Battery cell, battery, and electric device

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of batteries, and discloses a battery cell, a battery, and an electric device. The battery cell comprises a casing, an end cover, an electrode assembly and an insulating protection member; the casing is provided with an opening; the end cover covers the opening; a pressure relief structure is arranged on the end cover; the electrode assembly is arranged in the casing; the insulating protection member is arranged on the side of the end cover facing the electrode assembly; the insulating protection member comprises a body; supporting structures are respectively connected to opposite ends of the body; the side of each supporting structure facing away from the end cover protrudes from the body; the supporting structures on the two ends of the body are provided with first side walls facing each other; and the supporting structure on at least one end of the body is provided with a first communication port and a second communication port which are communicated with each other, the first communication port is formed in the first side wall, and the second communication port is at least formed in a bottom wall of the supporting structure adjacent to the first side wall. When the battery cell falls or vibrates, an electrolyte or airflow can be distributed, reducing the possibility of electrolyte leakage due to the pressure relief structure being impacted and opened.

Description

Battery cells, batteries and electrical devices

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202420086804.7, filed on January 15, 2024, entitled “Battery Cell, Battery and Electrical Device,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery cell, a battery, and an electrical device. Background Art

[0004] This section merely provides background information related to the present application and is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] Batteries can store electrical energy and can be widely used in electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicles, electric aircraft, electric boats, electric toy cars, electric toy boats, electric toy airplanes and power tools.

[0006] When batteries are dropped or vibrated, the high impact forces can lead to electrolyte leakage and other damage. Improving batteries' impact resistance and reducing the risk of damage from impact are crucial issues in the development of battery technology. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the above problems, the present application provides a battery cell, a battery and an electrical device to reduce the impact of the electrolyte on the pressure relief structure, improve the impact resistance of the battery, and reduce the risk of electrolyte leakage.

[0008] The first aspect of the present application proposes a battery cell, including a shell, an end cover, an electrode assembly and an insulating protective member, the shell having an opening, the end cover covering the opening, a pressure relief structure being provided on the end cover, the electrode assembly being provided in the shell, and the insulating protective member being provided on the side of the end cover facing the electrode assembly, the insulating protective member including a main body, the opposite ends of the main body being respectively connected to support structures, the side of the support structure facing away from the end cover being protruded relative to the main body, the two support structures at both ends of the main body having first side walls facing each other, the support structure also having a bottom wall facing the electrode assembly, the bottom wall of the same support structure being adjacent to and connected to the first side wall, a first connecting port being provided on the first side wall of the support structure at at least one end, the support structure having the first connecting port also being provided with a second connecting port connected to the first connecting port, the second connecting port being provided at least on the bottom wall of the support structure.

[0009] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, when the battery cell falls or vibrates, causing the electrolyte or airflow to impact the end cover side, the electrolyte or airflow can flow from the first connecting port of the support structure to the second flow port, and the electrolyte or airflow is diverted to the side of the insulating protective part and flows to the side of the electrode assembly, reducing the accumulation of electrolyte or gas at the position of the pressure relief structure, reducing the impact of the electrolyte or airflow on the pressure relief structure, thereby reducing the possibility of the pressure relief structure opening due to the falling or vibration of the battery cell, and causing the electrolyte to leak, thereby improving the impact resistance of the battery cell.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present application, a plurality of the first communication ports are spaced apart on the support structure, and / or a plurality of the second communication ports are spaced apart on the support structure. The provision of a plurality of spaced-apart first communication ports and / or second communication ports on the support structure can increase the flow area of ​​the first communication ports and / or second communication ports, which is beneficial to improving the diversion effect on the electrolyte or airflow, thereby reducing the impact of the electrolyte or airflow on the pressure relief structure when the battery cell falls or vibrates. At the same time, compared with a larger and continuous first communication port or second communication port, the spaced-apart first communication port and / or second communication port has less effect on the strength of the support structure, which is beneficial to maintaining the supporting and limiting effect of the support structure on the electrode assembly, and reducing the possibility of the electrode assembly moving or shaking in the shell.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present application, the number of all first communication openings on the two support structures is no less than four; and / or, a second communication opening is also provided on the second side wall of the support structure, and the number of all second communication openings on the second side wall of the two support structures is no less than four, and the second side wall is the wall of the support structure opposite the first side wall. In this embodiment, the provision of multiple spaced first communication openings and / or second communication openings on the support structure can divert the airflow or electrolyte at multiple locations, which is beneficial for improving the diversion effect of the electrolyte or airflow, thereby reducing the impact of the electrolyte or airflow on the pressure relief structure when the battery cell falls or vibrates.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present application, the total flow area of ​​all first communication openings on the two support structures is greater than or equal to 1.2 times the pressure relief area of ​​the pressure relief structure; and / or the total flow area of ​​all second communication openings on the two support structures is greater than or equal to 1.2 times the pressure relief area of ​​the pressure relief structure. The limitation of the total flow area of ​​the first communication openings and the total flow area of ​​the second communication openings in this embodiment is conducive to improving the diversion effect of electrolyte or airflow.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present application, the bottom wall abuts the electrode assembly. This abutment between the bottom wall and the electrode assembly can improve the stability of the electrode assembly within the housing. When the bottom wall abuts the main body of the electrode assembly, some gaps remain, allowing the electrolyte or gas flowing out of the second communication port to flow to both sides of the electrode assembly through these gaps.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present application, the second communication opening on the bottom wall is a circular hole, and the diameter of the circular hole is 1 / 10 to 1 / 2 times the width L3 of the bottom wall. The size of the circular hole in this embodiment can reduce the impact of the second communication opening on the strength of the bottom wall, so that the bottom wall can maintain its limiting support function for the electrode assembly.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present application, the diameter of the circular hole is 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present application, the total flow area of ​​all the second communication openings located on the bottom wall of the two support structures is greater than or equal to 0.5 times the pressure relief area of ​​the pressure relief structure. This limitation on the total flow area of ​​all the second communication openings on the bottom wall of this embodiment can achieve a good flow diversion effect while reducing the impact of the second communication openings on the strength of the bottom wall, allowing the bottom wall to maintain its positional support function for the electrode assembly.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present application, the support structure is a hollow structure, and the first communication port and the second communication port are connected through a cavity within the support structure. By configuring the support structure as a hollow structure, the weight of the insulating protection member can be reduced, facilitating the lightweight design of the battery cell. Furthermore, the hollow structure also reduces the rigidity of the support structure, facilitating the overall deformation of the insulating protection member and reducing the possibility of unpredictable deformation of the entire insulating protection member due to excessive deformation of the body and difficulty in deformation of the support structure in certain situations.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present application, the support structure is provided with a reinforcement member within the cavity. The reinforcement member can increase the strength of the support structure, enabling the support structure to provide good support performance even when a larger cavity is provided, thereby improving the position-limiting support provided by the insulating protective member to the electrode assembly and reducing the possibility of the electrode assembly moving or shaking within the housing.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present application, the reinforcement member is connected between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and the second sidewall is the wall of the support structure opposite the first sidewall. The reinforcement member is connected between the first and second sidewalls, which is less likely to interfere with the connection between the first and second communication ports, and can improve the strength of the support structure, so that when the support structure is provided with a larger cavity, it can still provide good support performance, improve the limiting support function of the insulating protective member on the electrode assembly, and reduce the possibility of the electrode assembly moving or shaking within the housing.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present application, the reinforcement member divides the support structure into multiple cavities, the first sidewall is provided with a first communication port corresponding to each of the multiple cavities, and the wall adjacent to the first sidewall and / or the second sidewall is provided with a second communication port corresponding to each of the multiple cavities. Providing each cavity with a first communication port and a second communication port facilitates improving the diversion effect of the electrolyte or airflow.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present application, the side of the support structure facing the end cap is hollowed out. The hollowing out of the side of the support structure facing the end cap reduces the weight of the insulating protective member, which is beneficial to the lightweight design of the battery cell.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present application, the second sidewall of the support structure is provided with the second communication opening. The second communication opening of the second sidewall is spaced apart from the end surface of the second sidewall facing the end cap. The second sidewall is the wall of the support structure opposite the first sidewall. The second communication opening on the second sidewall does not extend through to the top end of the second sidewall, thereby providing the support structure with better support strength and reducing the impact of the second communication opening on the strength of the second sidewall.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present application, along the direction from the end cap toward the electrode assembly, the second sidewall has a dimension L1, and the minimum distance between the end surface of the second sidewall facing the end cap and the second communication opening on the second sidewall is L2, where L2 is 1 / 10 to 1 / 4 times L1. This embodiment limits the dimension of the minimum distance between the end surface of the second sidewall facing the end cap and the second communication opening on the second sidewall, thereby allowing the second communication opening to have a larger flow area while reducing the impact of the second communication opening on the strength of the second sidewall.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present application, a minimum distance L2 between an end surface of the second side wall facing the end cover and the second communication opening on the second side wall is 0.5 mm to 2 mm.

