BATTERY CELL, BATTERY CELL MANUFACTURING METHOD AND EQUIPMENT, BATTERY, AND ELECTRICAL DEVICE

A battery cell includes a housing, an end cap, an electrode assembly, and an insulator. An opening is created on the housing. The end cap is configured to fit and cover the opening. The electrode assembly is accommodated in the housing and includes a body portion, a first tab, and a second tab. The first tab and the second tab are of opposite polarities and located on a same side of the body portion. A least a part of the insulator is disposed between the first tab and the second tab and configured to restrict the first tab from deforming toward the second tab.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to the technical field of batteries, and more specifically, to a battery cell, a battery cell manufacturing method and equipment, a battery, and an electrical device.

BACKGROUND

Energy conservation and emission reduction are key to sustainable development of the automobile industry. Electric vehicles have become an important part of the sustainable development of the automobile industry by virtue of energy saving and environmental friendliness. Battery technology is crucial to development of electric vehicles.

In the battery technology, both safety and performance of a battery cell need to be considered. The energy density of the battery cell affects the performance of the battery. Therefore, how to increase the energy density of the battery cell is an urgent technical problem in the battery technology.

SUMMARY

This application provides a battery cell, a battery cell manufacturing method and equipment, a battery, and an electrical device to improve the energy density and safety of the battery cell.

According to a first aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a battery cell, including a housing, an end cap, an electrode assembly, and an insulator. An opening is created on the housing. The end cap is configured to fit and cover the opening. The electrode assembly is accommodated in the housing and includes a body portion, a first tab, and a second tab. The first tab and the second tab are of opposite polarities and located on a same side of the body portion. A least a part of the insulator is disposed between the first tab and the second tab and configured to restrict the first tab from deforming toward the second tab.

In the above technical solution, the second tab and the first tab are located on the same side of the body portion, so that the tabs are led out from the same side of the body portion. In this way, the space inside the battery cell is saved, and the housing can provide more space for the body portion, thereby increasing the energy density of the battery cell. The insulator can restrict the first tab from deforming toward the second tab, and can isolate the first tab from the second tab, thereby reducing the risk of a short circuit caused by the contact between the first tab and the second tab, and improving the safety of the battery cell. The insulator can restrict the degree of deformation of the first tab, thereby reducing the risk of tearing the first tab caused by excessive deformation, and in turn, ensuring a sufficient flow capacity of the battery cell and improving safety.

In some embodiments, the first tab includes a base portion and a protruding portion. The base portion is led out from the body portion. The protruding portion protrudes from a first outer peripheral surface of the base portion in a radial direction of the body portion.

In the above technical solution, the protruding portion is provided to increase the flow area in a local region of the first tab and improve the flow capacity.

In some embodiments, the protruding portion is configured to be formed by squeezing an end of the first tab, the end being oriented toward the end cap. The insulator is configured to be mounted onto the body portion before the protruding portion is formed.

When the first tab is squeezed to form the protruding portion, the entire first tab is stressed and prone to deform. In the above technical solution, the insulator is mounted onto the body portion before the first tab is squeezed. In this way, the insulator can restrict the first tab from deforming toward the second tab, thereby reducing the risk of a short circuit caused by the contact between the first tab and the second tab and improving the safety of the battery cell. The protruding portion increases a dimension of the first tab along a radial direction of the body portion. In the above technical solution, the insulator is mounted onto the body portion beforehand, thereby preventing the protruding portion from interfering with the insulator during the mounting.

In some embodiments, in an axial direction of the body portion, at least a part of the protruding portion is located on a side of the insulator, the side being away from the body portion.

In the above technical solution, the insulator can isolate at least a part of the protruding portion from the body portion, thereby reducing the risk of insertion of the protruding portion into the body portion during vibration of the battery cell, and improving safety. In addition, the protruding portion can restrict the insulator in the axial direction, and reduce the wobbling amplitude of the insulator during vibration of the battery cell.

In some embodiments, the protruding portion and the body portion clamp the insulator from both sides.

In the above technical solution, the protruding portion and the body portion fix the insulator, thereby reducing the wobbling amplitude of the insulator during vibration of the battery cell, and improving the stability of the insulator.

In some embodiments, the insulator includes a first insulating portion. At least a part of the first insulating portion is disposed between the base portion and the second tab to restrict the base portion from deforming toward the second tab. In the axial direction of the body portion, at least a part of the first insulating portion is located between the protruding portion and the body portion to restrict the protruding portion from deforming toward the body portion.

In the above technical solution, the first insulating portion can restrict the deformation of both the base portion and the protruding portion to reduce the risk of a lap-joint between the base portion and the second tab as well as the risk of insertion of the protruding portion into the body portion, thereby improving safety.

In some embodiments, the first insulating portion includes a second outer peripheral surface parallel to the axial direction of the body portion. In the radial direction of the body portion, a minimum distance between the second outer peripheral surface and the base portion is less than or equal to 5 mm.

During assembling and use of the battery cell, the base portion is prone to deform when being squeezed. When excessively deformed, the base portion may be inserted into the body portion, thereby posing a short-circuit risk. In the above technical solution, the spacing between the second outer peripheral surface of the first insulating portion and the base portion is relatively small. In this way, the first insulating portion can effectively support the base portion, reduce the degree of deformation of the base portion, reduce the risk of insertion of the base portion into the body portion, and improve safety.

In some embodiments, the second outer peripheral surface abuts against the first outer peripheral surface of the base portion to effectively support the base portion, thereby reducing the degree of deformation of the base portion, reducing the risk of insertion of the base portion into the body portion, and improving safety.

In some embodiments, the first tab and the second tab are spaced out in a circumferential direction of the body portion.

In the above technical solution, the first tab and the second tab can have a larger dimension in the radial direction of the body portion, thereby improving the flow capacity of the first tab and the second tab.

In some embodiments, the first insulating portion includes a first through-hole. The body portion assumes a jelly-roll structure and includes a second through-hole. The first through-hole and the second through-hole are disposed opposite to each other along the axial direction of the body portion.

In the above technical solution, the first through-hole and the second through-hole can be used as a positioning reference during assembling of the electrode assembly and the insulator, thereby simplifying the assembling process.

In some embodiments, the first insulating portion includes a first through-hole, and the first through-hole is located between the first tab and the second tab. In the radial direction of the body portion, the end away from the base portion among the ends of the protruding portion does not go beyond a hole wall of the first through-hole.

In the above technical solution, the end away from the base portion among the ends of the protruding portion does not go beyond the hole wall of the first through-hole, thereby preventing the protruding portion from extending into the first through-hole, reducing the risk of insertion of the protruding portion into the body portion through the first through-hole, and improving safety.

In some embodiments, the insulator further includes a second insulating portion. The second insulating portion is connected to the first insulating portion and disposed on a side of the base portion along the circumferential direction of the body portion to restrict the base portion from deforming along the circumferential direction of the body portion.

In the above technical solution, the insulator can restrict the base portion from deforming along the circumferential direction of the body portion, thereby further reducing the risk of tearing caused by excessive deformation of the base portion, and in turn, ensuring a sufficient flow capacity of the battery cell and improving safety.

