Battery cell, battery, and electric device

Abstract

A battery cell, a battery, and an electric device, capable of improving the reliability of the battery cell. The battery cell comprises: a casing, having a first wall; a pressure relief mechanism, arranged on the first wall; an electrode assembly, accommodated in the casing; and a supporting member, arranged opposite to the pressure relief mechanism and used for limiting the electrode assembly to move towards the first wall.

Description

Battery cells, batteries and electrical devices

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on August 16, 2023, with application number 202311034122.8 and application name “Battery Cell, Battery and Electrical Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of batteries, and more specifically, to a battery cell, a battery, and an electrical device. Background Art

[0003] Energy conservation and emission reduction are key to the sustainable development of the automotive industry. In this context, electric vehicles, due to their energy-saving and environmentally friendly advantages, have become a crucial component of the industry's sustainable development. Battery technology, in turn, is a crucial factor in the development of electric vehicles.

[0004] With the development of battery technology, various battery performance indicators are constantly improving. During battery use, the reliability of the electrical performance of battery cells is an important factor in measuring battery quality. Therefore, how to improve the reliability of battery cells remains an unresolved issue.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a battery cell, a battery, and an electrical device, which can improve the reliability of the battery cell.

[0007] In a first aspect, a battery cell is provided, comprising: a housing having a first wall;

[0008] a pressure relief mechanism, the pressure relief mechanism being arranged on the first wall; an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly being accommodated in the shell; and a support member, the support member being arranged opposite to the pressure relief mechanism and being used to limit the movement of the electrode assembly toward the first wall.

[0009] The support member is arranged relative to the pressure relief mechanism, and can limit the movement of the pressure relief mechanism when the electrode assembly moves toward the pressure relief mechanism, so that the electrode assembly is not easy to block the pressure relief mechanism, which is conducive to the actuation of the pressure relief mechanism under the action of high-temperature and high-pressure substances inside the battery cell to quickly discharge the temperature or pressure inside the battery cell, thereby improving the reliability of the battery cell.

[0010] In some embodiments, an exhaust channel is provided between the support member and the pressure relief mechanism, connecting the pressure relief mechanism and the electrode assembly.

[0011] In the embodiments of the present application, the drain channel facilitates the movement of high-temperature, high-pressure materials toward the pressure relief mechanism, enabling the pressure relief mechanism to be activated and quickly discharge the high-temperature, high-pressure materials from the battery cell. Furthermore, the support member forms the drain channel, limiting its deformation and reducing the likelihood of blockage by the electrode assembly. This maintains the channel's unobstructed flow to a certain extent, improving the reliability of the battery cell.

[0012] In some embodiments, the battery cell includes an insulating member disposed between the electrode assembly and the first wall, and the supporting member is connected to the insulating member.

[0013] In the embodiment of the present application, the insulating member can play an insulating role to insulate the electrode assembly from the first wall. The connection between the supporting member and the insulating member can also reduce the possibility of the supporting member connecting the electrode assembly to the first wall.

[0014] In some embodiments, the support member is disposed between the first wall and the insulating member.

[0015] During normal use of the battery cell, the support member disposed between the first wall and the insulating member can reduce the likelihood of contact between the electrode assembly and the support member. Furthermore, the insulating member helps to separate the support member from at least a portion of the electrode assembly, thereby improving the insulation performance between the support member and the electrode assembly.

[0016] In some embodiments, the support member is connected to a surface of the insulating member facing the first wall.

[0017] The part where the support member is connected to the insulating member can be insulated from the electrode assembly by the insulating member. At the same time, the part where the support member is connected to the insulating member is located between the insulating member and the first wall, which can reduce the possibility of the support member being dislocated when squeezed by the electrode assembly and strengthen the protection of the support member to the pressure relief mechanism.

[0018] In some embodiments, the insulating member includes a first through hole, the first through hole is arranged opposite to the pressure relief mechanism in the thickness direction of the first wall, and at least a portion of the support member is accommodated in the first through hole.

[0019] In the embodiments of the present application, high-temperature, high-pressure gas within the battery cell can quickly reach the area where the pressure relief mechanism is located through the first through-hole, facilitating activation of the pressure relief mechanism to quickly release the temperature or pressure within the battery cell. At least a portion of the support member is accommodated in the first through-hole, allowing a certain gap to remain between the support member and the pressure relief mechanism. This prevents the electrode assembly from moving toward the first wall while maintaining a clear discharge channel.

[0020] In some embodiments, a surface of the support member facing the electrode assembly is provided with an insulating layer.

[0021] The insulating layer can improve the insulation performance between the support member and the electrode assembly. Even when the electrode assembly is in contact with the support member, the electrical energy generated in the electrode assembly is not easily conducted to the first wall, thereby improving the reliability of the battery cell.

[0022] In some embodiments, a second groove is provided on a surface of the insulating member facing the first wall, and an accommodation space is formed between the second groove and the first wall, and the supporting member is accommodated in the accommodation space.

[0023] The raised structure formed by the second groove on the side of the insulating member facing the electrode assembly protects the support member, preventing it from falling into the area where the electrode assembly is located. Furthermore, the raised structure insulates the support member from the electrode assembly, reducing the possibility of the support member electrically connecting the electrode assembly to the first wall.

[0024] In some embodiments, the second groove has an opening in the length direction of the first wall and / or the width direction of the first wall, and the opening is used to connect the pressure relief mechanism and the electrode assembly.

[0025] The opening of the second groove in the length direction of the first wall and / or the width direction of the first wall is conducive to guiding the high-temperature and high-pressure materials inside the battery cell to be discharged quickly toward the pressure relief mechanism, so as to quickly release the temperature or pressure inside the battery cell, thereby improving the reliability of the battery cell.

[0026] In some embodiments, in the thickness direction of the first wall, a projection of the bottom wall of the second groove covers a projection of the supporting member.

[0027] The projection of the bottom wall of the second groove covers the projection of the support member, which can prevent the electrode assembly from directly contacting the support member during the movement toward the first wall, thereby strengthening the insulation between the support member and the electrode assembly and improving the reliability of the battery cell.

[0028] In some embodiments, the support member includes a connected support wall and at least one connecting portion, the support wall is used to limit the movement of the electrode assembly toward the first wall, and the connecting portion is used to connect the insulating member and the support wall.

[0029] The support member is connected to the insulating member through the connecting part so that there is a certain gap between the support member and the pressure relief structure. The support member can still reserve at least part of the discharge channel for the pressure relief mechanism while restricting the movement of the electrode assembly, so that the high-temperature and high-pressure materials inside the battery cell can reach the pressure relief mechanism through the discharge channel.

[0030] In some embodiments, the connecting portion is snap-fitted to the insulating member.

[0031] The connecting portion and the insulating member are connected by snapping, which can easily fix the supporting member and the insulating member, and at the same time can enhance the fixing strength between the two, so that the supporting member is not easy to fall off from the insulating member.

[0032] In some embodiments, the insulating member is provided with a first groove, an opening direction of the first groove is perpendicular to a thickness direction of the first wall, and at least a portion of the connecting portion is accommodated in the first groove.

[0033] The first groove can limit the movement of the connecting portion, thereby achieving a fixed connection between the supporting member and the insulating member, and can also improve the connection strength between the supporting member and the insulating member, so that the supporting member is not easily detached from the insulating member.

[0034] In some embodiments, a first protrusion is provided on the surface of the insulating component, and the first groove is provided in the first protrusion.

[0035] Providing a first protrusion on the surface of the insulating member and providing a first groove within the first protrusion can increase the strength of the insulating member and enhance the limiting effect between the insulating member and the support member. Furthermore, thickening the connecting portion can also increase the strength of the support member, making it less susceptible to damage when squeezed by the electrode assembly, thereby limiting the movement of the electrode assembly.

[0036] In some embodiments, the portion of the connecting portion accommodated in the first groove is provided with a first step structure, the first groove has a second step structure, and the first step structure and the second step structure cooperate with each other.

[0037] During the assembly process, the narrower part of the first step structure first passes through the wider part of the second step structure, and then extends into the narrower part of the second step structure. The cooperation between the first step structure and the second step structure is conducive to guiding the connecting wall to be accommodated in the first groove, thereby reducing the positioning accuracy during the assembly process.

[0038] In some embodiments, the connecting portion is connected to a surface of the insulating member facing the first wall.

[0039] The connection between the connecting portion and the surface of the insulating member facing the first wall allows the supporting member to be fixed by both the first wall and the insulating member at the same time. It is not easy to be dislocated when squeezed by the electrode assembly, and can play a certain protective role for the pressure relief mechanism in a position opposite to the pressure relief mechanism.

[0040] In some embodiments, the connection portion is connected to a surface of the insulating member facing the electrode assembly.

[0041] The support wall can limit the deformation of the electrode assembly, making it difficult for the electrode assembly to move further toward the pressure relief mechanism. The connecting portion can connect the support wall with the insulating component, so that the support component can limit the deformation of the electrode assembly at a fixed position, so that a certain gap can be maintained between the electrode assembly and the pressure relief mechanism, thereby keeping the discharge channel unobstructed.

[0042] In some embodiments, the connecting portion includes at least one first connecting wall parallel to a thickness direction of the first wall, and the first connecting wall is used to form a gap between the insulating member and the supporting wall.

[0043] The gap between the first connecting wall and the first wall can maintain a certain discharge channel in the area around the pressure relief mechanism, so that high-temperature and high-pressure substances can reach the pressure relief mechanism along the discharge channel, thereby actuating the pressure relief mechanism to discharge high-temperature and high-pressure substances inside the battery cell.

[0044] In some embodiments, the connecting portion includes a second connecting wall connecting the first connecting wall and the insulating member.

[0045] The second connecting wall can increase the connection area between the supporting member and the insulating member, which is beneficial to improving the connection strength between the supporting member and the insulating member, so that the supporting member is not easily deformed or falls off from the insulating member when squeezed by the electrode assembly, and can effectively restrict the movement of the electrode assembly.

[0046] In some embodiments, at least one first connecting wall includes two first connecting walls, and the two first connecting walls are oppositely arranged at edges of the supporting wall.

[0047] The oppositely arranged first connecting walls can make the connection between the supporting member and the insulating member more stable, and are less likely to deform in the process of restricting the movement of the electrode assembly, which is beneficial to better restricting the movement of the electrode assembly.

[0048] In some embodiments, the first connecting wall has a through hole, and the through hole is used to connect the pressure relief mechanism and the electrode assembly.

[0049] The through hole can increase the discharge channel and discharge path inside the battery cell, which is conducive to guiding the high-temperature and high-pressure materials inside the battery cell to flow in the direction of the pressure relief mechanism, so that the pressure relief mechanism can be actuated to quickly discharge the high-temperature and high-pressure materials, reducing the possibility of more serious explosion accidents, thereby improving the reliability of the battery cell.

[0050] In some embodiments, a projection of the support wall in the thickness direction of the first wall covers a projection of the pressure relief mechanism in the thickness direction of the first wall.