[0025] In some embodiments of the present application, the end surface of the first side wall facing the end cap is spaced apart from the first communication opening. The second communication opening does not penetrate to the top of the first side wall, which can provide the support structure with better support strength and reduce the impact of the first communication opening on the strength of the first side wall.

[0026] In some embodiments of the present application, the body and the support structure are an integrated structure. The support structure and the body are an integrated structure, so that the insulating protector has high structural stability and connection strength.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present application, the main body and the supporting structure are both plastic parts.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present application, exhaust holes are provided at positions of the insulating protection member corresponding to the pressure relief structure.

[0029] In some embodiments of the present application, the insulating protector further includes a raised structure corresponding to the position of the pressure relief structure, the raised structure being located on a side of the body facing away from the end cap and abutting against the electrode assembly, and the venting hole including a first venting hole extending through the body and the raised structure. The raised structure can enhance the strength of the insulating protector and improve its positional support performance for the electrode assembly.

[0030] A second aspect of the present application provides a battery, comprising a battery cell provided in the present application or any embodiment of the present application.

[0031] A third aspect of the present application provides an electrical device, comprising a battery provided in the present application or any embodiment of the present application, wherein the battery is used to provide electrical energy.

[0032] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present application. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present application, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are listed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiment below. The accompanying drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not to be considered as limiting the present application. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to denote the same components. In the drawings:

[0034] FIG1 schematically shows a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0035] FIG2 schematically shows an exploded view of a battery provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0036] FIG3 schematically shows an exploded structural diagram of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0037] FIG4 schematically shows an assembly structure diagram of an end cap and an insulating protection member according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0038] FIG5 schematically shows a schematic diagram of the separation of the end cover and the insulating protection member in some embodiments of the present application;

[0039] FIG6 schematically shows a schematic diagram of an insulating protection member according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0040] FIG7 schematically shows an enlarged view of portion A of FIG6 ;

[0041] FIG8 schematically shows a schematic diagram of an insulating protection member according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0042] FIG9 is an enlarged view of portion B of FIG8 .

[0043] The reference numerals in the specific embodiments are as follows: 1000, vehicle; 100, battery; 10, housing; 11, first portion; 12, second portion; 20, battery cell; 21, end cap; 211, electrode terminal; 212, pressure relief structure; 213, pressure relief area; 22, housing; 23, electrode assembly; 231, tab; 232, main body; 24, connecting piece; 25, insulating sheet; 30, insulating protection member; 31, body; 32, supporting structure; 321, first side wall; 3211, first end surface; 322, second side wall; 3221, second end surface; 323, bottom wall; 324, first communication port; 325, second communication port; 326, circular hole; 327, reinforcement member; 328, cavity; 33, exhaust hole; 331, first exhaust hole; 332, second exhaust hole; 34, protruding structure; 35, reinforcement rib; 200, controller; 300, motor; X, first direction; Y, second direction; Z, height direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The following embodiments of the technical solution of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present application and are therefore only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned figure descriptions are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0046] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the quantity, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, the meaning of "plurality" is more than two, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0047] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present 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 herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0048] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" is simply a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the following three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0049] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the term "multiple" 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).

[0050] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the technical terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0051] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, technical terms such as "installed," "connected," "connected," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; internal connections between two components or interactions between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application based on specific circumstances.

[0052] With the vigorous development of the new energy industry, the capacity of large-capacity battery cells is increasing, and the performance requirements for batteries are also becoming higher and higher. The impact resistance of batteries is an important performance of batteries. During the battery production process, the impact resistance of batteries is also tested to ensure that the batteries can meet the basic requirements of impact resistance.

[0053] Batteries typically consist of one or more cells. Each cell's end cap can be equipped with a pressure relief structure to facilitate the timely discharge of emissions in the event of thermal runaway. During tests of battery resistance, such as drop tests, it was found that electrolyte leakage could easily damage the battery, potentially failing to meet impact resistance requirements.

[0054] Further research found that when the battery falls or vibrates, the electrolyte inside the battery will impact the shell, and when the battery falls upside down, the electrolyte will impact the pressure relief structure. The pressure relief structure is a weak point in the battery shell, and its impact resistance is weaker than other parts of the shell. It is more easily opened by the impact of the electrolyte, causing electrolyte leakage and battery damage.

[0055] Based on this, in order to alleviate the problem of limited impact resistance and easy leakage of electrolyte when the battery falls or vibrates, the present application provides a battery cell, wherein the battery cell is provided with a first connecting port and a second connecting port on the support structure at one end or both ends of the insulating protective member, the first connecting port being provided on the first side walls of the support structures at both ends facing each other, and the second connecting port being provided on the wall of the support structure adjacent to or opposite to the first side wall. The electrolyte or airflow impacting the end cap can be diverted to the first connecting port, and after flowing through the second connecting port, it flows to the side of the electrode assembly, thereby reducing the accumulation of electrolyte or gas at the pressure relief structure and reducing the impact of the electrolyte or airflow on the pressure relief structure, thereby reducing the possibility of the pressure relief structure opening and electrolyte leakage caused by the battery cell falling or vibrating, and improving the impact resistance of the battery cell.

[0056] The battery cells disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be used, but are not limited to, in electrical devices such as vehicles, ships, or aircraft. A power supply system comprising the battery cells and batteries disclosed in this application can be used to alleviate and automatically regulate deterioration in cell expansion, replenish electrolyte consumption, and improve battery performance stability and battery life.

[0057] The present invention provides an electric device that uses a battery as a power source. The electric device may be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, an electric toy, an electric tool, a battery-powered vehicle, an electric car, a ship, a spacecraft, etc. The electric toy may include a fixed or mobile electric toy, such as a game console, an electric car toy, an electric ship toy, and an electric airplane toy, etc. The spacecraft may include an airplane, a rocket, a space shuttle, and a spacecraft, etc.

[0058] For the convenience of description, the following embodiments are described by taking a vehicle 1000 as an example of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0059] Please refer to Figure 1, which schematically shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the vehicle provided in some embodiments of the present application. The vehicle 1000 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 battery 100 is provided inside the vehicle 1000, and the battery 100 can be provided at the bottom, head or tail of the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 can be used to power the vehicle 1000. For example, the battery 100 can serve as an operating power source for the vehicle 1000. The vehicle 1000 may also include a controller 200 and a motor 300. The controller 200 is used to control the battery 100 to power the motor 300, for example, for starting, navigating and driving the vehicle 1000.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present application, the battery 100 can serve not only as an operating power source for the vehicle 1000, but also as a driving power source for the vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1000.

