Battery device and electric device

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application are a battery device (1) and an electric device. The battery device (1) comprises a first battery cell (10a) and a second battery cell (10b) which are arranged adjacent to each other, wherein the first battery cell (10a) and the second battery cell (10b) are arranged in a first direction, a first pressure relief mechanism (16a) is provided on the side of the first battery cell (10a) facing the second battery cell (10b), and a second pressure relief mechanism (16b) is provided on the side of the second battery cell (10b) facing the first battery cell (10a). In the same plane perpendicular to the first direction, the orthographic projection of the first pressure relief mechanism (16a) at least partially does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the second pressure relief mechanism (16b). On the basis of increasing the space utilization efficiency, the battery device (1) can lower the risk of rapid propagation of thermal runaway between the first battery cell (10a) and the second battery cell (10b), thereby improving the use reliability.

Description

Battery devices and electrical appliances Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of batteries, and in particular to a battery device and an electrical device. Background Technology

[0002] In some battery devices, adjacent battery cells have pressure relief mechanisms on the side facing each other, allowing them to share a single venting space and thus improving space utilization. However, in this case, if one of the adjacent battery cells experiences thermal runaway, the gas and active material released by its pressure relief mechanism can easily impact the pressure relief mechanism of the other battery cell, causing the thermal runaway to spread rapidly to the other battery cell, resulting in poor reliability of the battery device.

[0003] Application content

[0004] This application provides a battery device and an electrical device, aiming to solve the problem that when two adjacent battery cells are provided with a pressure relief mechanism on the side facing each other, thermal runaway can easily spread rapidly, resulting in poor reliability of the battery device.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in the embodiments of this application is:

[0006] In a first aspect, a battery device is provided, comprising a first battery cell and a second battery cell arranged adjacent to each other, the first battery cell and the second battery cell being arranged along a first direction, the first battery cell having a first pressure relief mechanism on the side facing the second battery cell, and the second battery cell having a second pressure relief mechanism on the side facing the first battery cell; in the same plane perpendicular to the first direction, the orthographic projection of the first pressure relief mechanism and the orthographic projection of the second pressure relief mechanism do not overlap at least partially.

[0007] The battery device provided in this application embodiment can improve the space utilization and energy density of the battery device by using at least one set of two adjacent battery cells as a first battery cell and a second battery cell, with a first pressure relief mechanism provided on the side of the first battery cell facing the second battery cell, and a second pressure relief mechanism provided on the side of the second battery cell facing the first battery cell. This allows adjacent first and second battery cells to share the space between them as an exhaust space. Furthermore, by ensuring that the orthographic projections of the first and second pressure relief mechanisms do not at least partially overlap in the same plane perpendicular to the first direction, the risk of a large amount of gas and active material released by the first pressure relief mechanism directly impacting the second pressure relief mechanism is reduced, as is the risk of a large amount of gas and active material released by the second pressure relief mechanism directly impacting the first pressure relief mechanism. This reduces the risk of rapid spread of thermal runaway between adjacent first and second battery cells, improving the reliability of the battery device.

[0008] In some embodiments, in the same plane perpendicular to the first direction, the orthographic projection of the first pressure relief mechanism and the orthographic projection of the second pressure relief mechanism do not overlap at all.

[0009] By adopting the above scheme, in the event of thermal runaway in the first battery cell causing the release of gas and active material through the first pressure relief mechanism, the risk of the released gas and active material directly impacting the second pressure relief mechanism can be significantly reduced. This reduces the risk of thermal runaway rapidly spreading from the first battery cell to the second battery cell. Similarly, in the event of thermal runaway in the second battery cell causing the release of gas and active material through the second pressure relief mechanism, the risk of the released gas and active material directly impacting the first pressure relief mechanism can be significantly reduced. This also reduces the risk of thermal runaway rapidly spreading from the second battery cell to the first battery cell. Therefore, the reliability of the battery device can be effectively improved.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first pressure relief mechanism and the second pressure relief mechanism are arranged at intervals along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0011] By adopting the above scheme, and arranging the first and second pressure relief mechanisms at intervals along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the relative layout of the first and second pressure relief mechanisms can be regularized, modularized, and optimized. This facilitates control over the degree of non-overlapping of the orthographic projections of the first and second pressure relief mechanisms on the same plane perpendicular to the first direction, and also facilitates control over the release direction of gas and active material from the first and second pressure relief mechanisms. This reduces the risk of gas and active material released by the first pressure relief mechanism directly impacting the second pressure relief mechanism, and vice versa. Consequently, it reduces the risk of rapid propagation of thermal runaway between adjacent first and second battery cells, improving the reliability of the battery device. Furthermore, this layout facilitates modular design of battery cells and their pressure relief mechanisms, enabling large-scale production and assembly.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first direction corresponds to the length direction of the battery cell, and the second direction corresponds to the height direction of the battery cell.

[0013] By adopting the above scheme, the first battery cell and the second battery cell can be arranged adjacent to each other along the length direction of the battery cell, and the first battery cell and the second battery cell can share the exhaust space in the length direction of the battery cell. Based on this, the exhaust space occupied by the battery device in the height direction and the thickness direction of the battery cell can be reduced, thereby optimizing and improving the space utilization and energy density of the battery device.

[0014] By adopting the above scheme, the large and ample space in the height direction of the battery cell can be utilized to arrange the first and second pressure relief mechanisms at intervals along the height direction of the battery cell. Based on this, on the one hand, the relative layout of the first and second pressure relief mechanisms can be regularized, modularized, and optimized. This allows for precise control that the orthographic projections of the first and second pressure relief mechanisms on the same plane perpendicular to the first direction do not overlap, reducing direct alignment impact between them. This reduces the risk of rapid propagation of thermal runaway between adjacent first and second battery cells, improving the reliability of the battery device. On the other hand, the large and ample space in the height direction of the battery cell allows for sufficient space to be reserved for the two pressure relief mechanisms and the spacing between them, without compressing the size and space occupied by the pressure relief mechanisms due to space constraints, or increasing the height of the battery cell to accommodate the pressure relief mechanisms. This optimizes the structural design, size design, and space utilization of the battery cell.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first direction corresponds to the length direction of the battery cell, and the second direction corresponds to the thickness direction of the battery cell.

[0016] By adopting the above scheme, the first and second battery cells can be arranged adjacent to each other along the length of the battery cells, allowing them to share a common venting space. This reduces the venting space occupied by the battery device in the height and thickness directions of the battery cells, thereby optimizing and improving the space utilization and energy density of the battery device. Furthermore, the first and second pressure relief mechanisms can be arranged spaced apart along the thickness direction of the battery cells. This allows for a more regular, modular, and optimized relative layout of the first and second pressure relief mechanisms. It also allows for precise control of the non-overlapping orthogonal projections of the first and second pressure relief mechanisms onto the same plane perpendicular to the first direction, reducing direct alignment impact between them. This lowers the risk of rapid thermal runaway propagation between adjacent first and second battery cells, improving the reliability of the battery device.

[0017] In some embodiments, an exhaust space is formed between the first battery cell and the second battery cell, and the width of the exhaust space along the first direction is 3 mm to 15 mm.

[0018] By adopting the above scheme, the first and second battery cells can share a suitable and ample venting space. Based on this, on the one hand, when at least one of the first and second pressure relief mechanisms vents gases and active materials, the risk of poor or untimely venting due to an excessively narrow venting space is reduced, improving the venting rate, smoothness, and timeliness of gases and active materials, thereby enhancing the reliability of the battery device. On the other hand, it reduces space waste caused by an excessively spacious venting space between the first and second battery cells, thereby improving the space utilization and energy density of the battery device.

[0019] In some embodiments, the battery device includes a protective element disposed between a first battery cell and a second battery cell.

[0020] By adopting the above solution, a protective component is installed between adjacent first and second battery cells. This protective component acts as a physical barrier, effectively preventing direct alignment impact between the first and second pressure relief mechanisms. It also effectively prevents the gases and active materials released by the first pressure relief mechanism from directly impacting the second battery cell, and vice versa. This reduces the risk of rapid spread of thermal runaway between adjacent first and second battery cells, improving the reliability of the battery device. Furthermore, the protective component is rigid, which enhances the structural strength of the assembly consisting of the first battery cell, the protective component, and the second battery cell, thereby improving the structural strength, reliability, and service life of the battery device.

[0021] In some embodiments, the protective member includes a first protective plate disposed on the side of the second battery cell facing the first battery cell and disposed opposite to the first pressure relief mechanism.