[0051] The support member can protect the pressure relief mechanism over a larger range, so that when the electrode assembly moves toward the first wall, it will be restricted by the support member on the one hand, and on the other hand it will be difficult to move directly to the pressure relief mechanism and block the pressure relief mechanism, thereby maintaining the unobstructed discharge channel inside the battery cell and improving the reliability of the battery cell.

[0052] In some embodiments, the support member is connected to a surface of the first wall facing the electrode assembly in a thickness direction of the first wall.

[0053] The connection between the support member and the first wall can more directly protect the pressure relief mechanism, reduce the possibility of the electrode assembly blocking the pressure relief mechanism when moving toward the first wall, and help improve the reliability of the battery cell.

[0054] In some embodiments, the support member includes a connected support wall and at least one connecting portion, the support wall is used to limit the movement of the electrode assembly toward the first wall, and the connecting portion is used to connect the first wall and the support wall.

[0055] The connecting portion in the support member can realize the connection between the first wall and the support member. The support wall can limit the movement of the electrode assembly while keeping the internal discharge channel of the battery cell unobstructed, so that the pressure relief mechanism can be actuated under the action of high temperature and high pressure substances inside the battery cell.

[0056] In some embodiments, the connecting portion includes at least one first connecting wall parallel to a thickness direction of the first wall, and the first connecting wall is used to form a gap between the first wall and the supporting wall.

[0057] The gap between the first connecting wall and the first wall can maintain a certain discharge channel in the area around the pressure relief mechanism, so that high-temperature and high-pressure substances can reach the pressure relief mechanism along the discharge channel, thereby actuating the pressure relief mechanism to discharge high-temperature and high-pressure substances inside the battery cell.

[0058] In some embodiments, the connecting portion includes a second connecting wall connecting the first connecting wall and the first wall.

[0059] The second connecting wall can increase the connection area between the support member and the insulating member, which is beneficial to improving the connection strength between the support member and the first wall, so that the support member is not easily deformed or falls off from the insulating member when squeezed by the electrode assembly, and can effectively restrict the movement of the electrode assembly.

[0060] In some embodiments, at least one first connecting wall includes two first connecting walls, and the two first connecting walls are oppositely arranged at edges of the supporting wall.

[0061] The oppositely arranged first connecting walls can make the connection between the support member and the first wall more stable, and are less likely to deform in the process of restricting the movement of the electrode assembly, which is beneficial to better restricting the movement of the electrode assembly.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first connecting wall has a through hole, and the through hole is used to connect the pressure relief mechanism and the electrode assembly.

[0063] The through hole can increase the discharge channel and discharge path inside the battery cell, which is conducive to guiding the high-temperature and high-pressure materials inside the battery cell to flow in the direction of the pressure relief mechanism, so that the pressure relief mechanism can be actuated to quickly discharge the high-temperature and high-pressure materials, reducing the possibility of more serious explosion accidents, thereby improving the reliability of the battery cell.

[0064] In some embodiments, a projection of the support wall in the thickness direction of the first wall covers a projection of the pressure relief mechanism in the thickness direction of the first wall.

[0065] The support member can protect the pressure relief mechanism over a larger range, so that when the electrode assembly moves toward the first wall, it will be restricted by the support member on the one hand, and on the other hand it will be difficult to move directly to the pressure relief mechanism and block the pressure relief mechanism, thereby maintaining the unobstructed discharge channel inside the battery cell and improving the reliability of the battery cell.

[0066] In some embodiments, the battery cell includes an insulating member disposed between the electrode assembly and the first wall.

[0067] The insulating component can play an insulating role, insulating the electrode assembly from the first wall, and reducing the possibility of conduction between the electrode assembly and the first wall.

[0068] In some embodiments, the insulating member includes a first through hole, the first through hole is arranged opposite to the pressure relief mechanism in the thickness direction of the first wall, and at least a portion of the support member is accommodated in the first through hole.

[0069] In the embodiments of the present application, high-temperature, high-pressure gas within the battery cell can quickly reach the area where the pressure relief mechanism is located through the first through-hole, facilitating activation of the pressure relief mechanism to quickly release the temperature or pressure within the battery cell. At least a portion of the support member is accommodated in the first through-hole, allowing a certain gap to remain between the support member and the pressure relief mechanism. This prevents the electrode assembly from moving toward the first wall while maintaining a clear discharge channel.

[0070] In some embodiments, a surface of the support member facing the electrode assembly is provided with an insulating layer.

[0071] The insulating layer can improve the insulation performance between the support member and the electrode assembly. Even when the electrode assembly is in contact with the support member, the electrical energy generated in the electrode assembly is not easily conducted to the first wall, thereby improving the reliability of the battery cell.

[0072] In some embodiments, a second groove is provided on a surface of the insulating member facing the first wall, and an accommodation space is formed between the second groove and the first wall, and the supporting member is accommodated in the accommodation space.

[0073] The raised structure formed by the second groove on the side of the insulating member facing the electrode assembly protects the support member, preventing it from falling into the area where the electrode assembly is located. Furthermore, the raised structure insulates the support member from the electrode assembly, reducing the possibility of the support member electrically connecting the electrode assembly to the first wall.

[0074] In some embodiments, the second groove has an opening in the length direction of the first wall and / or the width direction of the first wall, and the opening is used to connect the pressure relief mechanism and the electrode assembly.

[0075] The opening of the second groove in the length direction of the first wall and / or the width direction of the first wall is conducive to guiding the high-temperature and high-pressure materials inside the battery cell to be discharged quickly toward the pressure relief mechanism, so as to quickly release the temperature or pressure inside the battery cell, thereby improving the reliability of the battery cell.

[0076] In some embodiments, in the thickness direction of the first wall, a projection of the bottom wall of the second groove covers a projection of the supporting member.

[0077] The projection of the bottom wall of the second groove covers the projection of the support member, which can prevent the electrode assembly from directly contacting the support member during the movement toward the first wall, thereby strengthening the insulation between the support member and the electrode assembly and improving the reliability of the battery cell.

[0078] In some embodiments, the melting point of the support member is higher than the melting point of the insulating member.

[0079] In the same temperature environment, the supporting member is less likely to melt or dissolve than the insulating member, and can maintain its original shape and position inside the battery cell, thereby restricting the electrode assembly moving toward the pressure relief mechanism, making it difficult for the electrode assembly to move to a position that blocks the discharge channel, thereby limiting the deformation of the discharge channel and providing a discharge channel for high-temperature and high-pressure materials to reach the pressure relief mechanism, which is beneficial to improving the reliability of the battery cell.

[0080] In some embodiments, the melting point of the support member is greater than 100°C.

[0081] In the embodiment of the present application, a support member with a melting point greater than 100°C is used, which is advantageous in that it is not easily melted when thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell, thereby enabling a gas exhaust passage connected to the pressure relief mechanism to be formed between the first wall and the electrode assembly, so that the thermal runaway gas can be discharged to the outside of the battery cell through the pressure relief mechanism in a timely manner, which is beneficial in improving the reliability of the battery cell.

[0082] In a second aspect, a battery is provided, comprising the battery cell described in any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0083] In a third aspect, an electrical device is provided, comprising the battery described in any embodiment of the second aspect, wherein the battery is used to provide electrical energy to the electrical device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0084] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without creative work.

[0085] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0086] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0087] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery cell provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0088] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of another battery cell provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0089] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of an insulating member and a supporting member provided in an embodiment of the present application, on a side facing the first wall in the thickness direction of the first wall.

[0090] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of the structure in FIG5 on a side facing the electrode assembly in the thickness direction of the first wall.

[0091] FIG7 is a cross-sectional view of the structure in FIG5 along the AA direction.

[0092] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of another insulating member and a supporting member provided in an embodiment of the present application, on a side facing the electrode assembly in the thickness direction of the first wall.

[0093] FIG9 is an enlarged structural diagram of the M portion in FIG8 .

[0094] FIG10 is a cross-sectional view of the structure in FIG8 along the BB direction.

[0095] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a support member provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0096] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of another insulating member and a supporting member provided in an embodiment of the present application, on a side facing the electrode assembly in the thickness direction of the first wall.

[0097] FIG13 is a cross-sectional view of the structure in FIG12 along the CC direction.

[0098] FIG14 is an enlarged structural diagram of portion N in FIG13 .

[0099] In the drawings, the drawings are not drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0100] The following detailed description of the embodiments of the present application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples. The following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings are used to illustrate the principles of the present application, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present application, that is, the present application is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0101] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," etc., indicating directions or positional relationships, are used solely for the purpose of facilitating the description of this application and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed, or operate in a specific direction. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. "Perpendicular" does not mean perpendicular in the strict sense, but rather within the tolerance range. "Parallel" does not mean parallel in the strict sense, but rather within the tolerance range. All technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used in this application and in the specification of the application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application. The terms "including," "having," and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the accompanying drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0102] The directional words appearing in the following description are all directions shown in the figures, and do not limit the specific structure of this application. In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0103] References to "embodiments" in this application mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application may be combined with other embodiments.

[0104] The term "and / or" in this application simply describes an association relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists, A and B exist, and B exists. In addition, the character " / " in this application generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0105] The term "multiple" in this application refers to more than two (including two). Similarly, "multiple groups" refers to more than two groups (including two groups), and "multiple pieces" refers to more than two pieces (including two pieces).

[0106] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals represent the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components in different embodiments are omitted. It should be understood that the thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the various components in the embodiments of this application, as well as the overall thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the integrated device shown in the drawings are merely illustrative and should not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0107] In this application, battery cells may include lithium-ion secondary batteries, lithium-ion primary batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, sodium-lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, lithium metal batteries, or magnesium-ion batteries, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this. Battery cells may be cylindrical, flat, rectangular, or other shapes, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this. Battery cells are generally divided into three types based on the packaging method: cylindrical battery cells, prismatic battery cells, and soft-pack battery cells, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0108] The battery referred to in the embodiments of this application refers to a single physical module that includes 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. A battery generally includes a casing that encloses one or more battery cells. The casing prevents liquids or other foreign matter from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells.

[0109] A battery cell includes an electrode assembly and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly consists of a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator. A battery cell primarily operates by the movement of metal ions between the positive and negative electrode sheets. The positive electrode sheet includes a positive current collector and a positive active material layer. The positive active material layer is coated on the surface of the positive electrode collector. The uncoated positive electrode collector protrudes from the coated positive electrode collector, and the uncoated positive electrode collector serves as the positive electrode tab. For lithium-ion batteries, for example, the positive electrode current collector can be made of aluminum, and the positive electrode active material can be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganese oxide. The negative electrode sheet includes a negative current collector and a negative active material layer. The negative active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative electrode collector. The uncoated negative electrode collector protrudes from the coated negative electrode collector, and the uncoated negative electrode collector serves as the negative electrode tab. The negative electrode current collector can be made of copper, and the negative electrode active material can be made of carbon, silicon, lithium metal, or a lithium alloy. To ensure that high current can pass without melting, the positive electrode tabs are multiple and stacked together, and the negative electrode tabs are multiple and stacked together. The separator can be made of polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE). In addition, the electrode assembly in the embodiments of the present application includes but is not limited to a wound structure or a laminated structure.

