Battery cell, battery, and electrical apparatus

Abstract

A battery cell, a battery (2), and an electrical apparatus. The battery cell comprises a housing (10), a first valve (20), and a second valve (30). The housing (10) is provided with a liquid injection hole (11) and a gas release hole (12), one of the first valve (20) and the second valve (30) being disposed at the liquid injection hole (11), and the other of the first valve (20) and the second valve (30) being disposed at the gas release hole (12). The first valve (20) and the second valve (30) are both configured to be capable of switching between connecting and disconnecting the internal space of the housing (10) and the external space of the housing (10).

Description

Battery cells, batteries and electrical devices

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202420529789.9, filed on March 19, 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] With the development of new energy technology, batteries are used more and more widely, for example, in mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicles, electric airplanes, electric ships, electric toy cars, electric toy ships, electric toy airplanes and power tools.

[0005] During the battery cell production process, the external environment has a significant impact on the production quality of the battery cells. Strict environmental control is usually required to reduce the risk of battery cell scrap. However, strict external environmental control also increases the overall production cost of the battery cells. Therefore, how to effectively reduce the impact of the external environment on battery cells during the production process is a pressing issue in battery technology.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the above problems, the present application provides a battery cell, a battery and an electrical device, which can reduce the impact of the external environment on the battery cell production process, so as to improve production quality and reduce costs.

[0008] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a battery cell, which includes a shell, a first valve, and a second valve. The shell is provided with an injection hole and an exhaust hole. One of the first valve and the second valve is arranged at the injection hole, and the other of the first valve and the second valve is arranged at the exhaust hole. Both the first valve and the second valve are configured to be able to switch the connection between the internal space of the shell and the external space of the shell.

[0009] The above technical solution can open the first valve and / or the second valve to provide operating conditions for the battery cell processing process when the battery cell is undergoing a processing step that requires the internal space of the shell to be connected to the external space of the shell in order to complete the relevant operation; when the battery cell is not being processed or undergoing a processing step that does not require the internal space of the shell to be connected to the external space of the shell in order to complete the relevant operation, the first valve and / or the second valve can be closed to isolate the interaction between the external environment and the interior of the battery cell, thereby reducing the impact of the external environment interacting with the internal space of the shell through the injection hole and the exhaust hole on the internal structure and components of the battery cell, thereby facilitating improved production quality. At the same time, since the impact of the external environment on the battery cell during the production process is reduced, the control standards for the external environment can be lowered or the control of the external environment can be eliminated, thereby facilitating reduced production costs.

[0010] In addition, the structures of the first valve and the second valve can be designed differently according to the different structures of the liquid injection hole and the exhaust hole, so as to better meet the process requirements of liquid injection and exhaust, thereby helping to further improve production quality.

[0011] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the housing includes a first wall and a second wall, the exhaust hole is provided in the first wall, and the injection hole is provided in the second wall.

[0012] By arranging the exhaust hole and the liquid injection hole on the first wall and the second wall respectively, on the one hand, the installation space of the first valve and the second valve can be increased, which is conducive to reducing the difficulty of installing the first valve and the second valve; on the other hand, it also helps to maintain the structural stability and balance of the shell, thereby improving the overall reliability of the battery cell.

[0013] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first wall and the second wall are arranged opposite to each other, which can further improve the structural balance of the entire housing.

[0014] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the housing includes an end cap and a shell, the shell having an opening, the end cap covering the opening, the end cap being configured as a first wall, and the shell including a second wall disposed opposite the end cap.

[0015] The above technical solution can not only improve the gas exhaust efficiency in the processing steps of the battery cell that require exhaust, but also effectively reduce the risk of electrolyte contamination of the battery cell during the battery cell injection process.

[0016] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first valve includes a first body and a first core, the first body including a first port and a second port in communication, the first port communicating with an external space, and the second port communicating with an internal space. The first core is disposed within the first body, and the first core is configured to open when under pressure to communicate with the first port and the second port, and to isolate the first port and the second port when not under pressure.

[0017] By configuring the first valve as a push-type valve, the above-mentioned technical solution allows the first core to move closer to the interior space of the housing during opening and closing. This significantly reduces the operating space requirements outside the battery cell, facilitating adaptation to a wider range of battery cell processing steps. Furthermore, the first valve is opened by pressing, making operation more convenient and effectively improving battery cell production efficiency.

[0018] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first valve further includes a first elastic body, the first elastic body connecting the first main body and the first core, and the first elastic body applies a force to the first core in a direction close to the first port.

[0019] The above technical solution provides a preset force for the first core portion by setting a first elastomer. Not only is the structure simple, which is conducive to reducing the preparation cost of the first valve, but the shape, size and material of the first elastomer can also be flexibly adjusted according to different application environments and needs, thereby helping to improve the design flexibility and applicability of the first valve.

[0020] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first elastic body is disposed on a side of the first core portion facing away from the first port.

[0021] The first elastomer being in a compressed state can make the volume of the first elastomer relatively small, thereby reducing the occupancy rate of the first elastomer in the internal space of the first valve, thereby freeing up more space inside the first valve for functions such as transporting electrolyte or gas during the processing of the battery cell, thereby improving the production efficiency of the battery cell.

[0022] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first main body portion further includes a cavity communicating with the first port and the second port. The first core portion includes a body and a protrusion connected to each other, the protrusion protruding from a side surface of the body proximate to the first port, the body being disposed in the cavity, and a side surface of the body proximate to the first port abutting against the first main body portion, with at least a portion of the protrusion being accommodated in the first port.

[0023] The above technical solution can improve the sealing performance when the first valve is in a closed state, thereby reducing the impact of external environmental factors on the battery cell during the production process, and further improving the production quality.

[0024] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the second valve includes a second body and a second core. The second body includes a third port and a fourth port that are connected, the third port being connected to the internal space. The second core is disposed within the second body, a portion of the second core passes through the fourth port and extends out of the housing. The second core defines a passage that is connected to the external space. The second core is configured to open when subjected to a tensile force, thereby connecting the third port and the passage, and to isolate the third port and the passage when not subjected to the tensile force.

[0025] The above technical solution sets the second valve as a pull-out valve. During the opening and closing of the second valve, the second core moves in a direction away from the internal space of the shell, which can reduce the risk of the second core falling off and into the internal space of the shell during the movement, thereby helping to improve the reliability of the battery cell.

[0026] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the second valve further includes a second elastic body, the second elastic body connects the second main body portion and the second core portion, and the second elastic body applies a force to the second core portion in a direction away from the fourth port.

[0027] The above technical solution provides a preset force for the second core portion by setting a second elastomer. It not only has a simple structure, which is conducive to reducing the preparation cost of the second valve, but also can flexibly adjust the shape, size and material of the second elastomer according to different application environments and needs, thereby helping to improve the design flexibility and applicability of the second valve.

[0028] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the second elastic body is disposed on a side of the second core portion close to the fourth port.

[0029] The second elastomer being in a compressed state can make the volume of the second elastomer relatively small, thereby reducing the occupancy rate of the second elastomer to the internal space of the second valve, thereby freeing up more space inside the second valve for functions such as transporting electrolyte or gas during the processing of the battery cell, thereby improving the production efficiency of the battery cell.

[0030] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the second valve further includes an anti-slip member connected to a portion of the second core portion extending out of the housing.

[0031] The above technical solution provides an anti-slip part, which can increase the friction coefficient of the part of the second core body extending out of the shell, so as to reduce the risk of the operator or equipment slipping after grasping the second core body, thereby improving the reliability of the second valve.

[0032] In a second aspect, the present application provides a battery comprising the battery cell provided in any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0033] In a third aspect, the present application provides an electrical device, which includes a battery cell provided by any embodiment of the first aspect, and the battery cell is used to provide electrical energy.

[0034] 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

[0035] 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 symbols are used throughout the drawings to represent the same components. In the drawings:

[0036] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0037] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of an exploded structure of a battery provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0038] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery module provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0039] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0040] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the top structure of the battery cell shown in FIG4 ;

[0041] FIG6 is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram along AA of the battery cell shown in FIG5 , in a state where the first valve and the second valve are both in a closed state;

[0042] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a partially enlarged structure of point D in FIG6 ;

[0043] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a partially enlarged structure of a portion along F in FIG6 ;

[0044] FIG9 is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram along AA of the battery cell shown in FIG5 with the first valve and the second valve both in an open state;

[0045] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a partially enlarged structure of point G in FIG9 ;

[0046] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of a partially enlarged structure along the H line of FIG9 .

