beyond the corresponding ends of the main body 211 along the second direction Y1.

[0083] Along the second direction Y1, both ends of the main body 211 extend beyond the corresponding ends of the thermal management member 30. This can be understood as both ends of the main body 211 along the second direction Y1 being located outside the projection of the thermal management member 30 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1.

[0084] As shown in Figure 8, in an embodiment where the second direction Y1 is parallel to the width direction Y2 of the thermal management member, the thermal management member 30 has opposing first end 31 and second end 32 along the second direction Y1, and the main body 211 has opposing third end 2111 and fourth end 2112. The third end 2111 corresponds to the first end 31, and the third end 2111 extends beyond the first end 31, i.e., the third end 2111 is located outside the projection of the thermal management member 30 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1. The fourth end 2112 corresponds to the second end 32, and the fourth end 2112 extends beyond the second end 32, i.e., the fourth end 2112 is located outside the projection of the thermal management member 30 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1.

[0085] When both ends of the main body 211 along the second direction Y1 exceed both ends of the thermal management member 30, neither end of the thermal management member 30 along the second direction Y1 exceeds the battery cell 20, further reducing the risk of the thermal management member 30 interfering with other structural positions of the battery 100 along the second direction Y1, and ensuring sufficient space for installing other structures of the battery 100.

[0086] As shown in Figure 9, along the second direction Y1, both ends of the thermal management member 30 extend beyond the corresponding ends of the main body 211. This can be understood as both ends of the thermal management member 30 along the second direction Y1 being located outside the projection of the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1. As shown in Figure 9, in an embodiment where the second direction Y1 is parallel to the width direction Y2 of the thermal management member, along the second direction Y1, the thermal management member 30 has opposing first ends 31 and second ends 32, and the main body 211 has opposing third ends 2111 and fourth ends 2112. The third end 2111 corresponds to the first end 31, and the first end 31 extends beyond the third end 2111, i.e., the first end 31 is located outside the projection of the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1. The second end 32 corresponds to the fourth end 2112, and the second end 32 extends beyond the fourth end 2112, meaning that the second end 32 is located outside the projection of the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1.

[0087] When both ends of the thermal management member 30 along the second direction Y1 extend beyond the corresponding ends of the main body 211, the two portions of the thermal management member 30 that extend beyond the main body 211 along the second direction Y1 can exchange heat with areas other than the main body 211. This increases the heat exchange area between the battery cell 20 and the thermal management member 30, further improving the temperature control efficiency of the battery cell 20 by the thermal management member 30.

[0088] In an embodiment in which at least one end of the main body 211 exceeds one end of the thermal management member 30 along the second direction Y1, both ends of the thermal management member 30 may each extend beyond both ends of the main body 211 along the third direction Z1. Alternatively, both ends of the thermal management member 30 may be flush with both ends of the main body 211 along the third direction Z1. Alternatively, both ends of the main body 211 may extend beyond both ends of the thermal management member 30 along the third direction Z1. Alternatively, one end of the thermal management member 30 may be flush with one end of the main body 211 along the third direction Z1, and the other end of the thermal management member 30 may extend beyond the other end of the main body 211. Alternatively, one end of the thermal management member 30 may be flush with one end of the main body 211 along the third direction Z1, and the other end of the main body 211 may extend beyond the other end of the thermal management member 30. The first direction X1, the second direction Y1, and the third direction Z1 intersect in pairs of orthogonal directions. Figures 8 and 9 show that both ends of the thermal management member 30 along the third direction Z1 exceed both ends of the main body 211 along the third direction Z1.

[0089] As shown in Figures 7 and 10, in some embodiments, at least one end of the main body 211 is flush with the corresponding end of the heat management member 30 along the second direction Y1.

[0090] This can be understood as follows: along the second direction Y1, at least one end of the main body 211 does not exceed one end of the thermal management member 30, and that end of the thermal management member 30 does not exceed that end of the main body 211.