[0022] By adopting the above scheme, the protective component, through the first protective plate, can specifically enhance the protection of the portion of the second battery cell facing the first battery cell that is opposite to the first pressure relief mechanism, and specifically provide an additional protective barrier for the portion of the second battery cell directly facing the first pressure relief mechanism. Based on this, the first protective plate can directly face, withstand, and block the impact of the gas and active material released by the first pressure relief mechanism, thereby reducing the risk of the gas and active material released by the first pressure relief mechanism directly impacting the second battery cell, reducing the risk of rapid spread of thermal runaway between adjacent first and second battery cells, and improving the reliability of the battery device. Furthermore, since the protective component can effectively block the gas and active material released by the first pressure relief mechanism from directly impacting the second battery cell through the first protective plate, a large exhaust space is not required between the first and second battery cells to prevent the gas and active material released by the first pressure relief mechanism from directly impacting the second battery cell. This helps to reduce the width of the exhaust space along the first direction, and improves the space utilization and energy density of the battery device.

[0023] In some embodiments, the protective member includes a second protective plate disposed on the side of the first battery cell facing the second battery cell and disposed opposite to the second pressure relief mechanism.

[0024] By adopting the above scheme, the protective component, through the second protective plate, can specifically enhance the protection of the portion of the first battery cell facing the second battery cell that is opposite to the second pressure relief mechanism, providing an additional protective barrier for the portion of the first battery cell directly facing the second pressure relief mechanism. Based on this, the second protective plate can directly face, withstand, and block the impact of the gas and active material released by the second pressure relief mechanism, thereby reducing the risk of the gas and active material released by the second pressure relief mechanism directly impacting the first battery cell, reducing the risk of rapid spread of thermal runaway between adjacent first and second battery cells, and improving the reliability of the battery device. Furthermore, since the protective component can effectively block the gas and active material released by the second pressure relief mechanism from directly impacting the first battery cell through the second protective plate, a large exhaust space is not required between the first and second battery cells to prevent the gas and active material released by the second pressure relief mechanism from directly impacting the first battery cell. This helps to reduce the width of the exhaust space along the first direction, which is beneficial to improving the space utilization and energy density of the battery device.

[0025] In some embodiments, the protective member includes a partition plate extending from the first battery cell to the second battery cell and disposed between the first pressure relief mechanism and the second pressure relief mechanism, so as to divide the venting space between the first battery cell and the second battery cell into a first venting space and a second venting space.

[0026] By adopting the above scheme, the protective component, through a partition plate extending from the first battery cell to the second battery cell, divides the venting space between the first and second battery cells into a first venting space corresponding to the first pressure relief mechanism and a second venting space corresponding to the second pressure relief mechanism. Based on this, the first pressure relief mechanism can have its own independent first venting space, and the gas and active material released by the first pressure relief mechanism can be guided to exit along the first venting space in a direction away from the second pressure relief mechanism. Similarly, the second pressure relief mechanism can have its own independent second venting space, and the gas and active material released by the second pressure relief mechanism can be guided to exit along the second venting space in a direction away from the first pressure relief mechanism, thereby improving the reliability of the battery device. Furthermore, as a rigid structure, the partition plate can, to a certain extent, enhance the structural connection between the first and second battery cells, thereby improving the structural strength, stability, and reliability of the assembly consisting of the first battery cell, the protective component, and the second battery cell.

[0027] In some embodiments, the protective member includes a first protective plate, a partition plate, and a second protective plate that are bent and connected in sequence, with the bending directions of the first protective plate and the second protective plate being opposite at both ends of the partition plate.

[0028] By adopting the above scheme, the protective component can effectively prevent the gas and active material released by the first pressure relief mechanism from directly impacting the second battery cell through the first protective plate, and can effectively prevent the gas and active material released by the second pressure relief mechanism from directly impacting the first battery cell through the second protective plate. The separator plate allows the first pressure relief mechanism to have an independent first exhaust space and the second pressure relief mechanism to have an independent second exhaust space. This reduces the risk of rapid spread of thermal runaway between adjacent first and second battery cells, improves exhaust efficiency and effect, and enhances the reliability of the battery device. Furthermore, based on the sequential bending and connection of the first protective plate, separator plate, and second protective plate to form a single integrated protective component, the structural design of the protective component can be modularized and optimized. This improves the overall integrity, structural strength, structural reliability, and structural stability of the protective component, enhances its processing convenience, and improves the ease and efficiency of assembling the protective component between the first and second battery cells. It also facilitates the stabilization of the installation position and state of the protective component.

[0029] In some embodiments, the battery cell includes a housing and electrode terminals, the housing having a recessed portion facing inward therein, and the electrode terminals being disposed in the recessed portion.

[0030] By adopting the above solution, the recesses on the outer casing provide mounting space for the electrode terminals, allowing some or all of the electrode terminals to be accommodated within the recesses. This reduces the size of the electrode terminals protruding from the recesses, thereby reducing the additional space required for the electrode terminals, reducing the overall protruding portion of the battery cell, and decreasing the overall size and space occupied by the battery cell. This improves the space utilization and energy density of the battery device. Furthermore, since the electrode terminals are partially or completely accommodated within the recesses, the risk of damage to the electrode terminals due to external impacts or compression is reduced, thus improving the reliability and lifespan of the battery cell. The recesses also provide clear positioning for the electrode terminals, ensuring a more stable and reliable installation position and state. This optimizes the battery cell assembly process, improving assembly convenience, efficiency, and production efficiency.

[0031] In some embodiments, the electrode terminals do not protrude from the recess of the recess.

[0032] By adopting the above solution, and ensuring that the electrode terminals do not protrude from the recess, they can be completely contained within the recess. This allows the space occupied by the casing to be essentially equal to that occupied by the battery cell, eliminating the need for additional space for the electrode terminals. This reduces the overall size and space occupied by the battery cell, facilitating the compact arrangement of multiple battery cells and improving the space utilization and energy density of the battery device. Furthermore, since the electrode terminals are entirely contained within the recess, the risk of damage due to external impacts or pressure is significantly reduced, thereby improving the reliability and lifespan of the battery cell.

[0033] In some embodiments, the recess is provided in the wall portion of the casing along the height direction of the battery cell.

[0034] By adopting the above scheme, the layout of the recess and electrode terminals can be optimized, facilitating the arrangement of multiple battery cells and enabling the necessary electrical connections between them. Furthermore, it significantly reduces the additional space occupied by the electrode terminals in the height direction of the battery cells, thereby optimizing and improving the space utilization and energy density of the battery device.

[0035] Secondly, an electrical device is provided, which includes the battery device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0036] By adopting the above solution, the electrical device can improve its space utilization and reliability by using the battery device provided in the embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this application or the prior art 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 these drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0039] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a battery device provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0040] Figure 3 is an exploded view of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0041] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the first battery cell, the protective component, and the second battery cell provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0042] Figure 5 is a top view of the assembly of the first battery cell, the protective component, and the second battery cell shown in Figure 4.

[0043] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along AA provided in Figure 5;

[0044] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of region B provided in Figure 6.

[0045] In the figures, the following labels are used: 1-Battery device, 2-Controller, 3-Motor; 100-Battery unit, 200-Casing, 201-First part, 202-Second part; 10-Battery cell, 10a-First battery cell, 10b-Second battery cell, 11-Outer casing, 111-Housing shell, 112-End cap, 113-Recess; 12-Electrode assembly, 121-Electrode body, 122-Taper, 122a-Positive electrode tab, 122b-Negative electrode tab; 13-Insulating component; 14-Electrode terminal, 14a-Positive electrode terminal. 14b - Negative electrode terminal; 15 - Adapter, 15a - Positive electrode adapter, 15b - Negative electrode adapter; 16 - Pressure relief mechanism, 16a - First pressure relief mechanism, 16b - Second pressure relief mechanism; 20 - Exhaust space, 21 - First exhaust space, 22 - Second exhaust space; d - Width of exhaust space along the first direction; 30 - Protective component, 31 - First protective plate, 32 - Second protective plate, 33 - Separator; x - Length direction of battery cell, y - Thickness direction of battery cell, z - Height direction of battery cell. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects to be solved by this application clear, the application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Unless otherwise specified, all embodiments and optional embodiments of this application can be combined to form new technical solutions. Unless otherwise specified, all technical features and optional technical features of this application can be combined to form new technical solutions.

[0047] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and 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 of this application.