[0047] The accompanying drawings in the specific implementation manner are as follows:

[0048] 1. Vehicle; 2. Battery; 3. Controller; 4. Motor; 5. Housing; 5a. First housing portion; 5b. Second housing portion; 5c. Accommodation space; 6. Battery module; 7. Battery cell;

[0049] 10. Outer shell; 10a. Shell; 10b. End cover; 11. Liquid injection hole; 12. Exhaust hole; 13. First wall; 14. Second wall; 20. First valve; 21. First main body; 211. First port; 212. Second port; 213. Cavity; 22. First core; 221. Main body; 222. Protrusion; 23. First elastomer; 30. Second valve; 31. Second main body; 311. Third port; 312. Fourth port; 32. Second core; 321. Channel; 33. Second elastomer; 34. Anti-slip part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0051] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meanings as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used in the specification of this application 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 drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application or the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order or a primary-secondary relationship.

[0052] References to "embodiments" in this application mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments.

[0053] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connected," and "attached" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they may refer to direct connections, indirect connections through an intermediate medium, or internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0054] The term "and / or" in this application simply describes an association between related objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this application generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0055] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals represent the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components in different embodiments are omitted. It should be understood that the thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the various components in the embodiments of this application, as well as the overall thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the integrated device shown in the drawings are merely illustrative and should not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0056] The term "plurality" used in this application refers to two or more (including two).

[0057] In this application, the term "parallel" includes not only the absolutely parallel situation, but also the roughly parallel situation conventionally recognized in engineering; at the same time, "vertical" also includes not only the absolutely vertical situation, but also the roughly vertical situation conventionally recognized in engineering.

[0058] In the embodiment of the present application, the battery cell may be a secondary battery cell. A secondary battery cell refers to a battery cell that can be continuously used by activating active materials by charging after the battery cell is discharged.

[0059] The battery cell can be a lithium-ion battery cell, a sodium-ion battery cell, a sodium-lithium-ion battery cell, a lithium metal battery cell, a sodium metal battery cell, a lithium-sulfur battery cell, a magnesium-ion battery cell, a nickel-hydrogen battery cell, a nickel-cadmium battery cell, a lead-acid battery cell, etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0060] A battery cell typically includes an electrode assembly. This assembly includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode. During the charge and discharge process of a battery cell, active ions (such as lithium ions) are intercalated and released back and forth between the positive and negative electrodes.

[0061] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly further includes a separator, which is disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode to prevent a short circuit between the positive and negative electrodes while allowing active ions to pass through.

[0062] In some embodiments, the positive electrode may be a positive electrode sheet, which may include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material layer disposed on at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector.

[0063] As an example, the positive electrode current collector has two surfaces facing each other in its thickness direction, and the positive electrode active material layer is provided on either or both of the two facing surfaces of the positive electrode current collector.

[0064] As an example, the positive electrode current collector may be a metal foil or a composite current collector. For example, as the metal foil, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, silver-treated aluminum, silver-treated stainless steel, carbon electrode, carbon, nickel or titanium may be used. The composite current collector may include a polymer material base layer and a metal layer. The composite current collector may be formed by forming a metal material (aluminum, aluminum alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, silver and silver alloy, etc.) on a polymer material substrate (such as polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0065] As an example, the positive electrode active material layer includes a positive electrode active material. The positive electrode active material may include at least one of the following materials: lithium-containing phosphates, lithium transition metal oxides and their respective modified compounds. However, the present application is not limited to these materials, and other traditional materials that can be used as battery positive electrode active materials may also be used. These positive electrode active materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among them, examples of lithium-containing phosphates may include but are not limited to at least one of lithium iron phosphate (such as LiFePO4 (also referred to as LFP)), a composite material of lithium iron phosphate and carbon, lithium manganese phosphate (such as LiMnPO4), a composite material of lithium manganese phosphate and carbon, lithium manganese iron phosphate, and a composite material of lithium manganese iron phosphate and carbon. Examples of lithium transition metal oxides may include but are not limited to lithium cobalt oxide (such as LiCoO2), lithium nickel oxide (such as LiNiO2), lithium manganese oxide (such as LiMnO2, LiMn2O4), lithium nickel cobalt oxide, lithium manganese cobalt oxide, lithium nickel manganese oxide, lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (such as LiNi 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 O2 (also referred to as NCM 333 ), LiNi 0.5 Co 0.2 Mn 0.3 O2 (also referred to as NCM 523 ), LiNi 0.5 Co 0.25 Mn 0.25 O2 (also referred to as NCM 211 ), LiNi 0.6 Co0.2 Mn 0.2 O2 (also referred to as NCM 622 ), LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O2 (also referred to as NCM 811 ), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (such as LiNi 0.80 Co 0.15 Al 0.05 O2) and at least one of its modified compounds, etc.

[0066] In some embodiments, the positive electrode may be a carbon foam or a metal foam. The metal foam may be nickel foam, copper foam, aluminum foam, or an alloy foam, among others. When the metal foam is used as the positive electrode, the surface of the metal foam may or may not be provided with a positive electrode active material. For example, a lithium source material, potassium metal, or sodium metal may be filled and / or deposited within the metal foam, where the lithium source material is lithium metal and / or a lithium-rich material.

[0067] In some embodiments, the negative electrode may be a negative electrode sheet, which may include a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material layer disposed on at least one surface of the negative electrode current collector.

[0068] As an example, the negative electrode current collector may be a metal foil, a metal foam, a carbon foam, or a composite current collector. For example, as the metal foil, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, silver-surface-treated aluminum, silver-surface-treated stainless steel, a carbon electrode, carbon, nickel, or titanium may be used. The metal foam may be nickel foam, copper foam, aluminum foam, or an alloy foam. The composite current collector may include a polymer material base layer and a metal layer. The composite current collector may be formed by forming a metal material (copper, copper alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, silver, and silver alloy, etc.) on a polymer material substrate (such as polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0069] As an example, the negative electrode active material may adopt the negative electrode active material for battery cells that is well known in the art. As an example, the negative electrode active material may include at least one of the following materials: artificial graphite, natural graphite, soft carbon, hard carbon, silicon-based materials, tin-based materials, lithium titanate, etc. The silicon-based material may be selected from at least one of elemental silicon, silicon oxide compounds, silicon-carbon composites, silicon-nitrogen composites, and silicon alloys. The tin-based material may be selected from at least one of elemental tin, tin oxide compounds, and tin alloys. However, the present application is not limited to these materials, and other traditional materials that can be used as negative electrode active materials for batteries may also be used. These negative electrode active materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0070] In some embodiments, the negative electrode may be made of carbon foam or metal foam. The metal foam may be nickel foam, copper foam, aluminum foam, or alloy foam. When the metal foam is used as the negative electrode sheet, the surface of the metal foam may or may not be provided with a negative electrode active material.

[0071] As an example, the negative electrode current collector may be filled with or / and deposited with a lithium source material, potassium metal, or sodium metal, where the lithium source material is lithium metal and / or a lithium-rich material.

[0072] In some embodiments, the material of the positive electrode current collector may be aluminum, and the material of the negative electrode current collector may be copper.

[0073] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly further includes a separator disposed between the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet.

[0074] In some embodiments, the separator is a separator. The present application has no particular limitation on the type of separator, and any known separator with a porous structure having good chemical and mechanical stability can be selected.

[0075] As an example, the primary material of the separator can be selected from at least one of glass fiber, non-woven fabric, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, and ceramic. The separator can be a single-layer film or a multi-layer composite film, without particular limitation. When the separator is a multi-layer composite film, the materials of each layer can be the same or different, without particular limitation. The separator can be a separate component positioned between the positive and negative electrodes, or it can be attached to the surfaces of the positive and negative electrodes.

[0076] In some embodiments, the separator is a solid electrolyte, which is disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and serves to transport ions and isolate the positive and negative electrodes.

[0077] In some embodiments, the battery cell also includes an electrolyte, which acts as a conductor of ions between the positive and negative electrodes. This application does not specifically limit the type of electrolyte, and the electrolyte can be selected based on needs. The electrolyte can be liquid, gel, or solid.

[0078] In some embodiments, the liquid electrolyte includes an electrolyte salt and a solvent.

[0079] In some embodiments, the electrolyte salt may be selected from at least one of lithium hexafluorophosphate, lithium tetrafluoroborate, lithium perchlorate, lithium hexafluoroarsenate, lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate, lithium difluorophosphate, lithium difluorooxalatoborate, lithium dioxalatoborate, lithium difluorodioxalatophosphate, and lithium tetrafluorooxalatophosphate.