[0091] At least one end of the main body 211 is flush with one end of the thermal management member 30. This maximizes the overlapping area of ​​the projections of the thermal management member 30 and the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1. Consequently, the thermal management member 30 has a large effective thermal management area relative to the battery cell 20, which improves the temperature control efficiency of the battery cell 20 and is advantageous in extending the service life of the battery cell 20.

[0092] Along the second direction Y1, only one end of the main body 211 may be flush with one end of the thermal management member 30. As shown in Figure 7, in an embodiment where the second direction Y1 is parallel to the width direction Y2 of the thermal management member, along the second direction Y1, the thermal management member 30 has opposing first end 31 and second end 32, and the main body 211 has opposing third end 2111 and fourth end 2112. The first end 31 corresponds to the third end 2111, the first end 31 and the third end 2111 are flush, and the fourth end 2112 extends beyond the second end 32, i.e., the fourth end 2112 is located outside the projection of the thermal management member 30 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1. In Figure 7, the dashed line portion of the main body 211 indicates the region where the main body 211 is shielded by the thermal management member 30; in other words, the dashed line portion of the main body 211 indicates the portion where the thermal management member 30 overlaps with the main body 211. The fourth end 2112 may be one end of the tab 212 that protrudes from the main body 211, and if the fourth end 2112 extends beyond the second end 32, interference between other structures electrically connected to the tab 212 and the thermal management member 30 can be reduced.

[0093] Naturally, the first end 31 and the third end 2111 may be flush with each other, and the second end 32 may extend beyond the fourth end 2112, that is, the second end 32 is located outside the projection of the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1.

[0094] As shown in Figure 10, in another embodiment, both ends of the main body 211 are flush with both ends of the heat management member 30 along the second direction Y1.

[0095] In an embodiment in which the second direction Y1 is parallel to the width direction Y2 of the thermal management member, the thermal management member 30 has opposing first end 31 and second end 32 along the second direction Y1, and the main body 211 has opposing third end 2111 and fourth end 2112. The first end 31 corresponds to the third end 2111, and the first end 31 and the third end 2111 are flush, and the second end 32 corresponds to the fourth end 2112, and the fourth end 2112 and the second end 32 are flush.

[0096] Along the second direction Y1, both ends of the main body 211 are flush with both ends of the thermal management member 30. Therefore, the thermal management member 30 has a large effective thermal management area relative to the battery cell 20, which improves the temperature control efficiency of the battery cell 20 and is advantageous in extending the service life of the battery cell 20.

[0097] In an embodiment where at least one end of the main body 211 and one end of the thermal management member 30 are flush along the second direction Y1, both ends of the thermal management member 30 may extend beyond both ends of the main body 211 along the third direction Z1. Alternatively, both ends of the thermal management member 30 may be flush with both ends of the main body 211 along the third direction Z1. Alternatively, both ends of the main body 211 may extend beyond both ends of the thermal management member 30 along the third direction Z1. Alternatively, one end of the thermal management member 30 may be flush with one end of the main body 211, and the other end of the thermal management member 30 may extend beyond the other end of the main body 211 along the third direction Z1. Alternatively, one end of the thermal management member 30 may be flush with one end of the main body 211, and the other end of the main body 211 may extend beyond the other end of the thermal management member 30 along the third direction Z1. Figures 7 and 10 show that both ends of the thermal management member 30 along the third direction Z1 exceed both ends of the main body 211 along the third direction Z1.

[0098] In some embodiments, along a first direction X1, the main body 211 has a first surface 2113 facing the thermal management member 30. The first surface 2113 is the surface of the main body 211 with the largest area.

[0099] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the battery cell 20 is a rectangular case battery cell, and the electrode assembly 21 is a wound rectangular electrode assembly 21 as an example. The main body 211 includes a straight section 2114 and two bent sections 2115 connected to both ends of the straight section 2114. The first surface 2113 is the two opposing surfaces of the straight section 2114 in the first direction X1. The projected area S1 of the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 is the projected area S of the straight section 2114 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1. 11 The projected area S of each bent portion 2115 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1. 12 This includes, that is, S1 = S 11 +2S 12 That is the case.