[0061] Please refer to Figure 2, which schematically shows an exploded view of a battery provided in some embodiments of the present application. Battery 100 includes a housing 10 and a battery cell 20, with battery cell 20 housed within housing 10. Housing 10 is used to provide a storage space for battery cell 20 and can have various structures. In some embodiments, housing 10 can include a first portion 11 and a second portion 12, which overlap each other and together define a storage space for battery cell 20. Second portion 12 can be a hollow structure with one end open. First portion 11 can be a plate-like structure, with first portion 11 overlapping the open side of second portion 12, so that the first and second portions 11 and 12 together define a storage space. Alternatively, first portion 11 and second portion 12 can each be a hollow structure with one end open, with the open side of first portion 11 overlapping the open side of second portion 12. Housing 10 formed by first portion 11 and second portion 12 can have various shapes, such as a cylinder or a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0062] In the battery 100, there may be multiple battery cells 20, and the multiple battery cells 20 may be connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid connection. A hybrid connection refers to a combination of series and parallel connections among the multiple battery cells 20. The multiple battery cells 20 may be directly connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid connection, and then the entire battery cell 20 may be housed within the housing 10. Alternatively, the battery 100 may be constructed by first connecting multiple battery cells 20 in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid connection to form a battery module, which is then connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid connection to form a complete battery module, and then housed within the housing 10. The battery 100 may also include other structures, such as a busbar assembly for electrically connecting the multiple battery cells 20.

[0063] Each battery cell 20 may be a secondary battery or a primary battery, and may also be a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-ion battery, or a magnesium-ion battery, but is not limited thereto. The battery cell 20 may be cylindrical, flat, rectangular, or in other shapes.

[0064] Please refer to Figure 3, which schematically illustrates the exploded structure of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of the present application. A battery cell 20 is the smallest unit that makes up a battery. As shown in Figure 3, a battery cell 20 includes an end cap 21, an insulating protective member 30, a housing 22, an electrode assembly 23, and other functional components.

[0065] The end cap 21 refers to a component that covers the opening of the shell 22 to isolate the internal environment of the battery cell 20 from the external environment. Without limitation, the shape of the end cap 21 can be adapted to the shape of the shell 22 to match the shell 22. Optionally, the end cap 21 can be made of a material with a certain hardness and strength (such as aluminum alloy), so that the end cap 21 is not easily deformed when squeezed or collided, so that the battery cell 20 can have a higher structural strength and improved safety performance. Functional components such as electrode terminals 211 can be provided on the end cap 21. The electrode terminal 211 can be used to electrically connect to the electrode assembly 23 through the connecting piece 24 for outputting or inputting electrical energy of the battery cell 20. In some embodiments, the end cap 21 may also be provided with a pressure relief structure 212 for releasing the internal pressure of the battery cell 20 when the internal pressure or temperature reaches a threshold. The pressure relief structure 212 may specifically take the form of an explosion-proof valve, an air valve, a pressure relief valve, or a safety valve, and may specifically employ a pressure-sensitive or temperature-sensitive element or structure. That is, when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 reaches a predetermined threshold, the pressure relief structure 212 actuates or a weak structure provided in the pressure relief structure 212 is destroyed, thereby forming an opening or channel for releasing the internal pressure of the battery cell 20. The end cap 21 may also be made of a variety of materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and the present embodiment does not impose any particular limitation on this.

[0066] The housing 22 is a component that cooperates with the end cap 21 to form the internal environment of the battery cell 20. This internal environment can be used to accommodate the electrode assembly 23, electrolyte, and other components. The housing 22 and end cap 21 can be separate components. An opening can be provided in the housing 22, and the end cap 21 is placed over the opening to form the internal environment of the battery cell 20. Alternatively, the end cap 21 and housing 22 can be integrated. Specifically, the end cap 21 and housing 22 can form a common connection surface before other components are inserted into the housing. When the interior of the housing 22 needs to be enclosed, the end cap 21 is placed over the housing 22. The housing 22 can have a variety of shapes and sizes, such as a rectangular parallelepiped, a cylindrical shape, or a hexagonal prism. Specifically, the shape of the housing 22 can be determined based on the specific shape and size of the electrode assembly 23. The housing 22 can be made of a variety of materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and this embodiment of the present application does not impose any particular limitations on this. An insulating sheet 25 may be further provided in the shell 22 . The insulating sheet 25 may be wrapped around the outside of the electrode assembly 23 to isolate the electrode assembly 23 from the shell 22 .

[0067] The electrode assembly 23 is a component in the battery cell 20 where electrochemical reactions occur. One or more electrode assemblies 23 may be contained in the shell 22. The electrode assembly 23 is mainly formed by winding or stacking the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet, and a separator is usually provided between the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet. The electrode assembly 23 includes a main body 232 and a tab 231, wherein the main body 232 mainly includes the parts of the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet with active materials, and the parts of the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet without active materials each constitute a tab 231. The positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab may be located together at one end of the main body or respectively at both ends of the main body. During the charge and discharge process of the battery, the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material react with the electrolyte, and the tab 231 may be connected to the electrode terminal 211 through the connecting piece 24 to form a current loop.

[0068] The insulating protective part 30 is a component located between the end cap 21 and the electrode assembly 23. The insulating protective part 30 can be a plastic part. The insulating protective part can be prefabricated from plastic or assembled from various plastic parts. The material is an insulating material. The insulating protective part can also be a component of other materials, such as a rubber part. The insulating protective part 30 has two main functions. First, it can be used to isolate the electrical connection components in the shell 22 from the end cap 21 to reduce the risk of short circuit. Second, it can effectively support the end face of the electrode assembly 23. After the electrode assembly 23 is assembled into the shell and the end cap 21 is welded, the internal winding core of the electrode assembly 23 is in a state of slight pressure. Moreover, the electrode assembly 23 will also be in a vibrating environment during the process of loading and use. If the electrode assembly 23 is not restrained enough, it will easily affect the life of the winding core or cause a short circuit. Therefore, the insulating protective part 30 needs to effectively support the end face of the winding core to reduce the possibility of the electrode assembly 23 moving up and down.

[0069] According to some embodiments of the present application, with reference to FIG3, and further with reference to FIG4 and FIG5, FIG4 schematically shows an assembly structure diagram of the end cover and the insulating protective member of some embodiments of the present application, and FIG5 schematically shows a schematic diagram of the separation of the end cover and the insulating protective member of some embodiments of the present application. This embodiment provides a battery cell 20, including a shell 22, an end cover 21, an electrode assembly 23 and an insulating protective member 30, the shell 22 has an opening; the end cover 21 covers the opening, and a pressure relief structure 212 is provided on the end cover 21, and the electrode assembly 23 is provided in the shell 22; the insulating protective member 30 is provided on the side of the end cover 21 facing the electrode assembly 23, and the insulating protective member 30 includes this The body 31 has a support structure 32 connected to the opposite ends of the body 31. The support structure 32 is protruded relative to the body 31 on the side facing away from the end cover 21. The two support structures 32 at both ends of the body 31 have first side walls 321 facing each other. The support structure 32 also has a bottom wall 323 facing the electrode assembly 23. The bottom wall 323 of the same support structure 32 is adjacent to and connected to the first side wall 321. The support structure 32 at at least one end is provided with a first connecting port 324. The support structure 32 provided with the first connecting port 324 is also provided with a second connecting port 325 connected to the first connecting port 324. The second connecting port 325 is at least provided on the bottom wall of the support structure 32.