[0080] In some embodiments, the solvent can be selected from at least one of ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, dipropyl carbonate, methylpropyl carbonate, ethylpropyl carbonate, butylene carbonate, fluoroethylene carbonate, methyl formate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, propyl propionate, methyl butyrate, ethyl butyrate, 1,4-butyrolactone, cyclopentane, dimethyl sulfone, methyl ethyl sulfone and diethyl sulfone. The solvent can also be an ether solvent. Ether solvents can include one or more of ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol diethyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, triethylene glycol dimethyl ether, tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether, 1,3-dioxolane, tetrahydrofuran, methyltetrahydrofuran, diphenyl ether and crown ether.

[0081] The gel electrolyte consists of a polymer-based electrolyte framework network, combined with an ionic liquid-lithium salt.

[0082] Solid electrolytes include polymer solid electrolytes, inorganic solid electrolytes, and composite solid electrolytes.

[0083] As an example, the polymer solid electrolyte may be polyether (polyethylene oxide), polysiloxane, polycarbonate, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinylidene fluoride, polymethyl methacrylate, a single ion polymer, polyionic liquid-lithium salt, cellulose, or the like.

[0084] As an example, the inorganic solid electrolyte can be an oxide solid electrolyte (crystalline perovskite, sodium superconducting ion conductor, garnet, amorphous LiPON film), a sulfide solid electrolyte (crystalline lithium superion conductor (lithium germanium phosphosulfide, silver germanium sulfide), amorphous sulfide) and one or more of a halide solid electrolyte, a nitride solid electrolyte and a hydride solid electrolyte.

[0085] As an example, a composite solid electrolyte is formed by adding an inorganic solid electrolyte filler to a polymer solid electrolyte.

[0086] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is a wound structure, wherein the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet are wound into the wound structure.

[0087] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is a laminate structure.

[0088] As an example, multiple positive electrode sheets and multiple negative electrode sheets can be provided respectively, and the multiple positive electrode sheets and the multiple negative electrode sheets can be alternately stacked.

[0089] As an example, a plurality of positive electrode sheets may be provided, and the negative electrode sheet may be folded to form a plurality of stacked folded segments, with a positive electrode sheet being sandwiched between adjacent folded segments.

[0090] As an example, both the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet are folded to form a plurality of stacked folded segments.

[0091] As an example, a plurality of separators may be provided, each of which is disposed between any adjacent positive electrode sheets or negative electrode sheets.

[0092] As an example, the separator may be provided continuously, and may be provided between any adjacent positive electrode sheets or negative electrode sheets by folding or winding.

[0093] In some embodiments, the shape of the electrode assembly can be cylindrical, flat, or polygonal.

[0094] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is provided with tabs that can conduct current from the electrode assembly. The tabs include a positive tab and a negative tab.

[0095] In some embodiments, a battery cell may include a housing. The housing is used to encapsulate components such as the electrode assembly and the electrolyte. The housing may be a steel housing, an aluminum housing, a plastic housing (e.g., polypropylene), a composite metal housing (e.g., a copper-aluminum composite housing), or an aluminum-plastic film.

[0096] As an example, the battery cells may be cylindrical, prismatic, soft-pack or other shaped battery cells. Prismatic battery cells include square-shell, blade-shaped, and polygonal batteries. Polygonal batteries may be, for example, hexagonal batteries.

[0097] The battery mentioned in the embodiments of the present application refers to a single physical module including one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity.

[0098] In some embodiments, the battery may be a battery module. When there are multiple battery cells, the multiple battery cells are arranged and fixed to form a battery module.

[0099] In some embodiments, the battery may be a battery pack, which includes a case and battery cells, wherein the battery cells or battery modules are housed in the case.

[0100] In some embodiments, the box body can be used as a part of the chassis structure of the vehicle. For example, part of the box body can become at least a part of the floor of the vehicle, or part of the box body can become at least a part of the cross beam and longitudinal beam of the vehicle.

[0101] In some embodiments, the battery may be an energy storage device, including an energy storage container, an energy storage cabinet, and the like.

[0102] With the development of new energy technology, batteries are used more and more widely, for example, in mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicles, electric airplanes, electric ships, electric toy cars, electric toy ships, electric toy airplanes and power tools.

[0103] During the production process of battery cells, the external environment has a significant impact on the production quality of battery cells. Strict control of the external environment is usually required to reduce the risk of battery cell scrapping. However, strict external environment control will also increase the overall production cost of battery cells accordingly.

[0104] During certain steps or links in the battery cell production process, the internal and external spaces of the housing must be connected to complete the relevant operations. For example, during the battery cell baking process, the internal and external spaces of the housing must be connected to allow moisture in the internal space to be discharged to the external space; during the battery cell injection process, the internal and external spaces of the housing must be connected to allow the injection equipment located in the external space of the housing to inject electrolyte into the external space of the housing; and during the battery cell formation process, the internal and external spaces of the housing must be connected to allow gases generated during the formation process in the internal space to be discharged to the external space.

[0105] It is understood that when the interior space of the housing is in communication with the exterior space of the housing, certain factors in the external environment may affect the structures or components within the interior space of the housing. For example, if the humidity in the battery cell production plant is high, when the interior space of the housing is in communication with the exterior space of the housing, moisture may enter the interior space of the housing, thereby affecting the electrode, diaphragm, or electrolyte within the interior space of the housing.

[0106] If, during the production process of the battery cell, the internal space of the shell and the external space of the shell are always or for a long time in a connected state, in other words, when the battery cell is not being processed or when a processing step that does not require the internal space of the shell to be connected with the external space of the shell is being completed, the internal space of the shell and the external space of the shell are still in a connected state, the risk of damage to the internal structure or components of the battery cell due to external environmental factors will increase, which can easily lead to the scrapping of the battery cell. Therefore, it is often necessary to strictly control the external environment during the production process of the battery cell, such as the humidity in the production plant, to reduce the risk of damage to the electrode, diaphragm or electrolyte inside the battery cell caused by the external environment. However, the cost of controlling the external environment is high, and therefore, it will correspondingly increase the overall production cost of the battery cell, seriously affecting the economic benefits.

[0107] Based on the above considerations, the present application designs a battery cell, which includes a shell, a first valve and a second valve. The shell is provided with an injection hole and an exhaust hole. One of the first valve and the second valve is arranged at the injection hole, and the other of the first valve and the second valve is arranged at the exhaust hole. Both the first valve and the second valve are configured to be able to switch the connection between the internal space of the shell and the external space of the shell.

[0108] When the battery cell is undergoing a processing step that requires the internal space of the housing to be connected to the external space of the housing in order to complete the relevant operation, the first valve and / or the second valve are opened to provide operating conditions for the processing step of the battery cell; when the battery cell is not undergoing processing or is undergoing a processing step that does not require the internal space of the housing to be connected to the external space of the housing in order to complete the relevant operation, the first valve and / or the second valve are closed to isolate the interaction between the external environment and the interior of the battery cell, thereby reducing the impact of the external environment interacting with the internal space of the housing through the injection hole and the exhaust hole on the internal structure and components of the battery cell, thereby facilitating improved production quality. At the same time, since the impact of the external environment on the battery cell during the production process is reduced, the external environment control standards can be lowered or the external environment control can be eliminated, thereby facilitating reduced production costs.

[0109] In addition, the structures of the first valve and the second valve can be designed differently according to the different structures of the liquid injection hole and the exhaust hole, so as to better meet the process requirements of liquid injection and exhaust, thereby helping to further improve production quality.

[0110] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present application are applicable to batteries and electrical devices using batteries.

[0111] Electrical devices may include vehicles, mobile phones, portable devices, laptop computers, ships, spacecraft, electric toys, and electric tools, etc. Vehicles may include fuel vehicles, gas vehicles, or new energy vehicles. New energy vehicles may include pure electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, or extended-range vehicles, etc. Spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc. Electric toys include fixed or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. Electric tools include metal cutting electric tools, grinding electric tools, assembly electric tools, and railway electric tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, impact drills, concrete vibrators, and electric planers, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not impose any special restrictions on the above-mentioned electrical devices.

[0112] It should be understood that the technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present application are not limited to the batteries and electrical equipment described above, but can also be applied to all batteries including battery boxes and electrical equipment using batteries. However, for the sake of simplicity, the following embodiments are explained using electric vehicles as an example.