[0100] The thermal management member 30 is positioned opposite the surface of the main body 211 that has the largest surface area. This increases the area over which the thermal management member 30 regulates the temperature of the battery cell 20, improving the temperature regulation efficiency of the battery cell 20 and extending the service life of the battery cell 20.

[0101] As shown in Figures 13 to 24, in some embodiments, the battery cell 20 further includes an outer case 22, electrode terminals 23, and a pressure reduction mechanism 25, the outer case 22 including multiple walls. The multiple walls jointly define a housing space for housing the electrode assembly 21. The electrode terminals 23 are used to electrically connect to the tabs 212. The pressure reduction mechanism 25 is used to release the pressure inside the battery cell 20. The pressure reduction mechanism 25 and the electrode terminals 23 are each located in different walls.

[0102] The end cover 222 described above is at least one of the multiple wall sections. The remaining wall sections of the multiple wall sections collectively form the housing 221.

[0103] The electrode terminals 23 are used to electrically connect to the tabs 212 to form the output electrodes of the battery cell 20. The electrode terminals 23 are provided on at least one wall. The electrode terminals 23 may also be provided on the end cover 222.

[0104] The pressure reduction mechanism 25 is used to release the internal pressure of the battery cell 20. For example, the pressure reduction mechanism 25 activates to release the internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 reaches a predetermined threshold. The design of the threshold varies depending on the design requirements. The threshold may depend on one or more materials among the positive electrode sheet, negative electrode sheet, electrolyte, and separator in the battery cell 20. The pressure reduction mechanism 25 can take the form of an explosion-proof valve, explosion-proof sheet, air valve, pressure reducing valve, or safety valve, and specifically a pressure-sensitive or temperature-sensitive element or structure can be used. That is, when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 reaches a predetermined threshold, the pressure reduction mechanism 25 activates or a vulnerable structure provided in the pressure reduction mechanism 25 is destroyed, forming an opening 2211 or flow path that allows the internal pressure or temperature to escape.

[0105] If the electrode terminal 23 is provided on the end cover 222, the pressure reducing mechanism 25 may be provided on the housing 221 so that the pressure reducing mechanism 25 and the electrode terminal 23 are provided on the two walls, respectively. Naturally, the electrode terminal 23 may be provided on the housing 221 and the pressure reducing mechanism 25 may be provided on the end cover 222.

[0106] The voltage output by battery 100 can reach several hundred or even several thousand volts. When battery cell 20 experiences thermal runaway, the hot flue gas released is likely to pass through the high-voltage electrical components, causing a high-voltage arc discharge and rapid heat dissipation throughout battery 100.

[0107] By positioning the pressure reduction mechanism 25 and the electrode terminals 23 on different walls, the distance between the discharged flue gas and the high-pressure bath component can be effectively increased when the battery cell 20 experiences thermal runaway, thereby effectively reducing the risk of high-pressure arc discharge.

[0108] As shown in Figures 13 to 15, in some embodiments, the pressure reduction mechanism 25 and the electrode terminal 23 are provided on two wall sections that are arranged opposite each other along the second direction Y1.

[0109] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the multiple walls forming the housing 221 include a bottom wall 2212 and side walls 2213. Along the second direction Y1, one end of the side wall 2213 surrounds the outer circumference of the bottom wall 2212, and the other end of the side wall 2213 forms an opening 2211 of the housing 221. The opening 2211 and the bottom wall 2212 are positioned opposite each other. As shown in Figure 13, the opening 2211 and the bottom wall 2212 are positioned opposite each other in the second direction Y1. The electrode terminals 23 are provided on the end cover 222, and the pressure reducing mechanism 25 is provided on the bottom wall 2212 of the housing 221. When the battery cell 20 is housed in the housing 10, the electrode terminals 23 may be facing upward, downward, or in any other direction. Since one of the electrode terminals 23 and the pressure reducing mechanism 25 is provided on the housing 221 and the other on the end cover 222, both the end cover 222 and the housing 221 have good structural strength. Therefore, the problem of reduced structural strength of the housing 221 or end cover 222 caused by simultaneously providing the pressure reducing mechanism 25 and the electrode terminals 23 on the housing 221 or end cover 222 is mitigated.