[0070] The insulating protector 30 can be fixed to the end cap 21 and located on the side of the end cap 21 closest to the electrode assembly 23. This side of the end cap 21 closest to the electrode assembly 23 is the inner side of the end cap 21. When the battery cell 20 is positioned in the upright orientation (as shown in FIG3 , the end cap 21 is positioned on top and the housing 22 is positioned below), this side is also the underside of the end cap 21. For ease of description, the following description of the corresponding components assumes the battery cell 20 is positioned in the upright orientation.

[0071] The support structure 32 of the insulating protector 30 is connected to the end of the body 31, specifically, to the end surface of the body 31. The body 31 and support structure 32 can be an integral structure, specifically, an injection-molded structure, or a structure connected together by adhesive bonding or other means. The body 31 and the raised structure 34 can be made of the same material, both of which can be insulating materials, specifically plastic.

[0072] As shown in FIG5 , the top end of the support structure 32 (the end facing the end cap 21, i.e., the end where the top wall is located) can be flush with the top surface of the body 31 (the surface facing the end cap 21), and the top end of the support structure 32 and the top surface of the body 31 can both contact and connect with the bottom wall of the end cap 21. The side of the support structure 32 facing away from the end cap 21 is protruded relative to the body 31. It can be understood that the bottom wall 323 of the support structure 32 (the wall facing away from the end cap 21) is protruded downward relative to the bottom surface of the body 31 (the surface facing away from the end cap 21). In this way, the two support structures 32 at both ends of the body 31 each have a protrusion located below the bottom surface of the body 31, and the protrusions of the two support structures 32 are opposite and spaced apart. Among them, the bottom wall 323 of the support structure 32, i.e., the bottom wall 323 of the protrusion, can abut against the main body 232 of the electrode assembly 23 to support the electrode assembly 23 and reduce the possibility of the electrode assembly 23 shaking within the shell 22. Between the two protrusions, the body 31 and the main body 232 of the electrode assembly 23 can be spaced apart to form a gap for mounting the tabs 231, the connecting piece 24, etc. The side walls of the two protrusions at both ends of the body 31 that face each other and are close to each other are first side walls 321. In other words, the side wall of each support structure 32 that faces the gap is the first side wall 321.

[0073] The two ends of the body 31 may be the two ends of the length direction of the body 31 along the main body portion 232 of the electrode assembly 23, that is, the two ends of the length direction of the body 31. The length direction of the body 31 can be understood with reference to the second direction Y shown in the drawings.

[0074] Of the two support structures 32 at both ends of the body 31, the first communication opening 324 and the second communication opening 325 may be provided on one of the support structures 32, or on both support structures 32. The first communication opening 324 is provided on the first side wall 321 and can connect the gap between the two support structures 32. The second communication opening 325 can be provided on the bottom wall 323 adjacent to the first side wall 321. In some cases, the second communication opening 325 can also be provided on the wall opposite to the first side wall 321 or on another adjacent wall. Neither the wall adjacent to the first side wall 321 nor the wall opposite to the first side wall 321 faces the gap between the two support structures 32. As a result, gas or electrolyte flowing out through the second communication opening 325 will flow outward between the two support structures 32, toward the side of the body 31, and then toward both sides of the main body 232.

[0075] The wall opposite the first side wall 321 is the second side wall 322 as shown in FIG5 . The second side walls 322 of the two support structures 32 are arranged away from each other. In addition to the bottom wall 323, the wall adjacent to the first side wall 321 may also include the top wall of the support structure 32 or a side wall arranged between the first side wall 321 and the second side wall 322.

[0076] It should be noted that the support structure can be a hollow structure, and the wall of the support structure is a structure surrounding the cavity; the support structure can also be a roughly solid structure that is only provided with a channel connecting the first connecting port and the second connecting port. In this case, the wall of the support structure can be understood with reference to the surface of the support structure.

[0077] Optionally, the total flow area of ​​all the first communication openings 324 on the two support structures 32 can be set to be greater than or equal to 0.6 times the pressure relief area of ​​the pressure relief structure 212. For example, the total flow area of ​​all the first communication openings 324 on the two support structures 32 can be 0.6 times, 0.7 times, 0.8 times, 0.9 times, 1 times, 1.2 times, etc. of the pressure relief area of ​​the pressure relief structure 212. Optionally, the total flow area of ​​all the second communication openings 325 on the two support structures 32 can be greater than or equal to 0.6 times the pressure relief area of ​​the pressure relief structure 212. For example, the total flow area of ​​all the second communication openings 325 on the two support structures 32 can be 0.6 times, 0.7 times, 0.8 times, 0.9 times, 1 times, 1.2 times, etc. of the pressure relief area of ​​the pressure relief structure 212.

[0078] It can be understood that the larger the total flow area of ​​the first connecting port 324 and the second connecting port 325, the more conducive it is to the diversion of electrolyte and gas, but the setting of the first connecting port 324 and the second connecting port 325 will affect the strength of the insulating protection part 30. The limitation of the total flow area of ​​the first connecting port 324 and the total flow area of ​​the second connecting port 325 in this embodiment can not only help to improve the diversion effect of the electrolyte or airflow and improve the impact resistance of the battery, but the insulating protection part 30 can still have a good supporting effect on the electrode assembly 23.

[0079] The pressure relief structure 212 can be located between the two support structures 32, specifically in the middle of the body 31. The insulating protector 30 can be provided with vent holes 33 corresponding to the pressure relief structure 212. When the battery cell 20 is dropped or vibrated, the electrolyte or airflow impacts the end cap 21 side of the battery cell 20. The electrolyte or airflow will impact the insulating protector 30 and then impact the pressure relief structure 212 through the vent holes 33. The force exerted by the electrolyte or airflow on the insulating protector 30 when impacting the insulating protector 30 can also be transmitted to the pressure relief structure 212, causing an impact on the pressure relief structure 212. In this embodiment, by setting a first connecting port 324 and a second connecting port 325 that are connected on the support structure 32 of the insulating protection part 30, when the battery cell 20 falls or vibrates and causes the electrolyte or airflow to impact the side of the end cover 21, the electrolyte or airflow can flow from the first connecting port 324 of the support structure 32 to the second flow port, and the electrolyte or airflow is diverted to the side of the insulating protection part 30 and flows to the side of the electrode assembly 23, reducing the accumulation of electrolyte or airflow outside the pressure relief structure 212, reducing the impact of the electrolyte or airflow on the pressure relief structure 212, thereby reducing the possibility of the pressure relief structure 212 opening due to the falling or vibration of the battery cell 20, and causing the electrolyte to leak, thereby improving the impact resistance of the battery cell 20.

[0080] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, a plurality of first communication openings 324 are provided at intervals on the support structure 32 , and / or a plurality of second communication openings 325 are provided at intervals on the support structure 32 .

[0081] Here, "plurality" refers to two or more. The support structure 32 may be provided with multiple first communication openings 324. The multiple first communication openings 324 may be sequentially spaced along the length direction of the first side wall 321, or may be sequentially spaced along the height direction of the first side wall 321. The support structure 32 may be provided with multiple second communication openings 325. Specifically, the multiple second communication openings 325 may be provided on the second side wall 322 and spaced along the length direction of the second side wall 322. The multiple second communication openings 325 may also be provided on the bottom wall 323, with the multiple communication openings spaced apart on the bottom wall 323.

[0082] The length direction of the first side wall 321 is substantially parallel to the bottom wall 323, which can be understood by referring to the first direction X shown in the drawings. The height direction Z of the first side wall 321 is substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall 323 of the support structure 32. The length direction of the second side wall 322 is substantially the same as the length direction of the first side wall 321.