[0113] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0114] 1 , a battery 2 is provided inside the vehicle 1 , and the battery 2 may be provided at the bottom, head, or tail of the vehicle 1 . The battery 2 may be used to power the vehicle 1 , for example, the battery 2 may serve as an operating power source for the vehicle 1 .

[0115] The vehicle 1 may further include a controller 3 and a motor 4 . The controller 3 is used to control the battery 2 to supply power to the motor 4 , for example, to meet the power requirements of the vehicle 1 during startup, navigation, and driving.

[0116] In some embodiments of the present application, the battery 2 can not only serve as the operating power source of the vehicle 1, but also serve as the driving power source of the vehicle 1, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1.

[0117] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of an explosion of a battery provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0118] 2 , the battery 2 includes a housing 5 and battery cells, and the battery cells are accommodated in the housing 5 .

[0119] The housing 5 is used to house battery cells and can have various structures. In some embodiments, the housing 5 can include a first housing portion 5a and a second housing portion 5b. The first housing portion 5a and the second housing portion 5b overlap each other, and the first housing portion 5a and the second housing portion 5b together define a storage space 5c for accommodating the battery cells. The second housing portion 5b can be a hollow structure with one end open. The first housing portion 5a is a plate-like structure, and the first housing portion 5a overlaps the open side of the second housing portion 5b to form the housing 5 with the storage space 5c. The first housing portion 5a and the second housing portion 5b can also be hollow structures with one end open. The open side of the first housing portion 5a overlaps the open side of the second housing portion 5b to form the housing 5 with the storage space 5c. Of course, the first housing portion 5a and the second housing portion 5b can have various shapes, such as a cylinder, a rectangular parallelepiped, etc.

[0120] In order to improve the sealing performance after the first box body 5a and the second box body 5b are connected, a sealing member, such as a sealant, a sealing ring, etc., may also be provided between the first box body 5a and the second box body 5b.

[0121] Assuming that the first box body portion 5a covers the top of the second box body portion 5b, the first box body portion 5a can also be called an upper box cover, and the second box body portion 5b can also be called a lower box body.

[0122] In battery 2, there can be one or more battery cells. If there are multiple battery cells, they can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration. A hybrid configuration refers to a combination of series and parallel connections. Multiple battery cells can be directly connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration, and then the entire battery module can be housed within housing 5. Alternatively, multiple battery cells can be first connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration to form a battery module 6, and then multiple battery modules 6 can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration to form a single unit housed within housing 5.

[0123] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of the battery module shown in FIG2 .

[0124] In some embodiments, referring to the figure, there are multiple battery cells 7, which are first connected in series, parallel, or in series to form a battery module 6. The multiple battery modules 6 are then connected in series, parallel, or in series to form a whole and accommodated in a box.

[0125] The multiple battery cells 7 in the battery module 6 can be electrically connected via a busbar component to achieve parallel connection, series connection, or mixed connection of the multiple battery cells 7 in the battery module 6 .

[0126] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of the present application, Figure 5 is a top-view structural schematic diagram of the battery cell shown in Figure 4, Figure 6 is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram along AA of the battery cell shown in Figure 5 with the first valve and the second valve both in a closed state, Figure 7 is a partially enlarged structural schematic diagram at D in Figure 6, Figure 8 is a partially enlarged structural schematic diagram along F in Figure 6, Figure 9 is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram along AA of the battery cell shown in Figure 5 with the first valve and the second valve both in an open state, Figure 10 is a partially enlarged structural schematic diagram at G in Figure 9, and Figure 11 is a partially enlarged structural schematic diagram along H in Figure 9.

[0127] As shown in Figures 4 to 11, an embodiment of the present application provides a battery cell 7, which includes a shell 10, a first valve 20 and a second valve 30. The shell 10 is provided with an injection hole 11 and an exhaust hole 12. One of the first valve 20 and the second valve 30 is arranged at the injection hole 11, and the other of the first valve 20 and the second valve 30 is arranged at the exhaust hole 12. The first valve 20 and the second valve 30 are both configured to be able to switch the internal space of the shell 10 and the external space of the shell 10.

[0128] Exemplarily, the housing 10 is a component used to create an internal environment for the battery cell 7. This internal environment can accommodate the electrode assembly, electrolyte, and other components. Optionally, the housing 10 can be made of, but is not limited to, metal or non-metallic materials. For example, metal materials can include copper, aluminum, or stainless steel; non-metallic materials can include polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyvinyl chloride.

[0129] The electrode assembly is the component in the battery cell 7 where the electrochemical reaction occurs. The electrode assembly is mainly formed by winding or stacking positive and negative electrode sheets, and a separator is usually provided between the positive and negative electrode sheets. The parts of the positive and negative electrode sheets containing active materials constitute the main body of the electrode assembly, and the parts of the positive and negative electrode sheets without active materials each constitute the tabs. The positive and negative electrode tabs can 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 and negative electrode active materials react with the electrolyte, and the tabs connect to the terminal group to form a current circuit.

[0130] The outer shell 10 is provided with an injection hole 11, which connects the interior space of the outer shell 10 with the exterior space, so that the injection equipment can inject electrolyte into the interior of the battery cell 7 during the injection process of the battery cell 7. The outer shell 10 is provided with an exhaust hole 12, which connects the interior space of the outer shell 10 with the exterior space, so that water vapor can be discharged during the baking process of the battery cell 7 and gas can be discharged during the formation process of the battery cell 7.

[0131] The first valve 20 and the second valve 30 are respectively provided at the liquid injection hole 11 and the exhaust hole 12. Alternatively, the first valve 20 may be provided at the liquid injection hole 11 and the second valve 30 may be provided at the exhaust hole 12; alternatively, the first valve 20 may be provided at the exhaust hole 12 and the second valve 30 may be provided at the liquid injection hole 11.

[0132] The first valve 20 is configured to switch the interior space of the housing 10 with the exterior space of the housing 10. In other words, the first valve 20 has an open state and a closed state, and the first valve 20 can switch between the open and closed states. Specifically, when the first valve 20 is in the open state, the interior space of the housing 10 is connected to the exterior space of the housing 10; when the first valve 20 is in the closed state, the interior space of the housing 10 is isolated from the exterior space of the housing 10.

[0133] Optionally, the first valve 20 may be opened or closed by, but is not limited to, manual operation, mechanical operation, electrical signal, or instruction of an automated control system.

[0134] The second valve 30 is configured to switch the interior space of the housing 10 with the exterior space of the housing 10. In other words, the second valve 30 has an open state and a closed state, and the second valve 30 can switch between the open and closed states. Specifically, when the second valve 30 is in the open state, the interior space of the housing 10 is in communication with the exterior space of the housing 10; when the second valve 30 is in the closed state, the interior space of the housing 10 is isolated from the exterior space of the housing 10.

[0135] Optionally, the second valve 30 may be opened or closed by, but is not limited to, manual operation, mechanical operation, electrical signal, or instruction of an automated control system.

[0136] The first valve 20 and the second valve 30 may have the same physical structure or different physical structures. For example, the first valve 20 may be an electrically controlled valve and the second valve 30 may be a mechanical valve; both the first valve 20 and the second valve 30 may be electrically controlled valves; or both the first valve 20 and the second valve 30 may be mechanical valves. It should be noted that an electrically controlled valve is controlled to open or close via an electrical signal, while a mechanical valve is controlled to open or close via an external force.

[0137] The first valve 20 can be detachably connected to the housing 10 or integrally provided on the housing 10. The first valve 20 can be directly connected to the housing 10 or secured to the housing 10 via other components. For example, the first valve 20 and the housing 10 can be connected by, but is not limited to, bolting, welding, riveting, or clamping.

[0138] The second valve 30 can be detachably connected to the housing 10 or integrally provided on the housing 10. The second valve 30 can be directly connected to the housing 10 or secured to the housing 10 via other components. For example, the second valve 30 can be connected to the housing 10 by, but is not limited to, bolting, welding, riveting, or clamping.

[0139] Optionally, both the first valve 20 and the second valve 30 may be made of, but are not limited to, metal or non-metal materials. For example, metal materials may include steel, iron, copper, copper alloys, aluminum, or aluminum alloys; non-metal materials may include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or rubber. For example, the first valve 20 and the second valve 30 may be made of the same material to simplify the manufacturing process and reduce costs.