[0110] As shown in Figure 15, the multiple wall portions forming the housing 221 include a bottom wall 2212 and side walls 2213. Along the second direction Y1, one end of the side wall 2213 surrounds the outer circumference of the bottom wall 2212, and the other end of the side wall 2213 forms the opening 2211 of the housing 221. The electrode terminals 23 are provided on the bottom wall 2212 of the housing 221, and the pressure reducing mechanism 25 is provided on the end cover 222. By providing one of the electrode terminals 23 and the pressure reducing mechanism 25 on the housing 221 and the other on the end cover 222, both the end cover 222 and the housing 221 have good structural strength. Therefore, the problem of reduced structural strength of the housing 221 or the end cover 222 due to the simultaneous provision of the pressure reducing mechanism 25 and the electrode terminals 23 on the housing 221 or the end cover 222 is mitigated.

[0111] Naturally, in other embodiments, the electrode terminals 23 and the pressure reduction mechanism 25 may be provided on two opposing side walls 2213 of the housing 221, and the integration of both the electrode terminals 23 and the pressure reduction mechanism 25 into the housing 221 is advantageous for processing and manufacturing.

[0112] The pressure reduction mechanism 25 and electrode terminals 23 are provided on two opposing wall sections arranged along the second direction Y1, respectively, which facilitates installation. Furthermore, even if the battery cell 20 experiences thermal runaway, the discharged flue gas is away from the high-pressure bus component, effectively reducing the risk of high-pressure arc discharge.

[0113] In other embodiments, the pressure reduction mechanism 25 and the electrode terminals 23 are provided on two intersecting wall sections, respectively. The two intersecting wall sections refer to two non-parallel walls. For example, the side wall 2213 and the end cover 222 intersect, and two adjacent sections of the side wall 2213 intersect.

[0114] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the electrode terminal 23 is provided on the end cover 222, and the pressure reducing mechanism 25 is provided on the side wall 2213 of the housing 221. By providing one of the electrode terminal 23 and the pressure reducing mechanism 25 on the housing 221 and the other on the end cover 222, both the end cover 222 and the housing 221 have good structural strength. Therefore, the problem of reduced structural strength of the housing 221 or end cover 222 caused by simultaneously providing the pressure reducing mechanism 25 and the electrode terminal 23 on the housing 221 or end cover 222 is mitigated.

[0115] As shown in Figure 18, the pressure reduction mechanism 25 is provided on the side wall 2213 of the housing 221, and the electrode terminals 23 are provided on the bottom wall 2212 of the housing 221.

[0116] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the electrode terminals 23 may be provided on the side wall 2213 of the housing 221, and the pressure reducing mechanism 25 may be provided on the bottom wall 2212 of the housing 221.

[0117] As shown in Figure 18, in some embodiments, the electrode assembly 21 includes two tabs 212 with opposite polarities. Along the second direction Y1, the two tabs 212 are provided at the same end of the main body 211.

[0118] One of the two tabs 212 is the positive electrode tab, and the other is the negative electrode tab. The two tabs 212 protrude from the main body 211 from the same end along the second direction Y1 of the main body 211.

[0119] By providing the two tabs 212 at the same end of the main body 211, when assembling the battery cell 20, the two tabs 212 can be connected to other structures at the same end of the main body 211, making the assembly of the battery cell 20 even easier and contributing to improved assembly efficiency.

[0120] As shown in Figures 19 to 22, in another embodiment, the electrode assembly 21 includes two tabs 212 with opposite polarities. Along the second direction Y1, the two tabs 212 are provided at opposite ends of the main body 211.

