Battery, battery pack, electric device, and energy storage device

Abstract

A battery (100), a battery pack (400), an electric device, and an energy storage device. The battery (100) comprises a case assembly (1), a top cover assembly (2), and at least one battery cell (3). An accommodating space (11) is formed in the case assembly (1), and an opening (12) is formed in one side of the case assembly (1) in a first direction. The top cover assembly (2) is arranged on the case assembly (1) and closes the opening (12), the top cover assembly (2) comprises at least two top covers (21) arranged in parallel in a second direction, each of the top covers (21) comprises a top cover body (21a) and an electrical connector (21b) which is arranged on the top cover body (21a) and capable of conducting electricity, and adjacent top covers (21) are connected to each other by means of a fixing connector (4). The at least one battery cell (3) is located in the accommodating space (11), and a tab (31) of the battery cell (3) is connected to the electrical connector (21b) of the top cover (21). The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

Description

Batteries, battery packs, electrical devices and energy storage devices Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to batteries, battery packs, electrical devices, and energy storage devices. Background Art

[0002] New energy batteries are being used more and more widely in life and industry. For example, new energy vehicles equipped with batteries have been widely used. In addition, batteries are also being increasingly used in energy storage fields.

[0003] During use, battery cells may experience the risk of thermal runaway due to overheating, short circuits, overcharging, self-heating, or mechanical impact. Thermal runaway generates large amounts of gas and heat. If these emissions continue to spread, they can further trigger thermal runaway in other cells, creating a chain reaction that exacerbates the thermal runaway. Therefore, reducing the likelihood of thermal runaway spreading and mitigating battery safety risks is a key research topic in the industry.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, the present disclosure provides a battery, a battery pack, an electrical device, and an energy storage device capable of isolating and installing multiple battery cells to reduce the possibility of thermal runaway spreading.

[0006] The present disclosure is achieved through the following technical solutions.

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a battery, which includes a shell assembly forming a accommodating space, the shell assembly having an opening on one side along a first direction; a top cover assembly, which is arranged on the shell assembly and closes the opening, the top cover assembly including at least two top covers arranged in parallel along a second direction, the top covers including a top cover body and an electrically conductive electrical connector arranged on the top cover body, and adjacent top covers are connected to each other by fixed connectors; and at least one battery cell located in the accommodating space, the electrode tab of the battery cell being connected to the electrical connector of the top cover; wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0008] Since the top cover assembly includes at least two top covers, a plurality of battery cells can be accommodated in one battery shell assembly, thereby enabling the isolated installation of multiple battery cells of each battery without affecting the energy density of the battery. In this way, if thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell in a battery, the high-temperature emissions generated by the thermal runaway will be blocked in the shell assembly of the battery and will not spread to affect other batteries, thereby reducing the possibility of the emissions generated by the thermal runaway affecting multiple battery cells in other batteries or affecting other components in the battery, effectively reducing the risk of thermal runaway spreading, and thus reducing the safety risk of the battery.

[0009] Furthermore, since the battery cells are housed within the housing assembly, the housing assembly provides some protection for the battery cells, thereby reducing the risk of thermal runaway due to mechanical impact. Furthermore, the top cover assembly seals the opening of the housing assembly, further protecting the battery cells within the housing. At least two top covers of the top cover assembly are connected to each other via a fixed connector, resulting in a simple structure, efficient assembly, and improved connection stability between the top covers.

[0010] In some embodiments, the fixed connection comprises a snap connection.

[0011] The snap-fit ​​connector has a simple structure and is easy to install and disassemble. It also has high connection strength and good stability and can withstand greater pressure and vibration, thereby improving the connection stability between at least two top covers of the top cover assembly.

[0012] In some embodiments, the top cover includes a first top cover and a second top cover; the fixed connecting member includes a first connecting member and a second connecting member; the top cover body of the first top cover is formed with the first connecting member; the top cover body of the second top cover is formed with the second connecting member; wherein, when the adjacent top covers are the first top cover and the second top cover, the two are connected by the cooperation of the first connecting member of the first top cover and the second connecting member of the second top cover.

[0013] Therefore, by cooperating and connecting the first top cover and the second top cover, more battery cells can be accommodated in the shell assembly of a battery, thereby effectively improving the energy density of the battery, and effectively isolating the multiple battery cells of each battery, reducing the risk of thermal runaway of the battery cells.

[0014] In some embodiments, the top cover includes a third top cover; the top cover body of the third top cover is formed with the first connecting member on one side along the second direction, and is formed with the second connecting member on the other side along the second direction; wherein, in the case where the adjacent top covers are two third top covers, the two are connected by the cooperation of the first connecting member and the second connecting member located between the third top covers; in the case where the adjacent top covers are the first top cover and the third top cover, the two are connected by the cooperation of the first connecting member of the first top cover and the second connecting member of the third top cover; in the case where the adjacent top covers are the second top cover and the third top cover, the two are connected by the cooperation of the second connecting member of the second top cover and the first connecting member of the third top cover.

[0015] In this way, the top cover assembly can be provided with more top covers, and through the coordinated connection of multiple third top covers, the first top cover and the third top cover, or the second top cover and the third top cover, more battery cells can be accommodated in the shell assembly of a battery, thereby effectively improving the energy density of the battery, and effectively isolating the multiple battery cells of each battery, reducing the risk of diffusion when the battery cells are thermally runaway.

[0016] In some embodiments, the top cover further includes a fourth top cover and a fifth top cover; the first connecting member is formed on both sides of the fourth top cover opposite to each other along the second direction; the second connecting member is formed on both sides of the fifth top cover opposite to each other along the second direction; wherein, when the adjacent top covers are the fourth top cover and the fifth top cover, the two are connected by the cooperation of the first connecting member of the fourth top cover and the second connecting member of the fifth top cover; when the adjacent top covers are the first top cover and the fifth top cover, the two are connected by the cooperation of the first connecting member of the first top cover and the second connecting member of the fifth top cover; when the adjacent top covers are the second top cover and the fourth top cover, the two are connected by the cooperation of the second connecting member of the second top cover and the first connecting member of the fourth top cover.

[0017] In this way, the top cover assembly can be provided with more top covers, and through the matching connection of the fourth top cover and the fifth top cover, the first top cover and the fifth top cover, or the second top cover and the fourth top cover, more battery cells can be accommodated in the shell assembly of a battery, thereby effectively improving the energy density of the battery, and effectively isolating the multiple battery cells of each battery, reducing the risk of diffusion when the battery cells are thermally runaway.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first connecting member is a convex structure, and the second connecting member is a concave structure.

[0019] Thus, the connection between adjacent top covers can be achieved through the cooperation of the protruding structure and the recessed structure, which has a simple structure and is easy to assemble. In addition, by configuring the first connecting member as a protruding structure and the second connecting member as a recessed structure, the first connecting member can be quickly positioned, thereby further facilitating assembly.

[0020] In some embodiments, the protruding structure is configured as a buckle, and the recessed structure is configured as a hole.

[0021] Thus, adjacent top covers can be snap-fitted in a simple and quick manner. Fewer parts are required for the snap-fitting, and the tabs of the battery cells connected to the electrical connectors are less likely to be affected during the snap-fitting process, thereby reducing the risk of the tabs being bent or broken.

