Battery cell, battery, and electric device

Abstract

The present application provides a battery cell, a battery, and an electric device. The battery cell comprises a casing, an electrode assembly, and an end cover assembly; the casing comprises a casing body and a reinforcing portion; the casing body is provided with an accommodating cavity that is provided with an opening; the reinforcing portion is arranged on the surface of the casing body facing the accommodating cavity; the electrode assembly is arranged in the accommodating cavity; a gap is formed between the electrode assembly and at least part of the casing body; the reinforcing portion is located in the gap; the end cover assembly is arranged at the opening of the casing and is electrically connected to the electrode assembly. The battery cell of the embodiments of the present application can reasonably use the internal space of the battery cell to enhance the strength of the casing without increasing the size of the battery cell.

Description

Battery cells, batteries and electrical devices

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202421452225.6, filed on June 24, 2024, entitled “Battery Cell, Battery and Electrical Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application belongs to the field of battery technology, and in particular relates to a battery cell, a battery, and an electrical device. Background Technology

[0004] Energy conservation and emission reduction are key to the sustainable development of the automotive industry, and electric vehicles, due to their energy-saving and environmentally friendly advantages, have become an important component of this sustainable development. For electric vehicles, battery technology is a crucial factor in their development.

[0005] During the charging and discharging process, the battery undergoes cyclic expansion and deformation, which stretches the welded area. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance the strength of the casing. Existing batteries will have reinforcing ribs on the casing, but the installation of reinforcing ribs will encroach on the internal space of the battery cells, thus increasing the volume of the battery cells and reducing the battery energy density.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the above problems, this application provides a battery cell, a battery, and an electrical device that can make reasonable use of the internal space of the battery cell and strengthen the casing without increasing the battery volume.

[0008] In a first aspect, this application provides a battery cell including a housing, an electrode assembly, and an end cap assembly. The housing includes a housing body and a reinforcing portion. The housing body has an open receiving cavity. The reinforcing portion is disposed on the surface of the housing body facing the receiving cavity. The electrode assembly is disposed in the receiving cavity. A gap is formed between the electrode assembly and at least a portion of the housing body. The reinforcing portion is located within the gap. The end cap assembly is disposed in the opening of the housing and is electrically connected to the electrode assembly.

[0009] In this embodiment, by placing the reinforcing part on the inner surface of the housing and within the mating gap between the electrode assembly and the housing, the internal space of the battery cell can be utilized more rationally, thereby strengthening the housing without increasing the volume of the battery cell.

[0010] In some embodiments, the shell body has a bottom wall and a side wall, the bottom wall and the end cap assembly are disposed opposite each other on both sides of the side wall in the height direction, the surface of the electrode assembly facing the side wall is at least partially arcuate, the gap is located between the arcuate surface and the side wall, and the side wall is provided with a reinforcing portion.

[0011] In this embodiment, the electrode assembly can be configured as a wound structure. After the electrode assembly is placed in the receiving cavity, a gap will be formed between the arc-shaped surface of the electrode assembly and the side wall. Therefore, by utilizing the gap formed between the arc-shaped surface and the side wall, it is easier to place the reinforcing part on the side wall, thereby enhancing the structural strength of the side wall of the casing, so as to better withstand the expansion force of the electrode assembly during battery use and reduce the deformation of the casing.

[0012] In some embodiments, both the reinforcing portion and the arcuate surface extend along the height direction to facilitate the installation of the electrode assembly in the receiving cavity along the height direction, reducing installation difficulty and also reducing the possibility of the electrode assembly rubbing against the reinforcing portion during installation, thereby improving the reliability of the battery cell.

[0013] In some embodiments, the arcuate surface has a top and arcuate segments located on both sides of the top along a first direction. The top protrudes toward the sidewall and forms gaps with the sidewalls through the arcuate segments on both sides. The first direction intersects with the height direction. Specifically, according to actual needs, the reinforcing part can be disposed in at least one gap to improve the strength of the shell.