[0048] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0049] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0050] A battery device is a modular structure comprising at least two battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity; for example, it can be a battery module, battery pack, or battery device package. In some cases, adjacent battery cells in a battery device have pressure relief mechanisms on their sides facing each other, allowing adjacent battery cells to share a single venting space, thereby improving space utilization. This pressure relief mechanism, also known as an explosion-proof valve, is used to release internal pressure when the internal pressure (or temperature) of the battery cell reaches a threshold.

[0051] However, in this situation, if one of the two adjacent battery cells experiences thermal runaway, the gas and active material released by its pressure relief mechanism can easily impact the pressure relief mechanism of the other battery cell, causing the thermal runaway to spread rapidly to the other battery cell, resulting in poor reliability of the battery device.

[0052] Therefore, some embodiments of this application provide a battery device that can improve the space utilization and energy density of the battery device by arranging at least one set of two adjacent battery cells as a first battery cell and a second battery cell, with a first pressure relief mechanism provided on the side of the first battery cell facing the second battery cell, and a second pressure relief mechanism provided on the side of the second battery cell facing the first battery cell. This allows adjacent first and second battery cells to share the space between them as an exhaust space. Furthermore, by ensuring that the orthographic projections of the first and second pressure relief mechanisms do not at least partially overlap in the same plane perpendicular to the first direction, the risk of a large amount of gas and active material released by the first pressure relief mechanism directly impacting the second pressure relief mechanism is reduced, as is the risk of a large amount of gas and active material released by the second pressure relief mechanism directly impacting the first pressure relief mechanism. This reduces the risk of rapid spread of thermal runaway between adjacent first and second battery cells, thereby improving the reliability of the battery device.

[0053] The battery devices disclosed in this application can be used in electrical devices that use the battery device as a power source, or in various energy storage systems that use the battery device as an energy storage element. Electrical devices can be, but are not limited to, vehicles, mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, ships, spacecraft, electric toys, and power tools, etc. 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, etc. Spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc. Electric toys include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. 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, etc.

[0054] To illustrate the technical solution provided in this application, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with specific drawings and embodiments, taking "an electrical device as a vehicle" as an example.

[0055] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of the vehicle structure provided in some embodiments of this application. The vehicle can be a gasoline-powered vehicle, a natural gas-powered vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. New energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles, etc. A battery device 1 is installed inside the vehicle, and the battery device 1 can be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle. The battery device 1 is used to supply power to the vehicle; for example, the battery device 1 can serve as the vehicle's operating power source. The vehicle may also include a controller 2 and a motor 3. The controller 2 is used to control the battery device 1 to supply power to the motor 3, for example, to meet the power needs of the vehicle during starting, navigation, and driving.

[0056] In some embodiments of this application, the battery device 1 can not only serve as the operating power source for the vehicle, but also as the driving power source for the vehicle, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 2, which is an exploded view of the battery device 1 provided in some embodiments of this application. The battery device 1 includes a battery cell 100 and a housing 200, with the battery cell 100 housed within the housing 200.

[0058] The housing 200 provides a space for the battery unit 100 and other components. The housing 200 can protect the battery unit 100 and other components inside from dust, water, and dirt, and can reduce the impact of external liquids or other foreign objects on the effectiveness and performance of the battery unit 100 and other components, and can effectively extend the service life of the battery device 1.

[0059] The housing 200 can adopt various structures. In some embodiments, the housing 200 may include a first portion 201 and a second portion 202, which overlap each other, and together define a receiving space for accommodating the battery unit 100. The second portion 202 may be a hollow structure with one end open, and the first portion 201 may be a plate-like structure, with the first portion 201 covering the open side of the second portion 202 so that the first portion 201 and the second portion 202 together define the receiving space; the first portion 201 and the second portion 202 may also be hollow structures with one side open, with the open side of the first portion 201 covering the open side of the second portion 202.

[0060] The box 200 can be of various shapes, such as a cylinder or a cuboid.

[0061] The enclosure 200 can be made of various materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc.

[0062] Battery cell 100 is an energy storage unit capable of converting chemical energy into electrical energy. In battery device 1, one battery cell 100 may be provided, or at least two battery cells 100 may be provided. When at least two battery cells 100 are provided, the at least two battery cells 100 may be connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed connection. A mixed connection means that at least two battery cells 100 are connected in both series and parallel.

[0063] The battery unit 100 can be a single battery cell. At least two battery cells can be directly connected in series, parallel, or mixed together, and then the entire assembly of the at least two battery cells is housed within the casing 200. The battery cell can be a lithium-ion rechargeable battery cell, a lithium-sulfur battery cell, a sodium-lithium-ion battery cell, a sodium-ion battery cell, or a magnesium-ion battery cell, etc. The battery cell can be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes, etc. The battery cell can be packaged using different methods to form cylindrical battery cells, square battery cells, or pouch battery cells, etc.

[0064] Alternatively, the battery cell 100 can be a battery module or battery assembly. At least two battery cells can be connected in series, parallel, or in a hybrid configuration to form a modular structure, i.e., a battery module or battery assembly; at least two battery modules or battery assemblies can then be connected in series, parallel, or in a hybrid configuration to form a whole, which is housed within the housing 200.

[0065] Of course, the battery device 1 may also include other structures. For example, the battery device 1 may also include a busbar (not shown) for realizing electrical connection between at least two battery cells 100. As another example, the battery device 1 may also include a power distribution device (not shown) for acting as a control unit for distributing the energy of the battery device 1 and for distributing high voltage to the battery device 1.

[0066] Of course, in some embodiments, the battery device 1 may not include the housing 200, but instead, at least two battery cells are electrically connected and assembled into an integral whole by necessary fixing structures (such as end plates, side plates, restraint straps, etc.) and then assembled into the power-consuming device.

[0067] Please refer to Figure 3, which is an exploded view of a battery cell 10 provided in some embodiments of this application. The battery cell 10 is the smallest unit for storing and outputting electrical energy. The battery cell 10 includes components such as a housing 11, an electrode assembly 12, an insulator 13, electrode terminals 14, an adapter 15, a pressure relief mechanism 16, and an electrolyte (not shown in the figure).

[0068] The outer casing 11 is a component that isolates the internal environment of the battery cell 10 from the external environment. The outer casing 11 may include a housing 111 and an end cap 112. The end cap 112 is a component that closes onto the opening of the housing 111 to isolate the internal environment of the battery cell 10 from the external environment. In some embodiments, the shape of the end cap 112 may be adapted to the shape of the housing 111 to fit the housing 111. In some embodiments, the end cap 112 may be made of a material with a certain degree of hardness and strength, so that the end cap 112 is not easily deformed under pressure or impact, enabling the battery cell 10 to have high structural strength and reliability. The material of the end cap 112 can be diverse, including copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc.

[0069] The housing 111 is a component used to cooperate with the end cap 112 to form the internal environment of the battery cell 10. The internal environment formed by the housing 111 and the end cap 112 can be used to accommodate components such as the electrode assembly 12, the insulating component 13, and the electrolyte. In some embodiments, the housing 111 and the end cap 112 can be independent components, with an opening provided on the housing 111. The end cap 112 closes the opening to form the internal environment of the battery cell 10. In some embodiments, the end cap 112 and the housing 111 can also be integrated. Specifically, the end cap 112 and the housing 111 can form a common connecting surface before other components are inserted into the housing. When it is necessary to encapsulate the interior of the housing 111, the end cap 112 closes the housing 111. The housing 111 can be of various shapes and sizes, such as a cuboid, a cylinder, or a hexagonal prism. The shape of the housing 111 can be determined according to the shape and size of the electrode assembly 12. The shell 111 can be made of various materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, and plastic.

[0070] Electrode assembly 12 is the component in the battery cell 10 where the electrochemical reaction occurs. The housing 11 may include one or at least two electrode assemblies 12. Electrode assembly 12 includes a positive electrode (not shown), a negative electrode (not shown), and a separator (not shown), the separator separating the positive and negative electrode. The positive electrode, separator, and negative electrode can be formed into electrode assembly 12 by winding, stacking, or other methods. In electrode assembly 12, the active material portions of both the positive and negative electrode constitute the electrode body 121 of electrode assembly 12, and the non-active material portions of both the positive and negative electrode each constitute a tab 122, which is the current transmission terminal of electrode assembly 12 for transmitting current. The tab 122 of the positive electrode is called positive tab 122a, and the tab 122 of the negative electrode is called negative tab 122b. The positive tab 122a and the negative tab 122b can be located together at one end of the electrode body 121 or at both ends of the electrode body 121 respectively.