[0022] In some embodiments, the buckle includes a column and a head, the equivalent diameter of the head is larger than the equivalent diameter of the clip hole, and the head includes at least two spring pieces, which can be elastically deformed under the action of external force.

[0023] Thus, the buckle can be engaged in the engaging hole through the elastic deformation of the spring sheet, thereby achieving the connection between adjacent top covers in an engaging manner.

[0024] In some embodiments, a guiding slope is formed on a side of the elastic sheet facing away from the column.

[0025] As a result, the head of the buckle can be guided by the guide slope to enter the buckle hole more easily, thereby improving assembly efficiency and saving time and cost.

[0026] In some embodiments, the latch hole comprises a through hole.

[0027] The through hole is easier to form. Setting the card hole as a through hole can effectively reduce the processing difficulty and save production costs without affecting the snap engagement.

[0028] In some embodiments, in the same top cover, there are multiple first connecting members and multiple second connecting members; each first connecting member corresponds to and cooperates with each second connecting member to connect adjacent top covers.

[0029] Thus, the connection strength between adjacent top covers can be further improved, and the possibility of the connection between adjacent top covers being loosened due to collision or vibration can be reduced.

[0030] In some embodiments, at least one through hole is formed on the top cover body of each top cover, and the through hole serves as a discharge channel for exhaust generated by the battery cell in the event of thermal runaway to be discharged from the accommodation space.

[0031] Therefore, in the event of thermal runaway of a battery cell in the battery, the emissions generated by the thermal runaway will not be scattered, but will be ejected in a preset direction and position through the through-holes formed on the top cover body, thereby achieving directional ejection during thermal runaway of the battery cell, making the ejection direction of the high-temperature emissions generated during thermal runaway controllable, further reducing the possibility of emissions affecting other battery cells or other components in the battery, thereby further reducing the safety risk of the battery.

[0032] In some embodiments, the electrical connector includes a connecting portion and an exposed portion connected to the connecting portion, the connecting portion includes a connecting surface extending along the first direction, and the exposed portion is exposed to the outside of the shell assembly; wherein the tab of the battery cell extends along the first direction, and the tab is connected to the connecting surface of the connecting portion.

[0033] Since the connecting surface of the connecting portion of the electrical connector and the tab of the battery cell both extend along the first direction, the tab of the battery cell can be connected to the connecting surface of the connecting portion without bending, thereby reducing the risk of the tab breaking, making the connection more stable, and improving the reliability of the battery cell.

[0034] In some embodiments, the battery cells include pouch battery cells.

[0035] Due to their soft packaging structure, soft-pack battery cells are more susceptible to damage, and in the event of thermal runaway, the emissions generated by thermal runaway are more likely to be dispersed. Placing the soft-pack battery cells within the housing assembly effectively protects the soft-pack battery cells, reduces the possibility of damage to the soft-pack battery cells, and helps to increase the service life of the soft-pack battery cells. Furthermore, when the soft-pack battery cells experience thermal runaway, the emissions generated are isolated within the housing assembly, preventing them from affecting the soft-pack battery cells in other batteries and reducing the risk of thermal runaway spreading. Furthermore, by housing the soft-pack battery cells within the housing assembly, subsequent assembly into battery packs is more facilitated, improving assembly efficiency and reducing assembly difficulty.

[0036] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a battery pack, comprising: a case; and at least one battery according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the battery being accommodated in the case.

[0037] Because the battery cells are located within the housing assembly, they can be grouped into battery packs in the same manner as square-cased batteries, making assembly easier. Furthermore, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery packs of the disclosed embodiments, the emissions generated are less likely to spread, effectively reducing safety risks.

[0038] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides an electrical device, which includes the battery described in the first aspect of the present disclosure or the battery pack described in the second aspect of the present disclosure for providing electrical energy.

[0039] The electrical device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure uses the battery or battery pack with good performance as described above, thereby reducing the time spent on maintenance and having low safety risks.

[0040] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides an energy storage device, which includes the battery described in the first aspect of the present disclosure or the battery pack described in the second aspect of the present disclosure for providing electrical energy.

[0041] The energy storage device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure uses the battery or battery pack with good performance as described above, thereby reducing the time spent on maintenance and having low safety risks.

[0042] Beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present disclosure:

[0043] Through the present disclosure, it is possible to achieve isolated installation of multiple battery cells, reduce the risk of diffusion when thermal runaway occurs in the battery cells, and thus reduce the safety risk of the battery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] 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 disclosure. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to denote the same components. In the drawings:

[0045] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG2 is a perspective exploded schematic diagram of a battery pack provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG3 is a partial exploded perspective view of a battery provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a planar structure of a battery provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0049] FIG5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a first top cover provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0051] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a planar structure of a first top cover provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG8 is another planar structural schematic diagram of the first top cover provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0053] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a second top cover provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0054] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a planar structure of a second top cover provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0055] FIG11 is a schematic plan view of the structure of a third top cover provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0056] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of a planar structure of a fourth top cover provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0057] FIG13 is a schematic plan view of the structure of a fifth top cover provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0058] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of a planar structure of a battery cell provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0059] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of an electrical connector provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0060] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a buckle provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0061] Explanation of reference numerals 1-housing assembly; 11-accommodation space; 12-opening; 2-top cover assembly; 21-top cover; 21a-top cover body; 21b-electrical connector; 211b-connecting portion; 2111b-connecting surface; 212b-exposed portion; 21c-insulating member; 211-first top cover; 212-second top cover; 213-third top cover; 214-fourth top cover; 215-fifth top cover; 3-battery unit Body; 31-ear; 4-fixed connector; 41-first connector; 42-second connector; 43-buckle; 431-column; 432-head; 4321-spring; 4322-guide slope; 44-hole; 5-through hole; 100-battery; 200-controller; 300-motor; 400-battery pack; 401-box; 401a-cover; 401b-bottom plate; 1000-vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] The following embodiments of the technical solution of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present disclosure and are therefore only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0063] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this disclosure; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in this disclosure are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0064] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, technical terms such as "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are used solely to distinguish different objects and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or to implicitly specify the quantity, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the technical features indicated. In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, "plurality" means more than two, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0065] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0066] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "and / or" is simply a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0067] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the orientations or positional relationships indicated by technical terms such as "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", and "outside" are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, operated or used in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0068] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, technical terms such as "installed," "connected," "connect," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and can refer to internal connectivity between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure based on specific circumstances.

[0069] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the technical term "contact" should be understood in a broad sense, and can be direct contact, contact through an intermediate medium layer, contact with essentially no interaction force between the two contacting parties, or contact with interaction force between the two contacting parties.

[0070] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0071] Currently, new energy batteries are increasingly being used in everyday life and industry. They are not only used in energy storage systems such as hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but are also widely used in electric vehicles like electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as in a variety of fields such as aerospace. As the application of power batteries continues to expand, market demand is also growing.

[0072] During the charge and discharge cycle, the battery cells in the battery cannot achieve complete conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy. Part of it will be converted into heat energy. When the heat energy generated by the battery cells undergoes uncontrollable abnormal changes, it is called battery cell thermal runaway.