In some embodiments, in the axial direction of the body portion, at least a part of the second insulating portion is located between the protruding portion and the body portion to restrict the protruding portion from deforming toward the body portion.

In the above technical solution, the second insulating portion can restrict the deformation of the protruding portion to reduce the risk of insertion of the protruding portion into the body portion, thereby improving safety.

In some embodiments, two second insulating portions are disposed. The two second insulating portions are located on two sides of the base portion respectively along the circumferential direction of the body portion.

In the above technical solution, the two second insulating portions can restrict the base portion from two sides of the circumferential direction, so as to reshape the base portion in the circumferential direction, thereby further reducing the risk of tearing caused by excessive deformation of the base portion, and in turn, ensuring a sufficient flow capacity of the battery cell and improving safety.

In some embodiments, the insulator further includes a third insulating portion. The third insulating portion is connected to an end of the second insulating portion, the end being away from the first insulating portion. The third insulating portion is located on a side of the base portion, the side being away from the first insulating portion, so as to restrict the base portion from deforming away from the first insulating portion.

In the above technical solution, the third insulating portion can restrict deforming away from the first insulating portion, thereby further reducing the risk of tearing caused by excessive deformation of the base portion, and in turn, ensuring a sufficient flow capacity of the battery cell and improving safety.

In some embodiments, in the axial direction of the body portion, at least a part of the third insulating portion is located between the protruding portion and the body portion to restrict the protruding portion from deforming toward the body portion.

In the above technical solution, the third insulating portion can restrict the deformation of the protruding portion at the same time to reduce the risk of insertion of the protruding portion into the body portion, thereby improving safety.

In some embodiments, the first insulating portion, the two second insulating portions, and the third insulating portion close in to form a third through-hole, and the first tab passes through the third through-hole.

In the above technical solution, the hole wall of the third through-hole can restrict the first tab from all sides to reshape the first tab, thereby reducing the degree of deformation of the first tab under pressure, and reducing the risk of tearing the first tab.

In some embodiments, the insulator is further configured to restrict the second tab from deforming toward the first tab.

In the above technical solution, the insulator can restrict the deformation of both the first tab and the second tab, thereby reducing the risk of tearing the first tab or the second tab caused by excessive deformation and the risk of a short circuit caused by the contact between the first tab and the second tab, and in turn, further improving the safety of the battery cell.

In some embodiments, the insulator includes a third through-hole and a fourth through-hole. The first tab passes through the third through-hole. A hole wall of the third through-hole restricts deformation of the first tab from outside. The second tab passes through the fourth through-hole. A hole wall of the fourth through-hole restricts deformation of the second tab from outside.

In the above technical solution, the hole wall of the third through-hole and the hole wall of the fourth through-hole reshape the first tab and the second tab respectively, thereby reducing the degree of deformation of the first tab and the second tab under pressure, and reducing the risk of tearing the first tab and the second tab.

In some embodiments, the insulator includes a first insulating portion, two second insulating portions, a third insulating portion, two fourth insulating portions, and a fifth insulating portion. The two second insulating portions and the two fourth insulating portions are arranged outside the first insulating portion successively along a circumferential direction of the body portion. Each of the second insulating portions is connected to the first insulating portion and the third insulating portion. The first insulating portion, the two second insulating portions, and the third insulating portion close in to form the third through-hole. Each of the fourth insulating portions is connected to the first insulating portion and the fifth insulating portion. The first insulating portion, the two second insulating portions, and the third insulating portion close in to form the fourth through-hole.

In some embodiments, the insulator further includes two reinforcing portions. One reinforcing portion, the third insulating portion, the other reinforcing portion, and the fifth insulating portion are connected successively along the circumferential direction of the body portion to form a ring structure.

In the above technical solution, the reinforcing portions can increase the overall strength of the insulator, so as to reduce the deformation of the insulator squeezed by the first tab, the second tab, and other forces, and in turn, thereby effectively supporting the first tab and the second tab.

In some embodiments, an end face of the body portion toward the end cap is formed of a first region and a second region. The first tab and the second tab are led out from the first region. An area of the second region is S, an area of a part covered by the insulator in the second region is S2, and a value of an S2/S1ratio is 0.5 to 0.95.

In the above technical solution, the insulator covers a relatively large area of the body portion, so that the insulator can protect the body portion, reduce the risk of dropping of particles into the body portion, and improve safety, where the particles are generated during formation of the battery cell.

In some embodiments, both the first tab and the second tab assume a ring structure, and the first tab surrounds the second tab. The insulator assumes a ring structure and is located between the first tab and the second tab.

In some embodiments, in an axial direction of the body portion, a projection of the insulator falls within a projection of the body portion.

In the above technical solution, the insulator does not additionally occupy the space in the housing in the radial direction of the body portion, thereby improving space efficiency.

In some embodiments, the insulator is fixed to the body portion to reduce the wobbling amplitude of the insulator during vibration of the battery, reduce the risk of the insulator crushing other components, and improve safety.

In some embodiments, the insulator is bonded to the body portion.

In some embodiments, the insulator is clamped between the end cap and the body portion.

In the above technical solution, the end cap and the body portion clamp the insulator to fix the insulator. In addition, the end cap can limit movement of the body portion through the insulator, so as to reduce the movement space of the body portion in the housing, and in turn, reduce the risk of tearing the first tab and the second tab during vibration of the battery cell.

In some embodiments, in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the body portion, a minimum spacing between the first tab and the second tab is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm.

The above technical solution ensures a sufficient spacing between the first tab and the second tab, so as to reduce the risk of a lap-joint between the first tab and the second tab during vibration of the battery cell, avoid a short circuit, and improve safety.

In some embodiments, the insulator is a structure formed in one piece. The insulator is highly integrated and easy to manufacture and mount.

In some embodiments, the battery cell further includes a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal disposed on the end cap. The first tab is configured to be electrically connected to the first electrode terminal. The second tab is configured to be electrically connected to the second electrode terminal. In some other embodiments, the battery cell further includes a second electrode terminal disposed on the end cap. The first tab is configured to be electrically connected to the end cap. The second tab is configured to be electrically connected to the second electrode terminal.

According to a second aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a battery, including a plurality of battery cells according to any embodiment in the first aspect.

According to a third aspect, an embodiment of this application provides an electrical device. The electrical device includes the battery cell according to any one of the embodiments in the first aspect. The battery cell is configured to provide electrical energy.

According to a fourth aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a battery cell manufacturing method, including:providing a housing, where an opening is created on the housing;providing an electrode assembly and an insulator, where the electrode assembly includes a body portion, a first tab, and a second tab; the first tab and the second tab are of opposite polarities and located on a same side of the body portion; and at least a part of the insulator is disposed between the first tab and the second tab;mounting the electrode assembly and the insulator into the housing; andproviding an end cap, and fitting the end cap onto the opening.

The insulator is configured to restrict the first tab from deforming toward the second tab.