[0071] The electrolyte is a liquid that wets the electrode assembly 12. The battery cell 10 primarily functions by the movement of active ions between the positive and negative electrode plates. When the battery cell 10 is charging, active ions are generated on the positive electrode plate. These active ions can penetrate the pores of the separator, move through the electrolyte to the negative electrode plate, and embed themselves in the negative electrode active material. Conversely, when the battery cell 10 discharges, the active ions embedded in the negative electrode active material are released. These released active ions can penetrate the pores of the separator, move through the electrolyte to the positive electrode plate, and embed themselves in the positive electrode active material. The active ions can be lithium ions, sodium ions, etc.

[0072] Electrode terminal 14 is a component electrically connected to electrode assembly 12 and used for outputting or inputting electrical energy. Electrode terminal 14 includes a positive electrode terminal 14a and a negative electrode terminal 14b. Positive electrode terminal 14a is electrically connected to the positive electrode tab 122a of electrode assembly 12. Negative electrode terminal 14b is electrically connected to the negative electrode tab 122b of electrode assembly 12. Electrode terminal 14 can be mounted on housing 11 and stably mounted in a position and state relative to housing 11. In some embodiments, electrode terminal 14 can be mounted on housing 11 by means of flange riveting.

[0073] The adapter 15 is a current collector electrically connected between the tab 122 of the electrode assembly 12 and the corresponding electrode terminal 14. The adapter 15 may also be called an adapter connector, current collector plate, or adapter piece, etc. The adapter 15 has conductive properties and is made of a conductive material. The material of the adapter 15 may include aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, copper-aluminum alloy, etc. The adapter 15 includes a positive electrode adapter 15a and a negative electrode adapter 15b. The positive electrode tab 122a of the electrode assembly 12 can be electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal 14a through the positive electrode adapter 15a, and the negative electrode tab 122b of the electrode assembly 12 can be electrically connected to the negative electrode terminal 14b through the negative electrode adapter 15b to form a current loop. In some embodiments, the adapter 15 can be connected to the tab 122 of the electrode assembly 12 by welding, abutment, or other methods. The adapter 15 can be connected to the electrode terminal 14 by welding, abutment, or other methods. The shape of the adapter 15 can be varied, such as square, round, irregular shape, etc.

[0074] The insulating component 13 is a component with insulating properties. The insulating component 13 is disposed within the housing 11, particularly between the electrode assembly 12 and the wall portion of the housing 11 having electrode terminals 14 (e.g., end cap 112). Based on the electrical connection between the tabs 122 of the electrode assembly 12 and the corresponding electrode terminals 14, the insulating component 13 can be used to insulate and isolate the electrode assembly 12 and the wall portion of the housing 11 having electrode terminals 14, thereby reducing the risk of short circuits, current leakage, etc. Furthermore, the insulating component 13 can also be fixed to the wall portion of the housing 11 having electrode terminals 14 and abut against the electrode assembly 12 to fill the gap between the electrode assembly 12 and the wall portion of the housing 11, thus tightly fixing the electrode assembly 12. This prevents the electrode assembly 12 from moving or shaking relative to the battery cell 10 during use, helps maintain the structural integrity of the battery cell 10, and reduces the risk of the electrode assembly 12 loosening or deforming.

[0075] A pressure relief mechanism 16 is disposed on the housing 11. The pressure relief mechanism 16 can be used to release internal pressure when the internal pressure (or temperature) of the battery cell 10 reaches a threshold. In some cases, the pressure relief mechanism 16 may also be referred to as an explosion-proof valve. In some embodiments, the pressure relief mechanism 16 may be integrally formed with the wall portion of the housing 11 for which the pressure relief mechanism 16 is disposed (e.g., end cap 112, etc.) (i.e., a one-piece structure), for example, the pressure relief mechanism 16 may be a groove provided on the corresponding wall portion of the housing 11. In other embodiments, the pressure relief mechanism 16 may be separately formed and separately connected with the corresponding wall portion of the housing 11 (i.e., a separate structure).

[0076] Please refer to Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7. Some embodiments of this application provide a battery device 1. The battery device 1 includes a first battery cell 10a and a second battery cell 10b arranged adjacent to each other. The first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b are arranged along a first direction. A first pressure relief mechanism 16a is provided on the side of the first battery cell 10a facing the second battery cell 10b, and a second pressure relief mechanism 16b is provided on the side of the second battery cell 10b facing the first battery cell 10a. In the same plane perpendicular to the first direction, the orthographic projections of the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b do not overlap at least partially.

[0077] It should be noted that the battery device 1 includes at least two battery cells 10, which are arranged as needed and connected in series, parallel, or mixed electrical connections as required. The structure, type, size, etc. of each battery cell 10 may be the same or not completely the same.

[0078] The battery cell 10 can be a lithium-ion rechargeable battery cell, a lithium-sulfur battery cell, a sodium-lithium-ion battery cell, a sodium-ion battery cell, or a magnesium-ion battery cell, etc. The battery cell 10 can be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes, etc. The battery cell 10 can be packaged in different ways to form cylindrical battery cells, square battery cells, or pouch battery cells, etc.

[0079] The battery cell 10 includes a pressure relief mechanism 16, which releases internal pressure when the internal pressure (or temperature) of the battery cell 10 reaches a threshold. In some embodiments, the pressure relief mechanism 16 may be integrally formed with the wall of the housing 11 of the battery cell 10; for example, the pressure relief mechanism 16 may be a groove provided on the corresponding wall of the housing 11. In other embodiments, the pressure relief mechanism 16 may be separately formed with the corresponding wall of the housing 11 and separately connected (i.e., a separate structure).

[0080] It should also be noted that at least one set of two adjacent battery cells 10 uses a combination of a first battery cell 10a and a second battery cell 10b. The first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b are arranged along a first direction, that is, the arrangement direction of the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b is the first direction. The first direction may correspond to the length direction x of the battery cell 10 (as shown in Figure 5), or it may correspond to the thickness direction y of the battery cell 10, or it may correspond to the height direction z of the battery cell 10.

[0081] A first pressure relief mechanism 16a is provided on the side of the first battery cell 10a facing the second battery cell 10b. The first pressure relief mechanism 16a can be used to release internal pressure when the internal pressure (or temperature) of the first battery cell 10a reaches a threshold. A second pressure relief mechanism 16b is provided on the side of the second battery cell 10b facing the first battery cell 10a. The second pressure relief mechanism 16b can be used to release internal pressure when the internal pressure (or temperature) of the second battery cell 10b reaches a threshold. Based on this, adjacent first battery cells 10a and second battery cells 10b can be provided with pressure relief mechanisms 16 on the side facing each other, so as to share the space between them as an exhaust space 20, thereby improving the space utilization of the battery device 1.

[0082] In the same plane perpendicular to the first direction, the orthographic projection of the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the orthographic projection of the second pressure relief mechanism 16b do not overlap at least partially (i.e., partially or completely). That is, along the first direction, at least a portion of the orthographic projection of the first pressure relief mechanism 16a onto the side of the second battery cell 10b facing the first battery cell 10a is misaligned and avoids the second pressure relief mechanism 16b. In other words, along the first direction, at least a portion of the orthographic projection of the second pressure relief mechanism 16b onto the side of the first battery cell 10a facing the second battery cell 10b is misaligned and avoids the first pressure relief mechanism 16a. Based on this, in the event of thermal runaway in the first battery cell 10a leading to the release of gas and active material by the first pressure relief mechanism 16a, the risk of a large amount of gas and active material released by the first pressure relief mechanism 16a directly impacting the second pressure relief mechanism 16b can be reduced, thereby reducing the risk of thermal runaway rapidly spreading from the first battery cell 10a to the second battery cell 10b. Similarly, in the event that the second battery cell 10b experiences thermal runaway, causing the second pressure relief mechanism 16b to release gas and active material, the risk of a large amount of gas and active material released by the second pressure relief mechanism 16b directly impacting the first pressure relief mechanism 16a can be reduced, thereby reducing the risk of thermal runaway rapidly spreading from the second battery cell 10b to the first battery cell 10a.