[0110] During the use of battery cells, the battery cells may produce a large amount of high-temperature and high-pressure substances such as thermal runaway gases due to mechanical external forces or internal chemical reactions. These high-temperature and high-pressure substances need to reach the pressure relief structure through the discharge channel formed by the through holes set on the electrode assembly and other structures inside the battery cell, and the pressure relief mechanism is actuated by high temperature or high pressure to discharge the high-temperature and high-pressure substances inside the battery cell. However, as the energy density of battery cells continues to increase, the thermal runaway rate of battery cells continues to increase, and the gas production rate and gas production volume increase significantly. When the gas production rate and gas production volume are large enough, the electrode assembly may move towards the pressure relief mechanism under the drive of the high-temperature and high-pressure substances, blocking the pressure relief mechanism and causing the pressure relief mechanism to be unable to actuate normally, and thus unable to quickly discharge the high-temperature and high-pressure substances. In this case, the battery cell is prone to cracking, and the reliability of the battery cell is greatly reduced.

[0111] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides a battery cell, in which a support member is provided, and the support member is arranged opposite to the pressure relief mechanism. Even if the electrode assembly moves toward the pressure relief mechanism under the drive of high-temperature and high-pressure substances, the support member can limit the movement of the electrode assembly toward the pressure relief mechanism, reduce the distance that the electrode assembly moves toward the pressure relief mechanism, and make it difficult for the electrode assembly to move to a position that blocks the pressure relief mechanism, thereby maintaining the patency of the discharge channel, which is beneficial to increasing the discharge speed of high-temperature and high-pressure substances inside the battery cell and improving the reliability of the battery cell.

[0112] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present application are applicable to various battery-powered electrical devices. Electrical devices may be vehicles, mobile phones, portable devices, laptop computers, ships, spacecraft, electric toys, and electric tools, etc. Vehicles may be fuel vehicles, gas vehicles, or new energy vehicles. New energy vehicles may be pure electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, or extended-range vehicles, etc. Spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc. Electric toys include fixed or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. Electric tools include metal cutting electric tools, grinding electric tools, assembly electric tools, and railway electric tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, impact drills, concrete vibrators, and electric planers, etc. The embodiments of the present application include but are not limited to the above-mentioned electrical devices.

[0113] For the convenience of description, the following embodiments are described by taking a vehicle as an example of an electrical device.

[0114] As shown in Figure 1, it is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. The vehicle 1 can be a fuel vehicle, a gas vehicle or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle or an extended-range vehicle, etc. A motor 90, a controller 80 and a battery 10 can be provided inside the vehicle 1. The controller 80 is used to control the battery 10 to supply power to the motor 90. For example, a battery 10 can be provided at the bottom, front or rear of the vehicle 1. The battery 10 can be used to power the vehicle 1. For example, the battery 10 can be used as an operating power source for the vehicle 1, for the circuit system of the vehicle 1, for example, for the working power requirements of the vehicle 1 during startup, navigation and operation. In another embodiment of the present application, the battery 10 can not only serve as an operating power source for the vehicle 1, but also as a driving power source for the vehicle 1, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1.

[0115] To meet different power requirements, a battery can include multiple battery cells, which can be connected in series, parallel, or in a hybrid configuration. A hybrid configuration refers to a combination of series and parallel connections. A battery can also be referred to as a battery pack. Alternatively, multiple battery cells can be connected in series, parallel, or in a hybrid configuration to form a battery module, which can then be connected in series, parallel, or in a hybrid configuration to form a battery. In other words, multiple battery cells can be directly connected to form a battery, or they can be first connected to form battery modules, which can then be connected to form a battery.

[0116] For example, FIG2 shows a schematic structural diagram of a battery 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. The battery 10 may include at least one battery module 200. The battery module 200 includes a plurality of battery cells 20. The battery 10 may also include a housing 11 having a hollow interior and housing the plurality of battery cells 20. FIG2 shows a possible implementation of the housing 11 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG2 , the housing 11 may include two parts, referred to herein as a first part 111 and a second part 112, which are snap-fitted together. The shapes of the first part 111 and the second part 112 may be determined based on the shape of the battery module 200 assembly. At least one of the first part 111 and the second part 112 may have an opening. For example, as shown in FIG2 , the first part 111 and the second part 112 may each be a hollow cuboid with only one open face. The opening of the first part 111 and the opening of the second part 112 are arranged opposite each other, and the first part 111 and the second part 112 snap-fit ​​together to form the housing 11 having a closed chamber.

[0117] For another example, unlike that shown in Figure 2, only one of the first portion 111 and the second portion 112 may be a hollow rectangular parallelepiped with an opening, while the other may be a plate-shaped structure to cover the opening. For example, assuming that the second portion 112 is a hollow rectangular parallelepiped with only one open face, and the first portion 111 is a plate-shaped structure, the first portion 111 covers the opening of the second portion 112 to form a case 11 having a closed chamber, which can be used to accommodate multiple battery cells 20. The multiple battery cells 20 are connected in parallel, series, or in a mixed combination and then placed in the case 11 formed by the first portion 111 and the second portion 112 being fastened together.

[0118] Optionally, the battery 10 may also include other structures, which will not be described in detail here. For example, the battery 10 may also include a busbar component, which is used to achieve electrical connection between multiple battery cells 20, such as parallel connection, series connection, or mixed connection. Specifically, the busbar component can achieve electrical connection between the battery cells 20 by connecting the electrode terminals of the battery cells 20. Furthermore, the busbar component can be fixed to the electrode terminals of the battery cells 20 by welding. The electrical energy of the multiple battery cells 20 can be further led out through the conductive structure through the box body 11.

[0119] Depending on different power requirements, the number of battery cells 20 in the battery module 200 can be set to any value. Multiple battery cells 20 can be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to achieve a larger capacity or power. Since the number of battery cells 20 included in each battery 10 may be large, for ease of installation, the battery cells 20 are grouped and each group of battery cells 20 constitutes a battery module 200. The number of battery cells 20 included in the battery module 200 is not limited and can be set according to requirements. The battery 10 may include multiple battery modules 200, which can be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner.

[0120] FIG3 shows a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a battery cell 2020 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG3 , the battery cell 20 includes a housing 21 , a pressure relief mechanism 213 , an electrode assembly 22 and a support member 24 .

[0121] The electrode assembly 22 is accommodated in the housing 21. The housing 21 has a first wall 211. The pressure relief mechanism 213 is disposed on the first wall 211. The support member 24 is disposed opposite to the pressure relief mechanism 213 and is used to limit the movement of the electrode assembly 22 toward the first wall 211.

[0122] The battery cell 20 may include a housing 21 and one or more electrode assemblies 22. The housing 21 may have multiple walls, with the first wall 211 representing one or more of the walls of the housing 21. The housing 21 of the battery cell 20 may be shaped according to the combined shape of the one or more electrode assemblies 22. For example, the housing 21 may be a rectangular parallelepiped, a cube, or a cylinder. The housing 21 may include the first wall 211 and a shell 212. The shell 212 may be a hollow structure. For example, the shell 212 may be a hollow rectangular parallelepiped, a cube, or a cylinder, with one of its faces having an opening to allow the one or more electrode assemblies 22 to be placed within the shell 212. For example, when the shell 212 is a hollow rectangular parallelepiped or a cube, one of the planes of the shell 212 is an open face, meaning that the plane has no walls, allowing the inside and outside of the shell 212 to communicate. When the shell 212 is a hollow cylinder, the end faces of the shell 212 are open faces, meaning that the end faces have no walls, allowing the inside and outside of the shell 212 to communicate. The first wall 211 covers the opening and is connected to the housing 212 to form a closed cavity for accommodating the electrode assembly 22. The housing 212 is filled with an electrolyte, such as an electrolyte solution.

[0123] The electrode assembly 22 is a component in the battery cell 20 where the electrochemical reaction occurs. The electrode assembly 22 can be a cylinder, a cuboid, etc. If the electrode assembly 22 is a cylindrical structure, the shell 212 can also be a cylindrical structure. If the electrode assembly 22 is a cuboid structure, the shell 212 can also be a cuboid structure. For ease of explanation, the embodiment of the present application takes the shell 212 as an example. For any electrode assembly 22, the electrode assembly 22 can include at least two tabs, and the at least two tabs can include at least one positive electrode tab and at least one negative electrode tab. The positive electrode tab can be formed by stacking the portion of the positive electrode sheet that is not coated with the positive electrode active material layer, and the negative electrode tab can be formed by stacking the portion of the negative electrode sheet that is not coated with the negative electrode active material layer.

[0124] The battery cell 20 may also include a pressure relief mechanism 213, which can be activated when the temperature and / or pressure inside the battery cell 20 reaches a threshold, thereby releasing the temperature and / or pressure inside the battery cell 20. "Activation," as used in the embodiments of this application, refers to the pressure relief mechanism 213 being activated or set to a certain state, thereby releasing the internal pressure and temperature of the battery cell 20. The action of the pressure relief mechanism 213 may include, but is not limited to, rupturing, breaking, tearing, or opening at least a portion of the pressure relief mechanism 213. When the pressure relief mechanism 213 is activated, high-temperature, high-pressure substances within the battery cell 20 are discharged from the activated portion as emissions. This method allows pressure and temperature relief from the battery cell 20 under controllable pressure or temperature, thereby reducing the possibility of accidents. Emissions from the battery cell 20, as used in the embodiments of this application, include, but are not limited to, electrolyte, dissolved or split positive and negative electrode plates, separator fragments, high-temperature, high-pressure gases generated by the reaction, flames, and so on.

[0125] The support member 24 is arranged opposite to the pressure relief mechanism 213. Specifically, it can be arranged opposite to the pressure relief mechanism 213 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211. As shown in Figure 3, the support member 24 can be arranged between the first wall 211 and the electrode assembly 22. The support member 24 is a structure with a certain rigidity and has a certain ability to resist deformation when subjected to external forces. When a large amount of high-temperature and high-pressure substances are generated inside the battery cell 20, the electrode assembly 22 will move toward the pressure relief mechanism 213 under the drive of the high-temperature and high-pressure substances. When squeezed by the electrode assembly 22, the support member 24 can maintain the original structural shape to a certain extent without changing, and limit the electrode assembly 22 from further moving toward the pressure relief mechanism 213 at the position where the support member 24 is located.

[0126] The support member 24 is arranged opposite to the pressure relief mechanism 213, and can limit the movement of the pressure relief mechanism 213 when the electrode assembly 22 moves toward the pressure relief mechanism 213, so that the electrode assembly 22 is not easy to block the pressure relief mechanism 213, which is beneficial for the pressure relief mechanism 213 to be actuated under the action of high-temperature and high-pressure substances inside the battery cell 20, so as to quickly discharge the temperature or pressure inside the battery cell 20, thereby improving the reliability of the battery cell 20.