According to a fifth aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a piece of battery cell manufacturing equipment, including: a first providing apparatus, a second providing apparatus, a first assembling apparatus, and a second assembling apparatus. The first providing apparatus is configured to provide a housing, where an opening is created on the housing. The second providing apparatus is configured to provide an electrode assembly and an insulator. The electrode assembly includes a body portion, a first tab, and a second tab. The first tab and the second tab are of opposite polarities and located on a same side of the body portion. At least a part of the insulator is disposed between the first tab and the second tab. The first assembling apparatus is configured to mount the electrode assembly and the insulator into the housing. The second assembling apparatus is configured to provide an end cap, and let the end cap fit and cover the opening. The insulator is configured to restrict the first tab from deforming toward the second tab.

The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the following gives a clear description of the technical solutions in some embodiments of this application with reference to the drawings in some embodiments of this application. Evidently, the described embodiments are merely a part rather than all of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments derived by a person of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of this application without making any creative efforts still fall within the protection scope of this application.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as what is normally understood by a person skilled in the technical field of this application. The terms used in the specification of this application are merely intended to describe specific embodiments but not intended to limit this application. The terms “include” and “contain” and any variations thereof used in the specification, claims, and brief description of drawings of this application are intended as non-exclusive inclusion. The terms such as “first” and “second” used in the specification, claims, and brief description of drawings herein are intended to distinguish between different items, but are not intended to describe a specific sequence or order of precedence.

Reference to “embodiment” in this application means that a specific feature, structure or characteristic described with reference to the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. Reference to this term in different places in the specification does not necessarily represent the same embodiment, nor does it represent an independent or alternative embodiment in a mutually exclusive relationship with other embodiments.

In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and defined, the terms “mount”, “concatenate”, “connect”, and “attach” are understood in a broad sense. For example, a “connection” may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated connection; or may be a direct connection or an indirect connection implemented through an intermediary; or may be internal communication between two components. A person of ordinary skill in the art is able to understand the specific meanings of the terms in this application according to specific situations.

The term “and/or” in this application indicates merely a relation for describing the related items, and represents three possible relationships. For example, “A and/or B” may represent the following three circumstances: A alone, both A and B, and B alone. In addition, the character “/” herein generally indicates an “or” relationship between the item preceding the character and the item following the character.

In embodiments of this application, the same reference numeral denotes the same component. For brevity, detailed descriptions of the same component are omitted in a different embodiment. Understandably, dimensions such as thickness, length, and width of various components in the embodiments of this application shown in the drawings, and dimensions such as overall thickness, length, and width of an integrated device are merely illustrative descriptions, but do not constitute any limitation on this application.

“A plurality of” referred to in this application means two or more (including two).

In this application, a battery cell may include a lithium-ion secondary battery cell, a lithium-ion primary battery cell, a lithium-sulfur battery cell, a sodium-lithium-ion battery cell, a sodium-ion battery cell, a magnesium-ion battery cell, or the like. The embodiments of this application do not limit the type of the battery cell. The battery cell may be in various shapes such as a cylinder, flat body, or cuboid, without being limited in embodiments of this application. Depending on the form of packaging, the battery cell is typically classed into three types: cylindrical battery cell, prismatic battery cell, and pouch-type battery cell. The embodiments of this application do not limit the type of the battery cell.

The battery mentioned in embodiments of this application means a unitary physical module that includes one or more battery cells to provide a higher voltage and a higher capacity. For example, the battery mentioned in this application may include a battery module, a battery pack, or the like. A battery typically includes a box configured to package one or more battery cells. The box prevents liquid or other foreign matters from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells.

A battery cell includes an electrode assembly and an electrolytic solution. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator. The battery cell works primarily by shuttling metal ions between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate. The positive electrode plate includes a positive current collector and a positive active material layer. A surface of the positive current collector is coated with the positive active material layer. Of the positive current collector, a part uncoated with the positive active material layer protrudes from a part coated with the positive active material layer. The part, uncoated with the positive active material layer, of the positive current collector, serves as a positive tab. Using a lithium-ion battery cell as an example, the positive current collector may be made of aluminum, and a positive active material may be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, lithium manganese oxide, or the like. The negative electrode plate includes a negative current collector and a negative active material layer. A surface of the negative current collector is coated with the negative active material layer. Of the negative current collector, a part uncoated with the negative active material layer protrudes from a part coated with the negative active material layer, and the part uncoated with the negative active material layer serves as a negative tab. The negative current collector may be made of copper, and a negative active material may be carbon, silicon, or the like. The separator may be made of a material such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE). In addition, the electrode assembly may be of a jelly-roll type structure or a stacked type structure, without being limited herein.

A battery cell typically includes a housing, an electrode assembly, and an end cap. The electrode assembly is located in the housing. The end cap fits and covers the housing to provide an airtight space for the electrode assembly and an electrolytic solution. The battery cell generates electrical energy by shuttling metal ions (such as lithium ions) between a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate of the electrode assembly.

The battery cell typically includes two output electrodes of opposite polarities to output the electrical energy of the battery cell. Currently, the battery cell typically includes two electrode lead-out pieces. The two electrode lead-out pieces are electrically connected to two tabs of opposite polarities of the electrode assembly respectively, so as to serve as two output electrodes of the battery cell respectively. The applicant finds that, when the two tabs of opposite polarities of the electrode assembly are located at two ends of the body portion of the electrode assembly respectively, both tabs occupy a part of space inside the housing, thereby reducing the space available to the body portion of the electrode assembly inside the housing, and reducing the energy density of the battery cell.

The applicant tries disposing the two tabs of the electrode assembly at the same end of the electrode assembly to save the space inside the battery cell. In this way, the housing can provide more space for the body portion of the electrode assembly and increase the energy density of the battery cell.

To ensure a sufficient flow capacity, the flow area of the two tabs of the electrode assembly needs to sufficient. Due to a limited size of the electrode assembly, when the two tabs are led out from the same end of the electrode assembly, in order to ensure a sufficient flow area of each tab, the spacing between the two tabs is caused to be relatively small. When the battery cell is subjected to vibration and shock, the two tabs are prone to deformation and a lap-joint, resulting in a short circuit and safety hazards.

In view of this, an embodiment of this application provides a technical solution. In this technical solution, a battery cell includes a housing, an end cap, an electrode assembly, and an insulator. An opening is created on the housing. The end cap is configured to fit and cover the opening. The electrode assembly is accommodated in the housing and includes a body portion, a first tab, and a second tab. The first tab and the second tab are of opposite polarities and located on a same side of the body portion. A least a part of the insulator is disposed between the first tab and the second tab and configured to restrict the first tab from deforming toward the second tab. The insulator in this technical solution can restrict the first tab from deforming toward the second tab, and can isolate the first tab from the second tab, thereby reducing the risk of a short circuit caused by the contact between the first tab and the second tab, and improving the safety of the battery cell. The insulator can restrict the degree of deformation of the first tab, thereby reducing the risk of tearing the first tab caused by excessive deformation, and in turn, ensuring a sufficient flow capacity of the battery cell and improving safety.

The technical solutions described in this embodiment of this application are applicable to a battery and an electrical device that uses the battery.