[0140] In some steps or links during the production of the battery cells 7, the internal space of the housing 10 needs to be connected to the external space of the housing 10 in order to complete the relevant operations. For example, in the baking step of the battery cells 7, the internal space of the housing 10 needs to be connected to the external space of the housing 10 to allow moisture in the internal space to be discharged to the external space; in the injection step of the battery cells 7, the internal space of the housing 10 needs to be connected to the external space of the housing 10 to allow the injection equipment located in the external space of the housing 10 to inject electrolyte into the external space of the housing 10; in the formation step of the battery cells 7, the internal space of the housing 10 needs to be connected to the external space of the housing 10 to allow gases generated during the formation process in the internal space to be discharged to the external space.

[0141] As an example, a first valve 20 is provided at the injection port 11. When the battery cell 7 is undergoing the injection process, the first valve 20 is opened, connecting the interior space of the housing 10 with the exterior space of the housing 10, facilitating the injection of electrolyte into the battery cell 7 by the injection equipment. After the injection process is completed, the first valve 20 is closed, isolating the interior space of the housing 10 from the exterior space of the housing 10, thereby isolating the external environment from the interior of the battery cell 7 and reducing the impact of external environmental factors on the internal structure and components of the battery cell 7. A second valve 30 is provided at the exhaust port 12. When the battery cell 7 is undergoing the baking process or the formation process, the second valve 30 is opened, connecting the interior space of the housing 10 with the exterior space of the housing 10, thereby facilitating the discharge of moisture or gas. After the baking process or the formation process is completed, the second valve 30 is closed, isolating the interior space of the housing 10 from the exterior space of the housing 10, thereby isolating the external environment from the interior of the battery cell 7 and reducing the impact of external environmental factors on the internal structure and components of the battery cell 7.

[0142] It should be understood that the technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present application are not limited to the baking process, liquid injection process and chemical formation process described above, but can also be applied to all processing processes that require the internal space of the shell 10 to be connected with the external space of the shell 10 in order to complete the relevant operations. However, for the sake of simplicity of description, the following embodiments are explained using the baking process, liquid injection process or chemical formation process as examples.

[0143] It is understood that when the interior space of the housing 10 is in communication with the exterior space of the housing 10 , some factors in the external environment may affect the structures or components within the interior space of the housing 10 . For example, if the humidity in the battery cell 7 production plant is high, when the interior space of the housing 10 is in communication with the exterior space of the housing 10 , moisture may enter the interior space of the housing 10 , thereby affecting the electrode, diaphragm, or electrolyte within the interior space of the housing 10 .

[0144] If during the production process of the battery cell 7, the internal space of the shell 10 and the external space of the shell 10 are always or for a long time in a connected state, in other words, when the battery cell 7 is not being processed or when a processing step that does not require the internal space of the shell 10 to be connected with the external space of the shell 10 is being performed, the internal space of the shell 10 and the external space of the shell 10 are still in a connected state, which will increase the risk of damage to the internal structure or components of the battery cell 7 due to external environmental factors, and easily lead to the scrapping of the battery cell 7. Therefore, it is often necessary to strictly control the external environment during the production process of the battery cell 7, such as the humidity in the production plant, to reduce the risk of damage to the electrode, diaphragm or electrolyte inside the battery cell 7 caused by the external environment. However, the cost of controlling the external environment is high, and therefore, the overall production cost of the battery cell 7 will be increased accordingly, seriously affecting the economic benefits.

[0145] In this way, the above-mentioned technical solution of the present application can open the first valve 20 and / or the second valve 30 to provide operating conditions for the processing of the battery cell 7 when the battery cell 7 is undergoing a processing step that requires the internal space of the housing 10 to communicate with the external space of the housing 10 in order to complete the relevant operation. When the battery cell 7 is not being processed or undergoing a processing step that does not require the internal space of the housing 10 to communicate with the external space of the housing 10 in order to complete the relevant operation, the first valve 20 and / or the second valve 30 can be closed to isolate the interaction between the external environment and the interior of the battery cell 7. This effectively reduces the impact of the external environment on the internal structure and components of the battery cell 7 caused by the interaction between the liquid injection hole 11 and the exhaust hole 12 and the internal space of the housing 10, thereby improving production quality. At the same time, because the impact of the external environment on the battery cell 7 during the production process is reduced, the external environment control standards can be lowered or even eliminated, thereby reducing production costs.

[0146] In addition, the structures of the first valve 20 and the second valve 30 can be differentiated according to the different structures of the liquid injection hole 11 and the exhaust hole 12, so as to better meet the process requirements of liquid injection and exhaust, thereby helping to further improve production quality.

[0147] In some embodiments, the housing 10 includes a first wall 13 and a second wall 14 , the exhaust hole 12 is disposed on the first wall 13 , and the injection hole 11 is disposed on the second wall 14 .

[0148] Exemplarily, the first wall 13 and the second wall 14 are different walls on the housing 10 . The first wall 13 and the second wall 14 may be adjacent to each other, or they may be opposite to each other.

[0149] By arranging the exhaust hole 12 and the injection hole 11 on the first wall 13 and the second wall 14 respectively, on the one hand, the installation space of the first valve 20 and the second valve 30 can be increased, which is conducive to reducing the difficulty of installing the first valve 20 and the second valve 30; on the other hand, it also helps to maintain the structural stability and balance of the shell 10, thereby improving the overall reliability of the battery cell 7.

[0150] In some embodiments, the first wall 13 and the second wall 14 are arranged opposite to each other, which can further improve the overall structural balance of the housing 10 .

[0151] Exemplarily, the first wall 13 and the second wall 14 may be arranged opposite to each other along the height direction of the battery cell 7 , the first wall 13 and the second wall 14 may be arranged opposite to each other along the width direction of the battery cell 7 , or the first wall 13 and the second wall 14 may be arranged opposite to each other along the length direction of the battery cell 7 .

[0152] In some embodiments, the housing 10 includes an end cap 10b and a shell 10a. The shell 10a has an opening, and the end cap 10b covers the opening. The end cap 10b is configured as a first wall 13. The shell 10a includes a second wall 14, which is disposed opposite to the end cap 10b.

[0153] Exemplarily, the end cap 10b refers to a component that covers the opening of the shell 10a to isolate the internal environment of the battery cell 7 from the external environment. Optionally, the shape of the end cap 10b can be adapted to the shape of the shell 10a to match the shell 10a. Optionally, the end cap 10b can be made of a material with a certain hardness and strength (such as an aluminum alloy). In this way, the end cap 10b is not easily deformed when squeezed or collided, so that the battery cell 7 can have higher structural strength and improved reliability. Functional components such as terminal groups can be provided on the end cap 10b. In some embodiments, the end cap 10b can also be provided with a pressure relief mechanism for releasing internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 77 reaches a threshold. The material of the end cap 10b can also be various. For example, the end cap 10b can be made of, but not limited to, metal or non-metallic materials. For example, metal materials can be copper, aluminum, or stainless steel; non-metallic materials can be polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyvinyl chloride.

[0154] The shell 10a is a component used to cooperate with the end cover 10b to form the internal environment of the battery cell 7. The internal environment formed can be used to accommodate the electrode assembly, electrolyte and other components. The shell 10a and the end cover 10b can be independent components, and an opening can be set on the shell 10a, and the internal environment of the battery cell 7 is formed by covering the opening with the end cover 10b. Optionally, the end cover 10b and the shell 10a can also be integrated. Specifically, the end cover 10b and the shell 10a can form a common connecting surface before other components are put into the shell, and when the interior of the shell 10a needs to be encapsulated, the end cover 10b is covered with the shell 10a. The shell 10a can be of various shapes and sizes, such as rectangular, cylindrical, hexagonal, etc. Specifically, the shape of the shell 10a can be determined according to the specific shape and size of the electrode assembly. The shell 10a can be made of various materials. For example, the shell 10a can be but is not limited to being made of metal or non-metal materials. For example, the metal material can be copper, aluminum or stainless steel; the non-metal material can be polyethylene, polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride.

[0155] Optionally, the end cap 10b may be detachably connected to the housing 10a or integrally formed on the housing 10a. The end cap 10b may be directly connected to the housing 10a or secured to the housing 10a via other components. For example, the connection between the end cap 10b and the housing 10a may be, but is not limited to, welding, riveting, or bonding.

[0156] The second wall 14 is arranged opposite to the end cover 10b. In other words, the second wall 14 can be understood as the bottom wall of the shell 10a. The end cover 10b is located at the top of the battery cell 7. Since the gas itself will gather toward the top of the battery cell 7, the exhaust hole 12 is provided on the end cover 10b, which helps to improve the gas exhaust efficiency. The second wall 14 is located at the bottom of the battery cell 7, and the injection hole 11 is provided on the second wall 14. During the injection process of the battery cell 7, the injection equipment injects electrolyte from the bottom of the battery cell 7. Due to the effect of gravity, even if the electrolyte leaks, the electrolyte will drip directly toward the ground instead of adhering to the battery cell 7, thereby effectively reducing the risk of electrolyte contamination of the battery cell 7.