[0073] There are many factors that can cause thermal runaway in battery cells, such as overheating, short circuits, overcharging, self-heating, or mechanical impact. When a battery cell experiences thermal runaway, it generates large amounts of gas and even more heat. If this gas and heat are not properly controlled, they can spread to other surrounding battery cells, creating a chain reaction and triggering thermal runaway in other battery cells, further exacerbating the thermal runaway and significantly increasing battery safety risks.

[0074] In related technologies, when there are multiple battery cells in a battery, a bracket is usually used to isolate and install the multiple battery cells. However, the bracket cannot effectively prevent the spread of emissions generated when the battery cells experience thermal runaway. Once one of the multiple battery cells experiences thermal runaway, the high-temperature emissions can easily spread to other surrounding battery cells, which may further trigger thermal runaway of other battery cells, and thus cause damage to the entire battery.

[0075] The present disclosure addresses the problems existing in the above-mentioned related technologies and proposes a battery. The battery includes a shell assembly, a top cover assembly and at least one battery cell. The shell assembly forms a storage space, and the shell assembly has an opening on one side along the first direction. The top cover assembly is arranged on the shell assembly and closes the opening. The top cover assembly includes at least two top covers arranged in parallel along the second direction. The top cover includes a top cover body and an electrical connector capable of conducting electricity and arranged on the top cover body. Adjacent top covers are connected to each other by fixed connectors. At least one battery cell is located in the storage space, and the tabs of the battery cell are connected to the electrical connector of the top cover. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0076] Since the top cover assembly includes at least two top covers, a plurality of battery cells can be accommodated in one shell assembly of the battery. As a result, the entire battery in the related art can be split into a plurality of separate batteries with multiple battery cells, so that the multiple battery cells of each battery can be installed in isolation without affecting the energy density of the battery. In this way, if a battery cell in a battery has thermal runaway, the high-temperature emissions generated by the thermal runaway will be blocked in the shell assembly of the battery, and will not spread to affect other battery cells in other batteries, thereby reducing the possibility of the emissions generated by the thermal runaway affecting multiple battery cells in other batteries or affecting other components in the battery, effectively reducing the risk of thermal runaway spreading, and thus reducing the safety risk of the battery.

[0077] Furthermore, since the battery cells are housed within the housing assembly, the housing assembly provides some protection for the battery cells, thereby reducing the risk of thermal runaway due to mechanical impact. Furthermore, the top cover assembly seals the opening of the housing assembly, further protecting the battery cells within the housing. At least two top covers of the top cover assembly are connected to each other via a fixed connector, resulting in a simple structure, efficient assembly, and improved connection stability between the top covers.

[0078] The battery provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be used, but is not limited to, in energy storage power supply systems, electrical devices such as vehicles, ships or aircraft, as well as energy storage devices such as energy storage containers and energy storage cabinets.

[0079] The batteries provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be grouped together to form a battery pack. The battery pack can also be used, but is not limited to, in energy storage power supply systems, electrical devices such as vehicles, ships, or aircraft, as well as energy storage devices such as energy storage containers and energy storage cabinets. The use of a battery pack can provide a higher total energy. Moreover, the battery pack is formed by placing multiple grouped batteries in a box, thereby having more reliable dust and water resistance, and can therefore be used in scenarios where the use environment is more severe, humid, or even submerged in water.

[0080] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electrical device including the above-mentioned battery or battery pack for providing electrical energy, and the electrical device includes, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, an electric toy, an electric tool, a battery-powered vehicle, an electric car, a ship, a spacecraft, etc. The electric toy may include a fixed or mobile electric toy, such as a game console, an electric car toy, an electric ship toy, and an electric airplane toy, etc. The spacecraft may include an airplane, a rocket, a space shuttle, and a spacecraft, etc.

[0081] In the following embodiments, for the convenience of description, the electric device of one embodiment of the present disclosure is taken as an example of a vehicle 1000. The following description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle 1000 provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure. The vehicle 1000 may be a fuel vehicle, a gas vehicle or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle may be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle or an extended-range vehicle, etc. As shown in FIG1 , a battery 100 is provided inside the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 may be provided at the bottom, head or tail of the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 may be used to power the vehicle 1000. For example, the battery 100 may serve as an operating power source for the vehicle 1000. The vehicle 1000 may further include a controller 200 and a motor 300. The controller 200 is used to control the battery 100 to power the motor 300, for example, for starting, navigating and operating power requirements of the vehicle 1000 during driving.

[0083] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery 100 can serve not only as an operating power source for the vehicle 1000 , but also as a driving power source for the vehicle 1000 , replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1000 .

[0084] Figure 2 is a perspective exploded schematic diagram of a battery pack 400 provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the battery pack 400 includes a housing 401 and at least one battery 100. The housing 401 includes a cover 401a and a bottom plate 401b. The cover 401a covers the bottom plate 401b, thereby forming a storage space for the battery 100 between the bottom plate 401b and the cover 401a.

[0085] In the battery pack 400, there can be multiple batteries 100, and the multiple batteries 100 can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid connection. Hybrid connection means that the multiple batteries 100 are connected both in series and in parallel. The multiple batteries 100 can be directly connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid connection, and then the whole composed of multiple batteries 100 is placed in the storage space formed by the bottom plate 401b and the cover 401a. Of course, the battery 100 can also be in the form of a battery module composed of multiple battery cells 3 connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid connection, and the multiple battery modules are then connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid connection to form a whole, and then accommodated in the storage space formed by the bottom plate 401b and the cover 401a. The battery pack 400 may also include other structures. For example, the battery pack 400 may also include a busbar component for achieving electrical connection between the multiple batteries 100.

[0086] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 16 .

[0087] Figure 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of a battery provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of the battery provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the first top cover provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of the first top cover provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is another schematic plan view of the first top cover provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of the second top cover provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 10 is a schematic plan view of the second top cover provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 11 is a schematic plan view of the third top cover provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 12 is a schematic plan view of the fourth top cover provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 13 is a schematic plan view of the fifth top cover provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 14 is a schematic plan view of the battery cell provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of the electrical connector provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view of the buckle provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0088] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, for ease of description, a first direction and a second direction are set, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the case where the two directions are perpendicular to each other. For ease of description, as shown by the arrows in Figures 3 to 14, the direction of arrow X is the first direction, and the direction of arrow Y is the second direction.

[0089] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the first aspect of the present disclosure provides a battery 100. The battery includes a shell assembly 1, a top cover assembly 2 and at least one battery cell 3. The shell assembly 1 is formed with a accommodating space 11, and the shell assembly 1 has an opening 12 on one side along the first direction. The top cover assembly 2 is arranged on the shell assembly 1 and closes the opening 12. The top cover assembly 2 includes at least two top covers 21 arranged in parallel along the second direction. The top cover 21 includes a top cover body 21a and an electrically conductive electrical connector 21b arranged on the top cover body 21a. Adjacent top covers 21 are connected to each other by fixed connectors 4. At least one battery cell 3 is located in the accommodating space 11, and the tab 31 of the battery cell 3 is connected to the electrical connector 21b of the top cover 21. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0090] In some embodiments, the length direction of the battery 100 may be a first direction, and the arrangement direction of the top cover 21 may be a second direction. The second direction may also be consistent with the stacking direction of the electrode assemblies in the battery cells 3. In the specific example shown in FIG5 , the up-down direction in the figure is the first direction in the embodiment of the present disclosure, and the left-right direction in the figure is the second direction in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] The housing assembly 1 is a protective shell for the battery cells 3, and defines an internal storage space 11. Since the battery cells 3 are located within the storage space 11 of the housing assembly 1, the housing assembly 1 provides some protection for the battery cells 3, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the battery cells 3 due to mechanical collisions or thermal runaway, and improving the stability of the battery cells 3.