[0127] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, a discharge channel connecting the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode assembly 22 is provided between the support member 24 and the pressure relief mechanism 213 .

[0128] The support member 24 can have a certain gap with the pressure relief mechanism 213. For example, a certain gap can be provided between the support member 24 and the pressure relief mechanism 213 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211, and the pressure relief mechanism 213 is connected to this gap. This gap is also connected to the area where the electrode assembly 22 is located. Therefore, the area where the pressure relief mechanism 213 is located can also be connected to the area where the electrode assembly 22 is located, forming a discharge channel between the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode assembly 22. In the event that high-temperature, high-pressure substances are generated within the battery cell 20, the high-temperature, high-pressure substances can reach the pressure relief mechanism 213 through this discharge channel, causing the pressure relief mechanism 213 to be activated.

[0129] In the embodiment of the present application, the discharge channel facilitates the movement of high-temperature, high-pressure substances toward the pressure relief mechanism 213, enabling the pressure relief mechanism 213 to be actuated to quickly discharge the high-temperature, high-pressure substances within the battery cell 20. Furthermore, the support member 24 serves to form the discharge channel, limiting deformation of the discharge channel and reducing the possibility of blockage of the discharge channel by the electrode assembly 22. This maintains the unobstructed discharge channel to a certain extent, thereby improving the reliability of the battery cell 20.

[0130] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the battery cell 20 includes an insulating member 23 , the insulating member 23 is disposed between the electrode assembly 22 and the first wall 211 , and the supporting member 24 is connected to the insulating member 23 .

[0131] As shown in FIG4 , FIG4 is only used to illustrate that the insulating member 23 is disposed between the electrode assembly 22 and the first wall 211, and does not limit the relative positions of the insulating member 23 and the support member 24. For example, the support member 24 can be disposed between the insulating member 23 and the first wall 211, or between the insulating member 23 and the electrode assembly 22. Alternatively, the support member 24 can pass through the insulating member 23 and be disposed between the first wall 211 and the electrode assembly 22.

[0132] The insulating member 23 can be used to insulate the electrode assembly 22 from the first wall 211, reducing the possibility of charging the first wall 211. Optionally, the insulating member 23 can be made of polypropylene (PP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), or soluble polytetrafluoroethylene (PFA).

[0133] The insulating member 23 may have a through hole to form at least a portion of the exhaust channel, connecting the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode assembly 22. Specifically, the through hole may be disposed opposite to the pressure relief mechanism 213 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211.

[0134] In some embodiments, the support member 24 can be connected to the insulating member 23. Specifically, on one hand, the support member 24 and the insulating member 23 can be connected by injection molding, welding, bonding, clamping, etc.; on the other hand, the support member 24 can be connected to the surface of the insulating member 23 facing the first wall 211 or the surface facing the electrode assembly 22 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211. Optionally, the support member 24 can also be at least partially accommodated in the accommodation space formed by the insulating member 23.

[0135] In the embodiment of the present application, the insulating member 23 can play an insulating role to insulate the electrode assembly 22 from the first wall 211 . The connection between the support member 24 and the insulating member 23 can also reduce the possibility of the support member 24 conducting electricity between the electrode assembly 22 and the first wall 211 .

[0136] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the support member 24 is disposed between the first wall 211 and the insulating member 23 .

[0137] In some embodiments, the insulating member 23 may be provided with a relief space on the surface of the first wall 211 in the thickness direction Z thereof, and the relief space is provided between the first wall 211 and the insulating member 23. The relief space may be provided opposite the pressure relief mechanism 213, and the support member 24 may be accommodated within the relief space. In some embodiments, when the support member 24 is accommodated within the relief space, a certain gap may still exist between the support member 24 and the pressure relief mechanism 213, and the gap may connect the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode assembly 22, thereby forming at least a portion of the exhaust passage.

[0138] During normal use of the battery cell 20, the support member 24 is disposed between the first wall 211 and the insulating member 23 to reduce the possibility of contact between the electrode assembly 22 and the support member 24. Furthermore, the insulating member 23 helps separate the support member 24 from at least a portion of the electrode assembly 22, thereby improving the insulation performance between the support member 24 and the electrode assembly 22.

[0139] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the support member 24 is connected to the surface of the insulating member 23 facing the first wall 211 .

[0140] Figure 5 shows a structure in which a support member 24 is connected to the surface of the insulating member 23 facing the first wall 211. As shown in Figure 5, in some embodiments, the edge of the support member 24 can be connected to the insulating member 23, for example, two opposite edges of the support member 24 are connected to the insulating member 23.

[0141] In some embodiments, the portion of the support member 24 connected to the insulating member 23 may be aligned with the first wall 211 to strengthen the connection between the support member 24 and the insulating member 23. A certain gap may be left between the portion of the support member 24 not connected to the insulating member 23 and the pressure relief mechanism 213 to form a discharge channel connecting the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode assembly 22.

[0142] The portion where the support member 24 is connected to the insulating member 23 can be insulated from the electrode assembly 22 through the insulating member 23. At the same time, the portion where the support member 24 is connected to the insulating member 23 is located between the insulating member 23 and the first wall 211, which can reduce the possibility of the support member 24 being dislocated when squeezed by the electrode assembly 22, and strengthen the protection of the support member 24 on the pressure relief mechanism 213.

[0143] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the insulating member 23 includes a first through hole 231 , which is arranged opposite to the pressure relief mechanism 213 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211 , and at least a portion of the support member 24 is accommodated in the first through hole 231 .

[0144] Figure 5 shows the structure of the insulating member 23 and the supporting member 24 on the side facing the first wall 211 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211, Figure 6 shows the structure of the insulating member 23 and the supporting member 24 on the side facing the electrode assembly 22 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211, and Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the structure in Figure 5 in the AA direction.

[0145] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the first through hole 231 penetrates the insulating member 23 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211 and is disposed opposite the pressure relief mechanism 213 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211. The first through hole 231 can connect the area where the pressure relief mechanism 213 is located with the area where the electrode assembly 22 is located at a position opposite the pressure relief mechanism 213 to form at least a portion of the exhaust passage.

[0146] In the structures shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 , the portion of the support member 24 not connected to the insulating member 23 may be accommodated in the first through hole 231 . Alternatively, the portion of the support member 24 not connected to the insulating member 23 may pass through the first through hole 231 .

[0147] In some embodiments, a portion of the support member 24 not connected to the insulating member 23 may have a gap with the first wall 211, such as the gap H shown in FIG7 . This gap H can be used to form a drain channel. In some embodiments, the first through hole 231 can still connect the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode assembly 22 while accommodating at least a portion of the support member 24.

[0148] In the embodiment of the present application, high-temperature, high-pressure gas within the battery cell 20 can quickly reach the area where the pressure relief mechanism 213 is located through the first through-hole 231, facilitating the activation of the pressure relief mechanism 213 to quickly release the temperature or pressure within the battery cell 20. At least a portion of the support member 24 is accommodated in the first through-hole 231, which also allows a certain gap to be maintained between the support member 24 and the pressure relief mechanism 213. This not only restricts the movement of the electrode assembly 22 toward the first wall 211, but also maintains a clear discharge channel.

[0149] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, a surface of the support member 24 facing the electrode assembly 22 is provided with an insulating layer.

[0150] In some embodiments, an insulating layer is provided on at least the surface of the support member 24 facing the electrode assembly 22 to improve insulation between the support member 24 and the electrode assembly 22. An insulating layer refers to a structure on the surface of the support member 24 that provides insulation. For example, an insulating material may be coated on the surface of the support member 24 to form an insulating layer. Alternatively, the entire surface of the support member 24 may be provided with an insulating layer; alternatively, the support member 24 may be made of an insulating material.

[0151] The insulating layer can improve the insulation performance between the support member 24 and the electrode assembly 22. Even when the electrode assembly 22 is in contact with the support member 24, the electrical energy generated in the electrode assembly 22 is not easily conducted to the first wall 211, thereby improving the reliability of the battery cell 20.

[0152] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, a second groove 232 is provided on the surface of the insulating member 23 facing the first wall 211 , and an accommodation space is formed between the second groove 232 and the first wall 211 , and the support member 24 is accommodated in the accommodation space.

[0153] Figure 8 shows another structure in which the insulating member 23 and the supporting member 24 are on the side of the first wall 211 in the thickness direction Z toward the electrode assembly 22, Figure 9 is an enlarged structural schematic diagram of the M part in Figure 8, and Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the structure in Figure 9 along the BB direction.

[0154] As shown in Figures 8 to 10, the opening of the second groove 232 faces the first wall 211, and the bottom wall and side walls of the second groove 232 form a protruding structure 233 on the side of the insulating member 23 facing the electrode assembly 22. In some embodiments, the protruding structure 233 can be made of an insulating material. Alternatively, the protruding structure 233 can be integrally formed with the insulating member 23.

[0155] There is a gap between the bottom wall of the second groove 232 and the first wall 211, which forms an accommodating space. At least part of the support member 24 is accommodated in the accommodating space. Specifically, the part of the support member 24 that is not connected to the insulating member 23 is accommodated in the accommodating space.

[0156] In some embodiments, the insulating member 23 is provided with a first through-hole 231, and the second groove 232 can be arranged opposite the first through-hole 231. In the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211, the protrusion 233 formed by the second groove 232 on the side of the insulating member 23 facing the electrode assembly 22 can cover a portion of the first through-hole 231. A channel connecting the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode assembly 22 is defined between the second groove 232 and the first through-hole 231, and this channel can form at least a portion of the exhaust channel.

[0157] The raised structure 233 formed on the side of the second groove 232 of the insulating member 23 facing the electrode assembly 22 can protect the support member 24, preventing the support member 24 from falling into the area where the electrode assembly 22 is located. At the same time, the raised structure 233 can provide insulation between the support member 24 and the electrode assembly 22, reducing the possibility of the support member 24 causing electrical connection between the electrode assembly 22 and the first wall 211.

[0158] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the second groove 232 has an opening in the length direction Y of the first wall 211 and / or the width direction X of the first wall 211 , and the opening is used to connect the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode assembly 22 .

[0159] In the embodiment of the present application, the opening opposite to the bottom wall of the second groove 232 faces the first wall 211. In some embodiments, the second groove 232 may have an opening at at least one end in the length direction Y of the first wall 211. Optionally, it may have an opening at at least one end in the width direction X of the first wall 211. Optionally, it may have an opening at at least one end in the length direction Y of the first wall 211 and at least one end in the width direction X of the first wall 211. In some embodiments, a portion of the side wall of the second groove 232 is an opening, and another portion is connected to the insulating member 23. For example, a portion of the side wall of the second groove 232 in the length direction Y of the first wall 211 is an opening, which connects the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode assembly 22; optionally, a portion of the side wall of the second groove 232 in the width direction X of the first wall 211 is an opening; optionally, a portion of the second groove 232 in both the length direction Y and the width direction X of the first wall 211 may be openings.