The electrical device may be a vehicle, a mobile phone, a portable device, a notebook computer, a ship, a spacecraft, an electric toy, a power tool, or the like. The vehicle may be an oil-fueled vehicle, a natural gas vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle may be a battery electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, a range-extended electric vehicle, or the like. The spacecraft includes an airplane, a rocket, a space shuttle, a spaceship, and the like. The electric toy includes a fixed or mobile electric toy, such as a game console, an electric car toy, an electric ship toy, an electric airplane toy, and the like. The power tool includes an electrical metal cutting tool, an electrical grinding tool, an electrical assembling tool, and a power tool for use in railways. Examples of the power tool are an electrical drill, an electrical grinder, an electrical wrench, an electrical screwdriver, an electrical hammer, an electrical impact drill, a concrete vibrator, an electrical planer, and the like. The electrical device is not particularly limited in this embodiment of this application.

For ease of description in the following embodiments, a vehicle is used as an example of the electrical device.

FIG.1is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle according to some embodiments of this application. Referring toFIG.1, a battery100is disposed inside the vehicle1000. The battery100may be disposed at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle1000. The battery100may be configured to supply power to the vehicle1000. For example, the battery100may serve as an operating power supply of the vehicle1000.

The vehicle1000may further include a controller200and a motor300. The controller200is configured to control the battery100to supply power to the motor300, for example, to meet electrical energy requirements in starting, navigating, or running the vehicle1000.

In some embodiments of this application, the battery100serves not only as an operating power supply of the vehicle1000, but may also serve as a drive power supply of the vehicle1000to provide a driving power supply for the vehicle1000in place of or partly in place of fuel oil or natural gas.

FIG.2is a schematic exploded view of a battery according to some embodiments of this application. Referring toFIG.2, the battery100includes a box10and a battery cell20. The box10is configured to accommodate the battery cell20.

The box10is a component configured to accommodate the battery cell20. The box10provides an accommodation space for the battery cell20. The box10may be in various structures. In some embodiments, the box10may include a first part11and a second part12. The first part11and the second part12fit and cover each other to define the accommodation space configured to accommodate the battery cell20. The first part11and the second part12may be in various shapes, such as a cuboid or cylinder. The first part11may be a hollow structure opened up at one side. The second part12may also be a hollow structure opened up at one side. The open-up side of the second part12fits and covers the open-up side of the first part11to form the box10that provides the accommodation space. Alternatively, the first part11is a hollow structure opened up at one side, and the second part12is a plate-shaped structure. The second part12fits and covers the open-up side of the first part11to form the box10that provides the accommodation space. A junction between the first part11and the second part12may be sealed by a sealing element. The sealing element may be a sealing ring, a sealant, or the like.

There may be one or more battery cells20in the battery100. If there are a plurality of battery cells20, the plurality of battery cells20may be connected in series, parallel, or series-and-parallel pattern. The series-and-parallel pattern means a combination of series connection and parallel connection of the plurality of battery cells20. The plurality of battery cells20are connected in series, parallel, or series-and-parallel pattern to form a battery module first, and then a plurality of battery modules are connected in series, parallel, or series-and-parallel pattern to form an entirety that is to be accommodated in the box10. Alternatively, all battery cells20are directly connected in series, parallel, or series-and-parallel pattern, and then the entirety of all battery cells20is accommodated in the box10.

In some embodiments, the battery100may further include a busbar component. The plurality of battery cells20may be electrically connected by the busbar component, so as to implement series, parallel, or series-and-parallel connection between the plurality of battery cells20. The busbar component may be a metal conductor, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, or an aluminum alloy.

FIG.3is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to some embodiments of this application;FIG.4is a schematic close-up view of a circled part A of the battery cell shown inFIG.3;FIG.5is a schematic diagram of the electrode assembly and insulator shown inFIG.3during assembling;FIG.6is a partial cross-sectional view ofFIG.5sectioned along a B-B line;FIG.7is another schematic diagram of the electrode assembly and insulator shown inFIG.5during assembling; andFIG.8is a partial cross-sectional view ofFIG.7sectioned along a C-C line.

Referring toFIG.3toFIG.8, an embodiment of this application provides a battery cell20, including a housing21, an end cap23, an electrode assembly22, and an insulator25. An opening is created on the housing21. The end cap23is configured to fit and cover the opening. The electrode assembly22is accommodated in the housing21and includes a body portion221, a first tab222, and a second tab223. The first tab222and the second tab223are of opposite polarities and located on the same side of the body portion221. A least a part of the insulator25is located between the first tab222and the second tab223and configured to restrict the first tab222from deforming toward the second tab223.

The housing21is a component configured to accommodate the electrode assembly22. The housing21may be a hollow structure opened at one end, or, the housing21may be a hollow structure opened at two ends. The housing21may be made of a variety of materials such as copper, iron, aluminum, steel, or an aluminum alloy. The housing21may be in various shapes such as a cylinder or cuboid. As an example, the housing21is cylindrical.

The electrode assembly22is a component that reacts electrochemically in the battery cell20. Both the first tab222and the second tab223protrude from the body portion221. The first tab222and the second tab223may be disposed on the same side of the body portion221. Of the first tab222and the second tab223, one is a positive tab, the other is a negative tab.

The electrode assembly22may assume a jelly-roll structure formed by winding a first electrode plate, a separator, and a second electrode plate, or a stacked structure formed by stacking the first electrode plate, the separator, and the second electrode plate. Of the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, one is a positive electrode plate, and the other is a negative electrode plate.

The body portion221may include a part coated with an active material layer on the positive electrode plate, a part coated with an active material layer on the negative electrode plate, and a separator. An active material in the active material layer is configured to electrochemically react with an electrolytic solution and the like to actuate a charge-and-discharge cycles process.

The positive tab may be a part coated with no active material layer on the positive electrode plate. The negative tab may be a part coated with no active material layer on the negative electrode plate. The positive tab and the negative tab lead out the electrical energy generated by the body portion221.

In an axial direction Z of the body portion221, the first tab222and the second tab223protrude from the same end of the body portion221. As an example, the first tab222and the second tab223protrude from the same end of the body portion221, the end being oriented toward the end cap23. In other words, the first tab222and the second tab223are located on the same side of the body portion221, the side being oriented toward the end cap23. As an example, the axial direction Z of the body portion221is parallel to the thickness direction of the end cap23.

As an example, the first electrode plate, the separator, and the second electrode plate are wound around a winding axis to form a jelly-roll type electrode assembly22. The winding axis is parallel to the axial direction Z of the body portion221. The radial direction of the body portion221is perpendicular to the axial direction Z of the body portion221and passes through the winding axis.

As an example, the body portion221is cylindrical.

The first tab222and the second tab223may be spaced out along the radial direction of the body portion221. For example, the first tab222and the second tab223assume a ring structure, and the first tab222is located on the outer circumferential side of the second tab223, so that the first tab222and the second tab223are arranged as a large ring and a small ring respectively. Alternatively, the first tab222and the second tab223may be spaced out along the circumferential direction Y of the body portion221. For example, the first tab222and the second tab223are strip-shaped, fan-shaped, or another structure.