[0092] For example, the housing assembly 1 can be made of metal material, which has good pressure bearing capacity and can better protect the internal battery cells. Metal materials include but are not limited to copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, etc.

[0093] As another example, the housing assembly 1 can be integrally formed by injection molding of a plastic material. While meeting basic strength requirements, the plastic material itself is lighter in weight and has good insulation performance, and no additional insulation layer needs to be installed.

[0094] The shell assembly 1 of the present disclosure may be cylindrical or prismatic. The prismatic shape includes square shell, blade shape, polygonal prism, and polygonal prism, such as hexagonal prism, etc. There is no special limitation in the present disclosure.

[0095] The battery cell 3 refers to a basic unit that can realize mutual conversion between chemical energy and electrical energy, and can be used to make a battery or a battery pack, thereby being used to supply power to an electrical device or an energy storage device.

[0096] The battery cell 3 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.

[0097] The battery cell 3 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., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0098] The battery cell 3 may be a soft-pack battery cell.

[0099] Although not shown, the battery cell 3 includes an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly is generally stacked along the thickness direction (second direction) of the battery cell 3. The electrode assembly is a component in the battery cell 3 where electrochemical reactions occur.

[0100] The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator. During the charge and discharge process of the battery cell, active ions (such as lithium ions) are inserted and removed between the positive and negative electrode sheets. The separator is placed between the positive and negative electrode sheets to prevent short circuits between the positive and negative electrodes while allowing the active ions to pass through.

[0101] 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 disposed on at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector.

[0102] As an example, the positive electrode current collector has two surfaces facing each other in its thickness direction, and the positive electrode active material is provided on either or both of the two facing surfaces of the positive electrode current collector.

[0103] As an example, the positive electrode current collector may be a metal foil or a composite current collector. For example, as the metal foil, aluminum or stainless steel with a silver surface treatment, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel or titanium, etc. 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 a substrate of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0104] As an example, 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 disclosure 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. 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 iron manganese phosphate, and a composite material of lithium iron manganese phosphate and carbon.

[0105] In some embodiments, a positive electrode may be a metal foam. The metal foam may be nickel foam, copper foam, aluminum foam, or alloy foam, among others. When a 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.

[0106] In some embodiments, the negative electrode may be a negative electrode sheet, and the negative electrode sheet may include a negative electrode current collector.

[0107] As an example, the negative electrode current collector may be a metal foil, a metal foam, or a composite current collector. For example, as the metal foil, aluminum or stainless steel with a silver surface treatment, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, or titanium, etc., may be used. The composite current collector may include a polymer material base layer and a metal layer. The metal foam may be nickel foam, copper foam, aluminum foam, or alloy foam, etc. 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 a substrate of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.). 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.

[0108] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly further includes a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

[0109] In some embodiments, the separator is a separator. The present disclosure has no particular limitation on the type of separator, and any known separator with a porous structure having good chemical stability and mechanical stability can be selected.

[0110] As an example, the main material of the isolation membrane can be selected from at least one of glass fiber, non-woven fabric, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, and ceramics.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is a laminate structure.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] As an example, both the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet are folded to form a plurality of stacked folded segments.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] In some embodiments, the shape of the electrode assembly can be cylindrical, flat, or polygonal.

[0120] In some embodiments, the battery cell 3 further includes an electrolyte, which acts as a conductor of ions between the positive and negative electrodes. The present disclosure does not specifically limit the type of electrolyte, and the electrolyte may be selected based on needs. The electrolyte may be liquid, gel, or solid.

[0121] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is provided with tabs 31, which can conduct current from the electrode assembly. The tabs 31 include a positive tab and a negative tab.

[0122] In some embodiments, the battery cell 3 may include a housing. The housing is used to encapsulate components such as the electrode assembly and electrolyte. The housing may be made of steel, aluminum, plastic (e.g., polypropylene), composite metal (e.g., copper-aluminum composite), or aluminum-plastic film. The housing of a soft-pack battery cell is soft.

[0123] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery 100 may also be a single physical module including one or more battery cells 3 to provide higher voltage and capacity. When there are multiple battery cells 3, the multiple battery cells 3 may be connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid manner.

[0124] The top cover assembly 2 covers the opening 12 of the shell assembly 1 to form a receiving space 11, thereby further protecting the battery cells 3 in the receiving space 11 and reducing the possibility of the battery cells 3 in the receiving space 11 detaching from the shell assembly 1 from the opening 12.

[0125] The shape of the top cover assembly 2 can be adapted to the shape of the opening 12 of the housing assembly 1. Optionally, the top cover assembly 2 can be made of a material with a certain hardness and strength, so that the top cover assembly 2 is not easily deformed when squeezed or collided, so that the battery 100 can have a higher structural strength.

[0126] The top cover assembly 2 includes a top cover 21 . The top cover 21 includes a top cover body 21 a and an electrical connector 21 b . The electrical connector 21 b is disposed on the top cover body 21 a .

[0127] Exemplarily, the material of the top cover body 21 a includes but is not limited to copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, resin, plastic, etc.

[0128] The electrical connector 21b can be used to electrically connect to the tab 31 of the battery cell 3, so as to input or output electrical energy to or from the battery cell 3. The electrical connector 21b can also be called a tab or an adapter.

[0129] Exemplarily, the electrical connector 21b is made of conductive metal material, including but not limited to copper, aluminum, steel, steel-aluminum alloy, etc.

[0130] In the disclosed embodiment, at least two electrical connectors 21b are provided on the top cover body 21a. As shown in Figure 14, since each battery cell 3 includes two tabs 31 (a positive tab and a negative tab), each tab 31 is correspondingly connected to an electrical connector 21b. The disclosed embodiment does not specifically limit the number, specific form, and arrangement of the electrical connectors 21b, and can be specifically set based on the number and position of the actual connected battery cells.

[0131] The tab 31 of the battery cell 3 is a portion that leads the electrode assembly in the battery cell 3 out to the outer shell of the battery cell 3 .

[0132] For example, the tab 31 of the battery cell 3 may be electrically connected to the electrical connector 21 b of the top cover body 21 a by welding, for example.

[0133] In related technologies, when a battery has multiple (more than two) battery cells, a bracket is usually used for connection to isolate and install the multiple battery cells. However, the bracket cannot effectively prevent the spread of emissions generated when the battery cells experience thermal runaway. Once thermal runaway occurs in one of the multiple battery cells, the high-temperature emissions can easily spread to other surrounding battery cells, which may further trigger thermal runaway in other battery cells, and thus cause damage to the entire battery.