[0121] The provision of two tabs 212 at opposite ends of the main body 211 reduces the risk of short-circuiting the battery cell 20 and reduces the risk of interference between the two tabs 212 when they are connected to other structures.

[0122] The battery cell 20 may include only one electrode terminal 23, with one of the two tabs 212 electrically connected to the electrode terminal 23 and the other of the two tabs 212 electrically connected to the outer case 22.

[0123] As shown in Figures 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22, in some embodiments, the battery cell 20 further includes two electrode terminals 23, each of which is used to electrically connect to two tabs 212.

[0124] The two electrode terminals 23 may be provided on the same wall of the outer case 22; for example, both electrode terminals 23 may be provided on the end cover 222 (as shown in Figure 17). Alternatively, both electrode terminals 23 may be provided on the same side wall 2213 of the housing 221. Alternatively, both electrode terminals 23 may be provided on the bottom wall 2212 of the housing 221 (as shown in Figure 18).

[0125] The two electrode terminals 23 may be provided on two walls of the outer case 22, for example, one of the two electrode terminals 23 may be provided on the end cover 222 and the other on the housing 221. Alternatively, the two electrode terminals 23 may be provided on two opposing side walls 2213 of the housing 221 (as shown in Figures 19, 20, 21, and 22). Alternatively, one of the two electrode terminals 23 may be provided on a side wall 2213 of the housing 221 and the other on the bottom wall 2212 of the housing 221.

[0126] The two electrode terminals 23 are electrically connected to the two tabs 212, respectively, which reduces the risk of short-circuiting the battery cell 20.

[0127] As shown in Figures 23 and 24, in some embodiments, the second direction Y1 may be parallel to the longitudinal direction Z2 of the thermal management member.

[0128] As shown in Figures 23 and 24, the two tabs 212 with opposite polarity protrude from the main body 211 from the same end along the second direction Y1 of the main body 211, and both electrode terminals 23 are provided on the wall portion of the outer case 22 facing the two tabs 212. In Figure 23, the wall portion of the outer case 22 facing the tabs 212 is the end cover 222, and both electrode terminals 23 are provided on the end cover 222. The pressure reducing mechanism 25 is provided on the bottom wall 2212 of the housing 221, facing the electrode terminals 23. In Figure 24, the wall portion of the outer case 22 facing the tabs 212 is the end cover 222, and both electrode terminals 23 are provided on the end cover 222. The pressure reducing mechanism 25 is provided on the side wall 2213 of the housing 221. This facilitates electrical connection between the electrode terminals 23 and the tabs 212, and allows any wall portion of the housing 221 to have good structural strength.

[0129] In some embodiments, the projection of the tab 212 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 and the projection of the thermal management member 30 adjacent to the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 overlap at least partially.

[0130] In an embodiment where two tabs 212 with opposite polarities are both located at the same end of the main body 211, as shown in Figure 25, the projection of each tab 212 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 and the projection of the thermal management member 30 adjacent to the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 may only partially overlap. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 9, the projection of each tab 212 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 may be located entirely inside the projection of the thermal management member 30 adjacent to the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1.

[0131] In an embodiment where two tabs 212 with opposite polarities are located at opposite ends of the main body 211, as shown in Figure 26, the projection of one tab 212 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 and the projection of the thermal management member 30 adjacent to the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 may only partially overlap, while the projection of the other tab 212 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 and the projection of the thermal management member 30 adjacent to the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 may not overlap at all. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 27, the projection of one tab 212 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 may be located entirely inside the projection of the thermal management member 30 adjacent to the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1, while the projection of the other tab 212 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 and the projection of the thermal management member 30 adjacent to the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 may not overlap at all. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 28, only a portion of the projection of each tab 212 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 may overlap with the projection of the thermal management member 30 adjacent to the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1. Or, as shown in Figure 21, the projection of each tab 212 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 may be located entirely inside the projection of the thermal management member 30 adjacent to the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1.