[0157] In this way, the above technical solution can not only improve the gas exhaust efficiency in the processing steps of the battery cell 7 that require exhaust, but also effectively reduce the risk of electrolyte contamination of the battery cell 7 in the liquid injection step of the battery cell 7.

[0158] In some embodiments, the first valve 20 includes a first body portion 21 and a first core portion 22. The first body portion 21 includes a first port 211 and a second port 212 that are connected. The first port 211 is connected to the external space, and the second port 212 is connected to the internal space. The first core portion 22 is disposed within the first body portion 21. The first core portion 22 is configured to open when pressure is applied to connect the first port 211 and the second port 212, and to isolate the first port 211 and the second port 212 when no pressure is applied.

[0159] For example, when the battery cell 7 undergoes a liquid injection process, the first port 211 primarily serves as an inlet path for electrolyte to be transported from the liquid injection device located in the external space of the housing 10 to the internal space of the housing 10, while the second port 212 is used to guide the electrolyte into the internal space of the housing 10. When the battery cell 7 undergoes a baking process, the second port 212 primarily serves as an inlet path for water vapor to enter the first valve 20 from the internal space of the housing 10, while the first port 211 is used to guide the water vapor to be discharged to the external space of the housing 10. When the battery cell 7 undergoes a formation process, the second port 212 primarily serves as an inlet path for gas to enter the first valve 20 from the internal space of the housing 10, while the first port 211 is used to guide the gas to be discharged to the external space of the housing 10.

[0160] Optionally, the first core portion 22 may be detachably connected to the first main body portion 21 or may be integrally provided on the first main body portion 21. The first core portion 22 may be directly connected to the first main body portion 21 or may be constrained to the first main body portion 21 by other components. Both the first core portion 22 and the first main body portion 21 may be made of, but are not limited to, metal or non-metallic materials. For example, metal materials may include steel, iron, copper, copper alloys, aluminum, or aluminum alloys; non-metallic materials may include polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyvinyl chloride.

[0161] As an example, the process of injecting liquid into a battery cell 7 is described. The first core portion 22 is designed to dynamically respond to external pressure to implement a push-type valve opening function. Under normal conditions, the first core portion 22 is not subject to external forces and remains closed, so that the first port 211 and the second port 212 are isolated, thereby cutting off the interaction between the external environment and the interior of the battery cell 7. When the battery cell 7 needs to be injected, pressure is applied to the first core portion 22 to open the first core portion 22, so that the first port 211 and the second port 212 are connected, allowing the injection device to inject electrolyte into the interior of the battery cell 7 through the first valve 20. After the injection of the battery cell 7 is completed, the external pressure acting on the first core portion 22 is removed, and the first core portion 22 automatically returns to its closed position by relying on a preset recovery mechanism, isolating the first port 211 and the second port 212 again, thereby cutting off the interaction between the external environment and the interior of the battery cell 7 again.

[0162] For example, the pressure on the first core portion 22 may be applied by, but is not limited to, manual operation, mechanical operation, electrical signal, or instruction of an automated control system.

[0163] Optionally, the first core portion 22 may be, but is not limited to, a plate-shaped structure, a block-shaped structure, or a spherical structure, and the specific shape and size of the first core portion 22 may be set according to the specific structure inside the first main body portion 21 .

[0164] Optionally, the first core portion 22 and the first main body portion 21 may be made of, but are not limited to, metal or non-metal materials. For example, metal materials may include steel, iron, copper, copper alloys, aluminum, or aluminum alloys; non-metal materials may include polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyvinyl chloride. Furthermore, the first core portion 22 and the first main body portion 21 may be made of the same material to simplify the manufacturing process and reduce costs.

[0165] As an example, the first core portion 22 is movably disposed relative to the first main body portion 21, so that the first core portion 22 has an initial position and a valve-opening position. When the first core portion 22 is not subjected to pressure, the first core portion 22 is in the initial position, blocking the first port 211 and the second port 212, thereby disconnecting the first port 211 and the second port 212. When pressure is applied to the first core portion 22, the first core portion 22 is in the valve-opening position, removing the obstruction of the first port 211 and the second port 212, thereby connecting the first port 211 and the second port 212.

[0166] As another example, the first core portion 22 includes a first valve port 20 and a first sealing member. The first port 211 and the second port 212 can be connected through the first valve port 20. The first sealing member is movable to open or close the first valve port 20. When the first core portion 22 is not under pressure, the first valve port 20 is closed, thereby cutting off the passage between the first port 211 and the second port 212. When pressure is applied to the first core portion 22, the first valve port 20 is opened, thereby connecting the first port 211 and the second port 212 through the first valve port 20.

[0167] The above technical solution configures the first valve 20 as a push-type valve. During the opening and closing of the first valve 20, the first core portion 22 moves in a direction closer to the interior space of the housing 10. This significantly reduces the operating space requirements outside the battery cell 7 and helps accommodate a wider range of battery cell 7 processing steps. In addition, the first valve 20 is opened by pressing, making operation more convenient and effectively improving the production efficiency of the battery cells 7.

[0168] In some optional embodiments, the second valve 30 may be configured as a push-type valve having the same or similar structure as the first valve 20 .

[0169] In some embodiments, the first valve 20 further includes a first elastic body 23 , which connects the first main body 21 and the first core 22 , and applies a force to the first core 22 in a direction close to the first port 211 .

[0170] Exemplarily, the first elastic body 23 is used to provide a preset force for the first core portion 22. The first elastic body 23 applies a force to the first core portion 22 in a direction close to the first port 211 through its inherent elastic force, so that the first core portion 22 can abut against the junction of the first port 211 and the second port 212 when the first core portion 22 is not subjected to external pressure, thereby isolating the first port 211 from the second port 212. When the external pressure applied to the first core portion 22 exceeds the elastic force applied by the first elastic body 23 to the first core portion 22, the first core portion 22 moves in a direction away from the first port 211, thereby connecting the first port 211 and the second port 212.

[0171] The first elastic body 23 can be detachably connected to the first main body portion 21 and the first core portion 22, or can be integrally provided on the first main body portion 21 and the first core portion 22. The first elastic body 23 can be directly connected to the first main body portion 21 and the first core portion 22, or can be restricted to the first main body portion 21 and the first core portion 22 by other components. As an example, the connection method between the first elastic body 23 and the first main body portion 21 and the connection method between the first elastic body 23 and the first core portion 22 can be, but are not limited to, bolt connection, welding, riveting or clamping, etc.

[0172] Optionally, the first elastic body 23 may be, but is not limited to, a spring, a rubber strip, or a memory alloy, etc. In addition, the switching sensitivity of the first valve 20 may be set to be different by selecting first elastic bodies 23 with different elastic coefficients or adjusting the preload of the first elastic body 23 to improve applicability.

[0173] The above technical solution provides a preset force for the first core portion 22 by setting a first elastic body 23. Not only is the structure simple, which is conducive to reducing the preparation cost of the first valve 20, but the shape, size and material of the first elastic body 23 can also be flexibly adjusted according to different application environments and needs, thereby helping to improve the design flexibility and applicability of the first valve 20.

[0174] In some embodiments, the first elastic body 23 is disposed on a side of the first core portion 22 facing away from the first port 211 .

[0175] Exemplarily, the first elastomer 23 applies a force to the first core portion 22 in a direction close to the first port 211 through its own elastic deformation. When the first elastomer 23 is arranged on the side of the first core portion 22 facing away from the first port 211, the first elastomer 23 will always be in a compressed state to provide thrust to the first core portion 22.

[0176] In this way, the first elastomer 23 is in a compressed state, which can make the volume of the first elastomer 23 relatively small, thereby reducing the occupancy rate of the first elastomer 23 to the internal space of the first valve 20, thereby freeing up more space inside the first valve 20 for realizing functions such as transporting electrolyte or gas during the processing of the battery cell 7, thereby improving the production efficiency of the battery cell 7.

[0177] In some embodiments, the first main body portion 21 further includes a cavity 213, which connects the first port 211 and the second port 212. The first core portion 22 includes a body 221 and a protrusion 222, which protrude from a side surface of the body 221 near the first port 211. The body 221 is disposed in the cavity 213, and a side surface of the body 221 near the first port 211 abuts against the first main body portion 21, and at least a portion of the protrusion 222 is accommodated in the first port 211.