[0134] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the top cover assembly 2 includes two top covers 21, and the two top covers 21 are connected by a fixed connector 4. Therefore, a plurality of battery cells 3 (at least two) can be accommodated in one shell assembly 1 of the battery 100. As a result, the entire battery with multiple battery cells in the related art can be split into multiple separate batteries 100 with multiple battery cells 3, so that the multiple battery cells 3 of each battery 100 can be installed in isolation without affecting the energy density of the battery 100. In this way, if a battery cell 3 in a battery 100 undergoes thermal runaway, the high-temperature emissions generated by the thermal runaway will be blocked in the shell assembly 1 of the battery 100, so that they will not spread and affect other batteries 100, thereby reducing the possibility of the emissions generated by the thermal runaway affecting the multiple battery cells 3 in other batteries 100 or affecting other components in the battery 100, effectively reducing the risk of thermal runaway spreading, and thus reducing the safety risk of the battery 100.

[0135] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiment of the present disclosure does not specifically limit the number of top covers 21. In some other embodiments, the number of top covers 21 may also be three, four or more, and can be specifically set according to the number of battery cells 3 that actually need to be connected.

[0136] As shown in FIG5 , in the embodiment of the present disclosure, a top cover 21 can be connected to two battery cells 3, that is, four battery cells 3 can be accommodated in the shell assembly 1 of a battery 100. Thus, the isolated installation of every four battery cells 3 can be effectively achieved, thereby effectively reducing the risk of diffusion of emissions generated by thermal runaway when thermal runaway occurs in the battery cells 3, thereby reducing the safety risk of the battery 100.

[0137] In some embodiments, the top cover 21 further includes an insulating member 21c. The insulating member 21c is formed on one side of the top cover body 21a that faces the housing assembly 1 along the first direction, and the insulating member 21c extends along the first direction. Thus, when two battery cells 3 are connected to one top cover 21, the insulating member 21c can be interposed between the tabs 31 of the two battery cells 3, preventing short circuits and improving the reliability of the battery 100.

[0138] The insulating member 21c may be formed as an integral structure with the top cover body 21a, or may be a separate structure from the top cover body 21a and then assembled together.

[0139] Of course, those skilled in the art should understand that even if the top cover assembly 2 includes multiple top covers 21, the present disclosure still does not specifically limit the number of battery cells 3 in the accommodation space 11 of the shell assembly 1 of the battery 100. There can be one battery cell, two battery cells, three battery cells or more battery cells in the accommodation space 11 of the shell assembly 1 of a battery 100.

[0140] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, adjacent top covers 21 are connected by fixed connectors 4, which has a simple structure and high assembly efficiency. It can also improve the connection stability between the top covers 21 and reduce the possibility of loosening between the top covers 21 and the top covers 21.

[0141] Exemplarily, the fixed connector 4 includes but is not limited to a snap-on connector, a plug-in connector, a riveted connector, and the like.

[0142] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the fixed connector 4 includes a snap-fit ​​connector.

[0143] The snap-fit ​​connector has a simple structure and is easy to install and disassemble. It also has high connection strength and good stability and can withstand greater pressure and vibration, thereby improving the connection stability between at least two top covers 21 of the top cover assembly 2.

[0144] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 6 to 10, the top cover 21 includes a first top cover 211 and a second top cover 212. The fixed connector 4 includes a first connector 41 and a second connector 42. The top cover body 21a of the first top cover 211 is formed with the first connector 41. The top cover body 21a of the second top cover 212 is formed with the second connector 42. In the case where the adjacent top covers 21 are the first top cover 211 and the second top cover 212, the two are connected by the cooperation of the first connector 41 of the first top cover 211 and the second connector 42 of the second top cover 212.

[0145] Therefore, through the mating connection of the first top cover 211 and the second top cover 212, more battery cells 3 can be accommodated in the shell assembly 1 of a battery 100, thereby effectively improving the energy density of the battery 100, and effectively isolating the multiple battery cells 3 of each battery 100, reducing the risk of diffusion when the battery cells 3 have thermal runaway.

[0146] Specifically, the first connecting member 41 is formed on either side of the top cover body 21a of the first top cover 211 along the second direction, and the second connecting member 42 is formed on either side of the top cover body 21a of the second top cover 212 along the second direction. The adjacent first top cover 211 and the second top cover 212 can be connected by cooperating with their respective first connecting members 41 and second connecting members 42. The connection method is simple and easy to assemble.

[0147] In addition, the other side of the first top cover 211 along the second direction (the side where the first connecting member 41 is not provided) and the other side of the second top cover 212 along the second direction (the side where the second connecting member 42 is not provided) can be generally flat, that is, the outer peripheral surface of the top cover assembly 2 formed after the first top cover 211 and the second top cover 212 are assembled is generally flat. In this way, the possibility of interference between the battery 100 and other surrounding components can be reduced, and when multiple batteries 100 are grouped, the possibility of adverse situations such as damage to the battery 100 due to collision or friction between the batteries 100 can be reduced.

[0148] For example, the first connecting member 41 may be formed as an integral structure with the first top cover 211 , and the second connecting member may be formed as an integral structure with the second top cover 212 .

[0149] As another example, the first connecting member 41 and the first top cover 211 may be in a split structure and then assembled together, and the second connecting member 42 and the second top cover 212 may be in a split structure and then assembled together.

[0150] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 11, the top cover 21 includes a third top cover 213. The top cover body 21a of the third top cover 213 is formed with a first connecting member 41 on one side along the second direction, and a second connecting member 42 on the other side along the second direction. In the case where the adjacent top covers 21 are two third top covers 213, the two are connected by the first connecting member 41 and the second connecting member 42 located between the third top covers 213. In the case where the adjacent top covers 21 are the first top cover 211 and the third top cover 213, the two are connected by the first connecting member 41 of the first top cover 211 and the second connecting member 42 of the third top cover 213. In the case where the adjacent top covers 21 are the second top cover 212 and the third top cover 213, the two are connected by the second connecting member 42 of the second top cover 212 and the first connecting member 41 of the third top cover 213.

[0151] As a result, the top cover assembly 2 can be provided with more top covers 21, and the multiple top covers 21 can have more connection methods, and the connection is more flexible and clever, so that the user can choose a suitable top cover 21 for connection according to the number of battery cells 3 actually required to be arranged in a battery 100, which does not affect the energy density of the battery 100 and can also isolate and install multiple battery cells 3, reducing the risk of diffusion when the battery cells 3 are thermally runaway.

[0152] For example, the top cover assembly 2 of each battery 100 may include only a plurality of third top covers 213, and the plurality of third top covers 213 are connected by the cooperation of the first connectors 41 and the second connectors 42. In this way, when the plurality of batteries 100 are subsequently grouped to form a battery pack, the plurality of batteries 100 can also be connected to each other through the exposed first connectors 41 or the exposed second connectors 42 of the third top covers 213, making connection easier.

[0153] For example, the top cover assembly 2 of each battery 100 may include a first top cover 211, a second top cover 212, and a third top cover 213, with the third top cover 213 disposed between the first top cover 211 and the second top cover 212. This provides a relatively flat outer surface of the top cover assembly 2, making it less likely to interfere with surrounding components. Furthermore, when multiple batteries 100 are subsequently grouped to form a battery pack, the top cover assembly 2 is less likely to collide or rub against other batteries 100, potentially damaging the batteries 100.

[0154] As another example, the top cover assembly 2 of each battery 100 may include only the first top cover 211 and the third top cover 213 , or only the second top cover 212 and the third top cover 213 .