[0160] For example, the second groove 232 has sidewalls in the width direction X of the first wall 211 and an opening at least at one end in the length direction Y of the first wall 211. The opening in the length direction Y of the first wall 211 can connect the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode assembly 22. Optionally, the opening of the second groove 232 in the length direction Y of the first wall 211 can connect with the first through-hole 231. Similarly, the second groove 232 can have sidewalls in the length direction Y of the first wall 211 and an opening at least at one end in the width direction X of the first wall 211. The opening connects the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode assembly 22. Optionally, the openings of the second groove 232 at one end in the length direction Y of the first wall 211 and at one end in the width direction X of the first wall 211 can also connect the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode assembly 22.

[0161] The opening of the second groove 232 in the length direction Y of the first wall 211 and / or the width direction X of the first wall 211 is conducive to guiding the high-temperature and high-pressure materials inside the battery cell 20 to be discharged quickly in the direction of the pressure relief mechanism 213, so as to quickly release the temperature or pressure inside the battery cell 20, thereby improving the reliability of the battery cell 20.

[0162] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211 , the projection of the bottom wall of the second groove 232 covers the projection of the support member 24 .

[0163] As shown in Figures 8 to 10, the bottom wall of the second groove 232 is located between the support member 24 and the electrode assembly 22, separating the support member 24 from the electrode assembly 22. In the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211, the projection of the bottom wall of the second groove 232 overlaps the projection of the support member 24. In some embodiments, the projection of the protrusion 233 formed by the bottom wall and sidewalls of the second groove 232 on the side of the insulating member 23 facing the electrode assembly 22 can overlap the projection of the support member 24.

[0164] The projection of the bottom wall of the second groove 232 covers the projection of the support member 24, so that the electrode assembly 22 is not easily in direct contact with the support member 24 during the movement toward the first wall 211, thereby strengthening the insulation between the support member 24 and the electrode assembly 22 and improving the reliability of the battery cell 20.

[0165] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the support member 24 includes a connected support wall 241 and at least one connecting portion 242 , wherein the support wall 241 is used to limit the movement of the electrode assembly 22 toward the first wall 211 , and the connecting portion 242 is used to connect the insulating member 23 and the support wall 241 .

[0166] Figure 11 shows a schematic structural diagram of a support member 24. As shown in Figure 11, the support member 24 includes a support wall 241 and at least one connecting portion 242, with the support wall 241 connected to the connecting portion 242. In conjunction with the structures shown in Figures 5 to 10, in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211, the support wall 241 opposes the pressure relief mechanism 213. This restricts the movement of the electrode assembly 22 when it moves toward the first wall 211, thereby reducing the possibility of the electrode assembly 22 blocking the pressure relief mechanism 213.

[0167] The connecting portion 242 is connected to the insulating member 23 and can connect the support wall 241 to the insulating member 23. Optionally, the support wall 241 can be fixedly connected to the connecting portion 242, and the connecting portion 242 is fixedly connected to the insulating member 23, so that the connecting wall can fix the support member 24 to the insulating member 23.

[0168] In some embodiments, the support wall 241 may be a wall perpendicular to the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211, and the connecting portion 242 may be a wall parallel to the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211, then one end of the connecting portion 242 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211 is connected to the insulating member 23, and the other end is connected to the support wall 241. In this case, there may be a certain gap between the support wall 241 and the insulating member 23. Alternatively, the support wall 241 and the connecting portion 242 may both be walls perpendicular to the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211, then the support wall 241 and the connecting portion 242 may be connected on the same plane. In this case, the gap between the support wall 241 and the pressure relief mechanism 213 mainly includes the gap between the insulating member 23 and the pressure relief structure.

[0169] The support member 24 is connected to the insulating member 23 through the connecting portion 242 so that there is a certain gap between the support member 24 and the pressure relief structure. The support member 24 can still reserve at least part of the discharge channel for the pressure relief mechanism 213 while limiting the movement of the electrode assembly 22, so that the high-temperature and high-pressure materials inside the battery cell 20 can reach the pressure relief mechanism 213 through the discharge channel.

[0170] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the connecting portion 242 is snap-connected with the insulating member 23 .

[0171] Figure 12 shows a structure in which the support member 24 is clamped with the insulating member 23 through the connecting portion 242. The clamping refers to a connection method in which the connecting portion 242 of the support member 24 and the insulating member 23 limit each other so that the relative positions of the support member 24 and the insulating member 23 are fixed.

[0172] In a possible embodiment, the toughness of the support member 24 itself can be used to allow at least a portion of the connection portion 242 to be accommodated in the groove of the insulating member 23. After the support member 24 returns to its original shape, the groove can limit the portion of the connection portion 242 accommodated in the groove.

[0173] In another possible embodiment, an avoidance space and a groove can be set on the insulating component 23, and the connecting portion 242 is transformed from the position of the avoidance space to the position of the groove by moving or rotating, and the groove and the connecting wall limit each other to achieve fixation between the insulating support component 24 and the insulating component 23.

[0174] The above embodiments are merely examples, and the connection method between the connecting wall and the insulating member 23 can be flexibly set according to actual needs.

[0175] The connecting portion 242 and the insulating member 23 are connected by snapping, which can easily fix the supporting member 24 and the insulating member 23 , and at the same time can enhance the fixing strength between the two, so that the supporting member 24 is not easy to fall off from the insulating member 23 .

[0176] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the insulating member 23 is provided with a first groove 235 , the opening direction of the first groove 235 is perpendicular to the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211 , and at least a portion of the connecting portion 242 is accommodated in the first groove 235 .

[0177] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the structure in Figure 12 along the CC direction, and Figure 14 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the structure of portion N in Figure 13. As shown in Figures 12 and 14, a first groove 235 is provided on the insulating member 23, forming a certain accommodation space on the insulating member 23. At least a portion of the connecting portion 242 is accommodated in the accommodation space formed by the first groove 235.

[0178] The opening direction of the first groove 235 is perpendicular to the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211. The opening direction of the first groove 235 shown in Figures 12 to 14 is toward the width direction X of the first wall 211. The support member 24 can be fixedly connected to the insulating member 23 in the width direction X of the first wall 211. In some embodiments, the opening direction of the first groove 235 can be toward the length direction Y of the first wall 211. In this case, the support member 24 can be fixedly connected to the insulating member 23 in the length direction Y of the first wall 211. Alternatively, the first groove 235 can be provided in both the length direction Y and the width direction X of the first wall 211. In this case, the support member 24 can be fixedly connected to the insulating member 23 in both the width direction X and the length direction Y of the first wall 211.

[0179] In the embodiments shown in Figures 12 to 14, the insulating member 23 can limit the movement of the connecting portion 242 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211 through the first groove 235, thereby achieving a fixed connection between the connecting portion 242 and the insulating member 23, thereby achieving a fixed connection between the supporting member 24 and the insulating member 23.

[0180] The first groove 235 can cooperate with the connecting portion 242. For example, the shape of the accommodating space formed by the first groove 235 and the shape of the portion of the connecting portion 242 accommodated in the first groove 235 are mutually interlocked, so that the portion of the connecting wall accommodated in the first groove 235 is not easy to shake in the first groove 235, which can improve the connection strength between the supporting member 24 and the insulating member 23.

[0181] The first groove 235 can limit the movement of the connecting portion 242 to achieve a fixed connection between the support member 24 and the insulating member 23 , while improving the connection strength between the support member 24 and the insulating member 23 so that the support member 24 is not easily detached from the insulating member 23 .

[0182] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, a first protrusion 234 is provided on the surface of the insulating member 23 , and the first groove 235 is provided in the first protrusion 234 .

[0183] As shown in Figures 12 to 14 , the portion of the insulating member 23 where the first groove 235 is to be provided can be thickened to increase the size of the accommodation space formed by the first groove 235. The thickened portion is the first protrusion 234 provided on the surface of the insulating member 23. Accordingly, the portion of the connecting portion 242 accommodated in the first groove 235 can also be appropriately thickened to increase the strength of the connecting portion 242.

[0184] Providing the first protrusion 234 on the surface of the insulating member 23 and disposing the first groove 235 in the first protrusion 234 can improve the strength of the insulating member 23 and enhance the limiting effect between the insulating member 23 and the support member 24. At the same time, the corresponding thickening of the connecting portion 242 can also improve the strength of the support member 24, making the support member 24 less susceptible to damage when squeezed by the electrode assembly 22, thereby limiting the movement of the electrode assembly 22.

[0185] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the portion of the connecting portion 242 accommodated in the first groove 235 is provided with a first step structure 243 , the first groove 235 has a second step structure 236 , and the first step structure 243 and the second step structure 236 cooperate with each other.

[0186] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the first groove 235 and the connecting portion 242 can cooperate with each other through a step structure. For example, along the opening direction of the first groove 235, the end of the first groove 235 away from the opening is narrower, and the end close to the opening is wider.

[0187] In some embodiments, the first groove 235 can form an interference fit with the connecting wall to enhance the connection strength between the insulating member 23 and the connecting wall. For example, the connecting portion 242 can form an interference fit with the first groove 235 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211. The interference fit means that, when the connecting portion 242 is not yet accommodated in the first groove 235, the portion of the connecting portion 242 that is to be accommodated in the first groove 235 has a larger dimension in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211 than the corresponding portion of the first groove 235 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211. During assembly, the elasticity of the insulating member 23 material causes the first groove 235 to expand and deform in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211 to accommodate the connecting portion 242 of the support member 24. After the first groove 235 recovers, it can generate a force that secures at least a portion of the connecting portion 242 in the first groove 235.

[0188] During the assembly process, the narrower part of the first step structure 243 first passes through the wider part of the second step structure 236, and then extends into the narrower part of the second step structure 236. The cooperation between the first step structure 243 and the second step structure 236 is conducive to guiding the connecting wall to be accommodated in the first groove 235, thereby reducing the positioning accuracy during the assembly process.

[0189] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the connecting portion 242 is connected to a surface of the insulating member 23 facing the first wall 211 .

[0190] In some embodiments, the support member 24 can be connected to the surface of the insulating member 23. Specifically, the connecting portion 242 on the support member 24 can be connected to the surface of the insulating member 23. For example, it can be connected to the surface of the insulating member 23 facing the first wall 211 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211.

[0191] As shown in FIG5 to FIG10 , the connection portion 242 connects the support wall 241 and the surface of the insulating member 23 facing the first wall 211 . In the battery cell 20 , the portion of the connection portion 242 connected to the insulating member 23 may be located between the insulating member 23 and the first wall 211 .

[0192] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, the connecting portion 242 may include a portion parallel to the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211, which may pass through the first through-hole 231, so that the support wall 241 is located on the side of the insulating member 23 facing the electrode assembly 22 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211. In this case, in the length and / or width direction X of the first wall 211, the projection of the support member 24 partially overlaps with the projection of the insulating member 23, which can reduce the additional space occupied by the support member 24.

[0193] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 8 to 10, the connection portion 242 may include a portion parallel to the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211, which may be received in the second groove 232. In this case, the bottom wall and side walls of the second groove 232 may insulate the connection portion 242, thereby improving the insulating effect of the insulating member 23 on the support member 24.