[0014] In some embodiments, the number of electrode assemblies is two or more, and the two or more electrode assemblies are arranged along a first direction. The arc-shaped segments of two adjacent electrode assemblies and the sidewall together form a gap. The reinforcing part is disposed at least along the first direction between the arc-shaped segments of two adjacent electrode assemblies, thereby increasing the size of the reinforcing part along the first direction, making it easier to set the reinforcing part, and also increasing the structural strength of the casing and improving the reliability of the battery cell.

[0015] In some embodiments, the number of reinforcing parts is two or more, and the two or more reinforcing parts are spaced apart along the first direction within at least a portion of the gap, which can reinforce the shell at multiple locations, further improve the structural strength of the shell, and reduce the deformation of the shell during use.

[0016] In some embodiments, the sidewall includes a first wall disposed opposite to each other along a first direction and a second wall disposed opposite to each other along a second direction; the surfaces of the electrode assembly facing the second wall are all arc-shaped surfaces, and the reinforcing parts are disposed on the second walls on both sides, with the second direction intersecting the first direction, so as to reinforce the second walls of the housing through the reinforcing parts, better withstand the expansion force during battery use, and reduce the deformation of the housing.

[0017] In some embodiments, one end of the reinforcing part is connected to the bottom wall along the height direction, and the other end is spaced apart from the opening. Along the height direction, the distance between the reinforcing part and the opening is greater than or equal to the thickness of the end cap assembly, thereby allowing space to be provided for the connection between the housing and the end cap assembly, making it easier to connect the end cap assembly to the housing.

[0018] In some embodiments, the reinforcing part includes a main body section and a transition section. The main body section is connected to the bottom wall through the transition section. Along the direction away from the main body section, the cross-sectional area of ​​the transition section gradually increases in the height direction, which makes it easier for the housing to be integrally formed by stretching and can play a certain guiding role when assembling the electrode assembly, making it easier to process and install.

[0019] In some embodiments, the battery cell further includes an insulating film surrounding the electrode assembly and adapted to the housing. The electrode assembly is connected to the housing through the insulating film, so as to seal and protect the electrode assembly and reduce the risk of internal short circuits in the battery cell.

[0020] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a battery, including the battery cell of the first aspect.

[0021] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide an electrical device including a battery as described in the second aspect, the battery being used to provide electrical energy.

[0022] According to the embodiments of this application, by providing a reinforcing portion on the casing body, the strength of the casing can be improved, the pressure resistance of the casing can be increased, and the deformation of the casing during battery use can be reduced. Furthermore, since a gap is formed between the electrode assembly and at least a portion of the casing body when the electrode assembly is disposed within the housing cavity, by placing the reinforcing portion within the gap, the internal space of the battery cell can be utilized more rationally, improving the utilization rate of the internal space of the battery cell. This strengthens the casing and improves the reliability of the battery cell without increasing its volume.

[0023] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, the following are specific embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the vehicle structure provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a battery provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0028] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a single battery cell provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0029] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the housing provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0031] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of point A in Figure 6;

[0032] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell provided in some other embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of point B in Figure 8;

[0034] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the housing in some embodiments of this application;

[0035] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 10 along the EE direction;

[0036] Figure 12 is an enlarged view of point C in Figure 11.

[0037] The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0038] Marking description: 100 battery, 200 controller, 300 motor; 10 battery cells, 20 battery housing; 1 housing, 11 housing body, 111 bottom wall, 112 side wall, 1121 first wall, 1122 second wall, 12 reinforcing part, 121 main body section, 122 transition section, 12a first reinforcing part, 12b second reinforcing part, 2 electrode assembly, 21 arc surface, 211 top, 212 arc section, 22 plane, 3 end cap assembly, 4 insulating film; X second direction, Y first direction, Z height direction. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The detailed description of the following embodiments and the accompanying drawings are used to illustrate the principles of this application by way of example, but should not be used to limit the scope of this application, that is, this application is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0040] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more; the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. "Vertical" is not vertical in the strict sense, but within the allowable tolerance range. "Parallel" is not parallel in the strict sense, but within the allowable tolerance range.