[0155] Those skilled in the art should understand that the number of the third top cover 213 between the first top cover 211 and the second top cover 212 can be one or more, and can be specifically set according to actual conditions.

[0156] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the top cover 21 further includes a fourth top cover 214 and a fifth top cover 215. The fourth top cover 214 is formed with a first connector 41 on both sides thereof facing each other in the second direction. The fifth top cover 215 is formed with a second connector 42 on both sides thereof facing each other in the second direction. When the adjacent top covers 21 are the fourth top cover 214 and the fifth top cover 215, the two are connected by the mating of the first connector 41 of the fourth top cover 214 and the second connector 42 of the fifth top cover 215. When the adjacent top covers 21 are the first top cover 211 and the fifth top cover 215, the two are connected by the mating of the first connector 41 of the first top cover 211 and the second connector 42 of the fifth top cover 215. When the adjacent top covers 21 are the second top cover 212 and the fourth top cover 214, the two are connected by the mating of the second connector 42 of the second top cover 212 and the first connector 41 of the fourth top cover 214.

[0157] As a result, the top cover assembly 2 can be provided with more top covers 21, and the multiple top covers 21 can have more connection methods, and the arrangement is more flexible and clever, so that the user can choose a suitable top cover 21 for connection according to the number of battery cells 3 actually required to be arranged in a battery 100, which does not affect the energy density of the battery 100 and can also isolate and install multiple battery cells 3, reducing the risk of diffusion when the battery cells 3 are thermally runaway.

[0158] For example, the top cover assembly 2 of each battery 100 may include only a fourth top cover 214 and a fifth top cover 215, with adjacent fourth top covers 214 and fifth top covers 215 being connected by the cooperation of the first connector 41 and the second connector 42 therebetween. This allows the batteries 100 to be connected to one another when multiple batteries 100 are subsequently grouped to form a battery pack, using the exposed first connector 41 and second connector 42 of the fourth top covers 214 and fifth top covers 215, making connection easier. The number of fourth top covers 214 and fifth top covers 215 may be one or more. When there are more than one fourth top cover 214 and fifth top covers 215, the fourth top covers 214 and fifth top covers 215 are arranged alternately along the second direction.

[0159] As another example, the top cover assembly 2 of each battery 100 may include only a first top cover 211 and a fifth top cover 215, which are connected by the cooperation of a first connector 41 and a second connector 42 with each other. The number of first top covers 211 may be one or two. When the number of first top covers 211 is two, the fifth top cover 215 is located between the two first top covers 211.

[0160] As another example, the top cover assembly 2 of each battery 100 may include only a second top cover 212 and a fourth top cover 214, which are connected by the cooperation of the first connector 41 and the second connector 42. The number of second top covers 212 may be one or two. When the number of second top covers 212 is two, the fourth top cover 214 is located between the two second top covers 212.

[0161] As another example, the top cover assembly 2 of each battery 100 may also include a third top cover 213 and a fourth top cover 214, which are connected by the cooperation of the first connector 41 and the second connector 42 with each other. The number of third top covers 213 can be one or two. When the number of third top covers 213 is two, the fourth top cover 214 is located between the two third top covers 213. Alternatively, the top cover assembly 2 of each battery 100 may also include a third top cover 213 and a fifth top cover 215, which are connected by the cooperation of the first connector 41 and the second connector 42 with each other. The number of third top covers 213 can be one or two. When the number of third top covers 213 is two, the fifth top cover 215 is located between the two third top covers 213.

[0162] As another example, the top cover assembly 2 of each battery 100 may include a first top cover 211, a third top cover 213 and a fifth top cover 215, or the top cover assembly 2 of each battery 100 may include a second top cover 212, a third top cover 213 and a fourth top cover 214, or the top cover assembly 2 of each battery 100 may include a first top cover 211, a second top cover 212, a fourth top cover 214 and a fifth top cover 215, etc.

[0163] Those skilled in the art should understand that as long as adjacent top covers 21 can be connected to each other through the first connecting member 41 and the second connecting member 42, the embodiment of the present disclosure does not specifically limit the type of top cover 21 that constitutes the top cover assembly 2. The type of top cover 21 that matches can be selected based on the type of the fixing connecting member 4 on the exposed side of the top cover 21 (i.e., the side that has not yet been connected to and matched with other top covers 21). For example, when the type of the fixing connecting member 4 on the exposed side of a top cover 21 is the first connecting member 41, a top cover 21 with a second connecting member 42 can be selected to match it. Similarly, when the type of the fixing connecting member 4 on the exposed side of a top cover 21 is the second connecting member 42, a top cover 21 with a first connecting member 41 can be selected to match it.

[0164] In addition, when there are multiple batteries 100, the types of the top covers 21 of the top cover assemblies 2 of the various batteries 100 may be the same or different, and the numbers of the top covers 21 of the top cover assemblies 2 of the various batteries 100 may be the same or different.

[0165] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first connecting member 41 is a convex structure, and the second connecting member 42 is a concave structure.

[0166] Thus, the connection between adjacent top covers 21 can be achieved through the cooperation of the protruding structure and the recessed structure, which has a simple structure and is easy to assemble. In addition, by configuring the first connecting member 41 as a protruding structure and the second connecting member 42 as a recessed structure, the first connecting member 41 can be quickly positioned, thereby further facilitating assembly.

[0167] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the protruding structure is configured as a buckle 43 , and the recessed structure is configured as a locking hole 44 .

[0168] Thus, the adjacent top covers 21 can be snap-connected in a simple and quick manner.

[0169] Compared with connection methods such as riveting, snap connection requires fewer parts. Only a snap 43 and a snap hole 44 need to be set to achieve a snap connection. In addition, the snap connection method is easier. It is only necessary to align the snap 43 with the snap hole 44 and insert the snap 43 into the snap hole 44 to complete the snap connection operation. Therefore, in the process of snapping the adjacent top covers 21, it is not easy to affect the tab 31 of the battery cell 3 connected to the electrical connector 21b of the top cover body 21a, thereby reducing the risk of bending and breaking of the tab 31 and improving the reliability of the battery 100.

[0170] Exemplarily, the latch hole 44 may be a stepped hole or a through hole.

[0171] The embodiment of the present disclosure does not impose any specific limitation on the shapes of the buckle 43 and the locking hole 44 , as long as the buckle 43 and the locking hole 44 can be snap-fitted with each other.

[0172] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 16, the buckle 43 includes a column 431 and a head 432, the equivalent diameter of the head 432 is larger than the equivalent diameter of the hole 44, and the head 432 includes at least two spring pieces 4321, which can undergo elastic deformation under the action of external force.

[0173] The column 431 is connected to the top cover body 21 a of the top cover 21 , and the head 432 is formed on a side of the column 431 away from the top cover body 21 a along the second direction.

[0174] The equivalent diameter of the head 432 refers to the diameter of a circular cross section having the same area as the head 432. Similarly, the equivalent diameter of the clamping hole 44 refers to the diameter of a circular cross section having the same area as the clamping hole 44.

[0175] Since the equivalent diameter of the head 432 of the buckle 43 is larger than the equivalent diameter of the locking hole 44 , the head 432 of the buckle 43 can be locked in the locking hole 44 after being inserted into the locking hole 44 , thereby connecting the adjacent top covers 21 .