The end cap23is a component that fits and covers the opening of the housing21to isolate the internal environment of the battery cell20from the external environment. The end cap23fits and covers the opening of the housing21. The end cap23and the housing21jointly define a sealed space configured to accommodate the electrode assembly22and the electrolytic solution. The end cap23may be hermetically connected to the housing21through a sealing element. The shape of the end cap23may fit the shape of the housing21. For example, the housing21is a cuboidal structure, and the end cap23is a rectangular plate-shaped structure that fits the housing21. For another example, the housing21is a cylindrical structure, and the end cap23is a circular plate-shaped structure that fits the housing21. The end cap23may be made of various materials. As an example, the end cap23may be made of a metal material such as copper, iron, aluminum, steel, or an aluminum alloy.

One or two end caps23may exist in the battery cell20. If the housing21is a hollow structure opened at one end, one end cap23is disposed. If the housing21is a hollow structure opened at both ends, two end caps23are disposed. The two end caps23fit and cover the two openings of the housing21respectively.

The insulator25is a component that isolates the first tab222from the second tab223. The first tab222is dielectrically isolated from the second tab223by the insulator25. The insulator25may be made of various materials such as rubber and plastic. At least a part of the insulator25is located between the first tab222and the second tab223. Understandably, the insulator25may be fully located between the first tab222and the second tab223, or the insulator25may be partly located between the first tab222and the second tab223.

In the radial direction of the body portion221, the insulator25may directly abut against the first tab222, or may be spaced apart from the first tab222by a specified distance.

This embodiment does not require the insulator25to completely restrict the deformation of the first tab222, as long as the insulator25can limit the extent of the deformation of the first tab222. For example, in a normal state, the insulator25and the first tab222may be spaced apart. When the battery cell20vibrates, the first tab222may deform and contact the insulator25. In this case, the insulator25can restrict the first tab222from deforming excessively.

The insulator25may be configured to restrict the deformation of the first tab222alone, or restrict the deformation of both the first tab222and the second tab223.

As an example, the insulator25is fixed in the battery cell20. For example, the insulator25may be fixed to the body portion221, or may be fixed to another structure of the battery cell20.

In this embodiment of this application, the second tab223and the first tab222are located on the same side of the body portion221, so that the tabs are led out from the same side of the body portion221. In this way, the space inside the battery cell20is saved, and the housing21can provide more space for the body portion221, thereby increasing the energy density of the battery cell20. The insulator25can restrict the first tab222from deforming toward the second tab223, and can isolate the first tab222from the second tab223, thereby reducing the risk of a short circuit caused by the contact between the first tab222and the second tab223, and improving the safety of the battery cell20. The insulator25can restrict the degree of deformation of the first tab222, thereby reducing the risk of tearing the first tab222caused by excessive deformation, and in turn, ensuring a sufficient flow capacity of the battery cell20and improving safety.

In some embodiments, the battery cell20includes a first electrode lead-out piece and a second electrode lead-out piece. The first electrode lead-out piece is configured to be electrically connected to the first tab222, and the second electrode lead-out piece is configured to be electrically connected to the second tab223. The first electrode lead-out piece and the second electrode lead-out piece are components of the battery cell20that are configured to be connected to an external component (such as a busbar component) to output electrical energy.

The first electrode lead-out piece and the second electrode lead-out piece are exposed conductive structures of the battery cell20, and are dielectrically isolated from each other.

In this embodiment, the structures of the first electrode lead-out piece and the second electrode lead-out piece are not limited. Using the first electrode lead-out piece as an example, the first electrode lead-out piece may be the end cap23, the housing21, or another conductive structure disposed on the end cap23.

In some embodiments, the battery cell20further includes a first electrode terminal26and a second electrode terminal24disposed on the end cap23. The first tab222is configured to be electrically connected to the first electrode terminal26. The second tab223is configured to be electrically connected to the second electrode terminal24.

The first electrode terminal26and the second electrode terminal24serve as the first electrode lead-out piece and the second electrode lead-out piece respectively.

That the first electrode terminal26is electrically connected to the first tab222means that the first electrode terminal26and the first tab222are connected so that a charge can move from one to the other. The first electrode terminal26may be directly connected to the first tab222to implement electrical connection in between. For example, the first electrode terminal26abuts on or is welded to the first tab222. Alternatively, the first electrode terminal26may be indirectly connected to the first tab222to implement electrical connection in between. For example, the first electrode terminal26is connected to the first tab222by a current collection component or conductive tape. That the second electrode terminal24is electrically connected to the second tab223means that the second electrode terminal24and the second tab223are connected so that a charge can move from one to the other. The second electrode terminal24may be directly connected to the second tab223to implement electrical connection in between. For example, the second electrode terminal24abuts on or is welded to the second tab223. Alternatively, the second electrode terminal24may be indirectly connected to the second tab223to implement electrical connection in between. For example, the second electrode terminal24is connected to the second tab223by a current collection component or conductive tape.

As an example, both the first electrode terminal26and the second electrode terminal24protrude from the outer surface of the end cap23to facilitate electrical connection with an external component.

In some embodiments, in an axial direction Z of the body portion221, a projection of the insulator25falls within a projection of the body portion221.

Both the projection of the insulator25and the projection of the body portion221mean projections in the same plane perpendicular to the axis direction Z.

In this embodiment, the insulator25does not additionally occupy the space in the housing21in the radial direction of the body portion221, thereby improving space efficiency.

In some embodiments, the insulator25is fixed to the body portion221.

The insulator25may be fixed to the body portion221by bonding, snap-fastening, or other means.

In this embodiment, the insulator25is fixed to the body portion221to reduce the wobbling amplitude of the insulator25during vibration of the battery cell20, reduce the risk of the insulator25crushing other components, and improve safety.

In some embodiments, the insulator25is bonded to the body portion221. As an example, during assembling, glue may be applied onto a surface of the insulator25, the surface being oriented toward the body portion221. In this way, the insulator25is bonded to the body portion221.

In some embodiments, in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction Z of the body portion221, a minimum spacing between the first tab222and the second tab223is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm.

In this embodiment, in any direction perpendicular to the axial direction Z of the body portion221, a minimum spacing between the first tab222and the second tab223is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm.

This embodiment ensures a sufficient spacing between the first tab222and the second tab223, so as to reduce the risk of a lap-joint between the first tab222and the second tab223during vibration of the battery cell20, avoid a short circuit, and improve safety.

In some embodiments, an end face of the body portion221toward the end cap23is formed of a first region and a second region. The first tab222and the second tab223are led out from the first region. An area of the second region is S, an area of a part covered by the insulator25in the second region is S2, and a value of the S2/S1ratio is 0.5 to 0.95.

The first region is a region corresponding to both the first tab222and the second tab223on an end face of the body portion221. In other words, the projection of the first tab222and the second tab223on the end face of the body portion221along the axial direction Z exactly coincides with the first region. The remaining region other than the first region on the end face of the body portion221is the second region.

An area of an orthographic projection of the insulator25on the second region along the axial direction Z is S2.

In some embodiments, the first tab222includes a base portion2221and a protruding portion2222. The base portion2221is led out from the body portion221. The protruding portion2222protrudes from a first outer peripheral surface222aof the base portion2221in a radial direction of the body portion221.

The first outer peripheral surface222ais roughly an annular surface. A surface of the base portion2221, oriented toward the end cap23, is an end face of the base portion2221. The end face of the base portion2221is connected to the first outer peripheral surface222a.