[0083] The provision of multiple spaced-apart first communication openings 324 and / or second communication openings 325 on the support structure 32 increases the flow area of ​​the first communication openings 324 and / or second communication openings 325, thereby improving the diversion effect on the electrolyte or airflow, thereby reducing the impact of the electrolyte or airflow on the pressure relief structure 212 when the battery cell 20 falls or vibrates. Furthermore, compared to a large, continuous first communication opening 324 or second communication opening 325, the spaced-apart first communication openings 324 and / or second communication openings 325 have a smaller impact on the strength of the support structure 32, thereby maintaining the support structure 32's support and restraining function for the electrode assembly 23 and reducing the possibility of the electrode assembly 23 moving or wobbling within the housing 22.

[0084] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the number of all first connecting ports 324 on the two supporting structures 32 is not less than four, and / or the number of all second connecting ports 325 on the second side wall 322 of the two supporting structures 32 is not less than four, and the second side wall 322 is the wall of the supporting structure 32 opposite to the first side wall 321.

[0085] In the case where only one support structure 32 is provided with the first communication opening 324 and the second communication opening 325, the support structure 32 may be provided with four, five, or more first communication openings 324, and the number of the second communication openings 325 may be four, five, or more. In the case where both support structures 32 are provided with the first communication opening 324, the number of the first communication openings 324 on the two support structures 32 may be the same or different, with the sum of the number of the first communication openings 324 on one support structure 32 and the number of the first communication openings 324 on the other support structure 32 being four, five, or more, and the sum of the number of the second communication openings 325 on the second sidewall 322 of one support structure 32 and the number of the second communication openings 325 on the second sidewalls 322 of the other two support structures 32 being four, five, or more.

[0086] The number of first communication openings 324 and the number of second communication openings 325 on a support structure 32 can be the same or different. The shape of the first communication openings 324 and the shape of the second communication openings 325 on the second sidewall 322 can be the same or different. Both support structures 32 can be provided with first communication openings 324 and second communication openings 325. The number of first communication openings 324 on each support structure 32 can be no less than two, so that the total number of first communication openings 324 in the two support structures 32 is no less than four. The second sidewall 322 of each support structure 32 can be provided with no less than two second communication openings 325, so that the total number of second communication openings 325 in the two support structures 32 is no less than four.

[0087] In this embodiment, the number of second communicating ports 325 is limited to the number of second communicating ports 325 on the second side wall 322, and does not limit the number of second communicating ports 325 arranged on the wall adjacent to the first side wall 321. For example, the number of second communicating ports 325 on the bottom wall 323 is not within the above-mentioned number of second communicating ports 325.

[0088] In a specific implementation, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, Figure 6 schematically shows a schematic diagram of the insulating protection part of some embodiments of the present application, and Figure 7 schematically shows an enlarged view of part A of Figure 6. The support structures 32 at both ends of the main body 31 are provided with a first connecting port 324 and a second connecting port 325. Three first connecting ports 324 are arranged at intervals on each support structure 32, and two second connecting ports 325 are arranged at intervals on the second side wall 322 of each support structure 32. The first connecting port 324 and the second connecting port 325 can both be rectangular ports.

[0089] In this embodiment, a plurality of spaced first connecting ports 324 and / or second connecting ports 325 are provided on the support structure 32, which can divert the airflow or electrolyte at multiple positions, thereby improving the diversion effect of the electrolyte or airflow, thereby reducing the impact of the electrolyte or airflow on the pressure relief structure 212 when the battery cell 20 falls or vibrates.

[0090] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the total flow area of ​​all the first connecting ports 324 on the two support structures 32 is greater than or equal to 1.2 times the pressure relief area of ​​the pressure relief structure 212; and / or, the total flow area of ​​all the second connecting ports 325 on the two support structures 32 is greater than or equal to 1.2 times the pressure relief area of ​​the pressure relief structure 212.

[0091] It can be understood that, when only one of the two supporting structures 32 is provided with the first connecting port 324 and the second connecting port 325, the total flow area of ​​all the first connecting ports 324 is the sum of the flow areas of all the first connecting ports 324 of the supporting structure 32, and the total flow area of ​​all the second connecting ports 325 is the sum of the flow areas of all the second connecting ports 325, wherein all the second connecting ports 325 are all the second connecting ports 325 on the supporting structure 32. For example, when the second connecting ports 325 are provided on both the wall adjacent to the first side wall 321 and the second side wall 322, all the connecting ports include both the second connecting ports 325 on the second side wall 322 and the second connecting ports 325 on the wall adjacent to the first side wall 321. When both the first connecting ports 324 and the second connecting ports 325 are provided in the two supporting structures 32, the total flow area of ​​all the first connecting ports 324 is the sum of the flow areas of all the first connecting ports 324 on one of the supporting structures 32 and the flow areas of all the first connecting ports 324 on the other supporting structure 32, and the total flow area of ​​all the second connecting ports 325 is the sum of the flow areas of all the second connecting ports 325 on one of the supporting structures 32 and the flow areas of all the second connecting ports 325 on the other supporting structure 32.

[0092] The flow area of ​​the first communication port 324 can be understood by referring to the area of ​​the flow cross section of the first communication port 324, which is a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the first communication port 324. The flow area of ​​the second communication port 325 can be understood by referring to the area of ​​the flow cross section of the second communication port 325, which is a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the second communication port 325.

[0093] The pressure relief area of ​​the pressure relief structure 212 is the area of ​​the pressure relief zone 213 that can be formed when the pressure relief structure 212 is opened, for the exhaust gas in the battery cell 20 to flow out. The pressure relief zone 213 is the area of ​​the end cover 21 that corresponds to the pressure relief structure 212, that is, the area of ​​the end cover 21 that can be opened by the pressure relief structure 212 and connected to the outside of the shell 22. The pressure relief structure 212 is arranged in the pressure relief zone 213. In the natural state, the pressure relief structure 212 seals the pressure relief zone 213. When the battery cell 20 has a thermal runaway, the pressure relief structure 212 can open the pressure relief zone 213. The area of ​​the pressure relief zone 213 is the area of ​​the pressure relief zone 213 in the plane where the end cover 21 is located, and does not involve the size of the pressure relief zone 213 in the thickness direction of the end cover 21.

[0094] The total flow area of ​​all first communication openings 324 on the two support structures 32 can be 1.2 times, 1.3 times, 1.5 times, 2 times, 3 times, etc., of the pressure relief area of ​​the pressure relief structure 212. The total flow area of ​​all second communication openings 325 on the two support structures 32 at both ends of the body 31 of the first communication opening 324 can be 1.2 times, 1.4 times, 1.6 times, 1.8 times, 2 times, 2.5 times, etc., of the pressure relief area of ​​the pressure relief structure 212.

[0095] It should be noted that a larger total flow area of ​​the first and second communication ports 324, 325 facilitates the diversion of electrolyte and gas. The placement of the first communication ports 324 is limited by the size of the first sidewall 321. Since the first sidewall 321 also needs to have a certain degree of support strength, the first sidewall 321 cannot be completely hollowed out. Therefore, the total flow area of ​​all first communication ports 324 is typically smaller than the area of ​​the first sidewall 321. The placement of the second communication ports 325 is limited by the size of the second sidewall 322 and the surface adjacent to the first sidewall 321. Since the second sidewall 322 and the surface adjacent to the first sidewall 321 need to have a certain degree of support strength, the second sidewall 322 and the surface adjacent to the first sidewall 321 cannot be completely hollowed out. Therefore, the total flow area of ​​the second communication ports 325 is smaller than the area of ​​the wall adjacent to the first sidewall 321 and the second sidewall 322. In short, the maximum value of the total flow area of ​​all the first communication ports 324 and the second communication ports 325 should not affect the support requirement of the insulating protection member 30 for the electrode assembly 23, and the insulating protection member 30 should not interfere with other components.

[0096] The limitation of the total flow area of ​​the first communication opening 324 and the total flow area of ​​the second communication opening 325 in this embodiment is beneficial to improving the diversion effect of the electrolyte or airflow.