[0132] Because the temperature of the tab 212 is high during the charging and discharging process of the battery cell 20, the projection of the tab in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 at least partially overlaps with the projection of the thermal management member 30 adjacent to the main body 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1. As a result, the thermal management member 30 can exchange heat with the tab 212, removing heat from the tab 212 and reducing the risk of thermal runaway of the battery cell 20.

[0133] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 29, the thermal management member 30 is provided between at least two adjacent battery cells 20 along the first direction X1.

[0134] Along the first direction X1, a thermal management member 30 may be provided between every two adjacent battery cells 20, or a thermal management member 30 may be provided between some adjacent battery cells 20, while a thermal management member 30 may not be provided between other adjacent battery cells 20. Figure 29 shows the case where a thermal management member 30 is provided between every two adjacent battery cells 20.

[0135] By providing thermal management members 30 to two adjacent battery cells 20 along the first direction X1, the thermal management members 30 can perform heat exchange with both battery cells 20 simultaneously, improving heat exchange efficiency and further enhancing the temperature control capability of the thermal management members 30 for the battery cells 20. Furthermore, when one of the two battery cells 20 with the thermal management members 30 between them experiences thermal runaway, the thermal management members 30 act as an insulating layer, reducing the amount of heat transferred from the runaway battery cell 20 to the other adjacent battery cell 20 and delaying the occurrence of heat diffusion. Since the thermal management members 30 can perform both thermal management and insulating layer functions, the space utilization rate of the battery 100 is improved, thereby increasing the energy density of the battery 100.

[0136] In some embodiments, multiple thermal management members 30 are provided at intervals along a first direction X1. At least one battery cell 20 is provided between two adjacent thermal management members 30.

[0137] "Multiple" means two or more. Between two adjacent thermal management members 30, only one battery cell 20 may be provided, or multiple battery cells 20 may be provided. Between each pair of adjacent thermal management members 30, the same number of battery cells 20 may be provided, or different numbers of battery cells 20 may be provided. Figure 29 shows the case where one battery cell 20 is provided between any two adjacent thermal management members 30.

[0138] Multiple thermal control members 30 can work together to regulate the temperature of the battery cell 20, improving temperature control efficiency, thereby ensuring the battery cell 20 operates normally and reducing the risk of thermal runaway. By positioning at least one battery cell 20 between two adjacent thermal control members 30, the occurrence of heat diffusion from both sides along the first direction X1 of the battery cell 20 can be delayed.

[0139] Continuing with Figure 29, the battery cells 20 and thermal management members 30 are arranged alternately along the first direction X1. This ensures that each battery cell 20 has at least one thermal management member 30 facing it, and that the thermal management member 30 regulates its temperature, thereby reducing the temperature difference between each battery cell 20 in the battery 100. This results in a more uniform temperature distribution inside the battery 100, which is advantageous for achieving normal charging and discharging of the battery 100.

[0140] Embodiments of the present application further provide a power consumption device including a battery 100 provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0141] Battery 100 provides electrical energy to the power consumption device so that the power consumption device can perform its function properly.

[0142] Embodiments of the present application provide a battery 100 comprising a plurality of battery cells 20 stacked along a first direction X1. Along the first direction X1, a thermal management member 30 is provided between two adjacent battery cells 20. Each battery cell 20 includes an outer case 22, an electrode assembly 21, two electrode terminals 23, and a pressure reducing mechanism 25. The electrode assembly 21 includes a body portion 211 and two tabs 212 protruding from the body portion 211 along a second direction Y1 and having opposite polarity. The two electrode terminals 23 are electrically connected to the two tabs 212, respectively, via a current collector member 24. The electrode terminals 23 and the pressure reducing mechanism 25 are provided on two walls of the outer case 22, respectively. Preferably, the electrode terminals 23 and the pressure reducing mechanism 25 are provided on two opposing walls of the outer case 22, respectively.