[0041] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application can be combined with other embodiments.

[0042] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application depending on the specific circumstances.

[0043] In this application, "multiple" means two or more (including two).

[0044] Currently, judging from market trends, the application of power batteries is becoming increasingly widespread. Power batteries are not only used in energy storage systems such as hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but also extensively used in electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as in military equipment and aerospace. With the continuous expansion of power battery applications, market demand is also constantly increasing.

[0045] As battery energy density increases, the battery expands cyclically during charging and discharging, increasing the force exerted by the electrode components on the casing. Under this force, the casing is prone to deformation, which can pull on the welded area between the casing and the end cap assembly, leading to cracks in the welded area and affecting the reliability of the battery cells.

[0046] In existing battery cells, the strength of the casing is enhanced by adding reinforcing ribs. These ribs can be arranged in two ways: one is on the outer surface of the casing, and the other is on the inner surface. However, placing the ribs on the outer surface affects the arrangement of the battery cells, while placing them on the inner surface increases the volume of the battery cells and reduces the battery energy density.

[0047] Based on the above considerations, in order to solve the above technical problems, this application provides a battery cell with reinforcing ribs disposed on the inner surface of the housing and located within the mating gap between the electrode assembly and the housing, thereby making more reasonable use of the internal space of the battery cell and strengthening the housing without increasing the battery volume.

[0048] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application are applicable to batteries and electrical devices that use batteries.

[0049] Electrical devices can include vehicles, mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, ships, spacecraft, electric toys, and power tools. Vehicles can be gasoline-powered cars, natural gas-powered cars, or new energy vehicles; new energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles. Spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft. Electric toys include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys. Power tools include metal cutting power tools, grinding power tools, assembly power tools, and railway power tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, impact drills, concrete vibrators, and electric planers. This application does not impose any special limitations on the above-mentioned electrical devices.

[0050] It should be understood that the technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application are applicable to all electrical devices including batteries and those using batteries, but for the sake of brevity, the following embodiments are all illustrated using electric vehicles as examples.

[0051] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0052] A battery 100 is installed inside the vehicle, and the battery 100 can be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle. The battery 100 can be used to power the vehicle, for example, it can serve as the vehicle's operating power source. The vehicle may also include a controller 200 and a motor 300, the controller 200 being used to control the battery 100 to supply power to the motor 300, for example, to meet the power needs of the vehicle during starting, navigation, and driving.

[0053] Please refer to Figure 2, which is an exploded schematic diagram of the battery 100 provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0054] The battery 100 mentioned in the embodiments of this application refers to a single physical module comprising one or more battery cells 10 to provide higher voltage and capacity, wherein a battery cell 10 is the smallest unit constituting the battery 100. The battery 100 generally also includes a battery housing 20 for encapsulating one or more battery cells 10. The battery housing 20 can prevent liquids or other foreign matter from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells 10.

[0055] Multiple battery cells 10 can be connected in series, parallel, or in a hybrid manner via connectors. A hybrid connection means that multiple battery cells 10 can be connected in both series and parallel configurations. Multiple battery cells 10 can be directly connected in series, parallel, or in a hybrid manner, and then the entire assembly of the multiple battery cells 10 can be housed within the battery housing 202. Alternatively, multiple battery cells 10 can first be connected in series, parallel, or in a hybrid manner to form a battery module 100, and then the multiple battery modules can be connected in series, parallel, or in a hybrid manner via connectors to form a whole, which is then housed within the battery housing 202.

[0056] Optionally, the battery cell 10 can be a secondary battery or a primary battery. A secondary battery refers to a battery cell that can be recharged after discharge to activate the active materials and continue to be used. The battery cell 10 includes, but is not limited to, lithium-ion battery cells, sodium-ion battery cells, sodium-lithium-ion battery cells, lithium metal battery cells, sodium metal battery cells, lithium-sulfur battery cells, magnesium-ion battery cells, nickel-metal hydride battery cells, nickel-cadmium battery cells, lead-acid battery cells, etc.