[0097] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the support structure 32 abuts against the electrode assembly 23, and the wall where the support structure 32 abuts against the electrode assembly 23 is the bottom wall 323, the bottom wall 323 is adjacent to and connected to the first side wall 321, and at least one second connecting port 325 is provided on the bottom wall 323.

[0098] The bottom wall 323 abuts against the top of the main body 232 of the electrode assembly 23 .

[0099] When the bottom wall 323 abuts the main body 232 of the electrode assembly 23 , some gaps still remain. The electrolyte or gas flowing out of the second communication port 325 can flow to both sides of the main body 232 through these gaps.

[0100] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, and further in combination with Figures 8 and 9, Figure 8 schematically shows a schematic diagram of the insulating protection part of some embodiments of the present application, and Figure 9 is an enlarged view of part B of Figure 8. Optionally, the second connecting port 325 on the bottom wall 323 is a circular hole 326, and the diameter of the circular hole 326 is 1 / 10 to 1 / 2 times the width dimension L3 of the bottom wall 323.

[0101] The bottom wall 323 has a length and a width, with the length being greater than the width. In this embodiment, the width of the bottom wall 323 can be understood with reference to the second direction Y in the accompanying drawings, and the length of the bottom wall 323 can be understood with reference to the first direction X in the accompanying drawings. The width dimension L3 of the bottom wall 323 is the distance between two opposite sides of the bottom wall 323 along the width direction.

[0102] Specifically, the diameter of the circular hole 326 is 1 / 10, 1 / 8, 1 / 5, 1 / 4 or 1 / 2 times the width L3 of the bottom wall 323 .

[0103] It should be noted that there is no strict requirement for the circular hole 326 as long as it is roughly circular. The circular hole 326 has a small flow resistance and is easy to process.

[0104] The size of the circular hole 326 in this embodiment is limited, which can reduce the impact of the second communication port 325 on the strength of the bottom wall 323 , so that the bottom wall 323 can maintain its limiting support function for the electrode assembly 23 .

[0105] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the diameter of the circular hole 326 is 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0106] The width L3 of the bottom wall 323 can be set to 5 mm to 15 mm. The diameter of the circular hole 326 can be specifically 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, or 3 mm. The size of the circular hole 326 can reduce the impact of the second communication port 325 on the strength of the bottom wall 323, allowing the bottom wall 323 to maintain its positional support function for the electrode assembly 23.

[0107] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the total flow area of ​​all second communication ports 325 located on the bottom wall 323 of the two support structures 32 is greater than or equal to 0.5 times the pressure relief area of ​​the pressure relief structure 212 .

[0108] The total flow area of ​​all the second connecting ports 325 located on the bottom wall 323 is the total flow area of ​​the second connecting ports 325 located on the bottom wall 323 of one supporting structure 32 and the second connecting ports 325 located on the bottom wall 323 of the other supporting structure 32, as shown in Figures 6 to 9, that is, the sum of the flow areas of all the circular holes 326 on the two supporting structures 32.

[0109] Specifically, the total flow area of ​​all second communication openings 325 on the bottom wall 323 can be 0.5 times, 0.6 times, 1 times, etc., of the pressure relief area of ​​the pressure relief structure 212 . The maximum total flow area of ​​all second communication openings 325 on the bottom wall 323 is not greater than the area of ​​the bottom wall 323 .

[0110] The total flow area of ​​all second connecting ports 325 on the bottom wall 323 of this embodiment is limited, which can reduce the strength impact of the second connecting ports 325 on the bottom wall 323 while having a better diversion effect, so that the bottom wall 323 can maintain its limiting support function for the electrode assembly 23.

[0111] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, referring to FIG. 5 , FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 , the support structure 32 is a hollow structure, and the first communication port 324 and the second communication port 325 are connected through a cavity 328 inside the support structure 32 .

[0112] The support structure 32 is a hollow structure, which can be understood as at least a portion of the support structure 32 being provided with a cavity 328 , and is not a solid structure. The first side wall 321 and the second side wall 322 are disposed on opposite sides of the cavity 328 and are opposite to each other.

[0113] By setting the support structure 32 as a hollow structure, the weight of the insulating protective part 30 can be reduced, which is beneficial to the lightweight design of the battery cell 20. The hollow structure will also reduce the hardness of the support structure 32, which is beneficial to the overall deformation of the insulating protective part 30, and reduce the possibility that in some cases the main body 31 deforms too much and the support structure 32 is difficult to deform, resulting in unexpected deformation of the overall insulating protective part 30.

[0114] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, as shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 , the support structure 32 is provided with a reinforcement member 327 in the cavity 328 .

[0115] The reinforcement member 327 can be a plate-shaped member or a block-shaped member. The reinforcement member 327 can be connected to the bottom wall 323 of the support structure 32 or to the side wall of the support structure. The reinforcement member 327 can be provided alone or multiple reinforcement members can be provided at intervals.

[0116] The reinforcement 327 can improve the strength of the support structure 32, so that when the support structure 32 is provided with a larger cavity 328, it can still have good supporting performance, thereby improving the limiting support effect of the insulating protection part 30 on the electrode assembly 23 and reducing the possibility of the electrode assembly 23 moving or shaking in the shell 22.

[0117] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, as shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 , the reinforcement 327 is connected between the first side wall 321 and the second side wall 322 , and the second side wall 322 is a wall of the support structure 32 opposite to the first side wall 321 .

[0118] The reinforcement member 327 may be provided singly, or may be provided in a plurality of locations spaced apart along the extension direction of the first side wall 321 or the second side wall 322. The reinforcement member 327 may be integrally formed with the support structure 32, specifically, may be an integrally molded structure. One end of the reinforcement member 327 is connected to the first side wall 321, and the other end is connected to the second side wall 322. The bottom side of the reinforcement member 327 may also be connected to the bottom wall 323 of the support structure 32.

[0119] The reinforcement member 327 is connected between the first side wall 321 and the second side wall 322, and is not likely to interfere with the connection between the first connecting port 324 and the second connecting port 325. It can also improve the strength of the support structure 32, so that when the support structure 32 is provided with a larger cavity 328, it can still have good supporting performance, thereby improving the limiting support effect of the insulating protective member 30 on the electrode assembly 23 and reducing the possibility of the electrode assembly 23 moving or shaking in the shell 22.

[0120] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, the reinforcement 327 divides the support structure 32 into a plurality of cavities 328, the first side wall 321 is respectively provided with a first connecting opening 324 corresponding to the plurality of cavities 328, and the wall adjacent to the first side wall 321 and / or the second side wall 322 is respectively provided with a second connecting opening 325 corresponding to the plurality of cavities 328.

[0121] The reinforcement member 327 may be a plate member connected to the bottom wall 323 of the support structure 32, and to the first side wall 321 and the second side wall 322, to separate the support structure 32 into a plurality of relatively independent cavities 328. The first side wall 321 is provided with first communication openings 324 corresponding to the plurality of cavities 328. It can be understood that the portion of the first side wall 321 enclosing each cavity 328 is provided with a first communication opening 324, that is, each cavity 328 is provided with a first communication opening 324 that communicates with the cavity 328. The wall adjacent to the first side wall 321 and / or the second side wall 322 are respectively provided with second connecting ports 325 corresponding to multiple cavities 328. It can be understood that the second side wall 322 is provided with a portion of any cavity 328 and / or the wall adjacent to the first side wall 321 is provided with a second connecting port 325 to form any cavity 328. In other words, any cavity 328 is provided with a second connecting port 325 that is connected to the cavity 328.