[0176] Specifically, the head portion 432 includes at least two spring pieces 4321, which are capable of elastically deforming under the action of an external force, wherein the external force refers to the squeezing force exerted by the inner wall of the latch hole 44 on the spring pieces 4321. Thus, when the head portion 432 of the buckle 43 is inserted into the latch hole 44, the spring pieces 4321 are capable of elastically deforming under the squeezing force exerted by the inner wall of the latch hole 44, contracting toward each other, thereby extending into the latch hole 44 and elastically abutting against the inner wall of the latch hole 44, thereby engaging with the latch hole 44 and thereby achieving a connection between the adjacent top covers 21 in a snap-fit ​​manner.

[0177] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the head 432 includes four spring clips 4321, and the four spring clips 4321 are arranged at intervals from each other. In some other embodiments, the head 432 may also include two, three or more spring clips 4321. The embodiment of the present disclosure does not specifically limit the number of spring clips 4321.

[0178] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a guiding slope 4322 is formed on a side of the elastic piece 4321 facing away from the column 431 .

[0179] Therefore, when the head 432 of the buckle 43 is inserted into the hole 44, the guide slope 4322 can guide the head 432 of the buckle 43 to enter the hole 44 more easily, thereby improving assembly efficiency and saving time costs.

[0180] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the latch hole 44 comprises a through hole.

[0181] The through hole is easier to form. Setting the latch hole 44 as a through hole can effectively reduce the processing difficulty and save production costs without affecting the engagement of the buckle 43.

[0182] Specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, after the spring piece 4321 of the head 432 of the buckle 43 undergoes elastic deformation and passes through the card hole 44 which is configured as a through hole, the end face of the head 432 facing the side of the column 431 abuts against the top cover 21, thereby realizing the snap connection of adjacent top covers 21.

[0183] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in the same top cover 21 , there are multiple first connectors 41 and multiple second connectors 42 . Each first connector 41 is matched with each second connector 42 to connect adjacent top covers 21 .

[0184] Since there are multiple first connectors 41 and second connectors 42 , the connection strength between adjacent top covers 21 can be further improved, reducing the possibility of loose connections between adjacent top covers 21 due to collision or vibration, and further improving the reliability and stability of the battery 100.

[0185] The embodiment of the present disclosure does not specifically limit the number of the first connecting members 41 and the second connecting members 42 , and can be set according to the specific size of the top cover 21 .

[0186] However, those skilled in the art should understand that, under normal circumstances, the arrangement positions of the first connector 41 and the second connector 42 should avoid the area where the electrical connector 21b is provided on the top cover 21. In this way, when the first connector 41 and the second connector 42 are matched, they are not easy to interfere with the tab 31 connected to the electrical connector 21b, thereby reducing the possibility of adverse conditions such as damage to the tab 31.

[0187] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one through hole 5 is formed on the top cover body 21 a of each top cover 21 , and the through hole 5 serves as a discharge channel for emissions generated by the battery cell 3 in the event of thermal runaway to be discharged from the accommodating space 11 .

[0188] Therefore, in the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell 3 in the battery 100, the emissions generated by the thermal runaway will not be scattered, but will be ejected in a preset direction and position through the through hole 5 formed on the top cover body 21a, thereby achieving directional ejection of the battery cell 3 during thermal runaway, making the ejection direction of the high-temperature emissions generated during thermal runaway controllable, further reducing the possibility of the emissions affecting other battery cells 3 or other components in the battery 100, thereby further reducing the safety risk of the battery 100.

[0189] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, there are multiple through holes 5 , and the multiple through holes 5 are arranged at intervals on the top cover body 21 a .

[0190] Exemplarily, the plurality of through holes 5 are concentratedly arranged on one side of the top cover body 21 a , and the electrical connector 21 b is arranged on the other side of the top cover body 21 a , thereby further guiding the eruption direction during thermal runaway.

[0191] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiment of the present disclosure does not specifically limit the number of through holes 5. It may include only one through hole 5, or it may include two, three or more through holes 5. It can be specifically set according to the actual size of the top cover body 21a, as long as the through hole 5 does not affect the arrangement of the electrical connector 21b and other functional components on the top cover body 21a.

[0192] Although not shown in the figures, in some embodiments, the battery 100 can include a shielding member that shields the through-hole 5 and is bonded to the outer surface of the top cover body 21a. In the event of emissions from thermal runaway of the battery cell 3, the shielding member is disconnected from the top cover body 21a, allowing the through-hole 5 to serve as a discharge channel.

[0193] By providing a shielding member, the possibility of external impurities or emissions generated by other surrounding batteries 100 during thermal runaway entering the accommodating space 11 of the shell assembly 1 through the through hole 5 can be reduced, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the internal battery cells 3 or further aggravation of the battery thermal runaway.

[0194] In addition, since the shielding member blocks the through hole 5 by bonding, the connection strength between it and the top cover body 21a is low. Therefore, when the battery cell 3 in the shell assembly 1 undergoes thermal runaway, the emissions generated by the thermal runaway can easily break through the shielding member, causing the connection between the shielding member and the top cover body 21a to be disconnected, thereby allowing the emissions to be discharged through the through hole 5. Therefore, while the shielding member realizes the shielding protection function, it will not affect the directional eruption of the battery cell 3.

[0195] Exemplarily, the material of the shielding member includes mica.

[0196] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG15 , the electrical connector 21b includes a connecting portion 211b and an exposed portion 212b connected to the connecting portion 211b. The connecting portion 211b includes a connecting surface 2111b extending along a first direction, and the exposed portion 212b is exposed outside the housing assembly 1. The tab 31 of the battery cell 3 extends along the first direction and is connected to the connecting surface 2111b of the connecting portion 211b.

[0197] The connecting portion 211b of the electrical connector 21b is used to connect to the tab 31 of the battery cell 3. The exposed portion 212b is used to be exposed outside the housing assembly 1 so as to connect to an external busbar component to achieve electrical connection between the multiple batteries 100.

[0198] Since the connecting surface 2111b of the connecting portion 211b of the electrical connector 21b and the tab 31 of the battery cell 3 both extend along the first direction, the tab 31 of the battery cell 3 can be connected to the connecting surface 2111b of the connecting portion 211b without bending, thereby reducing the risk of the tab 31 breaking, making the connection more stable, and improving the reliability of the battery cell 3.

[0199] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery cell 3 includes a soft-pack battery cell.

[0200] Soft-pack battery cells are usually encapsulated in soft aluminum-plastic packaging. Due to the special nature of the soft material, there is usually no corresponding structure and position to set up exhaust channels, safety valves and other components in the soft-pack battery cells. Therefore, when the soft-pack battery cells are in thermal runaway, they cannot achieve directional eruption. The high-temperature emissions generated by thermal runaway will break through the plastic film and randomly erupt from the sealing edge to the surrounding area. Soft-pack battery cells are usually isolated and installed by brackets. Therefore, when thermal runaway occurs, it is easy to affect other surrounding battery cells and other components inside the battery. As the emissions generated by thermal runaway spread, the thermal runaway may be aggravated, greatly increasing the safety risk of battery 100.