[0194] The connection between the connecting portion 242 and the surface of the insulating member 23 facing the first wall 211 can enable the support member 24 to be fixed by both the first wall 211 and the insulating member 23 at the same time. It is not easy to be dislocated when squeezed by the electrode assembly 22, and can play a certain protective role for the pressure relief mechanism 213 at a position opposite to the pressure relief mechanism 213.

[0195] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the connection portion 242 is connected to a surface of the insulating member 23 facing the electrode assembly 22 .

[0196] The surface of the connecting portion 242 facing the first wall 211 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211 is connected to the insulating member 23, and the surface of the connecting portion 242 facing the electrode assembly 22 is connected to the support wall 241. In this case, the support member 24 is closer to the electrode assembly 22 than the insulating member 23, and can limit the movement of the electrode assembly 22 before the insulating member 23, so that a certain gap can be maintained between the electrode assembly 22 and the pressure relief mechanism 213, thereby keeping the discharge channel unobstructed.

[0197] The support wall 241 can limit the deformation of the electrode assembly 22, making it difficult for the electrode assembly 22 to move further toward the pressure relief mechanism 213. The connecting portion 242 can connect the support wall 241 with the insulating member 23, so that the support member 24 can limit the deformation of the electrode assembly 22 at a fixed position, so that a certain gap can be maintained between the electrode assembly 22 and the pressure relief mechanism 213, thereby keeping the discharge channel unobstructed.

[0198] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the connecting portion 242 includes at least one first connecting wall 2421 parallel to the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211 , and the first connecting wall 2421 is used to form a gap between the insulating member 23 and the supporting wall 241 .

[0199] FIG11 illustrates a possible structure of the support member 24. As shown in FIG11 , the first connecting wall 2421 may be a portion of the connecting portion 242 parallel to the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211. The first connecting wall 2421 is connected to the supporting wall 241 at one end along the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211, and is connected to the insulating member 23 at the other end. When the connecting portion 242 is connected to the surface of the insulating member 23 facing the first wall 211, a certain gap may be provided between the supporting wall 241 and the first wall 211. When the connecting portion 242 is connected to the surface of the insulating member 23 facing the electrode assembly 22, the gap between the supporting wall 241 and the first wall 211 includes the gap between the supporting wall 241 and the insulating member 23, the gap formed by the first through-hole 231 of the insulating member 23, and the gap between the insulating member 23 and the first wall 211.

[0200] The gap between the first connecting wall 2421 and the first wall 211 can maintain a certain discharge channel in the area around the pressure relief mechanism 213, so that high-temperature and high-pressure substances can reach the pressure relief mechanism 213 along the discharge channel, thereby actuating the pressure relief mechanism 213 to discharge the high-temperature and high-pressure substances inside the battery cell 20.

[0201] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the connecting portion 242 includes a second connecting wall 2422 , and the second connecting wall 2422 connects the first connecting wall 2421 and the insulating member 23 .

[0202] As shown in FIG11 , the connecting portion 242 may include a first connecting wall 2421 and a second connecting wall 2422. In some embodiments, the plane where the first connecting wall 2421 lies is perpendicular to the plane where the second connecting wall 2422 lies. Optionally, the plane where the first connecting wall 2421 lies and the plane where the second connecting wall 2422 lies may form an angle, which may be acute or obtuse.

[0203] In some embodiments, the second connection wall 2422 may be fixedly connected to the surface of the insulating member 23 , and the support member 24 may be fixedly connected to the insulating member 23 via the second connection wall 2422 of the connection portion 242 .

[0204] The second connecting wall 2422 can increase the connection area between the support member 24 and the insulating member 23, which is beneficial to improving the connection strength between the support member 24 and the insulating member 23, so that the support member 24 is not easily deformed or falls off from the insulating member 23 when squeezed by the electrode assembly 22, and can effectively restrict the movement of the electrode assembly 22.

[0205] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the at least one first connecting wall 2421 includes two first connecting walls 2421 , and the two first connecting walls 2421 are oppositely arranged at the edge of the supporting wall 241 .

[0206] In the support member 24 shown in FIG11 , the support member 24 may include two first connecting walls 2421, each disposed at an edge of the support wall 241 along the width direction X of the first wall 211. That is, each end of the support wall 241 along the width direction X of the first wall 211 may be connected to a first connecting wall 2421. One end of the first connecting wall 2421 along the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211 is connected to the support wall 241, and the other end is connected to the second connecting wall 2422 or the insulating member 23. In some embodiments, the plane of the second connecting wall 2422 may be parallel to the plane of the support wall 241, but offset from the plane of the support wall 241 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211.

[0207] Optionally, two first connecting walls 2421 may also be provided at both ends of the supporting wall 241 along the length direction Y of the first wall 211 .

[0208] The relatively arranged first connecting walls 2421 can make the connection between the supporting member 24 and the insulating member 23 more stable, and are less likely to deform in the process of restricting the movement of the electrode assembly 22, which is beneficial to better restricting the movement of the electrode assembly 22.

[0209] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the first connecting wall 2421 has a through hole 246 , and the through hole 246 is used to connect the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode assembly 22 .

[0210] As shown in FIG11 , the first connecting wall 2421 may have a through hole 246 extending through the first connecting wall 2421 in the thickness direction Z of the first connecting wall 2421. For example, if the first connecting wall 2421 is disposed at both ends of the support wall 241 in the width direction X of the first wall 211, the through holes 246 may extend through the first connecting wall 2421 in the width direction X of the first wall 211 and communicate with each other in the width direction X of the first wall 211, forming at least a portion of the exhaust passage, thereby connecting the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode assembly 22.

[0211] The through hole 246 can increase the discharge channel and discharge path inside the battery cell 20, which is conducive to guiding the high-temperature and high-pressure materials inside the battery cell 20 to flow in the direction of the pressure relief mechanism 213, so that the pressure relief mechanism 213 can be actuated to quickly discharge the high-temperature and high-pressure materials, reducing the possibility of more serious explosion accidents, thereby improving the reliability of the battery cell 20.

[0212] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, a projection of the support wall 241 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211 covers a projection of the pressure relief mechanism 213 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211 .

[0213] In the embodiment of the present application, the support member 24 is disposed opposite the pressure relief mechanism 213. In the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211, the projection of the support wall 241 overlaps the projection of the pressure relief mechanism 213. In this manner, the support member 24 can separate the pressure relief mechanism 213 from the electrode assembly 22. High-temperature, high-pressure substances within the battery cell 20 can flow from the gap between the support member 24 and the first wall 211 into the pressure relief mechanism 213 and, when the pressure relief mechanism 213 is actuated, be discharged from the battery cell 20.

[0214] The support member 24 can protect the pressure relief mechanism 213 in a larger range, so that when the electrode assembly 22 moves toward the first wall 211, on the one hand, it will be restricted by the support member 24, and on the other hand, it is difficult to move directly to the pressure relief mechanism 213 and block the pressure relief mechanism 213, thereby maintaining the smooth flow of the internal discharge channel of the battery cell 20 and improving the reliability of the battery cell 20.

[0215] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the support member 24 is connected to a surface of the first wall 211 facing the electrode assembly 22 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211 .

[0216] The support member 24 is disposed within the battery cell 20 and is connected to the surface of the first wall 211 facing the interior of the battery cell 20. This surface may also be the surface of the first wall 211 facing the electrode assembly 22. The support member 24 is disposed opposite the pressure relief mechanism 213. At the position opposite the pressure relief mechanism 213, a certain gap is formed between the support member 24 and the pressure relief mechanism 213 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211.

[0217] In some embodiments, an insulating layer may be provided on the surface of the support member 24 facing the electrode assembly 22 to reduce the possibility of the support member 24 conducting electricity between the electrode assembly 22 and the first wall 211 .

[0218] The connection between the support member 24 and the first wall 211 can more directly protect the pressure relief mechanism 213 , reduce the possibility of the electrode assembly 22 blocking the pressure relief mechanism 213 when moving toward the first wall 211 , and help improve the reliability of the battery cell 20 .

[0219] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the support member 24 includes a connected support wall 241 and at least one connecting portion 242 , wherein the support wall 241 is used to limit the movement of the electrode assembly 22 toward the first wall 211 , and the connecting portion 242 is used to connect the first wall 211 and the support wall 241 .

[0220] The support member 24 can be a structure as shown in Figure 11. When the support member 24 is connected to the first wall 211, the connecting portion 242 is connected to the first wall 211, the support wall 241 is opposite to the pressure relief mechanism 213, and there is a certain gap between the support wall 241 and the pressure relief mechanism 213 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211, and the gap can form at least a part of the discharge channel.

[0221] The connecting portion 242 in the support member 24 can realize the connection between the first wall 211 and the support member 24. The support wall 241 can limit the movement of the electrode assembly 22 while keeping the internal discharge channel of the battery cell 20 unobstructed, so that the pressure relief mechanism 213 can be actuated under the action of high temperature and high pressure materials inside the battery cell 20.

[0222] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the connecting portion 242 includes at least one first connecting wall 2421 parallel to the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211 , and the first connecting wall 2421 is used to form a gap between the first wall 211 of the insulating member 23 and the support wall 241 .

[0223] The first connecting wall 2421 may be a portion of the connecting portion 242 that is parallel to the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211. One end of the first connecting wall 2421 along the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211 is connected to the support wall 241, and the other end is connected to the first wall 211. The first connecting wall 2421 has a certain length in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211, which can form a certain gap between the support wall 241 and the first wall 211.

[0224] The gap between the first connecting wall 2421 and the first wall 211 can maintain a certain discharge channel in the area around the pressure relief mechanism 213, so that high-temperature and high-pressure substances can reach the pressure relief mechanism 213 along the discharge channel, thereby actuating the pressure relief mechanism 213 to discharge the high-temperature and high-pressure substances inside the battery cell 20.

[0225] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the connecting portion 242 includes a second connecting wall 2422 , and the second connecting wall 2422 connects the first connecting wall 2421 and the first wall 211 of the insulating member 23 .

[0226] The connecting portion 242 may include a first connecting wall 2421 and a second connecting wall 2422. In some embodiments, the plane where the first connecting wall 2421 lies is perpendicular to the plane where the second connecting wall 2422 lies. Optionally, the plane where the first connecting wall 2421 lies and the plane where the second connecting wall 2422 lies may form an angle, which may be acute or obtuse.

[0227] In some embodiments, the second connecting wall 2422 may be fixedly connected to the surface of the first wall 211 , and the supporting member 24 may be fixedly connected to the first wall 211 via the second connecting wall 2422 of the connecting portion 242 .

[0228] The second connecting wall 2422 can increase the connection area between the support member 24 and the insulating member 23, which is beneficial to improving the connection strength between the support member 24 and the first wall 211, so that the support member 24 is not easily deformed or falls off from the insulating member 23 when squeezed by the electrode assembly 22, and can effectively restrict the movement of the electrode assembly 22.

[0229] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the at least one first connecting wall 2421 includes two first connecting walls 2421 , and the two first connecting walls 2421 are oppositely arranged at the edge of the supporting wall 241 .