[0057] As an example, the battery cell 10 can be a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, a pouch battery cell, or a battery cell of other shapes, but is not limited thereto. Prismatic battery cells include prismatic battery cells, blade-shaped battery cells, and multi-prismatic batteries, such as hexagonal prismatic batteries.

[0058] Please refer to Figures 3 to 7. This application embodiment provides a battery cell 10, including a housing 1, an electrode assembly 2, and an end cap assembly 3. The housing 1 includes a housing body 11 and a reinforcing portion 12. The housing body 11 has a receiving cavity that opens in a first direction Y. The reinforcing portion 12 is disposed on the surface of the housing body 11 facing the receiving cavity. The electrode assembly 2 is disposed in the receiving cavity. A gap is formed between the electrode assembly 2 and at least a portion of the housing body 11. The reinforcing portion 12 is located within the gap. The end cap assembly 3 is disposed at the opening of the housing 1 and is electrically connected to the electrode assembly 2.

[0059] The battery cell 10 provided in this application embodiment improves the strength and pressure resistance of the housing 1 by providing a reinforcing part 12 on the housing body 11, and reduces the deformation of the housing 1 during the use of the battery 100. Furthermore, since a gap is formed between the electrode assembly 2 and at least a portion of the housing body 11 when the electrode assembly 2 is disposed within the housing cavity, the internal space of the battery cell 10 can be utilized more efficiently by placing the reinforcing part 12 within the gap, thereby improving the utilization rate of the internal space of the battery cell 10. This strengthens the housing 1 and improves the reliability of the battery cell 10 without increasing its volume.

[0060] In this embodiment, the electrode assembly 2 is the component in the battery cell 10 where the electrochemical reaction occurs, and the housing 1 may contain one or more electrode assemblies 2. The electrode assembly 2 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 electrode assembly 2 can be of various shapes and sizes, such as cylindrical, flat, or polygonal prism.

[0061] The housing 1 forms the internal environment of the battery cell 10, which can accommodate the electrode assembly 2, electrolyte, and other components. The housing 1 can have various shapes and sizes, such as cuboid, cylindrical, or polygonal. Specifically, the shape of the housing 1 can be determined according to the specific shape and size of the electrode assembly 2.

[0062] The shell 1 can be made of various materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, etc., so that the shell 1 itself has a certain strength, thereby improving the pressure resistance of the shell 1 and reducing the deformation of the shell 1 during use.

[0063] The end cap assembly 3 refers to a component that covers the opening of the housing 1 to isolate the internal environment of the battery cell 10 from the external environment. In any case, the shape of the end cap assembly 3 can be adapted to the shape of the housing 1 to fit the housing 1. Optionally, the end cap assembly 3 can be made of a material with a certain hardness and strength (such as aluminum alloy), so that the end cap assembly 3 is less prone to deformation under pressure and impact, enabling the battery cell 10 to have higher structural strength and improved reliability.

[0064] The end cap assembly 3 may be provided with functional components such as electrode terminals. The electrode terminals can be electrically connected to the electrode assembly 2 for outputting or inputting electrical energy into the battery cell 10. In some embodiments, the end cap assembly 3 may also be provided with a pressure relief mechanism for releasing internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 10 reaches a threshold. The end cap assembly 3 can be made of various materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and this application embodiment does not impose any special limitations on this. In some embodiments, an insulating member may also be provided on the inner side of the end cap assembly 3. The insulating member can be used to isolate the electrical connection components within the housing 1 from the end cap assembly 3 to reduce the risk of short circuits. For example, the insulating member may be plastic, rubber, etc.

[0065] In some alternative embodiments, the battery cell 10 further includes an insulating film 4, which surrounds the outer periphery of the electrode assembly 2 and is adapted to the housing 1, and the electrode assembly 2 is connected to the housing 1 through the insulating film 4.

[0066] The insulating film 4 covers the outside of the electrode assembly 2. The insulating film 4 serves to seal and protect the electrode assembly 2, and can effectively insulate the electrode assembly 2 and the housing 1 from each other, reducing the risk of internal short circuit in the battery cell 10.