As an example, the base portion2221assumes a columnar structure roughly.

In this embodiment, the number and shape of the protruding portions2222are not limited. In some examples, the protruding portion2222may be a continuous structure that extends in the circumferential direction of the base portion2221, and may be a closed ring, or an unclosed semi-ring, or the like. In some other examples, there may be a plurality of protruding portions2222spaced out along the circumferential direction Y of the base portion2221.

In this embodiment, the protruding portion2222is provided to increase the flow area in a local region of the first tab222and improve the flow capacity.

As an example, the protruding portion2222protrudes from an end of the first outer peripheral surface222a, the end being close to the end cap23. The protruding portion2222may be configured to abut against another conductive structure (such as the first electrode terminal26) to improve the flow capacity.

In some embodiments, the protruding portion2222is configured to be formed by squeezing an end of the first tab222, the end being oriented toward the end cap23. The insulator25is configured to be mounted onto the body portion221before the protruding portion2222is formed.

As shown inFIG.5andFIG.6, the first tab222includes a plurality of tab layers222b. The plurality of tab layers222bare stacked along the radial direction of the body portion221. After the electrode assembly22is formed, the tab layers222bextend roughly along the axial direction Z of the body portion221. A clearance between adjacent tab layers222bis relatively large. The applicant finds that, if a plurality of tab layers222bare directly connected to a conductive structure (such as the first electrode terminal26), then the connection area between the conductive structure and each tab layer222bis relatively small, resulting in a deficiency of the connection strength and flow area between the conductive structure and the tab layer222b. Consequently, during vibration of the battery cell20, the connection between the conductive structure and the tab layer222bis prone to failure. Especially, when the conductive structure is connected to the tab layer222bby laser welding, a laser beam may pass through the clearance between the tab layers222band burn the body portion221.

In view of this, as shown inFIG.7andFIG.8, the applicant squeezes the ends of the plurality of tab layers222b, the ends being oriented toward the end cap23. In this way, the ends of the plurality of tab layers222bare bent and deformed and abut against each other, so as to flatten the first tab222and form a compact region. The compact region is used for being connected to the conductive structure, thereby ensuring relatively high connection strength and a relatively large flow area between the conductive structure and the first tab222. The compact region blocks out the clearance between the tab layers222bto prevent the laser beam from passing through the clearance between the tab layers222b.

After the first tab222is squeezed, the end of the first tab222protrudes peripherally in a direction depending on the direction of the squeezing force, so as to form the protruding portion2222.

When the first tab222is squeezed to form the protruding portion2222, the entire first tab222is stressed and prone to deform. In this embodiment, the insulator25is mounted onto the body portion221before the first tab222is squeezed. In this way, the insulator25can restrict the first tab222from deforming toward the second tab223, thereby reducing the risk of a short circuit caused by the contact between the first tab222and the second tab223and improving the safety of the battery cell20. The protruding portion2222increases the dimension of the first tab222along the radial direction of the body portion221. In this embodiment, the insulator25is mounted onto the body portion221beforehand, thereby preventing the protruding portion2222from interfering with the insulator25during the mounting.

In some embodiments, in the axial direction Z of the body portion221, the end away from the body portion221among the ends of the first tab222goes beyond the insulator25. In the first tab222, the part that goes beyond the insulator25is deformed to form the protruding portion2222.

In some embodiments, in the axial direction Z of the body portion221, at least a part of the protruding portion2222is located on a side of the insulator25, the side being away from the body portion221.

In the axial direction Z of the body portion221, just a part of the protruding portion2222is located on a side of the insulator25, the side being away from the body portion221; or, the entire protruding portion is located on a side of the insulator25, the side being away from the body portion221.

In this embodiment, the insulator25can isolate at least a part of the protruding portion2222from the body portion221, thereby reducing the risk of insertion of the protruding portion2222into the body portion221during vibration of the battery cell20, and improving safety. In addition, the protruding portion2222can restrict the insulator25in the axial direction Z, and reduce the wobbling amplitude of the insulator25during vibration of the battery cell20.

In some embodiments, the protruding portion2222and the body portion221clamp the insulator25from both sides.

As an example, the protruding portion2222may fit closely onto a surface of the insulator25, the surface being away from the body portion221.

In this embodiment, the protruding portion2222and the body portion221fix the insulator25, thereby reducing the wobbling amplitude of the insulator25during vibration of the battery cell20, and improving the stability of the insulator25.

In some embodiments, the insulator25includes a first insulating portion251. At least a part of the first insulating portion251is disposed between the base portion2221and the second tab223to restrict the base portion2221from deforming toward the second tab223. In the axial direction Z of the body portion221, at least a part of the first insulating portion251is located between the protruding portion2222and the body portion221to restrict the protruding portion2222from deforming toward the body portion221.

At least a part of the protruding portion2222protrudes from the first outer peripheral surface222atoward the second tab223.

The first insulating portion251may be entirely located between the base portion2221and the second tab223, or just partly located between the base portion2221and the second tab223.

In the axial direction Z of the body portion221, the end away from the body portion221among the ends of the base portion2221goes beyond the first insulating portion251.

In this embodiment, the first insulating portion251can restrict the deformation of both the base portion2221and the protruding portion2222to reduce the risk of a lap-joint between the base portion2221and the second tab223as well as the risk of insertion of the protruding portion2222into the body portion221, thereby improving safety.

In some embodiments, the second tab223also includes a base portion and a protruding portion. At least a part of the first insulating portion251is located between the base portion2221of the first tab222and the base portion of the second tab223.

In some embodiments, the first insulating portion251includes a second outer peripheral surface251aparallel to the axial direction Z of the body portion221. In the radial direction of the body portion221, a minimum distance between the second outer peripheral surface251aand the base portion2221is less than or equal to 5 mm.

The second outer peripheral surface251ais an annular surface. For example, the second outer peripheral surface251ais a cylindrical surface.

During assembling and use of the battery cell20, for example, in a process of pressing the first tab222to form a compact region, the base portion2221is prone to deform when being squeezed. When excessively deformed, the base portion2221may be inserted into the body portion221, thereby posing a short-circuit risk. In this embodiment, the spacing between the second outer peripheral surface251aof the first insulating portion251and the base portion2221is relatively small. In this way, the first insulating portion251can effectively support the base portion2221, reduce the degree of deformation of the base portion2221, reduce the risk of insertion of the base portion2221into the body portion221, and improve safety.

In some embodiments, in the radial direction of the body portion221, a spacing L1between the first insulating portion251and the base portion2221is 0.1 mm to 5 mm. For example, L1is 1 mm to 3 mm.

In some embodiments, the second outer peripheral surface251aabuts against the first outer peripheral surface222aof the base portion2221.

In this embodiment, the first insulating portion251abuts against the base portion2221to effectively support the base portion2221, reduce the degree of deformation of the base portion2221, reduce the risk of insertion of the base portion2221into the body portion221, and improve safety.

In some embodiments, the first tab222and the second tab223are spaced out in a circumferential direction Y of the body portion221.