[0083] In summary, the battery device 1 provided in this application embodiment can improve the space utilization and energy density of the battery device 1 by having at least one set of two adjacent battery cells 10 as a first battery cell 10a and a second battery cell 10b, and by providing a first pressure relief mechanism 16a on the side of the first battery cell 10a facing the second battery cell 10b, and providing a second pressure relief mechanism 16b on the side of the second battery cell 10b facing the first battery cell 10a. Based on this, by ensuring that the orthographic projections of the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b do not overlap at least partially in the same plane perpendicular to the first direction, the risk of a large amount of gas and active material released by the first pressure relief mechanism 16a directly impacting the second pressure relief mechanism 16b, and the risk of a large amount of gas and active material released by the second pressure relief mechanism 16b directly impacting the first pressure relief mechanism 16a, can be reduced. This can reduce the risk of thermal runaway spreading rapidly between adjacent first battery cells 10a and second battery cells 10b, and improve the reliability of the battery device 1.

[0084] Please refer to Figures 4, 6, and 7. In some embodiments of this application, the orthographic projection of the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the orthographic projection of the second pressure relief mechanism 16b do not overlap at all in the same plane perpendicular to the first direction.

[0085] It should be noted that, in the same plane perpendicular to the first direction, the orthographic projection of the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the orthographic projection of the second pressure relief mechanism 16b do not overlap at all. That is, along the first direction, the orthographic projection of the first pressure relief mechanism 16a onto the side of the second battery cell 10b facing the first battery cell 10a is completely offset from and avoids the second pressure relief mechanism 16b. In other words, along the first direction, the orthographic projection of the second pressure relief mechanism 16b onto the side of the first battery cell 10a facing the second battery cell 10b is completely offset from and avoids the first pressure relief mechanism 16a.

[0086] By adopting the above-described scheme, in the event of thermal runaway in the first battery cell 10a leading to the release of gas and active material by the first pressure relief mechanism 16a, the risk of the gas and active material released by the first pressure relief mechanism 16a directly impacting the second pressure relief mechanism 16b can be significantly reduced. This reduces the risk of thermal runaway rapidly spreading from the first battery cell 10a to the second battery cell 10b. Similarly, in the event of thermal runaway in the second battery cell 10b leading to the release of gas and active material by the second pressure relief mechanism 16b, the risk of the gas and active material released by the second pressure relief mechanism 16b directly impacting the first pressure relief mechanism 16a can be significantly reduced. This reduces the risk of thermal runaway rapidly spreading from the second battery cell 10b to the first battery cell 10a. Therefore, the reliability of the battery device 1 can be effectively improved.

[0087] Please refer to Figures 4, 6, and 7. In some embodiments of this application, the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b are arranged at intervals along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0088] It should be noted that the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b are arranged at intervals along the second direction, that is, the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b are arranged along the second direction and are spaced apart from each other. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. For example, as shown in Figure 4, in some embodiments, the first direction may correspond to the length direction x of the battery cell 10, while the second direction may correspond to the height direction z or the thickness direction y of the battery cell 10. In other embodiments, the first direction may correspond to the thickness direction y of the battery cell 10, while the second direction may correspond to the height direction z or the length direction x of the battery cell 10. In still other embodiments, the first direction may correspond to the height direction z of the battery cell 10, while the second direction may correspond to the thickness direction y or the length direction x of the battery cell 10.

[0089] By adopting the above scheme, and arranging the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b at intervals along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the relative layout of the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b can be regularized, modularized, and optimized. This facilitates control over the degree of non-overlapping of the orthographic projections of the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b onto the same plane perpendicular to the first direction. It also facilitates control over the release direction of gas and active material from the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b, thereby reducing the risk of gas and active material released by the first pressure relief mechanism 16a directly impacting the second pressure relief mechanism 16b, and vice versa. This reduces the risk of rapid propagation of thermal runaway between adjacent first battery cells 10a and second battery cells 10b, improving the reliability of the battery device 1. Furthermore, this layout facilitates the modular design of the battery cell 10 and its pressure relief mechanism 16, enabling large-scale production and assembly.

[0090] Of course, in other embodiments, the relative positions of the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b can be flexibly set, provided that the orthographic projections of the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b on the same plane perpendicular to the first direction do not overlap at least partially.

[0091] Please refer to Figures 4, 6, and 7. In some embodiments of this application, the first direction corresponds to the length direction x of the battery cell 10, and the second direction corresponds to the height direction z of the battery cell 10.

[0092] It should be noted that the first direction corresponds to the length direction x of the battery cell 10, meaning that the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b are arranged adjacent to each other along the length direction x of the battery cell 10. That is, the first pressure relief mechanism 16a is located on the side of the first battery cell 10a facing the second battery cell 10b along its own length, and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b is located on the side of the second battery cell 10b facing the first battery cell 10a along its own length. The second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, corresponds to the height direction z of the battery cell 10, meaning that the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b are arranged at intervals along the height direction z of the battery cell 10.

[0093] By adopting the above scheme, the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b can be arranged adjacent to each other along the length x of the battery cell 10, and the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b can share the exhaust space 20 in the length x of the battery cell 10. Based on this, the exhaust space 20 occupied by the battery device 1 in the height z and thickness y of the battery cell 10 can be reduced, thereby optimizing and improving the space utilization and energy density of the battery device 1.

[0094] By adopting the above scheme, the large and ample space in the height direction of the battery cell 10 can be utilized to arrange the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b at intervals along the height direction z of the battery cell 10. Based on this, on the one hand, the relative layout of the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b can be regularized, modularized, and optimized. It can precisely control that the orthographic projections of the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b on the same plane perpendicular to the first direction do not overlap at least partially, which can reduce the direct alignment impact between the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b. This can reduce the risk of rapid spread of thermal runaway between adjacent first battery cells 10a and second battery cells 10b, and improve the reliability of the battery device 1. On the other hand, the large and ample space in the height direction of the battery cell 10 can provide sufficient space for the two pressure relief mechanisms 16 and the space between the two pressure relief mechanisms 16, without compressing the size and space occupied by the pressure relief mechanism 16 due to space limitations, and without increasing the height of the battery cell 10 to accommodate the pressure relief mechanism 16. This can optimize the structural design, size design and space utilization of the battery cell 10.

[0095] Please refer to Figures 4 and 7. In some embodiments of this application, the first direction corresponds to the length direction x of the battery cell 10, and the second direction corresponds to the thickness direction y of the battery cell 10.

[0096] It should be noted that the first direction corresponds to the length direction x of the battery cell 10, meaning that the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b are arranged adjacent to each other along the length direction x of the battery cell 10. That is, the first pressure relief mechanism 16a is located on the side of the first battery cell 10a facing the second battery cell 10b along its own length, and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b is located on the side of the second battery cell 10b facing the first battery cell 10a along its own length. The second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, corresponds to the thickness direction y of the battery cell 10, meaning that the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b are arranged at intervals along the thickness direction y of the battery cell 10.

[0097] By adopting the above scheme, the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b can be arranged adjacent to each other along the length x of the battery cell 10, and the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b can share the exhaust space 20 in the length x of the battery cell 10. Based on this, the exhaust space 20 occupied by the battery device 1 in the height z and thickness y of the battery cell 10 can be reduced, thereby optimizing and improving the space utilization and energy density of the battery device 1. Based on this, the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b can be arranged at intervals along the thickness direction y of the battery cell 10. Based on this, the relative layout of the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b can be regularized, modularized, and optimized. The orthographic projections of the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b on the same plane perpendicular to the first direction can be precisely controlled to at least partially not overlap, which can reduce the direct alignment impact between the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b. This can reduce the risk of thermal runaway spreading rapidly between adjacent first battery cells 10a and second battery cells 10b, and improve the reliability of the battery device 1.

[0098] Of course, in other embodiments, the first direction and the second direction can be two other directions that are perpendicular to each other. For example, the first direction can correspond to the thickness direction y of the battery cell 10, while the second direction can correspond to the height direction z or the length direction x of the battery cell 10. As another example, the first direction can correspond to the height direction z of the battery cell 10, while the second direction can correspond to the thickness direction y or the length direction x of the battery cell 10.

[0099] Please refer to Figures 4, 6, and 7. In some embodiments of this application, an exhaust space 20 is formed between the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b. The width d of the exhaust space 20 along the first direction is 3mm to 15mm.

[0100] It should be noted that the space between the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b forms a shared venting space 20. The width d of the venting space 20 along the first direction is 3mm to 15mm, for example, it can be 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, etc. The measurement method for "the width d of the venting space 20 along the first direction" is varied. For example, measuring tools such as vernier calipers, micrometers, or precision measuring instruments can be used to measure the "distance between the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b" to obtain the "width d of the venting space 20 along the first direction".