[0067] The adaptation of the insulating film 4 to the housing 1 means that the insulating film 4 can be set as a soft film. When the electrode assembly 2 is placed in the receiving cavity, the insulating film 4 can deform and cooperate with the reinforcing part 12 to meet the assembly requirements of the electrode assembly 2 within the battery cell 10. Optionally, the insulating film 4 can be a Mylar film.

[0068] The energy density of a battery cell 10 refers to the electrical energy released per unit mass or unit volume of the battery cell 10. It is affected by a variety of factors, including electrochemical composition, size of electrode assembly 2, and electrode materials. In practical applications, the higher the energy density of the battery cell 10, the more electrical energy is stored per unit volume within the battery cell 10, and the stronger the battery 100's endurance.

[0069] In this embodiment of the application, the battery cell 10 is reinforced by utilizing the mating gap between the electrode assembly 2 and the shell body 11. The reinforcement 12 does not affect the electrode assembly 2, thereby meeting the energy density requirements of the battery cell 10 without increasing the volume of the battery 100 and improving the overall performance of the battery cell 10.

[0070] Please refer to Figures 5 to 7. In some optional embodiments, the shell body 11 has a bottom wall 111 and a side wall 112. The bottom wall 111 and the end cap assembly 3 are disposed opposite each other on both sides of the side wall 112 in the height direction Z. The surface of the electrode assembly 2 facing the side wall 112 is at least partially an arcuate surface 21. The gap is located between the arcuate surface 21 and the side wall 112. The side wall 112 is provided with a reinforcing part 12.

[0071] For the wound electrode assembly 2, since at least a portion of its surface along the winding direction is wound to form an arcuate surface 21, a gap is formed between the arcuate surface 21 and the side wall 112 after the electrode assembly 2 is placed in the receiving cavity. Utilizing this gap between the arcuate surface 21 and the side wall 112, it is easier to place the reinforcing part 12 on the side wall 112, thereby enhancing the structural strength of the side wall 112 of the housing 1. This allows the battery 100 to better withstand the expansion force of the electrode assembly 2 during use, reducing deformation of the housing 1.

[0072] Furthermore, since the gap between the arc-shaped surface 21 and the side wall 112 is relatively large, by placing the reinforcing part 12 between the arc-shaped surface 21 and the side wall 112, it is easier to place the reinforcing part 12, and the thickness of the reinforcing part 12 can be appropriately increased to further improve the structural strength of the shell 1.

[0073] Optionally, the reinforcing part 12 protrudes from the housing 1 toward the receiving cavity by a distance greater than or equal to 0.2 mm, that is, the thickness of the reinforcing part 12 is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm, so that the structural strength of the housing 1 can meet the pressure resistance requirements during the use of the battery 100.

[0074] In some alternative embodiments, both the reinforcing part 12 and the arc-shaped surface 21 extend along the height direction Z, so as to facilitate the installation of the electrode assembly 2 in the receiving cavity along the height direction Z, reduce the installation difficulty, and also reduce the possibility of the electrode assembly 2 rubbing against the reinforcing part 12 during the installation process, thereby improving the reliability of the battery cell 10.

[0075] Optionally, the reinforcing part 12 and the shell body 11 can be configured as an integral structure. For example, the shell 1 can be formed by stretching. Specifically, a pressure plate device can be used to draw part or all of the flat plate into the concave mold cavity along the height direction Z using the impact force of the punch, so as to form a shell 1 with an opening. The reinforcing part 12 can be formed on the side wall 112 by adjusting the structure of the punch. The above forming method can facilitate the integral forming of the shell 1 during the stretching process and improve the processing efficiency of the shell 1.

[0076] It is understandable that when the shell 1 is formed by stretching, the protrusion distance of the reinforcing part 12 relative to the shell 1 toward the receiving cavity is less than or equal to the difference between the thickness of the bottom wall 111 and the thickness of the shell body 11, so as to meet the forming requirements of the shell 1.