[0178] For example, the main function of the protrusion 222 is to block the first port 211. The first step structure formed between the protrusion 222 and the body 221 and the second step structure formed between the first port 211 and the cavity 213 abut and cooperate with each other to form an effective sealing path, thereby further improving the sealing performance of the first valve 20 in the closed state. The protrusion 222 can be partially or entirely accommodated in the first port 211.

[0179] The protrusion 222 can be detachably connected to the body 221 or integrally provided on the body 221. The first elastic body 23 can be directly connected to the body 221 or secured to the body 221 via other components. As an example, the connection between the first elastic body 23 and the body 221 can be, but is not limited to, bolting, welding, riveting, or clamping.

[0180] Optionally, the body 221 and the protrusion 222 are integrally formed. This simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for an additional joining process. Furthermore, the integral structure provides a stronger connection between the body 221 and the protrusion 222 than would be achieved by an additional joining process.

[0181] The above technical solution can improve the sealing performance when the first valve 20 is in a closed state, thereby reducing the influence of external environmental factors on the battery cell 7 during the production process, and further improving the production quality.

[0182] In some embodiments, the second valve 30 includes a second body portion 31 and a second core portion 32. The second body portion 31 includes a third port 311 and a fourth port 312 that communicate with each other. The third port 311 communicates with the internal space. The second core portion 32 is disposed within the second body portion 31. A portion of the second core portion 32 extends through the fourth port 312 and out of the housing 10. The second core portion 32 defines a channel 321 that communicates with the external space. The second core portion 32 is configured to open when subjected to tension, thereby communicating the third port 311 with the channel 321. When not subjected to tension, the second core portion 32 is configured to isolate the third port 311 from the channel 321.

[0183] Exemplarily, the fourth port 312 is used to avoid the second core portion 32 so that a portion of the second core portion 32 can pass through the fourth port 312 and extend out of the outer shell 10. The function of the second core portion 32 located in the external space of the outer shell 10 is to facilitate the operator or equipment to grab the second core portion 32 to apply tension to it. When the battery cell 7 undergoes the liquid injection process, the main function of the channel 321 is to serve as an inlet path for the electrolyte to be transported from the liquid injection equipment located in the external space of the outer shell 10 to the internal space of the outer shell 10, and the third port 311 is used to guide the electrolyte into the internal space of the outer shell 10. When the battery cell 7 undergoes the baking process, the main function of the third port 311 is to serve as an inlet path for water vapor to enter the first valve 20 from the internal space of the outer shell 10, and the channel 321 is used to guide the water vapor to be discharged to the external space of the outer shell 10. When the battery cell 7 undergoes a formation process, the third port 311 serves as an inlet path for gas to enter the first valve 20 from the interior space of the housing 10 , while the channel 321 is used to guide the gas to be discharged to the exterior space of the housing 10 .

[0184] Optionally, the second core portion 32 may be detachably connected to the second main body portion 31 or may be integrally provided on the second main body portion 31. The second core portion 32 may be directly connected to the second main body portion 31 or may be restrained on the second main body portion 31 by other components. Both the second core portion 32 and the second main body portion 31 may be made of, but are not limited to, metal or non-metallic materials. For example, metal materials may include steel, iron, copper, copper alloys, aluminum, or aluminum alloys; non-metallic materials may include polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyvinyl chloride.

[0185] As an example, the formation process of a battery cell 7 will be described. The second core portion 32 is designed to dynamically respond to external tension to implement a pull-type valve opening function. Under normal conditions, the second core portion 32 is not subject to external forces and remains closed, isolating the third port 311 and the channel 321, thereby cutting off the external environment from the interior of the battery cell 7. When the battery cell 7 needs to be formed, a tensile force is applied to the second core portion 32 to open it, connecting the third port 311 and the channel 321. This allows the gases generated by the formation within the interior of the housing 10 to be discharged through the second valve 30 to the exterior of the housing 10. After the formation of the battery cell 7 is completed, the external tensile force acting on the second core portion 32 is removed, and the second core portion 32 automatically returns to its closed position due to a preset recovery mechanism, again isolating the third port 311 and the channel 321, thereby once again cutting off the external environment from the interior of the battery cell 7.

[0186] For example, the pressure on the second core portion 32 may be applied by, but is not limited to, manual operation, mechanical operation, electrical signal, or instruction of an automated control system.

[0187] Optionally, the second core portion 32 may be, but is not limited to, a plate-shaped structure, a block-shaped structure, or a spherical structure, and the specific shape and size of the second core portion 32 may be set according to the specific structure inside the second main body portion 31 .

[0188] Optionally, the second core portion 32 and the second main body portion 31 may be made of, but are not limited to, metal or non-metal materials. For example, metal materials may include steel, iron, copper, copper alloys, aluminum, or aluminum alloys; non-metal materials may include polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyvinyl chloride. Furthermore, the second core portion 32 and the second main body portion 31 may be made of the same material to simplify the manufacturing process and reduce costs.

[0189] As an example, the second core portion 32 is movably disposed relative to the second main body portion 31, such that the second core portion 32 has an initial position and an open valve position. When the second core portion 32 is not subjected to a tensile force, the second core portion 32 is in the initial position, blocking the third port 311 and the channel 321, thereby disconnecting the third port 311 and the channel 321. When a tensile force is applied to the second core portion 32, the second core portion 32 is in the open valve position, removing the blockage between the third port 311 and the channel 321, thereby connecting the third port 311 and the channel 321.

[0190] As another example, the second core portion 32 includes a second valve port 30 and a second sealing member. The third port 311 and the channel 321 can be connected through the second valve port 30. The second sealing member is movable to open or close the second valve port 30. When the second core portion 32 is not subjected to tension, the second valve port 30 is closed, thereby blocking the passage between the third port 311 and the channel 321. When tension is applied to the second core portion 32, the second valve port 30 opens, allowing the third port 311 and the channel 321 to be connected through the second valve port 30.

[0191] The above technical solution sets the second valve 30 as a pull-out valve. During the opening and closing of the second valve 30, the second core portion 32 moves in a direction away from the internal space of the outer shell 10, which can reduce the risk of the second core portion 32 falling off and into the internal space of the outer shell 10 during the movement, thereby helping to improve the reliability of the battery cell 7.

[0192] In some optional embodiments, the first valve 20 may be configured as a pull-out valve having the same or similar structure as the second valve 30 .

[0193] In some optional embodiments, the first valve 20 is arranged at the injection hole 11 and is configured as a push-type valve to facilitate the injection operation of the injection device, and the second valve 30 is arranged at the exhaust hole 12 and is configured as a pull-type valve to facilitate the exhaust operation.

[0194] In some embodiments, the second valve 30 further includes a second elastic body 33 , which connects the second body portion 31 and the second core portion 32 , and applies a force to the second core portion 32 in a direction away from the fourth port 312 .

[0195] Exemplarily, the second elastic body 33 is used to provide a preset force for the second core portion 32. The second elastic body 33 applies a force to the second core portion 32 in a direction away from the fourth port 312 through its inherent elastic force, so that the second core portion 32 can block the third port 311 in the absence of external tension, thereby isolating the third port 311 from the channel 321. When the external tension applied to the second core portion 32 exceeds the elastic force applied by the second elastic body 33 to the second core portion 32, the second core portion 32 moves in a direction toward the fourth port 312 to cancel the blockage of the third port 311, thereby allowing the third port 311 to communicate with the channel 321.

[0196] The second elastic body 33 can be detachably connected to the second main body 31 and the second core 32, or can be integrally provided on the second main body 31 and the second core 32. The second elastic body 33 can be directly connected to the second main body 31 and the second core 32, or can be restricted to the second main body 31 and the second core 32 by other components. As an example, the connection method between the second elastic body 33 and the second main body 31 and the connection method between the second elastic body 33 and the second core 32 can be, but are not limited to, bolt connection, welding, riveting, or clamping.

[0197] Optionally, the second elastic body 33 may be, but is not limited to, a spring, a rubber strip, or a memory alloy, etc. In addition, the switching sensitivity of the second valve 30 may be set to be different by selecting a second elastic body 33 with different elastic coefficients or adjusting the preload of the second elastic body 33 to improve applicability.

[0198] The above technical solution provides a preset force for the second core portion 32 by setting a second elastic body 33. Not only is the structure simple, which is conducive to reducing the preparation cost of the second valve 30, but the shape, size and material of the second elastic body 33 can also be flexibly adjusted according to different application environments and needs, thereby helping to improve the design flexibility and applicability of the second valve 30.