[0143] The projection of the main body portion 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 and the projection of the thermal management member 30 adjacent to the main body portion 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 overlap at least partially. The projected area of ​​the main body portion 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 is S1, and the area of ​​the overlapping portion of the projection of the main body portion 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 and the projection of the thermal management member 30 adjacent to the main body portion 211 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction X1 is S2, satisfying 0.05 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 1, and preferably 0.25 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 1.

[0144] The foregoing description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present application and does not limit it, and various modifications and changes are possible for those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the scope of the spirit and principles of the present application should all be included within the scope of protection of the present application. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0145] 1000 vehicles 100 batteries 10 cabinets 11 Part 1 12 Part 2 20 battery cells 21 Electrode Assembly 211 Main body 2111 3rd end 2112 4th end 2113 1st surface 2114 Straight section 2115 Bending section 212 tabs 22 Outer case 221 Housing 2211 Aperture 2212 Bottom wall 2213 Side wall 222 End cover 23 Electrode terminal 24 Current collector 25 Pressure reduction mechanism 30 Thermal Management Components 31 1st end 32 2nd end 200 controllers 300 motor X1 1st direction Y1 2nd direction Z1 3rd direction X2 Thickness direction of thermal management member Y2 Width direction of thermal management member Z2 Length direction of thermal management member

Claims

1. It includes multiple battery cells and a thermal management component, The plurality of battery cells are arranged in a stack along a first direction, and each of the battery cells includes an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly includes a body and a tab protruding from the body along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The thermal management member is provided facing the battery cell along the first direction and is configured to regulate the temperature of the battery cell. The projection of the main body in a plane perpendicular to the first direction overlaps at least partially with the projection of the heat management member adjacent to the main body in a plane perpendicular to the first direction. A battery in which, along the second direction, at least one end of the main body extends beyond the corresponding end of the thermal management member.

2. The projected area of ​​the main body in a plane perpendicular to the first direction is S １ The area of ​​the portion where the projection of the main body portion in a plane perpendicular to the first direction and the projection of the heat management member adjacent to the main body portion in a plane perpendicular to the first direction overlap is S ２ Therefore, 0.05 ≤ S ２ / S １ The battery according to claim 1, satisfying ≤ 1.

3. 0.25 ≤ S ２ / S １ The battery according to claim 2, wherein ≤ 1.

4. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, along the second direction, both ends of the main body portion each extend beyond the corresponding ends of the thermal management member.

5. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one end of the main body is flush with the corresponding end of the thermal management member along the second direction.

6. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, along the first direction, the main body portion has a first surface facing the heat management member, and the first surface is the surface with the largest area of ​​the main body portion.

7. The aforementioned battery cell further includes an outer case, electrode terminals, and a pressure reduction mechanism. The aforementioned outer case includes a plurality of wall sections, and the plurality of wall sections jointly define a housing space for housing the electrode assembly. The electrode terminal is used to electrically connect to the tab. The pressure reduction mechanism is used to release the pressure inside the battery cell. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pressure reducing mechanism and the electrode terminals are each provided on different parts of the wall.

8. The battery according to claim 7, wherein the pressure reducing mechanism and the electrode terminals are provided on two wall portions that are arranged opposite to each other along the second direction, or the pressure reducing mechanism and the electrode terminals are provided on two wall portions that are arranged to intersect each other.

9. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrode assembly includes two tabs having opposite polarities, and the two tabs are provided at the same end of the main body along the second direction.

10. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrode assembly includes two tabs having opposite polarities, and along the second direction, the two tabs are provided at opposite ends of the main body.

11. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the projection of the tab in a plane perpendicular to the first direction at least partially overlaps with the projection of the thermal management member adjacent to the main body in a plane perpendicular to the first direction.

12. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the thermal management member is provided between at least two adjacent battery cells along the first direction.

13. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of the thermal management members are provided, the plurality of thermal management members are provided at intervals along the first direction, and at least one of the battery cells is provided between two adjacent thermal management members.

14. The battery according to claim 13, wherein the battery cells and the thermal management members are arranged alternately along the first direction.

15. A power consumption device including a battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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