[0077] In some embodiments, the cross section of the reinforcing part 12 along the height direction Z can be set as at least one of a rectangle, a trapezoid, and a semicircle to simplify the structure of the reinforcing part 12 and make it easier to process and shape.

[0078] Please refer to Figures 6 and 7. In some alternative embodiments, the arcuate surface 21 has a top 211 and arcuate segments 212 located on both sides of the top 211 along the first direction Y. The top 211 protrudes toward the side wall 112 and forms gaps with the side wall 112 through the arcuate segments 212 on both sides. The first direction Y intersects with the height direction Z.

[0079] The arc-shaped surface 21 may specifically include a top 211 and arc-shaped segments 212 located on both sides of the top 211. The top 211 refers to the most convex position of the arc-shaped surface 21. When the electrode assembly 2 is placed in the receiving cavity, it can be limited by the top 211, and a gap is formed between the arc-shaped segments 212 and the side wall 112. Since the arc-shaped segments 212 are respectively arranged on both sides of the top 211 along the first direction Y, the reinforcing part 12 can be arranged in at least one gap according to actual needs to improve the strength of the housing 1.

[0080] Optionally, the size of the reinforcing part 12 along the first direction Y is smaller than the size of the gap along the first direction Y. By controlling the size of the reinforcing part 12, the risk of friction between the electrode assembly 2 and the reinforcing part 12 can be reduced, and the reliability of the reinforcing part 12 can be improved.

[0081] Optionally, the reinforcing part 12 has a dimension of 2mm to 10mm along the first direction Y. By making the dimension of the reinforcing part 12 along the first direction Y greater than or equal to 2mm, it can better play a reinforcing role, so that the strength of the housing 1 can meet the cycle use requirements of the battery 100. Furthermore, by making the dimension of the reinforcing part along the first direction Y less than or equal to 10mm, interference with the electrode assembly 2 can be reduced, the risk of scratches can be reduced, and the reliability of the electrode assembly 2 can be improved.

[0082] In some alternative embodiments, there are two or more electrode assemblies 2, which are arranged along the first direction Y. The arc-shaped segments 212 of two adjacent electrode assemblies 2 and the sidewalls 112 together form a gap. The reinforcing part 12 is disposed at least along the first direction Y between the arc-shaped segments 212 of two adjacent electrode assemblies 2.

[0083] For ease of description, the gap formed by a single arc segment 212 and the side wall 112 is defined as the first gap, and the gap formed by the arc segments 212 and the side wall 112 of two adjacent electrode assemblies 2 is defined as the second gap.

[0084] Since the second gap is formed by the arc-shaped segment 212 of two adjacent electrode assemblies 2 and the side wall 112, the size of the second gap along the first direction Y is larger than the size of the first gap along the first direction Y. Therefore, by placing the reinforcing part 12 at least in the second gap, the size of the reinforcing part 12 along the first direction Y can be increased, making it easier to place the reinforcing part 12. At the same time, it can also increase the structural strength of the housing 1 and improve the reliability of the battery cell 10.

[0085] It is understood that the reinforcement 12 being disposed at least along the first direction Y between the arc segments 212 of two adjacent electrode assemblies 2 means that the number of reinforcement 12 is one, and the reinforcement 12 is disposed along the first direction Y within the second gap, or that the number of reinforcement 12 is two or more, wherein at least one reinforcement 12 is disposed within the second gap.

[0086] Please refer to Figures 8 and 9. In some alternative embodiments, the number of reinforcing parts 12 is two or more, and the two or more reinforcing parts 12 are spaced apart along the first direction Y within at least a portion of the gap.

[0087] Taking two electrode assemblies 2 as an example, there are two first gaps between the electrode assembly 2 and the shell body 11 and a second gap between the two first gaps. Therefore, three reinforcing parts 12 can be provided and respectively disposed in the first gap and the second gap, so that the shell 1 can be reinforced at multiple positions, further improving the structural strength of the shell 1 and reducing the deformation of the shell 1 during use.