[0122] As shown in FIG6 to FIG9 , in some specific implementations, the second side wall 322 is provided with a second communication port 325 corresponding to part of the cavity 328 , and the bottom wall 323 adjacent to the first side wall 321 is provided with a second communication port 325 corresponding to any cavity 328 .

[0123] In this embodiment, each cavity 328 is provided with a first communication port 324 and a second communication port 325 , which is beneficial for improving the diversion effect of the electrolyte or airflow.

[0124] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, as shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 , a side of the support structure 32 facing the end cover 21 is hollowed out.

[0125] The side of the support structure 32 facing the end cap 21 is the top of the support structure 32. The hollowing out of the top wall of the support structure 32 can be a part of the top wall of the support structure 32 or the entire top wall of the support structure 32, that is, the hollowing structure is equivalent to a full opening at the top.

[0126] Specifically, the bottom wall 323 of the support structure 32 can be a solid structure, and the top wall can be a hollow design. This can maintain the supporting strength of the support structure 32 without making the hardness of the support structure 32 too high, which is beneficial to the overall deformation of the insulating protective part 30. At the same time, the bottom wall 323 can be better pressed and fixed with the main body 232.

[0127] It is understandable that the side of the support structure 32 facing the end cover 21 is hollowed out, which can reduce the weight of the insulating protection component 30 and is conducive to the lightweight design of the battery cell 20.

[0128] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, the second side wall 322 of the support structure 32 is also provided with a second connecting port 325, and the second connecting port 325 of the second side wall 322 is spaced apart from the end surface of the second side wall 322 facing the end cover 21, and the second side wall 322 is the wall of the support structure 32 opposite to the first side wall 321.

[0129] Among them, for the convenience of description, the end face of the second side wall 322 facing the end cover 21 is defined as the second end face 3221, and the second connecting port 325 of the second side wall 322 is spaced apart from the end face of the second side wall 322 facing the end cover 21. It can be understood that the top end of the second connecting port 325 on the second side wall 322 does not penetrate the top end of the second side wall 322 (that is, the second end face 3221), and the second side wall 322 has a support portion reserved at the upper end of the second connecting port 325. The support portion is a part of the second side wall 322 and is used to surround the upper end of the second connecting port 325.

[0130] In this embodiment, the second communication opening 325 on the second side wall 322 does not penetrate to the top of the second side wall 322 , which can make the support structure 32 have better support strength and reduce the influence of the second communication opening 325 on the strength of the second side wall 322 .

[0131] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, along the direction of the end cover 21 toward the electrode assembly 23, the size of the second side wall 322 is L1, and the minimum distance between the end surface of the second side wall 322 toward the end cover 21 and the second connecting port 325 on the second side wall 322 is L2, and L2 is 1 / 10 to 1 / 4 times of L1.

[0132] The dimension L1 of the second side wall 322 along the direction of the end cover 21 toward the electrode assembly 23 is also the dimension of the second side wall 322 along the height direction Z of the support structure 32. Specifically, it is the extension dimension between the top end of the second side wall 322 and the bottom end of the second side wall 322 along the height direction Z of the support structure 32. This dimension is the same as or similar to the distance between the lower surface of the end cover 21 and the top of the main body 232.

[0133] The minimum distance L2 between the end face of the second side wall 322 facing the end cover 21 (the second end face 3221) and the second connecting port 325 on the second side wall 322 can be understood as the thickness of the top edge of the second connecting port 325 on the second side wall 322, that is, the minimum dimension of the support portion reserved by the second side wall 322 at the upper end of the second connecting port 325 along the height direction Z of the support structure 32.

[0134] Specifically, L2 can be 1 / 10, 1 / 9, 1 / 8, 1 / 7, 1 / 5, or 1 / 4 times of L1.

[0135] This embodiment limits the size of the minimum distance between the end face of the second side wall 322 facing the end cover 21 (the second end face 3221) and the second connecting port 325 on the second side wall 322, which can not only make the second connecting port 325 have a larger flow area, but also reduce the impact of the second connecting port 325 on the strength of the second side wall 322.

[0136] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, a minimum distance L2 between an end surface of the second side wall 322 facing the end cover 21 and the second communication opening 325 on the second side wall 322 is 0.5 mm to 2 mm.

[0137] Among them, the size of the second side wall 322 along the direction of the end cover 21 toward the electrode assembly 23 can be set according to the actual situation of the battery cell 20, and can be set to 3 mm to 7 mm, for example, it can be 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm or 7 mm, etc.

[0138] The minimum distance between the end surface (second end surface 3221 ) of the second side wall 322 facing the end cover 21 and the second communication opening 325 on the second side wall 322 may be 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, or 2 mm.

[0139] This embodiment limits the size of the minimum distance between the end surface of the second side wall 322 facing the end cover 21 and the second connecting port 325 on the second side wall 322, which can not only make the second connecting port 325 have a larger flow area, but also reduce the impact of the second connecting port 325 on the strength of the second side wall 322.

[0140] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, as shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 , the end surface of the first side wall 321 facing the end cover 21 is spaced apart from the first communication port 324 .

[0141] For ease of understanding, the end surface of the first side wall 321 facing the end cover 21 is defined as a first end surface 3211 , and the dimension between the first end surface 3211 and the first communication port 324 may be the same as the thickness of the body 31 .

[0142] The end face of the first side wall 321 facing the end cover 21 (the first end face 3211) is spaced apart from the first connecting port 324. It can be understood that the top end of the first connecting port 324 does not penetrate the top end of the first side wall 321. The first side wall 321 has a support portion reserved at the upper end of the first connecting port 324. The support portion is a part of the first side wall 321 and is used to surround the upper end of the first connecting port 324.

[0143] In this embodiment, the second communication opening 325 does not penetrate to the top of the first side wall 321 , which can ensure that the support structure 32 has better support strength and reduce the impact of the first communication opening 324 on the strength of the first side wall 321 .

[0144] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the body 31 and the support structure 32 are an integral structure.

[0145] The support structure 32 and the body 31 may be made of the same material and may be integrally formed with the body 31 or connected to form an integral structure.

[0146] The support structure 32 and the body 31 are an integrated structure, so that the insulating protection member 30 has high structural stability and connection strength.

[0147] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the main body 31 and the support structure 32 are both plastic parts.

[0148] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, as shown in FIG. 5 , FIG. 6 and FIG. 8 , exhaust holes 33 are provided at positions of the insulating protection member 30 corresponding to the pressure relief structure 212 .

[0149] The position of the insulating protector 30 corresponding to the pressure relief structure 212 can be understood as the position of the insulating protector 30 being directly below or close to the pressure relief structure 212. The exhaust hole 33 can be provided on the body 31 and pass through the top surface and the bottom wall 323 of the body 31. A plurality of exhaust holes 33 can be provided.

[0150] When thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell 20 , the exhaust in the battery cell 20 can flow to the pressure relief structure 212 in time through the exhaust hole 33 and be discharged, thereby improving the protection performance of the battery cell 20 against thermal runaway.

[0151] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the insulating protection member 30 also includes a protruding structure 34 corresponding to the position of the pressure relief structure 212, the protruding structure 34 is located on the side of the main body 31 away from the end cover 21, and abuts against the electrode assembly, and the exhaust hole 33 includes a first exhaust hole 331 that passes through the main body 31 and the protruding structure 34.

[0152] The raised structure 34 can be made of the same material as the body 31. The raised structure 34 can be integral with the body 31, specifically, an integrally formed structure or a structure connected to form an integral body. The raised structure 34 can enhance the strength of the insulating protector 30 and improve the insulating protector 30's ability to positionally support the electrode assembly 23.

[0153] The first exhaust holes 331 may be arranged in a plurality at intervals. For example, the protrusion structure 34 extends along the width direction of the body 31 (which can be understood as the first direction X), and the plurality of first exhaust holes 331 may be arranged in a strip-shaped manner along the extension direction of the protrusion structure 34.