[0101] By adopting the above scheme, a suitable and ample venting space 20 can be shared between the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b. Based on this, on the one hand, when at least one of the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b releases gas and active material, the risk of poor or untimely venting due to an excessively narrow venting space 20 is reduced, improving the venting rate, smoothness, and timeliness of gas and active material release, thereby improving the reliability of the battery device 1. On the other hand, it reduces space waste caused by an excessively spacious venting space 20 between the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b, thereby improving the space utilization and energy density of the battery device 1.

[0102] Please refer to Figures 4, 6, and 7. In some embodiments of this application, the battery device 1 includes a protective member 30, which is disposed between the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b.

[0103] It should be noted that a protective member 30 can be provided between adjacent first battery cells 10a and second battery cells 10b as needed. The protective member 30 is used to block the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b to prevent direct impact between them. The protective member 30 is a rigid component, and its material can be customized as needed, for example, but not limited to, aluminum, steel, titanium, etc. The installation position and state of the protective member 30 are relatively stable. For example, the protective member 30 can be stabilized by being clamped by the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b, or it can be fixed to the first battery cell 10a or the second battery cell 10b, or it can be fixed to other components of the battery device 1 (such as the housing) to stabilize its installation position and state.

[0104] By adopting the above solution, a protective member 30 can be provided between adjacent first battery cells 10a and second battery cells 10b. This protective member 30 acts as a physical barrier, effectively preventing direct alignment impact between the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b. It also effectively prevents the gas and active material released by the first pressure relief mechanism 16a from directly impacting the second battery cell 10b, and vice versa. This reduces the risk of rapid spread of thermal runaway between adjacent first battery cells 10a and second battery cells 10b, improving the reliability of the battery device 1. Furthermore, the protective member 30 is a rigid component, which to a certain extent enhances the structural strength of the assembly consisting of the first battery cell 10a, the protective member 30, and the second battery cell 10b, thereby improving the structural strength, reliability, and service life of the battery device 1.

[0105] Of course, in other embodiments, the protective element 30 may be omitted between adjacent first battery cells 10a and second battery cells 10b as needed.

[0106] Please refer to Figures 4, 6, and 7. In some embodiments of this application, the protective member 30 includes a first protective plate 31, which is disposed on the side of the second battery cell 10b facing the first battery cell 10a and is disposed opposite to the first pressure relief mechanism 16a.

[0107] It should be noted that the first protective plate 31 and the first pressure relief mechanism 16a are arranged opposite each other along a first direction. The first protective plate 31 is disposed on the side of the second battery cell 10b facing the first battery cell 10a to provide specialized enhanced protection for the sidewall of the second battery cell 10b facing the first battery cell 10a. In some embodiments, the first protective plate 31 may be arranged close to the side of the second battery cell 10b facing the first battery cell 10a. "Close to" means that the first protective plate 31 is close to the side of the second battery cell 10b facing the first battery cell 10a, but away from the first battery cell 10a. The surface of the first protective plate 31 and the side of the second battery cell 10b facing the first battery cell 10a may be abutted or have a small gap. In addition, the size and shape of the first protective plate 31 can be set as needed.

[0108] By adopting the above scheme, the protective component 30 can specifically enhance the protection of the portion of the second battery cell 10b facing the first battery cell 10a opposite to the first pressure relief mechanism 16a through the first protective plate 31, and specifically provide an additional protective barrier for the portion of the second battery cell 10b directly facing the first pressure relief mechanism 16a. Based on this, the first protective plate 31 can directly face, withstand, and block the impact of the gas and active material released by the first pressure relief mechanism 16a, thereby reducing the risk of the gas and active material released by the first pressure relief mechanism 16a directly impacting the second battery cell 10b, reducing the risk of thermal runaway rapidly spreading between adjacent first battery cells 10a and second battery cells 10b, and improving the reliability of the battery device 1. Furthermore, since the protective component 30 can effectively block the gas and active material released by the first pressure relief mechanism 16a from directly impacting the second battery cell 10b via the first protective plate 31, there is no need to reserve a large exhaust space 20 between the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b to prevent the gas and active material released by the first pressure relief mechanism 16a from directly impacting the second battery cell 10b. This helps to reduce the width d of the exhaust space 20 along the first direction, which is beneficial to improving the space utilization and energy density of the battery device 1.

[0109] Please refer to Figures 4, 6, and 7. In some embodiments of this application, the protective member 30 includes a second protective plate 32. The second protective plate 32 is disposed on the side of the first battery cell 10a facing the second battery cell 10b and is disposed opposite to the second pressure relief mechanism 16b.

[0110] It should be noted that the second protective plate 32 and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b are disposed opposite each other along the first direction. The second protective plate 32 is disposed on the side of the first battery cell 10a facing the second battery cell 10b to provide specialized enhanced protection for the sidewall of the first battery cell 10a facing the second battery cell 10b. In some embodiments, the second protective plate 32 may be arranged close to the side of the first battery cell 10a facing the second battery cell 10b. "Close to" means that the second protective plate 32 is close to the side of the first battery cell 10a facing the second battery cell 10b, but away from the second battery cell 10b. The surface of the second protective plate 32 may be abutted against the side of the first battery cell 10a facing the second battery cell 10b or a small gap may be provided. In addition, the size and shape of the second protective plate 32 can be set as needed.

[0111] By adopting the above solution, the protective component 30 can specifically enhance the protection of the portion of the sidewall of the first battery cell 10a facing the second battery cell 10b, opposite to the second pressure relief mechanism 16b, through the second protective plate 32, providing an additional protective barrier for the portion of the first battery cell 10a directly facing the second pressure relief mechanism 16b. Based on this, the second protective plate 32 can directly face, withstand, and block the impact of the gas and active material released by the second pressure relief mechanism 16b, thereby reducing the risk of the gas and active material released by the second pressure relief mechanism 16b directly impacting the first battery cell 10a, reducing the risk of thermal runaway rapidly spreading between adjacent first battery cells 10a and second battery cells 10b, and improving the reliability of the battery device 1. Furthermore, since the protective component 30 can effectively block the gas and active material released by the second pressure relief mechanism 16b from directly impacting the first battery cell 10a via the second protective plate 32, there is no need to reserve a large exhaust space 20 between the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b to prevent the gas and active material released by the second pressure relief mechanism 16b from directly impacting the first battery cell 10a. This helps to reduce the width d of the exhaust space 20 along the first direction, which is beneficial to improving the space utilization and energy density of the battery device 1.

[0112] This embodiment is particularly suitable for use in conjunction with the embodiment in which "the protective component 30 includes a first protective plate 31, the first protective plate 31 is disposed on the side of the second battery cell 10b facing the first battery cell 10a, and is disposed opposite to the first pressure relief mechanism 16a". In the case where "the protective component 30 blocks the gas and active material released by the first pressure relief mechanism 16a from directly impacting the second battery cell 10b via the first protective plate 31, and blocks the gas and active material released by the second pressure relief mechanism 16b from directly impacting the first battery cell 10a via the second protective plate 32", a large exhaust space 20 is not required between the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b to prevent the gas and active material released by the first pressure relief mechanism 16a from directly impacting the second battery cell 10b, and to prevent the gas and active material released by the second pressure relief mechanism 16b from directly impacting the first battery cell 10a. This can significantly reduce the width d of the exhaust space 20 along the first direction, and even the width d of the exhaust space 20 along the first direction can be halved compared to the case where "no protective component 30 is provided between the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b". For example, when "no protective member 30 is provided between the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b", the width d of the venting space 20 along the first direction is set to approximately 15mm, so as to reserve 7mm of impact protection space for each of the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b; while when "a first protective plate 31 and a second protective plate 32 are provided between the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b", the width d of the venting space 20 along the first direction can be reduced to 7mm. In this case, the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b can share the 7mm impact protection space. This can effectively improve the space utilization and energy density of the battery device 1.

[0113] Please refer to Figures 4, 6, and 7. In some embodiments of this application, the protective member 30 includes a partition plate 33. The partition plate 33 extends from the first battery cell 10a to the second battery cell 10b and is disposed between the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b to divide the exhaust space 20 between the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b into a first exhaust space 21 and a second exhaust space 22.

[0114] It should be noted that the separator 33 extends from the first battery cell 10a to the second battery cell 10b. The extension direction of the separator 33 can be parallel to the first direction (as shown in Figure 7) or inclined to the first direction. The separator 33 is disposed between the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b, and divides the exhaust space 20 between the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b into a first exhaust space 21 corresponding to the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and a second exhaust space 22 corresponding to the second pressure relief mechanism 16b.