[0088] Optionally, the reinforcing part 12 disposed in the first gap is defined as the first reinforcing part 12a, and the reinforcing part 12 disposed in the second gap is defined as the second reinforcing part 12b. When the first reinforcing part 12a and the second reinforcing part 12b are disposed at the same time, the dimensions of the first reinforcing part 12a and the second reinforcing part 12b along the first direction Y can be equal or unequal, as long as the strength requirements of the shell 1 are met.

[0089] Please refer to Figures 6 to 9. In some optional embodiments, the sidewall 112 includes a first wall 1121 disposed opposite to each other along the first direction Y and a second wall 1122 disposed opposite to each other along the second direction X. The surface of the electrode assembly 2 facing the second wall 1122 is an arc-shaped surface 21. The reinforcing part 12 is disposed on the second wall 1122 on both sides. The second direction X intersects with the first direction Y.

[0090] Optionally, the first direction Y is the width direction, and the second direction X is the length direction.

[0091] Taking the electrode assembly 2 as a flat shape as an example, the housing 1 can be set as a rectangular structure corresponding to the electrode assembly 2. Both sides of the electrode assembly 2 along the second direction X are arc surfaces 21. Therefore, a reinforcing part 12 can be provided on the second wall 1122 of the housing 1 to strengthen the second wall 1122 of the housing 1, better withstand the expansion force during the use of the battery 100, and reduce the deformation of the housing 1.

[0092] Optionally, the reinforcing portions 12 on the second wall 1122 are symmetrically arranged relative to the electrode assembly 2 along the second direction X, that is, the number of reinforcing portions 12 on both sides of the second wall 1122 is one and is arranged at the second gap, or the number of reinforcing portions 12 on both sides of the second wall 1122 is three and is respectively arranged in the first gap and the second gap, so that the shell 1 is evenly stressed on both sides and the overall life of the battery cell 10 is improved.

[0093] In some alternative embodiments, the surface of the electrode assembly 2 facing the first wall 1121 is a plane 22, and the area of ​​the first wall 1121 is larger than the area of ​​the second wall 1122.

[0094] By making the surface of the electrode assembly 2 facing the first wall 1121 a plane 22, it is easier for the electrode assembly 2 to cooperate with the first wall 1121 of the housing 1 and for the arrangement of multiple electrode assemblies 2. Since the area of ​​the first wall 1121 is larger than the area of ​​the second wall 1122, the energy density of the battery cell 10 can be increased while forming a gap for the reinforcement part 12, so that the battery 100 has better performance.

[0095] Please refer to Figures 3 to 10, where Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the housing 1 in some embodiments of this application.

[0096] In some alternative embodiments, one end of the reinforcing part 12 along the height direction Z is connected to the bottom wall 111, and the other end is spaced apart from the opening. Along the height direction Z, the distance between the reinforcing part 12 and the opening is greater than or equal to the thickness of the end cap assembly 3.

[0097] By making the reinforcing part 12 have a preset distance L from the opening along the height direction Z, and making the preset distance L greater than the thickness of the end cap assembly 3, it is possible to improve the strength of the housing 1 while leaving space for the connection between the housing 1 and the end cap assembly 3, making it easier to connect the end cap assembly 3 to the housing 1.

[0098] Please refer to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 10 along the EE direction, and Figure 12 is an enlarged view of point C in Figure 11. In some alternative embodiments, the reinforcing part 12 includes a main body segment 121 and a transition segment 122. The main body segment 121 is connected to the bottom wall 111 through the transition segment 122. Along the direction away from the main body segment 121, the cross-sectional area of ​​the transition segment 122 gradually increases in the height direction Z.

[0099] By including the main body section 121 and the transition section 122 in the reinforcing part 12, it is easier to integrally form the housing 1 by stretching, and it can also play a certain guiding role during the assembly of the electrode assembly 2, making it easier to process and install. Optionally, along the direction away from the main body section 121, the size of the transition section 122 gradually increases in the first direction Y to achieve the transition of the cross-sectional area of ​​the transition section 122.

[0100] The structure of the battery cell 10 in this application embodiment will be described below with reference to a specific embodiment of the battery cell 10.