[0230] The support member 24 may include two first connecting walls 2421, each disposed at an edge of the support wall 241 along the width direction X of the first wall 211. That is, each end of the support wall 241 along the width direction X of the first wall 211 may be connected to a first connecting wall 2421. One end of the first connecting wall 2421 along the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211 is connected to the support wall 241, and the other end is connected to the second connecting wall 2422 or the first wall 211. In some embodiments, the plane of the second connecting wall 2422 may be parallel to the plane of the support wall 241 and offset from the plane of the support wall 241 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211.

[0231] Optionally, two first connecting walls 2421 may also be provided at both ends of the supporting wall 241 along the length direction Y of the first wall 211 .

[0232] The relatively arranged first connecting walls 2421 can make the connection between the support member 24 and the first wall 211 more stable, and are less likely to deform in the process of restricting the movement of the electrode assembly 22, which is beneficial to better restricting the movement of the electrode assembly 22.

[0233] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the first connecting wall 2421 has a through hole 246 , and the through hole 246 is used to connect the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode assembly 22 .

[0234] The first connecting wall 2421 may have a through hole 246 that penetrates the first connecting wall 2421 in the thickness direction Z of the first connecting wall 2421. For example, in the width direction X of the first wall 211, the first connecting wall 2421 is provided at both ends of the support wall 241. Then, the through holes 246 may penetrate the first connecting wall 2421 in the width direction X of the first wall 211 and communicate with each other in the width direction X of the first wall 211, forming at least a portion of the exhaust channel, thereby connecting the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode assembly 22.

[0235] The through hole 246 can increase the discharge channel and discharge path inside the battery cell 20, which is conducive to guiding the high-temperature and high-pressure materials inside the battery cell 20 to flow in the direction of the pressure relief mechanism 213, so that the pressure relief mechanism 213 can be actuated to quickly discharge the high-temperature and high-pressure materials, reducing the possibility of more serious explosion accidents, thereby improving the reliability of the battery cell 20.

[0236] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, a projection of the support wall 241 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211 covers a projection of the pressure relief mechanism 213 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211 .

[0237] In the embodiment of the present application, the support member 24 is disposed opposite the pressure relief mechanism 213. In the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211, the projection of the support wall 241 overlaps the projection of the pressure relief mechanism 213. In this manner, the support member 24 can separate the pressure relief mechanism 213 from the electrode assembly 22. High-temperature, high-pressure substances within the battery cell 20 can flow from the gap between the support member 24 and the first wall 211 into the pressure relief mechanism 213 and, when the pressure relief mechanism 213 is actuated, be discharged from the battery cell 20.

[0238] The support member 24 can protect the pressure relief mechanism 213 in a larger range, so that when the electrode assembly 22 moves toward the first wall 211, on the one hand, it will be restricted by the support member 24, and on the other hand, it is difficult to move directly to the pressure relief mechanism 213 and block the pressure relief mechanism 213, thereby maintaining the smooth flow of the internal discharge channel of the battery cell 20 and improving the reliability of the battery cell 20.

[0239] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the battery cell 20 includes an insulating member 23 , which is disposed between the electrode assembly 22 and the first wall 211 .

[0240] In some embodiments, the insulating member 23 may be disposed between the support member 24 and the electrode assembly 22. Optionally, the insulating member 23 may have a first through-hole 231, in which at least a portion of the support member 24 is received. Optionally, the insulating member 23 may have a second groove 232, the opening of the second groove 232 facing the first wall 211, in which at least a portion of the support member 24 is received.

[0241] The insulating member 23 can play an insulating role, insulating the electrode assembly 22 from the first wall 211 , and reducing the possibility of electrical conduction between the electrode assembly 22 and the first wall 211 .

[0242] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the insulating member 23 includes a first through hole 231 , which is arranged opposite to the pressure relief mechanism 213 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211 , and at least a portion of the support member 24 is accommodated in the first through hole 231 .

[0243] The first through hole 231 penetrates the insulating member 23 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211 and is disposed opposite the pressure relief mechanism 213 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211. The first through hole 231 can connect the area where the pressure relief mechanism 213 is located with the area where the electrode assembly 22 is located at a position opposite the pressure relief mechanism 213 to form at least a portion of the exhaust passage.

[0244] The support member 24 can be entirely received in the first through-hole 231 of the insulating member 23. Specifically, the support member 24 is connected to the first wall 211, and the first through-hole 231 can avoid the support member 24 in the area where the support member 24 is located. Alternatively, the support member 24 can be partially received in the first through-hole 231 of the insulating member 23. Specifically, one side of the support member 24 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211 is connected to the first wall 211, and the other side is located on the side of the insulating member 23 facing the electrode assembly 22. In this case, the support member 24 can pass through the first through-hole 231 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211.

[0245] In some embodiments, a portion of the support member 24 not connected to the first wall 211 may have a gap with the first wall 211, which can be used to form a discharge channel. In some embodiments, the first through hole 231 can still connect the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode assembly 22 while accommodating at least a portion of the support member 24.

[0246] In the embodiment of the present application, high-temperature, high-pressure gas within the battery cell 20 can quickly reach the area where the pressure relief mechanism 213 is located through the first through-hole 231, facilitating the activation of the pressure relief mechanism 213 to quickly release the temperature or pressure within the battery cell 20. At least a portion of the support member 24 is accommodated in the first through-hole 231, which also allows a certain gap to be maintained between the support member 24 and the pressure relief mechanism 213. This not only restricts the movement of the electrode assembly 22 toward the first wall 211, but also maintains a clear discharge channel.

[0247] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, a surface of the support member 24 facing the electrode assembly 22 is provided with an insulating layer.

[0248] In some embodiments, at least the surface of the support member 24 facing the electrode assembly 22 is provided with an insulating layer to improve insulation between the support member 24 and the electrode assembly 22. An insulating layer refers to a structure on the surface of the support member 24 that can provide insulation. For example, an insulating material can be coated on the surface of the support member 24 to form an insulating layer. Alternatively, the entire surface of the support member 24 can be provided with an insulating layer; alternatively, the support member 24 can be made of an insulating material.

[0249] The insulating layer can improve the insulation performance between the support member 24 and the electrode assembly 22. Even when the electrode assembly 22 is in contact with the support member 24, the electrical energy generated in the electrode assembly 22 is not easily conducted to the first wall 211, thereby improving the reliability of the battery cell 20.

[0250] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, a second groove 232 is provided on the surface of the insulating member 23 facing the first wall 211 , and an accommodation space is formed between the second groove 232 and the first wall 211 , and the support member 24 is accommodated in the accommodation space.

[0251] The opening of the second groove 232 faces the first wall 211, and the bottom wall and side walls of the second groove 232 form a protruding structure 233 on the side of the insulating member 23 facing the electrode assembly 22. In some embodiments, the protruding structure 233 can be made of an insulating material. Alternatively, the protruding structure 233 can be integrally formed with the insulating member 23.

[0252] There is a gap between the bottom wall of the second groove 232 and the first wall 211 , and the gap forms an accommodation space, in which at least a portion of the support member 24 is accommodated.

[0253] In some embodiments, the insulating member 23 is provided with a first through-hole 231, and the second groove 232 can be arranged opposite the first through-hole 231. In the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211, the protrusion 233 formed by the second groove 232 on the side of the insulating member 23 facing the electrode assembly 22 can cover a portion of the first through-hole 231. Thus, a channel connecting the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode assembly 22 is defined between the second groove 232 and the first through-hole 231, and this channel can form at least a portion of the exhaust channel.

[0254] The raised structure 233 formed on the side of the second groove 232 of the insulating member 23 facing the electrode assembly 22 can protect the support member 24, preventing the support member 24 from falling into the area where the electrode assembly 22 is located. At the same time, the raised structure 233 can provide insulation between the support member 24 and the electrode assembly 22, reducing the possibility of the support member 24 causing electrical connection between the electrode assembly 22 and the first wall 211.

[0255] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the second groove 232 has an opening in the length direction Y of the first wall 211 and / or the width direction X of the first wall 211 , and the opening is used to connect the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode assembly 22 .

[0256] In the embodiment of the present application, the opening opposite to the bottom wall of the second groove 232 faces the first wall 211. In some embodiments, the second groove 232 may have an opening at at least one end in the length direction Y of the first wall 211. Optionally, it may have an opening at at least one end in the width direction X of the first wall 211. Optionally, it may have an opening at at least one end in the length direction Y of the first wall 211 and at least one end in the width direction X of the first wall 211. In some embodiments, a portion of the side wall of the second groove 232 is an opening, and another portion is connected to the insulating member 23. For example, a portion of the side wall of the second groove 232 in the length direction Y of the first wall 211 is an opening, which connects the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode assembly 22; optionally, a portion of the side wall of the second groove 232 in the width direction X of the first wall 211 is an opening; optionally, a portion of the second groove 232 in both the length direction Y and the width direction X of the first wall 211 may be openings.

[0257] For example, the second groove 232 has sidewalls in the width direction X of the first wall 211 and an opening at least at one end in the length direction Y of the first wall 211. The opening in the length direction Y of the first wall 211 can connect the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode assembly 22. Optionally, the opening of the second groove 232 in the length direction Y of the first wall 211 can connect with the first through-hole 231. Similarly, the second groove 232 can have sidewalls in the length direction Y of the first wall 211 and an opening at least at one end in the width direction X of the first wall 211. The opening connects the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode assembly 22. Optionally, the openings of the second groove 232 at one end in the length direction Y of the first wall 211 and at one end in the width direction X of the first wall 211 can also connect the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode assembly 22.

[0258] The opening of the second groove 232 in the length direction Y of the first wall 211 and / or the width direction X of the first wall 211 is conducive to guiding the high-temperature and high-pressure materials inside the battery cell 20 to be discharged quickly in the direction of the pressure relief mechanism 213, so as to quickly release the temperature or pressure inside the battery cell 20, thereby improving the reliability of the battery cell 20.

[0259] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211 , the projection of the bottom wall of the second groove 232 covers the projection of the support member 24 .

[0260] The bottom wall of the second groove 232 is located between the support member 24 and the electrode assembly 22, separating the support member 24 from the electrode assembly 22. In the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211, the projection of the bottom wall of the second groove 232 overlaps the projection of the support member 24. In some embodiments, the projection of the protrusion 233 formed by the bottom wall and sidewalls of the second groove 232 on the side of the insulating member 23 facing the electrode assembly 22 may overlap the projection of the support member 24.

[0261] The projection of the bottom wall of the second groove 232 covers the projection of the support member 24, so that the electrode assembly 22 is not easily in direct contact with the support member 24 during the movement toward the first wall 211, thereby strengthening the insulation between the support member 24 and the electrode assembly 22 and improving the reliability of the battery cell 20.

[0262] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the melting point of the support member 24 is higher than the melting point of the insulating member 23 .