[0201] Placing the soft-pack battery cell in the shell assembly 1 can provide good protection for the soft-pack battery cell, reduce the possibility of damage to the soft-pack battery cell, help to increase the service life of the soft-pack battery cell, and reduce the possibility of thermal runaway of the soft-pack battery cell.

[0202] Moreover, placing the soft-pack battery cells in the shell assembly 1 can also change the isolation method of multiple soft-pack battery cells, so that when the soft-pack battery cells are in thermal runaway, the emissions generated will be isolated in the accommodating space 11 of the shell assembly 1, thereby not affecting the soft-pack battery cells in other batteries 100, reducing the risk of thermal runaway spreading.

[0203] In addition, by accommodating the soft-pack battery cells in the housing assembly 1 , it is more convenient to subsequently group them into the battery pack 400 , thereby improving assembly efficiency and reducing assembly difficulty.

[0204] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a battery pack 400 , which includes a case 401 and at least one battery 100 according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the battery 100 is accommodated in the case 401 .

[0205] Because the battery cells 3 of the battery 100 are located within the housing assembly 1, they can be grouped to form the battery pack 400 in the same manner as prismatic batteries, making assembly easier. Furthermore, in the case of thermal runaway of the battery 100 in the battery pack 400 of the present embodiment, the emissions generated by the thermal runaway are less likely to spread, thereby effectively reducing safety risks.

[0206] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides an electrical device, which includes the battery 100 described in the first aspect of the present disclosure or the battery pack 400 described in the second aspect of the present disclosure for providing electrical energy.

[0207] The electrical device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure uses the battery 100 or battery pack 400 with good performance as described above, thereby reducing the time spent on maintenance and reducing safety risks.

[0208] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides an energy storage device, which includes the battery 100 described in the first aspect of the present disclosure or the battery pack 400 described in the second aspect of the present disclosure for providing electrical energy.

[0209] The energy storage device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure uses the battery 100 or battery pack 400 with good performance as described above, thereby reducing the time spent on maintenance and having low safety risks.

[0210] Specific examples of some embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0211] As a specific example, battery 100 includes a housing assembly 1 and a top cover assembly 2. Top cover assembly 2 includes at least a convex top cover (first top cover 211) and a concave top cover (second top cover 212), with the convex top cover snapping into the concave top cover. Both the convex top cover and the concave top cover can be connected to two soft-pack battery cells, thereby achieving the connection of four or more soft-pack battery cells.

[0212] Specifically, the soft-pack battery cell is welded to the top cover assembly 2 through a transition aluminum bar (electrical connector 21b), and there is a snap button (first connector 41) on the convex top cover, and a snap button hole (second connector 42) on the concave top cover. The convex top cover and the concave top cover are connected through the hole buckle, thereby realizing the isolated installation of four or more soft-pack battery cells.

[0213] The above embodiments are intended only to illustrate the technical solutions of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit them. Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they may modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. Such modifications or replacements do not deviate from the essence of the corresponding technical solutions and are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. In particular, the various technical features described in the various embodiments may be combined in any manner as long as there are no structural conflicts. Industrial Applicability

[0214] The present disclosure provides a battery, a battery pack, an electrical device, and an energy storage device capable of isolating and installing a plurality of battery cells to reduce the possibility of thermal runaway spreading.

Claims

1. A battery, comprising: A housing assembly is formed with a receiving space, and one side of the housing assembly along the first direction has an opening; a top cover assembly, disposed on the housing assembly and closing the opening, the top cover assembly comprising at least two top covers arranged in parallel along the second direction, the top covers comprising a top cover body and an electrically conductive electrical connector disposed on the top cover body, adjacent top covers being connected to each other via a fixed connector; and at least one battery cell, located in the accommodation space, wherein a tab of the battery cell is connected to the electrical connector of the top cover; The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

2. The battery according to claim 1, wherein The fixed connection member includes a snap connection member.

3. The battery according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The top cover includes a first top cover and a second top cover; The fixed connection member includes a first connection member and a second connection member; The top cover body of the first top cover is formed with the first connecting member; The top cover body of the second top cover is formed with the second connecting member; Wherein, when the adjacent top covers are the first top cover and the second top cover, the two are connected by the cooperation of the first connecting member of the first top cover and the second connecting member of the second top cover.

4. The battery according to claim 3, wherein The top cover includes a third top cover; The first connecting member is formed on one side of the top cover body of the third top cover along the second direction, and the second connecting member is formed on the other side of the top cover body along the second direction; Among them, when the adjacent top covers are two third top covers, the two are connected by the cooperation of the first connecting member and the second connecting member located between the third top covers; when the adjacent top covers are the first top cover and the third top cover, the two are connected by the cooperation of the first connecting member of the first top cover and the second connecting member of the third top cover; when the adjacent top covers are the second top cover and the third top cover, the two are connected by the cooperation of the second connecting member of the second top cover and the first connecting member of the third top cover.

5. The battery according to claim 3, wherein The top cover also includes a fourth top cover and a fifth top cover; The first connecting members are formed on both sides of the fourth top cover that are opposite to each other along the second direction; The second connecting members are formed on both sides of the fifth top cover that are opposite to each other along the second direction; Among them, when the adjacent top covers are the fourth top cover and the fifth top cover, the two are connected by the cooperation of the first connecting member of the fourth top cover and the second connecting member of the fifth top cover; when the adjacent top covers are the first top cover and the fifth top cover, the two are connected by the cooperation of the first connecting member of the first top cover and the second connecting member of the fifth top cover; when the adjacent top covers are the second top cover and the fourth top cover, the two are connected by the cooperation of the second connecting member of the second top cover and the first connecting member of the fourth top cover.

6. The battery according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein The first connecting member is a convex structure, and the second connecting member is a concave structure.

7. The battery according to claim 6, wherein The protruding structure is configured as a buckle, and the recessed structure is configured as a locking hole.

8. The battery according to claim 7, wherein The buckle includes a column and a head, the equivalent diameter of the head is larger than the equivalent diameter of the clamping hole, and the head includes at least two spring pieces, which can be elastically deformed under the action of external force.

9. The battery according to claim 8, wherein A guiding slope is formed on a side of the elastic piece facing away from the column.

10. The battery according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein The clamping hole comprises a through hole.

11. The battery according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein In the same said top cover, There are multiple first connecting members, and multiple second connecting members; Each of the first connecting members corresponds to and cooperates with each of the second connecting members to connect adjacent top covers.

12. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein At least one through hole is formed on the top cover body of each top cover, and the through hole serves as a discharge channel for exhaust generated by the battery cell in the event of thermal runaway to be discharged from the accommodation space.

13. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein The electrical connector includes a connecting portion and an exposed portion connected to the connecting portion, the connecting portion includes a connecting surface extending along the first direction, and the exposed portion is exposed outside the housing assembly; The tab of the battery cell extends along the first direction, and the tab is connected to the connecting surface of the connecting portion.

14. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein The battery cells include soft-pack battery cells.

15. A battery pack, wherein: The battery pack includes: Cabinet; and At least one battery according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the battery being housed in the casing.

16. An electrical device, wherein: The electrical device comprises the battery according to any one of claims 1 to 14 or the battery pack according to claim 15 for providing electrical energy.

17. An energy storage device, wherein: The energy storage device comprises the battery according to any one of claims 1 to 14 or the battery pack according to claim 15 for providing electrical energy.

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