[0101] The battery cell 10 includes a housing 1, an electrode assembly 2, and an end cap assembly 3. The housing 1 has an open receiving cavity, the electrode assembly 2 is disposed in the receiving cavity, and the end cap assembly 3 is disposed in the opening of the housing 1 and is electrically connected to the electrode assembly 2.

[0102] The housing 1 is integrally stretched to form a housing body 11 and a reinforcing part 12 disposed on the surface of the housing body 11 facing the receiving cavity. There are two electrode assemblies 2 arranged in the receiving cavity along the first direction Y. The electrode assembly 2 has an arc-shaped surface 21 facing the side wall 112 of the housing 1. Multiple gaps are formed between the arc-shaped surface 21 and the side wall 112. The reinforcing part 12 is disposed in the gap formed by the arc-shaped surface 21 and the side wall 112 of two adjacent electrode assemblies 2. This allows for more reasonable use of the internal space of the battery cell 10. Without increasing the volume of the battery cell 10, the strength of the housing 1 is strengthened and the reliability of the battery cell 10 is improved.

[0103] The battery 100 and the power-consuming device in this application embodiment both include the battery cell 10 in the above embodiment, so they also have the advantages of strong pressure resistance, small deformation and long service life, and are easy to promote and apply.

[0104] Although this application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made thereto and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of this application. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner, provided there is no structural conflict. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A single battery cell, comprising: A housing includes a housing body and a reinforcing portion, the housing body having an open receiving cavity, and the reinforcing portion being disposed on the surface of the housing body facing the receiving cavity; An electrode assembly is disposed within the receiving cavity, and a gap is formed between the electrode assembly and at least a portion of the shell body, with the reinforcing portion located within the gap; An end cap assembly is disposed in the opening of the housing and electrically connected to the electrode assembly.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The shell body has a bottom wall and side walls, and the bottom wall and the end cap assembly are disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the side walls in the height direction; The surface of the electrode assembly facing the sidewall is at least partially arc-shaped, the gap is located between the arc-shaped surface and the sidewall, and the sidewall is provided with the reinforcing portion.

3. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein, Both the reinforcing part and the arc-shaped surface extend along the height direction.

4. The battery cell according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The arcuate surface has a top and arcuate segments located on both sides of the top along a first direction. The top protrudes toward the sidewall and forms the gap with the sidewall through the arcuate segments on both sides. The first direction intersects with the height direction.

5. The battery cell according to claim 4, wherein, The number of electrode assemblies is two or more, and the two or more electrode assemblies are arranged along the first direction. The arc-shaped segments of two adjacent electrode assemblies and the sidewall together form the gap. The reinforcing part is disposed at least along the first direction between the arc-shaped segments of two adjacent electrode assemblies.

6. The battery cell according to claim 4, wherein, The number of the reinforcing parts is two or more, and the two or more reinforcing parts are spaced apart along the first direction within at least a portion of the gap.

7. The battery cell according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, The sidewall includes a first wall disposed opposite to each other along the first direction and a second wall disposed opposite to each other along the second direction; The surfaces of the electrode assembly facing the second wall are all arc-shaped surfaces, and the reinforcing parts are disposed on the second walls on both sides, with the second direction intersecting the first direction.

8. The battery cell according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein, One end of the reinforcing part along the height direction is connected to the bottom wall, and the other end is spaced apart from the opening. Along the height direction, the distance between the reinforcing part and the opening is greater than or equal to the thickness of the end cap assembly.

9. The battery cell according to claim 8, wherein, The reinforcing section includes a main body section and a transition section. The main body section is connected to the bottom wall through the transition section. Along the direction away from the main body section, the cross-sectional area of ​​the transition section gradually increases in the height direction.

10. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The battery cell also includes an insulating film, which surrounds the outer periphery of the electrode assembly and is adapted to the housing. The electrode assembly is connected to the housing through the insulating film.

11. A battery comprising a battery cell as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. An electrical device comprising the battery of claim 11, the battery being used to provide electrical energy.

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