[0263] In the later stages of thermal runaway, the electrode assembly 22 may be driven by the high-temperature, high-pressure material to move toward the first wall 211, and may even come into contact with the insulating member 23. The insulating member 23 melts and softens under the action of the high-temperature, high-pressure material, and is prone to deformation as the electrode assembly 22 moves further toward the first wall 211, blocking the existing discharge channel and preventing the high-temperature, high-pressure material from passing through the discharge channel to the pressure relief mechanism 213. In the embodiment of the present application, the melting point of the support member 24 is higher than that of the insulating member 23. Therefore, under the same temperature environment, the support member 24 is less likely to melt or dissolve than the insulating member 23, and can maintain its original shape and position within the battery cell 20, thereby restricting the movement of the electrode assembly 22 toward the pressure relief mechanism 213, making it difficult for the electrode assembly 22 to move to a position that blocks the discharge channel. This, in turn, limits deformation of the discharge channel, provides a discharge channel for the high-temperature, high-pressure material to reach the pressure relief mechanism 213, and is beneficial for improving the reliability of the battery cell 20.

[0264] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the melting point of the support member 24 is greater than 100°C.

[0265] In one example, the material of the support member 24 can be a single material, for example, the material of the support member 24 is a single material such as aluminum or copper. In this case, the support member 24 has a fixed melting point.

[0266] In another example, the material of the support member 24 can be a composite material. For example, the support member 24 can be a mixture of aluminum and copper. In this case, the support member 24 does not have a fixed melting point, that is, the melting point of the support member 24 is within the melting point range of various materials. For example, the melting point of aluminum is 660°C and the melting point of copper is 1083°C. Then, the melting point range of the support member 24 is 660°C to 1083°C. Since the melting point of the support member 24 is higher than the melting point of the insulating member 23, it can be understood that the lowest melting point in the melting point range of the support member 24 is higher than the melting point of the insulating member 23.

[0267] For example, if the positive electrode material of battery cell 20 is a compound with an olivine structure, the melting point of support member 24 can be greater than 150°C, allowing thermal runaway gas to reach pressure relief mechanism 213 before pressure relief mechanism 213 opens. Furthermore, optionally, the melting point of support member 24 can be greater than 500°C, allowing battery cell 20 to maintain mechanical strength during thermal runaway. The compound with an olivine structure can be selected from lithium iron phosphate, lithium iron manganese phosphate, or a mixture of lithium iron phosphate and lithium iron manganese phosphate.

[0268] For another example, if the positive electrode material of the battery cell 20 contains a layered compound, the melting point of the support member 24 can be greater than 100°C, so that the thermal runaway gas can reach the pressure relief mechanism 213 smoothly before the pressure relief mechanism 213 opens the valve. Further optionally, the melting point of the support member 24 is greater than 400°C, which can enable the battery cell 20 to maintain mechanical strength during thermal runaway. Among them, the layered compound can be selected from lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxygen ternary layered material, or a mixture of lithium iron phosphate and lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxygen ternary layered material, or a mixture of lithium manganese iron and lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxygen ternary layered material.

[0269] Optionally, the support member 24 may be made of a high-temperature resistant material. For example, the support member 24 may be made of at least one hard material selected from metal, graphite, polytetrafluoroethylene, mica, ceramics, and the like.

[0270] In this embodiment, a support member 24 with a melting point greater than 100°C is used, which is advantageous in that it is not easily melted when thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell 20, thereby enabling a gas exhaust passage connected to the pressure relief mechanism 213 to be formed between the first wall 211 and the electrode assembly 22, so that the thermal runaway gas can be discharged to the outside of the battery cell 20 through the pressure relief mechanism 213 in a timely manner, thereby improving the reliability of the battery cell 20.

[0271] An embodiment of the present application further provides a battery, comprising the battery cell 20 described in any of the above embodiments.

[0272] An embodiment of the present application further provides an electrical device, comprising the battery described in any of the above embodiments, and the battery is used to provide electrical energy to the electrical device.

[0273] The present application provides a battery cell 20, comprising a housing 21, a pressure relief mechanism 213, an electrode assembly 22, and a support member 24. The electrode assembly 22 is housed in the housing 21, the housing 21 having a first wall 211, and the pressure relief mechanism 213 is disposed on the first wall 211. The support member 24 is disposed opposite the pressure relief mechanism 213, and is used to limit the movement of the electrode assembly 22 toward the first wall 211. The support member 24 may include a connecting portion 242 and a support wall 241. In some embodiments, the connecting portion 242 may be connected to the first wall 211. In other embodiments, the battery cell 20 may include an insulating member 23, and the connecting portion 242 may be connected to the insulating member 23. For example, the connecting portion 242 may be connected to the surface of the insulating member 23 facing the first wall 211, the insulating member 23 having a first through hole 231, and at least a portion of the support member 24 is accommodated in the first through hole 231. Optionally, the insulating member 23 is provided with a protruding structure 233, the projection of which in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211 covers the projection of the support member 24 in the thickness direction Z of the first wall 211. Optionally, the insulating member 23 is provided with a first protruding portion 234, the first protruding portion 234 having a first groove 235, and at least a portion of the connecting portion 242 of the support member 24 is received in the first groove 235, so that the support member 24 and the insulating member 23 are engaged with each other.

[0274] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A battery cell, characterized in that: include: a housing having a first wall; a pressure relief mechanism, the pressure relief mechanism being arranged on the first wall; an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly being accommodated in the housing; A support member is disposed opposite to the pressure relief mechanism and is used to limit the movement of the electrode assembly toward the first wall.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: A discharge passage connecting the pressure relief mechanism and the electrode assembly is provided between the support member and the pressure relief mechanism.

3. The battery cell according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: include: An insulating member is disposed between the electrode assembly and the first wall, and the supporting member is connected to the insulating member.

4. The battery cell according to claim 3, characterized in that: The supporting member is disposed between the first wall and the insulating member.

5. The battery cell according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The supporting member is connected to a surface of the insulating member facing the first wall.

6. The battery cell according to claim 3, characterized in that: The insulating member includes a first through hole, the first through hole is arranged opposite to the pressure relief mechanism in the thickness direction of the first wall, and at least a portion of the supporting member is accommodated in the first through hole.

7. The battery cell according to claim 6, characterized in that: A surface of the support member facing the electrode assembly is provided with an insulating layer.

8. The battery cell according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that: A second groove is disposed on a surface of the insulating member facing the first wall. An accommodation space is formed between the second groove and the first wall. The supporting member is accommodated in the accommodation space.

9. The battery cell according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second groove has an opening in the length direction of the first wall and / or the width direction of the first wall, and the opening is used to connect the pressure relief mechanism with the electrode assembly.

10. The battery cell according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: In the thickness direction of the first wall, a projection of the bottom wall of the second groove covers a projection of the supporting member.

11. The battery cell according to any one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that: The support member includes a connected support wall and at least one connecting portion, the support wall is used to limit the movement of the electrode assembly toward the first wall, and the connecting portion is used to connect the insulating member and the support wall.

12. The battery cell according to claim 11, characterized in that: The connecting portion is engaged with the insulating component.

13. The battery cell according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The insulating member is provided with a first groove, the opening direction of the first groove is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the first wall, and at least a part of the connecting portion is accommodated in the first groove.

14. The battery cell according to claim 13, characterized in that: A first protrusion is disposed on the surface of the insulating member, and the first groove is disposed in the first protrusion.

15. The battery cell according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that: The portion of the connecting portion accommodated in the first groove is provided with a first step structure, the first groove has a second step structure, and the first step structure and the second step structure cooperate with each other.

16. The battery cell according to claim 11, characterized in that: The connection portion is connected to a surface of the insulating member facing the first wall.

17. The battery cell according to claim 11, characterized in that: The connection portion is connected to a surface of the insulating member facing the electrode assembly.

18. The battery cell according to any one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that: The connection portion includes at least one first connection wall parallel to a thickness direction of the first wall, the first connection wall being used to form a gap between the insulating member and the support wall.

19. The battery cell according to claim 18, characterized in that: The connecting portion includes a second connecting wall connecting the first connecting wall and the insulating member.

20. The battery cell according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that: At least one of the first connecting walls includes two first connecting walls, and the two first connecting walls are arranged opposite to each other at the edge of the supporting wall.

21. The battery cell according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that: The first connecting wall has a through hole, and the through hole is used to connect the pressure relief mechanism and the electrode assembly.

22. The battery cell according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that: A projection of the supporting wall in the thickness direction of the first wall covers a projection of the pressure relief mechanism in the thickness direction of the first wall.

23. The battery cell according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The support member is connected to a surface of the first wall facing the electrode assembly in a thickness direction of the first wall.

24. The battery cell according to claim 23, characterized in that: The support member includes a connected support wall and at least one connecting portion, the support wall is used to limit the movement of the electrode assembly toward the first wall, and the connecting portion is used to connect the first wall and the support wall.

25. The battery cell according to claim 24, characterized in that: The connecting portion includes at least one first connecting wall parallel to a thickness direction of the first wall, and the first connecting wall is used to form a gap between the first wall and the supporting wall.

26. The battery cell according to claim 25, characterized in that: The connecting portion includes a second connecting wall connecting the first connecting wall and the first wall.

27. The battery cell according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that: At least one of the first connecting walls includes two first connecting walls, and the two first connecting walls are arranged opposite to each other at the edge of the supporting wall.

28. The battery cell according to any one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that: The first connecting wall has a through hole, and the through hole is used to connect the pressure relief mechanism and the electrode assembly.

29. The battery cell according to any one of claims 24 to 28, characterized in that: A projection of the supporting wall in the thickness direction of the first wall covers a projection of the pressure relief mechanism in the thickness direction of the first wall.

30. The battery cell according to any one of claims 23 to 29, characterized in that: include: An insulating member is disposed between the electrode assembly and the first wall.

31. The battery cell according to claim 30, characterized in that: The insulating member includes a first through hole, the first through hole is arranged opposite to the pressure relief mechanism in the thickness direction of the first wall, and at least a portion of the supporting member is accommodated in the first through hole.

32. The battery cell according to claim 31, characterized in that A surface of the support member facing the electrode assembly is provided with an insulating layer.

33. The battery cell according to any one of claims 30 to 32, characterized in that: A second groove is disposed on a surface of the insulating member facing the first wall. An accommodation space is formed between the second groove and the first wall. The supporting member is accommodated in the accommodation space.

34. The battery cell according to claim 33, characterized in that: The second groove has an opening in the length direction of the first wall and / or the width direction of the first wall, and the opening is used to connect the pressure relief mechanism with the electrode assembly.

35. The battery cell according to claim 33 or 34, characterized in that: In the thickness direction of the first wall, a projection of the bottom wall of the second groove covers a projection of the supporting member.

36. The battery cell according to any one of claims 3 to 35, characterized in that: The supporting member has a higher melting point than the insulating member.

37. The battery cell according to claim 36, characterized in that: The supporting member has a melting point greater than 100°C.

38. A battery, characterized in that: include: A battery cell as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 37.

39. An electrical device, characterized in that: The battery comprises a battery as described in claim 38, wherein the battery is used to provide electrical energy to the electrical device.

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