[0115] By adopting the above scheme, the protective component 30 can use a partition plate 33 extending from the first battery cell 10a to the second battery cell 10b to divide the exhaust space 20 between the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b into a first exhaust space 21 corresponding to the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and a second exhaust space 22 corresponding to the second pressure relief mechanism 16b. Based on this, the first pressure relief mechanism 16a can have its own independent first exhaust space 21, and the gas and active material released by the first pressure relief mechanism 16a can be discharged along the first exhaust space 21 in a direction away from the second pressure relief mechanism 16b. Similarly, the second pressure relief mechanism 16b can have its own independent second exhaust space 22, and the gas and active material released by the second pressure relief mechanism 16b can be discharged along the second exhaust space 22 in a direction away from the first pressure relief mechanism 16a, thereby improving the reliability of the battery device 1. Furthermore, as a rigid structure, the separator 33 can enhance the structural connection between the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b to a certain extent, thereby improving the structural strength, stability and reliability of the assembly consisting of the first battery cell 10a, the protective component 30 and the second battery cell 10b.

[0116] Please refer to Figures 4, 6, and 7. In some embodiments of this application, the protective member 30 includes a first protective plate 31, a partition plate 33, and a second protective plate 32 that are bent and connected in sequence. The bending directions of the first protective plate 31 and the second protective plate 32 at both ends of the partition plate 33 are opposite.

[0117] It should be noted that the protective component 30 includes a first protective plate 31, a partition plate 33, and a second protective plate 32. The partition plate 33 is the same as the partition plate 33 in the above embodiment. The partition plate 33 extends from the first battery cell 10a to the second battery cell 10b, dividing the venting space 20 between the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b into a first venting space 21 corresponding to the first pressure relief mechanism 16a, and a second venting space 22 corresponding to the second pressure relief mechanism 16b. The first protective plate 31 is the same as the first protective plate 31 in the above embodiment. The first protective plate 31 is bent and connected to the end of the partition plate 33 near the second battery cell 10b, and is bent relative to the partition plate 33 towards the first pressure relief mechanism 16a, such that the first protective plate 31 is located on the side of the second battery cell 10b facing the first battery cell 10a, and is opposite to the first pressure relief mechanism 16a. The second protective plate 32, as described in the above embodiment, is bent and connected to the end of the separator 33 near the first battery cell 10a. It is bent relative to the separator 33 towards the second pressure relief mechanism 16b, such that the second protective plate 32 is positioned on the side of the first battery cell 10a facing the second battery cell 10b, and is opposite to the second pressure relief mechanism 16b. Since the separator 33 is located between the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b, the bending direction of the first protective plate 31 relative to the separator 33 is opposite to the bending direction of the second protective plate 32 relative to the separator 33; that is, the bending directions of the first protective plate 31 and the second protective plate 32 are opposite at both ends of the separator 33. The angle between the first protective plate 31 and the separator 33 can be a right angle (as shown in Figure 7), or an acute or obtuse angle. The angle between the second protective plate 32 and the separator 33 can also be a right angle (as shown in Figure 7), or an acute or obtuse angle.

[0118] By adopting the above scheme, the protective component 30 can effectively block the gas and active material released by the first pressure relief mechanism 16a from directly impacting the second battery cell 10b through the first protective plate 31, and can effectively block the gas and active material released by the second pressure relief mechanism 16b from directly impacting the first battery cell 10a through the second protective plate 32. The partition plate 33 can make the first pressure relief mechanism 16a have an independent first exhaust space 21 and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b have an independent second exhaust space 22, thereby reducing the risk of thermal runaway spreading rapidly between adjacent first battery cells 10a and second battery cells 10b, improving exhaust efficiency and exhaust effect, and improving the reliability of the battery device 1. Furthermore, based on the first protective plate 31, the partition plate 33, and the second protective plate 32 being bent and connected in sequence to form an integral protective component 30, the structural design of the protective component 30 can be modularized and optimized, which can improve the integrity, structural strength, structural reliability, and structural stability of the protective component 30. It can also improve the processing convenience of the protective component 30, improve the assembly convenience and efficiency of assembling the protective component 30 between the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b, and facilitate the stabilization of the installation position and installation status of the protective component 30.

[0119] Of course, in other embodiments, the protective member 30 may include only one of the first protective plate 31, the partition plate 33, and the second protective plate 32, or it may include both of the first protective plate 31, the partition plate 33, and the second protective plate 32. In other embodiments, the protective member 30 may adopt other structural designs; for example, the protective member 30 may be plate-shaped as a whole.

[0120] Please refer to Figures 4, 5, and 6. In some embodiments of this application, the battery cell 10 includes a housing 11 and an electrode terminal 14. The housing 11 is provided with a recess 113 that is recessed toward its interior, and the electrode terminal 14 is disposed in the recess 113.

[0121] It should be noted that the housing 11 is a component that isolates the internal environment of the battery cell 10 from the external environment. The electrode terminal 14 is a component used for outputting or inputting electrical energy. The electrode terminal 14 can be installed on the housing 11 and is stably installed in a position and state relative to the housing 11. Some related descriptions of the housing 11 and the electrode terminal 14 can be found in the previous text and will not be repeated here.

[0122] It should also be noted that the wall portion of the housing 11 for mounting the electrode terminal 14 may have a recess 113, which is recessed into the housing 11 relative to other portions of the wall portion. The electrode terminal 14 can be mounted in the recess 113 to reduce the size of the electrode terminal 14 protruding from the recess 113. As shown in FIG4, in some embodiments, the electrode terminal 14 includes a positive electrode terminal 14a and a negative electrode terminal 14b, which are mounted in the same recess 113. In other embodiments, the electrode terminal 14 includes a positive electrode terminal 14a and a negative electrode terminal 14b, which are mounted in two separate recesses 113.

[0123] By adopting the above solution, the recess 113 provided on the outer casing 11 provides installation space for the electrode terminal 14, allowing part or all of the electrode terminal 14 to be accommodated in the recess 113. This reduces the size of the electrode terminal 14 protruding from the recess 113, thereby reducing the additional space required for the electrode terminal 14, reducing the overall protruding portion of the battery cell 10, and reducing the overall size and space occupied by the battery cell 10. This improves the space utilization and energy density of the battery device 1. Furthermore, since part or all of the electrode terminal 14 is accommodated in the recess 113, the risk of damage to the electrode terminal 14 due to external impact or compression is reduced, thereby improving the reliability and service life of the battery cell 10. The recess 113 also provides clear positioning for the installation of the electrode terminal 14, making the installation position and state of the electrode terminal 14 more stable and reliable. This optimizes the assembly process of the battery cell 10, improving the ease of assembly, assembly efficiency, and production efficiency of the battery cell 10.

[0124] Of course, in other embodiments, the recess 113 may be omitted from the housing 11, and the electrode terminal 14 may be directly mounted on the wall of the housing 11.

[0125] Please refer to Figures 4, 5, and 6. In some embodiments of this application, the electrode terminal 14 does not protrude from the recess 113. That is, the electrode terminal 14 is completely embedded in the recess 113 and does not protrude from the recess 113.

[0126] By adopting the above solution, and by ensuring that the electrode terminal 14 does not protrude from the recess 113, the entire electrode terminal 14 can be accommodated within the recess 113. Based on this, the space occupied by the housing 11 is essentially equal to the space occupied by the battery cell 10, and the electrode terminal 14 requires virtually no additional space. This reduces the overall size and space occupied by the battery cell 10, facilitating the compact arrangement of multiple battery cells 10 and improving the space utilization and energy density of the battery device 1. Furthermore, since the entire electrode terminal 14 is accommodated within the recess 113, the risk of damage to the electrode terminal 14 due to external impact or compression is significantly reduced, thereby improving the reliability and lifespan of the battery cell 10.

[0127] Of course, in other embodiments, the electrode terminal 14 may protrude partially from the recess 113.

[0128] Please refer to Figures 4, 5, and 6. In some embodiments of this application, the recess 113 is provided on the wall of the outer casing 11 along the height direction z of the battery cell 10.

[0129] It should be noted that the recess 113 is provided on the wall of the outer casing 11 along the height direction z of the battery cell 10, which means that the electrode terminal 14 is provided on the wall of the outer casing 11 along the height direction z of the battery cell 10, and is provided in the recess 113.