As an example, the first tab222and the second tab223are located on two sides of a virtual plane respectively, and the winding axis is located in the virtual plane.

In this embodiment, the first tab222and the second tab223can have a larger dimension in the radial direction of the body portion221, thereby improving the flow capacity of the first tab222and the second tab223.

Specifically, a plurality of tab layers222bof the first tab222are stacked along the radial direction of the body portion221. The larger the dimension of the first tab222along the radial direction, the larger the number of tab layers222bof the first tab222. Each tab layer222bcan lead out the current on the first electrode plate. Therefore, this embodiment can increase the number of tab layers222b, and in turn, increase the conductive paths on the first electrode plate, reduce the resistance, improve the uniformity of the current density, and improve the flow capacity and charging efficiency of the battery cell20.

In some embodiments, the first insulating portion251includes a first through-hole251b. The body portion221assumes a jelly-roll structure and includes a second through-hole221a. The first through-hole251band the second through-hole221aare disposed opposite to each other along the axial direction Z of the body portion221.

In this embodiment, the first through-hole251bruns through the first insulating portion251along the axial direction Z, and the second through-hole221aruns through the body portion221along the axial direction Z. The first through-hole251band the second through-hole221aat least partly overlap in the axial direction Z. As an example, the first through-hole251band the second through-hole221aare coaxially arranged.

In this embodiment, the first through-hole251band the second through-hole221acan be used as a positioning reference during assembling of the electrode assembly22and the insulator25, thereby simplifying the assembling process.

The first through-hole251band the second through-hole221acan also form channels through which the electrolytic solution can flow, thereby improving the effect of infiltrating the electrode assembly22.

In some embodiments, the first insulating portion251includes a first through-hole251b, and the first through-hole251bis located between the first tab222and the second tab223. In the radial direction of the body portion221, the end away from the base portion2221among the ends of the protruding portion2222does not go beyond a hole wall of the first through-hole251b.

The end away from the base portion2221among the ends of the protruding portion2222is a free end of the protruding portion2222.

In this embodiment, the end away from the base portion2221among the ends of the protruding portion2222does not go beyond the hole wall of the first through-hole251b, thereby preventing the protruding portion2222from extending into the first through-hole251b, reducing the risk of insertion of the protruding portion2222into the body portion221through the first through-hole251b, and improving safety.

In this embodiment, the extent by which the protruding portion2222protrudes from the base portion2221is reduced, thereby reducing the risk of a lap-joint between the protruding portion2222and the second tab223.

In some embodiments, the insulator25further includes a second insulating portion252. The second insulating portion252is connected to the first insulating portion251and disposed on a side of the base portion2221along the circumferential direction of the body portion221to restrict the base portion2221from deforming along the circumferential direction Y of the body portion221.

The second insulating portion252may be one in number, and may be disposed on a side of the base portion2221along the circumferential direction Y. Alternatively, the second insulating portion252may be two in number, and the two second insulating portions252are disposed on the two sides of the base portion2221along the circumferential direction Y of the body portion221respectively.

In this embodiment, the insulator25can restrict the base portion2221from deforming along the circumferential direction Y of the body portion221, thereby further reducing the risk of tearing caused by excessive deformation of the base portion2221, and in turn, ensuring a sufficient flow capacity of the battery cell20and improving safety.

In some embodiments, in the axial direction Z of the body portion221, at least a part of the second insulating portion252is located between the protruding portion2222and the body portion221to restrict the protruding portion2222from deforming toward the body portion221.

At least a part of the protruding portion2222protrudes from the first outer peripheral surface222aalong the circumferential direction Y of the body portion221.

In this embodiment, the second insulating portion252can restrict the deformation of the protruding portion2222to reduce the risk of insertion of the protruding portion2222into the body portion221, thereby improving safety.

In some embodiments, two second insulating portions252are disposed. The two second insulating portions252are located on two sides of the base portion2221respectively along the circumferential direction Y of the body portion221.

In this embodiment, the two second insulating portions252can restrict the base portion2221from two sides of the circumferential direction Y, so as to reshape the base portion2221in the circumferential direction Y, thereby further reducing the risk of tearing caused by excessive deformation of the base portion2221, and in turn, ensuring a sufficient flow capacity of the battery cell20and improving safety.

In some embodiments, the insulator25further includes a third insulating portion253. The third insulating portion253is connected to an end of the second insulating portion252, the end being away from the first insulating portion251. The third insulating portion253is located on a side of the base portion2221, the side being away from the first insulating portion251, so as to restrict the base portion2221from deforming away from the first insulating portion251.

In this embodiment, the third insulating portion253can restrict the base portion2221from deforming away from the first insulating portion251, thereby further reducing the risk of tearing caused by excessive deformation of the base portion2221, and in turn, ensuring a sufficient flow capacity of the battery cell20and improving safety.

In some embodiments, in the axial direction Z of the body portion221, at least a part of the third insulating portion253is located between the protruding portion2222and the body portion221to restrict the protruding portion2222from deforming toward the body portion221.

In the radial direction of the body portion221, at least a part of the protruding portion2222protrudes away from the first insulating portion251.

In this embodiment, the third insulating portion253can restrict the deformation of the protruding portion2222to reduce the risk of insertion of the protruding portion2222into the body portion221, thereby improving safety.

In some embodiments, the first insulating portion251, the two second insulating portions252, and the third insulating portion253close in to form a third through-hole257, and the first tab222passes through the third through-hole257.

In this embodiment, the hole wall of the third through-hole257can restrict the first tab222from all sides to reshape the first tab222, thereby reducing the degree of deformation of the first tab222under pressure, and reducing the risk of tearing the first tab222.

In a process of squeezing the first tab222to form the compact region and the protruding portion2222, it is difficult to precisely control the protruding direction of the protruding portion2222. In this embodiment, the first insulating portion251, the two second insulating portions252, and the third insulating portion253form a ring structure. In this way, the insulator25can support the protruding portion2222regardless of the protruding direction of the protruding portion2222, thereby preventing the protruding portion2222from being inserted into the body portion221, reducing the short-circuit risk, and improving safety.

In some embodiments, the insulator25is further configured to restrict the second tab223from deforming toward the first tab222.

In this embodiment, the insulator25can restrict the deformation of both the first tab222and the second tab223, thereby reducing the risk of tearing the first tab222or the second tab223caused by excessive deformation and the risk of a short circuit caused by the contact between the first tab222and the second tab223, and in turn, further improving the safety of the battery cell20.

In some embodiments, the insulator25includes a third through-hole257and a fourth through-hole258. The first tab222passes through the third through-hole257. A hole wall of the third through-hole257restricts deformation of the first tab222from outside. The second tab223passes through the fourth through-hole258. A hole wall of the fourth through-hole258restricts deformation of the second tab223from outside.

In this embodiment, the hole wall of the third through-hole257and the hole wall of the fourth through-hole258reshape the first tab222and the second tab223respectively, thereby reducing the degree of deformation of the first tab222and the second tab223under pressure, and reducing the risk of tearing the first tab222and the second tab223.