[0199] In some embodiments, the second elastic body 33 is disposed on a side of the second core portion 32 close to the fourth port 312 .

[0200] Exemplarily, the second elastomer 33 applies a force on the second core portion 32 in a direction away from the fourth port 312 through its own elastic deformation. When the second elastomer 33 is arranged on the side of the second core portion 32 close to the fourth port 312, the second elastomer 33 will always be in a compressed state to provide thrust for the second core portion 32.

[0201] In this way, the second elastomer 33 is in a compressed state, which can make the volume of the second elastomer 33 relatively small, thereby reducing the occupancy rate of the second elastomer 33 on the internal space of the second valve 30, thereby freeing up more space inside the second valve 30 for realizing functions such as transporting electrolyte or gas during the processing of the battery cell 7, thereby improving the production efficiency of the battery cell 7.

[0202] In some embodiments, the second valve 30 further includes an anti-slip member 34 connected to the portion of the second core portion 32 extending out of the housing 10 .

[0203] For example, the second core portion 32, located outside the housing 10, facilitates gripping and applying tension to the second core portion 32 by an operator or device. The anti-slip member 34 can be detachably attached to the second core portion 32 or integrally formed therewith. The anti-slip member 34 increases the coefficient of friction of the portion of the second core portion 32 extending beyond the housing 10, thereby reducing the risk of the second core portion 32 slipping after being gripped by an operator or device.

[0204] The anti-slip member 34 can be directly connected to the second core portion 32, or can be restricted on the second core portion 32 by other components. As an example, the connection between the anti-slip member 34 and the second core portion 32 can be, but is not limited to, bolt connection, welding, riveting, or clamping.

[0205] As an example, the anti-slip member 34 may be a concave-convex structure provided on the outer surface of the second core portion 32 ; the anti-slip member 34 may also be an anti-slip pad or an anti-slip coating provided on the outer surface of the second core portion 32 .

[0206] Optionally, the anti-slip member 34 may be made of, but is not limited to, rubber, polyvinyl chloride, or polyurethane.

[0207] The above technical solution sets an anti-slip part 34, which can increase the friction coefficient of the part of the second core part 32 extending out of the outer shell 10, so as to reduce the risk of the operator or equipment slipping after grabbing the second core part 32, thereby improving the reliability of the second valve 30.

[0208] According to some embodiments of the present application, the present application further provides a battery, comprising a battery cell 7 according to any of the above solutions.

[0209] According to some embodiments of the present application, the present application further provides an electrical device, comprising a battery cell 7 according to any of the above solutions, wherein the battery cell 7 is used to provide electrical energy.

[0210] In order to better understand the battery cell 7 provided in the embodiment of the present application, based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the above-mentioned battery cell 7 in actual application is provided here for illustration.

[0211] An embodiment of the present application provides a battery cell 7 , which includes a housing 10 , a first valve 20 and a second valve 30 , wherein the first valve 20 and the second valve 30 are both disposed on the housing 10 .

[0212] The housing 10 includes an end cap 10b and a shell 10a. The shell 10a has an opening, which is covered by the end cap 10b. The end cap 10b is provided with a vent 12. A liquid injection hole 11 is provided on the wall of the shell 10a opposite the end cap 10b. A first valve 20 is provided in the liquid injection hole 11, and a second valve 30 is provided in the vent 12.

[0213] The first valve 20 includes a first main body 21, a first core 22, and a first elastic body 23. The first main body 21 includes a first port 211 and a second port 212 that are connected. The first port 211 is connected to the external space, and the second port 212 is connected to the internal space. The first core 22 is disposed within the first main body 21. The first elastic body 23 connects the first main body 21 and the first core 22. The first elastic body 23 applies a force to the first core 22 in a direction toward the first port 211. The first core 22 is configured to open when under pressure to connect the first port 211 and the second port 212, and to isolate the first port 211 from the second port 212 when not under pressure.

[0214] The second valve 30 includes a second body 31, a second core 32, and a second elastic member 33. The second body 31 includes a third port 311 and a fourth port 312 that communicate with each other. The third port 311 communicates with the internal space. The second core 32 is disposed within the second body 31. A portion of the second core 32 extends through the fourth port 312 and out of the housing 10. The second core 32 defines a passage 321 that communicates with the external space. The second elastic member 33 connects the second body 31 and the second core 32 and applies a force to the second core 32 in a direction away from the fourth port 312. The second core 32 is configured to open when subjected to a tensile force, thereby communicating with the third port 311 and the passage 321. When not subjected to a tensile force, the second core 32 is configured to isolate the third port 311 from the passage 321.

[0215] The above-mentioned technical solution of the present application can open the first valve 20 and / or the second valve 30 to provide operating conditions for the processing of the battery cell 7 when the battery cell 7 is undergoing a processing step that requires the internal space of the housing 10 to communicate with the external space of the housing 10 in order to complete the relevant operation. When the battery cell 7 is not being processed or undergoing a processing step that does not require the internal space of the housing 10 to communicate with the external space of the housing 10 in order to complete the relevant operation, the first valve 20 and / or the second valve 30 can be closed to isolate the interaction between the external environment and the interior of the battery cell 7. This effectively reduces the impact of the external environment on the internal structure and components of the battery cell 7 caused by the interaction between the external environment and the internal space of the housing 10 through the liquid injection hole 11 and the exhaust hole 12, thereby improving production quality. At the same time, since the impact of the external environment on the battery cell 7 during the production process is reduced, the external environment control standards can be lowered or even eliminated, thereby reducing production costs.

[0216] In addition, the structures of the first valve 20 and the second valve 30 can be differentiated according to the different structures of the liquid injection hole 11 and the exhaust hole 12, so as to better meet the process requirements of liquid injection and exhaust, thereby helping to further improve production quality.

[0217] It should be noted that, unless there is any conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0218] 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, comprising: The outer shell is provided with a liquid injection hole and an exhaust hole; A first valve and a second valve, one of the first valve and the second valve is arranged at the liquid injection hole, and the other of the first valve and the second valve is arranged at the exhaust hole, and the first valve and the second valve are both configured to be able to switch the connection between the internal space of the shell and the external space of the shell.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes a first wall and a second wall. The exhaust hole is provided on the first wall, and the liquid injection hole is provided on the second wall.

3. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein: The first wall and the second wall are arranged opposite to each other.

4. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein: The housing includes an end cover and a shell, the shell has an opening, the end cover covers the opening, and the end cover is configured as the first wall; The housing includes a second wall, and the second wall is arranged opposite to the end cover.

5. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first valve includes a first main body and a first core, the first main body includes a first port and a second port that are in communication with each other, the first port is in communication with the external space, and the second port is in communication with the internal space; The first core portion is disposed in the first main body portion, and is configured to open when subjected to pressure to connect the first port and the second port, and to isolate the first port and the second port when not subjected to pressure. The battery cell according to claim 5 , wherein: The first valve further includes a first elastic body connecting the first main body and the first core, and the first elastic body applies a force to the first core in a direction approaching the first port.

7. The battery cell according to claim 6, wherein: The first elastic body is arranged on a side of the first core portion facing away from the first port.

8. The battery cell according to claim 5, wherein: The first main body further includes a cavity, the cavity communicating with the first port and the second port; The first core portion includes a main body and a convex portion connected to each other, wherein the convex portion protrudes from the main body. The body is disposed in the cavity on a side surface close to the first opening, and the side surface of the body close to the first opening abuts against the first main body portion, and at least a portion of the protrusion is accommodated in the first opening.

9. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The second valve includes a second main body and a second core, the second main body includes a third port and a fourth port that are in communication with each other, and the third port is in communication with the internal space; The second core portion is arranged in the second main body portion, and a portion of the second core portion passes through the fourth port and extends out of the outer shell. The second core portion is provided with a channel, which is connected to the external space. The second core portion is configured to be able to open when subjected to tension so that the third port and the channel are connected, and to be able to isolate the third port and the channel when not subjected to tension.

10. The battery cell according to claim 9, wherein: The second valve further includes a second elastic body connecting the second main body and the second core, and the second elastic body applies a force to the second core in a direction away from the fourth port.

11. The battery cell according to claim 10, wherein: The second elastic body is arranged on a side of the second core portion close to the fourth port.

12. The battery cell according to claim 9, wherein: The second valve further includes an anti-slip member connected to a portion of the second core portion extending out of the housing.

13. A battery comprising the battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. An electrical device comprising the battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the battery cell is used to provide electrical energy.

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