[0154] The raised structure 34 may be a hollow protrusion with an open top, and a reinforcing rib 35 may be provided within the hollow space of the raised structure 34. Second vent holes 332 may also be provided on the body 31 around the raised structure 34 to increase the flow area for exhaust gas from the battery cell 20 to flow through the insulating protector 30.

[0155] Some embodiments of the present application further provide a battery 100 including the battery cell 20 proposed in the present application or any embodiment of the present application.

[0156] Some embodiments of the present application further provide an electrical device, comprising the battery 100 of any of the above solutions, and the battery 100 is used to provide electrical energy to the electrical device.

[0157] The power-consuming device may be any of the aforementioned devices or systems using the battery 100 .

[0158] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figures 3 to 9, this embodiment provides a battery cell 20, including a shell 22, an end cover 21, an electrode assembly 23 and an insulating protective member 30, the shell 22 has an opening; the end cover 21 covers the opening, and a pressure relief structure 212 is provided on the end cover 21, and the electrode assembly 23 is provided in the shell 22; the insulating protective member 30 is provided on the side of the end cover 21 facing the electrode assembly 23, and the insulating protective member 30 includes a body 31, and the opposite ends of the body 31 are respectively connected to the support structure The support structure 32 abuts the electrode assembly 23. The side of the support structure 32 facing away from the end cap 21 protrudes relative to the body 31. The support structures 32 at both ends of the body 31 have first sidewalls 321 facing each other. The first sidewalls 321 of the support structures 32 at both ends are each provided with a first communication opening 324. The second sidewalls 322 and bottom wall 323 of the support structures 32 at both ends are each provided with a second communication opening 325. The first communication opening 324 and the second communication opening 325 of the same support structure 32 are connected. The end surface of the first sidewall 321 facing the end cap 21 is spaced apart from the first communication opening 324. The number of all first communication openings 324 on the two support structures 32 at both ends of the body 31 is no less than four, and the total flow area of ​​all first communication openings 324 on the two support structures 32 at both ends of the body 31 is greater than or equal to 1.2 times the pressure relief area of ​​the pressure relief structure 212. The second sidewall 322 is the wall of the support structure 32 opposite the first sidewall 321. Multiple second communication openings 325 may be spaced apart on the second sidewall 322. The second communication openings 325 of the second sidewall 322 are spaced apart from the end surface of the second sidewall 322 facing the end cap 21. Along the direction from the end cap 21 toward the electrode assembly 23, the minimum distance between the end surface of the second sidewall 322 facing the end cap 21 and the second communication openings 325 on the second sidewall 322 is 0.5 mm to 2 mm. The second sidewall 322 of the support structure 32 is provided with the second communication openings 325. The total number of second communication openings 325 on the second sidewalls 322 of both support structures 32 is no less than four. The total flow area of ​​all second communication openings 325 on the two support structures 32 at both ends of the body 31 is greater than or equal to 1.2 times the pressure relief area of ​​the pressure relief structure 212. Multiple second connecting ports 325 can also be arranged at intervals on the bottom wall 323. The second connecting ports 325 can be circular holes 326 with a diameter of 0.5 mm to 3 mm. The total flow area of ​​all second connecting ports 325 on the bottom wall 323 is greater than or equal to 0.5 times the pressure relief area of ​​the pressure relief structure 212.

[0159] The above description of the various embodiments tends to emphasize the differences between the various embodiments. The same or similar aspects can be referenced with each other and will not be repeated herein for the sake of brevity.

[0160] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and they should all be included in the scope of the claims and specification of the present application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any way. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions that fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A battery cell, wherein, Comprising: A housing having an opening; An end cap covering the opening, and a pressure relief structure is provided on the end cap; An electrode assembly disposed within the housing; An insulating protection member disposed on a side of the end cap facing the electrode assembly. The insulating protection member includes a body, and support structures are respectively connected to opposite ends of the body. A side of the support structure facing away from the end cap protrudes relative to the body. The two support structures at both ends of the body have first side walls facing each other. The support structure also has a bottom wall facing the electrode assembly. The bottom wall and the first side wall of the same support structure are adjacent and connected. A first communication port is provided on the first side wall of at least one end of the support structure. A second communication port communicating with the first communication port is also provided on the support structure provided with the first communication port. The second communication port is at least provided on the bottom wall of the support structure.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, A plurality of the first communication ports are spaced apart on the support structure, and / or a plurality of the second communication ports are spaced apart on the support structure.

3. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein, The total number of all the first communication ports on the two support structures is not less than four; And / or, the second communication port is also provided on the second side wall of the support structure. The total number of all the second communication ports on the two support structures located on the second side wall is not less than four. The second side wall is a wall of the support structure opposite to the first side wall.

4. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The total flow area of all the first communication ports on the two support structures is greater than or equal to 1.2 times the pressure relief area of the pressure relief structure; And / or, the total flow area of all the second communication ports on the two support structures is greater than or equal to 1.2 times the pressure relief area of the pressure relief structure.

5. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The bottom wall abuts against the electrode assembly.

6. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The second communication port on the bottom wall is a circular hole, and the diameter of the circular hole is 1 / 10 to 1 / 2 times the width dimension L3 of the bottom wall.

7. The battery cell according to claim 6, wherein, The diameter of the circular hole is 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

8. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The total flow area of all the second communication ports on the two support structures located on the bottom wall is greater than or equal to 0.5 times the pressure relief area of the pressure relief structure.

9. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The support structure is a hollow structure, and the first communication port and the second communication port are communicated through a cavity inside the support structure.

10. The battery cell according to claim 9, wherein, A reinforcing member is provided in the cavity of the support structure.

11. The battery cell according to claim 10, wherein, The reinforcing member is connected between the first side wall and the second side wall. The second side wall is a wall of the support structure opposite to the first side wall.

12. The battery cell according to claim 11, wherein, The reinforcing member divides the support structure into a plurality of cavities. The first side wall is respectively provided with the first communication port corresponding to the plurality of cavities. The wall adjacent to the first side wall and / or the second side wall is respectively provided with the second communication port corresponding to the plurality of cavities.

13. The battery cell according to any one of claims 9-12, wherein, A side of the support structure facing the end cap is provided with a hollow-out setting.

14. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein, The second communication port is also provided on the second side wall of the support structure. The second communication port on the second side wall is spaced apart from the end face of the second side wall facing the end cap. The second side wall is a wall of the support structure opposite to the first side wall.

15. The battery cell according to claim 14, wherein, Along the direction from the end cover toward the electrode assembly, the size of the second side wall is L1, and the minimum distance between the end surface of the second side wall facing the end cover and the second connecting port on the second side wall is L2, and L2 is 1 / 10 to 1 / 4 times of L1.

16. The battery cell according to claim 15, wherein, A minimum distance L2 between an end surface of the second side wall facing the end cover and the second communication opening on the second side wall is 0.5 mm to 2 mm.

17. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein, The end surface of the first side wall facing the end cover is spaced apart from the first communication port.

18. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-17, wherein, The body and the support structure are an integrated structure.

19. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-18, wherein, The main body and the supporting structure are both plastic parts.

20. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1-19, wherein, The insulating protection member is provided with exhaust holes at positions corresponding to the pressure relief structure.

21. The battery cell according to claim 20, wherein, The insulating protection member also includes a protruding structure corresponding to the position of the pressure relief structure, the protruding structure is located on the side of the body away from the end cover and abuts against the electrode assembly, and the exhaust hole includes a first exhaust hole that passes through the body and the protruding structure.

22. A battery, wherein, A battery cell comprising the battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. An electrical device, wherein, The battery of claim 22 is used to provide electrical energy.

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