In some embodiments, the insulator25includes a first insulating portion251, two second insulating portions252, a third insulating portion253, two fourth insulating portions254, and a fifth insulating portion255. The two second insulating portions252and the two fourth insulating portions254are arranged outside the first insulating portion251successively along the circumferential direction Y of the body portion221. Each of the second insulating portions252is connected to the first insulating portion251and the third insulating portion253.

The first insulating portion251, the two second insulating portions252, and the third insulating portion253close in to form the third through-hole257. Each of the fourth insulating portions254is connected to the first insulating portion251and the fifth insulating portion255. The first insulating portion251, the two second insulating portions252, and the third insulating portion253close in to form the fourth through-hole258.

In some embodiments, the insulator25is a structure formed in one piece. As an example, the first insulating portion251, the two second insulating portions252, the third insulating portion253, the two fourth insulating portions254, and the fifth insulating portion255are formed in one piece, for example, by injection molding.

In this embodiment, the insulator25is highly integrated and easy to manufacture and mount.

FIG.9is a schematic structural diagram of an insulator of a battery cell according to some other embodiments of this application.

As shown inFIG.9, in some embodiments, the insulator25further includes two reinforcing portions256. One reinforcing portion256, the third insulating portion253, the other reinforcing portion256, and the fifth insulating portion255are connected successively along the circumferential direction of the body portion to form a ring structure.

In this embodiment, the reinforcing portions256can increase the overall strength of the insulator25, so as to reduce the deformation of the insulator25squeezed by the first tab, the second tab, and other forces, and in turn, thereby effectively supporting the first tab and the second tab.

In some embodiments, the reinforcing portions256, the second insulating portion252, the fourth insulating portion254, and the first insulating portion251close in to form a fifth through-hole259. The fifth through-hole259provides a channel for the electrolytic solution so that the electrolytic solution can infiltrate the body portion.

FIG.10is a schematic structural diagram of an insulator of a battery cell according to still other embodiments of this application.

In some embodiments, the insulator25assumes a flat plate structure. As an example, the insulator25is solid except the first through-hole251b, the third through-hole257, and the fourth through-hole258.

In some embodiments, the insulator25assumes a circular plate structure.

In some embodiments, an end face of the body portion toward the end cap is formed of a first region and a second region. The first tab and the second tab are led out from the first region. An area of the second region is S, an area of a part covered by the insulator25in the second region is S2, and a value of an S2/S1ratio is 0.5 to 0.95.

In this embodiment, the insulator25covers a relatively large area of the body portion, so that the insulator25can protect the body portion, reduce the risk of dropping of particles into the body portion, and improve safety, where the particles are generated during formation of the battery cell.

FIG.11is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to another embodiment of this application.

As shown inFIG.11, the insulator25is clamped between the end cap23and the body portion221.

The end cap23may directly press against the insulator25or indirectly press against the insulator25through another component, so as to fit with the body portion221and clamp the insulator25.

In this embodiment, the end cap23and the body portion221clamp the insulator25to fix the insulator25. In addition, the end cap23can limit movement of the body portion221through the insulator25, so as to reduce the movement space of the body portion221in the housing21, and in turn, reduce the risk of tearing the first tab222and the second tab223during vibration of the battery cell20.

In some embodiments, the battery cell20further includes an insulating sealing element27. At least a part of the insulating sealing element27is disposed between the first electrode terminal26and the end cap23to dielectrically isolate the first electrode terminal26from the end cap23and implementing airtightness. As an example, the end cap23presses against the insulator25through the insulating sealing element27.

FIG.12is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to still other embodiments of this application.

As shown inFIG.12, in some embodiments, both the first tab222and the second tab223assume a ring structure, and the first tab222surrounds the second tab223. The insulator25assumes a ring structure and is located between the first tab222and the second tab223.

As an example, the insulator25includes an annular first insulating portion alone.

In some embodiments, the battery cell20further includes a second electrode terminal24disposed on the end cap23. The first tab222is configured to be electrically connected to the end cap23. The second tab223is configured to be electrically connected to the second electrode terminal24.

In this embodiment, the end cap23and the second electrode terminal24serve as the first electrode lead-out piece and the second electrode lead-out piece respectively. In this way, the structure of the battery cell20is simplified by saving a conventional electrode terminal.

In a battery cell provided in still some other embodiments of this application, the first tab and the second tab may be of the same polarity. A plurality of tabs of the same polarity disposed at the same end of the electrode assembly can improve the flow capacity. The insulator can restrict the degree of deformation of the first tab, thereby reducing the risk of tearing the first tab caused by excessive deformation, and in turn, ensuring a sufficient flow capacity of the battery cell and improving safety.

FIG.13is a schematic flowchart of a battery cell manufacturing method according to some embodiments of this application.

As shown inFIG.13, an embodiment of this application provides a battery cell manufacturing method. The method includes the following steps:S100. Providing a housing, where an opening is created on the housing;S200. Providing an electrode assembly and an insulator, where the electrode assembly includes a body portion, a first tab, and a second tab; the first tab and the second tab are of opposite polarities and located on a same side of the body portion; and at least a part of the insulator is disposed between the first tab and the second tab;S300. Mounting the electrode assembly and the insulator into the housing; andS400. Providing an end cap, and letting the end cap fit and cover the opening.

The insulator is configured to restrict the first tab from deforming toward the second tab.

It is hereby noted that, for the related structure of the battery cell manufactured by the foregoing battery cell manufacturing method, reference may be made to the descriptions of the battery cell provided in each of the foregoing embodiments.

In manufacturing a battery cell based on the foregoing battery cell manufacturing method, the foregoing steps are not necessarily performed in the order described above. In other words, the steps may be performed in the order mentioned in an embodiment described above, or the steps may be performed in order different from the order mentioned in the embodiment, or several steps may be performed concurrently. For example, step S100and step S200are not necessarily performed sequentially, but may be performed simultaneously.

FIG.14is a schematic block diagram of battery cell manufacturing equipment according to some embodiments of this application.

As shown inFIG.14, an embodiment of this application provides a piece of battery cell manufacturing equipment2000, including: a first providing apparatus2100, a second providing apparatus2200, a first assembling apparatus2300, and a second assembling apparatus2400. The first providing apparatus2100is configured to provide a housing, where an opening is created on the housing. The second providing apparatus2200is configured to provide an electrode assembly and an insulator. The electrode assembly includes a body portion, a first tab, and a second tab. The first tab and the second tab are of opposite polarities and located on a same side of the body portion. At least a part of the insulator is disposed between the first tab and the second tab. The first assembling apparatus2300is configured to mount the electrode assembly and the insulator into the housing. The second assembling apparatus2400is configured to provide an end cap, and let the end cap fit and cover the opening. The insulator is configured to restrict the first tab from deforming toward the second tab.

For the related structure of the battery cell manufactured by the foregoing manufacturing equipment, reference may be made to the description of the battery cell provided in each embodiment described above.

It is hereby noted that to the extent that no conflict occurs, the embodiments of this application and the features in the embodiments may be combined with each other.

Finally, it is hereby noted that the foregoing embodiments are merely intended to describe the technical solutions of this application but not to limit this application. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, a person of ordinary skill in the art understands that modifications may still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent replacements may still be made to some technical features in the technical solutions. Such modifications and replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.