[0130] By adopting the above solution, the layout of the recess 113 and the electrode terminal 14 can be optimized, which facilitates the arrangement of multiple battery cells 10 and makes it easier for multiple battery cells 10 to establish the required electrical connection relationship based on the electrode terminal 14. Furthermore, it can significantly reduce the additional space occupied by the electrode terminal 14 in the height direction z of the battery cell 10, thereby optimizing and improving the space utilization and energy density of the battery device 1.

[0131] This embodiment is particularly suitable for use in conjunction with related embodiments where "the first direction corresponds to the length direction x of the battery cell 10". With this arrangement, the additional space occupied by the electrode terminal 14 in the height direction z of the battery cell 10 can be reduced, and the space occupied by the exhaust space 20 in the height direction z of the battery cell 10 can also be reduced, thereby optimizing and improving the space utilization and energy density of the battery device 1.

[0132] Of course, in other embodiments, the recess 113 may be provided on the wall portion of the outer casing 11 along the length direction x of the battery cell 10, or on the wall portion of the outer casing 11 along the thickness direction y of the battery cell 10.

[0133] Please refer to Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7. Based on the above embodiments, this application provides a specific example of a battery device 1. The battery device 1 includes a plurality of battery cells 10, and at least one pair of adjacent battery cells 10 consists of a first battery cell 10a and a second battery cell 10b. The first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b are arranged along a first direction, which corresponds to the length direction x of the battery cell 10.

[0134] A first pressure relief mechanism 16a is provided on the side of the first battery cell 10a facing the second battery cell 10b, and a second pressure relief mechanism 16b is provided on the side of the second battery cell 10b facing the first battery cell 10a. The space between the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b forms a shared exhaust space 20, and the width d of the exhaust space 20 along the first direction is 3mm to 15mm. Based on this, adjacent first battery cells 10a and second battery cells 10b can share the exhaust space 20 in the length direction x of the battery cell 10, which can reduce the space occupied by the battery device 1 in the height direction z and the thickness direction y of the battery cell 10, thereby optimizing and improving the space utilization and energy density of the battery device 1.

[0135] In the same plane perpendicular to the first direction, the orthographic projections of the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b do not overlap at all. The first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b are arranged at intervals along the second direction, which corresponds to the height direction z of the battery cell 10. Based on this, the relative layout of the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b can be regularized, modularized, and optimized. The orthographic projections of the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b in the same plane perpendicular to the first direction can be precisely controlled to ensure that they do not overlap. This can essentially avoid direct alignment impact between the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b, thereby reducing the risk of rapid spread of thermal runaway between adjacent first battery cells 10a and second battery cells 10b and improving the reliability of the battery device 1.

[0136] The battery device 1 also includes a protective member 30, which is disposed between the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b. The protective member 30 includes a first protective plate 31, a partition plate 33, and a second protective plate 32. The partition plate 33 extends from the first battery cell 10a to the second battery cell 10b and is disposed between the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b to divide the vent space 20 between the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b into a first vent space 21 corresponding to the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and a second vent space 22 corresponding to the second pressure relief mechanism 16b. The first protective plate 31 is bent and connected to the end of the partition plate 33 near the second battery cell 10b, and is bent relative to the partition plate 33 toward the first pressure relief mechanism 16a, such that the first protective plate 31 is disposed on the side of the second battery cell 10b facing the first battery cell 10a and opposite to the first pressure relief mechanism 16a. The second protective plate 32 is bent and connected to the end of the separator 33 near the first battery cell 10a, and is bent relative to the separator 33 toward the second pressure relief mechanism 16b, so that the second protective plate 32 is located on the side of the first battery cell 10a facing the second battery cell 10b, and is opposite to the second pressure relief mechanism 16b. Since the separator 33 is located between the first pressure relief mechanism 16a and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b, the bending direction of the first protective plate 31 relative to the separator 33 is opposite to the bending direction of the second protective plate 32 relative to the separator 33, that is, the bending directions of the first protective plate 31 and the second protective plate 32 are opposite at both ends of the separator 33. Based on this, the protective component 30 can effectively block the gas and active material released by the first pressure relief mechanism 16a from directly impacting the second battery cell 10b through the first protective plate 31, and can effectively block the gas and active material released by the second pressure relief mechanism 16b from directly impacting the first battery cell 10a through the second protective plate 32. The partition plate 33 can make the first pressure relief mechanism 16a have an independent first exhaust space 21 and the second pressure relief mechanism 16b have an independent second exhaust space 22, thereby reducing the risk of thermal runaway spreading rapidly between adjacent first battery cells 10a and second battery cells 10b, improving exhaust efficiency and exhaust effect, and improving the reliability of the battery device 1. Furthermore, based on the first protective plate 31, the partition plate 33, and the second protective plate 32 being bent and connected in sequence to form an integral protective component 30, the structural design of the protective component 30 can be modularized and optimized, which can improve the integrity, structural strength, structural reliability, and structural stability of the protective component 30. It can also improve the processing convenience of the protective component 30, improve the assembly convenience and efficiency of assembling the protective component 30 between the first battery cell 10a and the second battery cell 10b, and facilitate the stabilization of the installation position and installation status of the protective component 30.

[0137] The battery cell 10 includes a housing 11 and electrode terminals 14. The housing 11 has a recess 113 along its wall in the height direction z of the battery cell 10. The recess 113 is recessed towards the interior of the housing 11. The electrode terminals 14 are disposed within the recess 113 and do not protrude from the opening of the recess 113. Based on this, the entire electrode terminal 14 can be accommodated within the recess 113, significantly reducing the additional space occupied by the electrode terminal 14 in the height direction z of the battery cell 10. This allows the space occupied by the housing 11 to be substantially equal to the space occupied by the battery cell 10, thereby reducing the overall size and space occupied by the battery cell 10. This facilitates the compact arrangement of multiple battery cells 10 and improves the space utilization and energy density of the battery device 1.

[0138] Please refer to Figures 1 and 4. Some embodiments of this application provide an electrical device, which includes the battery device 1 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0139] By adopting the above solution, the electrical device can improve its space utilization and reliability by using the battery device 1 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0140] The above are merely optional embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A battery device, wherein, The battery device includes a first battery cell and a second battery cell arranged adjacent to each other. The first battery cell and the second battery cell are arranged along a first direction. The first battery cell has a first pressure relief mechanism on the side facing the second battery cell, and the second battery cell has a second pressure relief mechanism on the side facing the first battery cell. In the same plane perpendicular to the first direction, the orthographic projection of the first pressure relief mechanism and the orthographic projection of the second pressure relief mechanism do not overlap at least partially.

2. The battery device according to claim 1, wherein, In the same plane perpendicular to the first direction, the orthographic projection of the first pressure relief mechanism and the orthographic projection of the second pressure relief mechanism do not overlap at all.

3. The battery device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first pressure relief mechanism and the second pressure relief mechanism are arranged at intervals along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.

4. The battery device according to claim 3, wherein, The first direction corresponds to the length direction of the battery cell, and the second direction corresponds to the height or thickness direction of the battery cell.

5. The battery device according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, An exhaust space is formed between the first battery cell and the second battery cell, and the width of the exhaust space along the first direction is 3mm to 15mm.

6. The battery device according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The battery device includes a protective component disposed between the first battery cell and the second battery cell.

7. The battery device according to claim 6, wherein, The protective component includes a first protective plate, which is disposed on the side of the second battery cell facing the first battery cell and is disposed opposite to the first pressure relief mechanism. And / or, the protective component includes a second protective plate, which is disposed on the side of the first battery cell facing the second battery cell and is disposed opposite to the second pressure relief mechanism.

8. The battery device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The protective component includes a partition plate extending from the first battery cell to the second battery cell and positioned between the first pressure relief mechanism and the second pressure relief mechanism to divide the exhaust space between the first battery cell and the second battery cell into a first exhaust space and a second exhaust space.

9. The battery device according to any one of claims 6-8, wherein, The protective component includes a first protective plate, a partition plate, and a second protective plate that are bent and connected in sequence, with the bending directions of the first protective plate and the second protective plate at both ends of the partition plate being opposite.

10. The battery device according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The battery cell includes a housing and electrode terminals. The housing has a recessed portion that is recessed toward its interior, and the electrode terminals are disposed in the recessed portion.

11. The battery device according to claim 10, wherein, The electrode terminal does not protrude from the recess of the recess.

12. The battery device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The recess is provided on the wall of the outer casing along the height direction of the battery cell.

13. An electrical appliance, wherein, The electrical device includes a battery device as described in any one of claims 1-12.

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