Patent Description:
Energy storage devices are used to store energy and release energy when needed. Current energy storage devices are mainly secondary batteries that are rechargeable, such as lithium batteries or sodium batteries. Currently, a common secondary battery mainly includes a housing, a cell, and a cap assembly. The cell is received in the housing, the cap assembly encloses the housing, and a tab of the cell is connected to a pole on the cap assembly.

The tab and the pole are usually connected through a connector. The current energy storage device usually has a stimulus-response member that is configured to short-circuit an external circuit to avoid overcharging of the cell. The stimulus-response member in the current energy storage device may fail and thus cannot short-circuit the external circuit, resulting in loss of the overcharging protection function and insufficient safety. <CIT> discloses a cap structure of a power battery, including a first electrode component, a second electrode component, a cap plate, and a turnable plate, wherein: the first electrode component and the second electrode component are attached to the cap plate, and the first electrode component is electrically isolated from the cap plate; the first electrode component includes a first terminal and a first connecting block, the first connecting block is located above the cap plate, the first connecting block includes a terminal connecting portion, a fusing portion, and a turnable plate connecting portion, the terminal connecting portion is connected to the turnable plate connecting portion through the fusing portion, the first terminal is connected to the terminal connecting portion, the fusing portion has a melting point lower than that of the terminal connecting portion or the turnable plate connecting portion, and the turnable plate is electrically connected to the second electrode component; and in case that an internal pressure of the power battery exceeds a reference pressure, the turnable plate is turned over and in contact with the turnable plate connecting portion, such that the first terminal is electrically connected to the second electrode component.

The present disclosure is intended to provide an energy storage device and a power consuming device, so as to solve a problem of insufficient safety of the energy storage device.

In order to achieve the purpose of the disclosure, the present disclosure provides following technical solutions.

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an energy storage device. The energy storage device includes a supporter, a pole, a stimulus-response member, a connector, and an electrode assembly. The supporter has a first side and a second side opposite to each other. The supporter defines a mounting hole and a vent hole. The mounting hole is spaced apart from the vent hole in a length direction of the supporter. The pole is accommodated in the mounting hole. The stimulus-response member is disposed at the second side. The vent hole enables gas from the first side to flow through to the stimulus-response member. The connector is disposed at the first side. The connector includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The first connecting part is connected to the second connecting part. The first connecting part is opposite to the second connecting part when the first connecting part is folded relative to the second connecting part. The first connecting part is connected to the pole. The second connecting part extends toward the vent hole. The second connecting part partially shields the vent hole in a thickness direction of the supporter. The electrode assembly has a tab and the tab is connected to the second connecting part.

The second connecting part of the connector extends to the vent hole of the supporter, so that the second connecting part has a long size and thus can be stably connected and fixed to the tab. In addition, the second connecting part partially shields the vent hole in the thickness direction of the supporter and at least a part of the vent hole is not shielded by the second connecting part, which ensures that the gas generated from the cell can flow through the vent hole to the stimulus-response member on the second side, so that the stimulus-response member can be turned over to achieve the overcharging protection function, thereby improving the safety of the energy storage device.

In the thickness direction of the supporter, a ratio of an area of a portion of the vent hole not shielded by the second connecting part to an area of a portion of the vent hole shielded by the second connecting part ranges from <NUM>/<NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM>. The range of the ratio set herein facilitates appropriate sizes of the vent hole and the second connecting part and facilitates balanced proportions in the structure of the energy storage device. In addition, it can be ensured that the second connecting part has a greater size to connect with the tab and can serve to block welding slags, while enabling the gas to flow to the space below the stimulus-response member through the vent hole.

In an embodiment, a side surface of the vent hole includes a first end point and a second end point opposite to the first end point in the length direction of the supporter, where the first end point is close to the mounting hole, the second connecting part shields the first end point in the thickness direction of the supporter, and the second connecting part does not shield the second end point in the thickness direction of the supporter. As such, a gap is defined between the second connecting part and the second end point in the length direction of the supporter, which enables the gas to flow from the first side through the gap into the vent hole and then to the space below the stimulus-response member on the second side, thereby ensuring that the stimulus-response member works normally.

In an embodiment, the side surface of the vent hole further includes a third end point and a fourth end point opposite to the third end point in a width direction of the supporter. The second connecting part shields the third end point in the thickness direction of the supporter and the second connecting part does not shield the fourth end point in the thickness direction of the supporter. Alternatively, the second connecting part does not shield the third end point and does not shield the fourth end point in the thickness direction of the supporter. As such, a gap is defined between the second connecting part and the side surface of the vent hole in the width direction of the second connecting part, which enables the gas to flow from the gap into the vent hole and then to the space below the stimulus-response member, thus ensuring smoother gas flow.

In an embodiment, the second connecting part includes a connecting section and an extending section. The connecting section and the extending section are connected in the length direction of the supporter. The first connecting part is foldably connected to the connecting section. The extending section protrudes from the connecting section. The extending section partially shields the vent hole. Since the extending section partially shields the vent hole, it is only required to design the shape, structure, and size of the extending section to meet the necessary requirements, while the requirements for the first connecting part and the connecting section can be relaxed, thereby reducing the difficulty in design and manufacture and reducing the cost.

In an embodiment, a size of the extending section in the width direction of the supporter is a first width, and a size of the vent hole in the width direction of the supporter is a second width. A ratio of the first width to the second width ranges from <NUM>/<NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM>. Since the ratio of the first width to the second width ranges from <NUM>/<NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM>, the first width is smaller than the second width and the ratio is not too small. In this way, the extending section can have a wide width and thus can be effectively and stably connected to the negative tab while blocking the welding slags. Moreover, the extending section is not completely shield the vent hole, leaving a certain gap, which can ensure that the gas can flow through the gap into the vent hole and to the space below the stimulus-response member on the second side.

In an embodiment, the size of the extending section in the width direction of the supporter is the first width, and when the connecting part is folded relative to the connecting section, a size of a combination of the connecting section and the first connecting part in the width direction of the supporter is a third width. A ratio of the first width to the third width ranges from <NUM>/<NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM>. The combination of the connecting section and the first connecting part has the third width when the first connecting part is folded relative to the connecting section, where the first width is smaller than the third width, so that the connecting section and the first connecting part have wider sizes to more stably connect with the negative tab and the negative pole, thereby improving the connection stability.

In an embodiment, the extending section has a first edge and a second edge opposite to the first edge in the width direction of the supporter, and the connecting section has a third edge and a fourth edge opposite to the third edge in the width direction of the supporter. The first edge flushes with the third edge, the fourth edge extends beyond the second edge, and the fourth edge is connected to the first connecting part. As such, the connecting section has a wider size than the extending section, so that the connecting section can be stably connected to the first connecting part. The second edge will be little affected when the first connecting part is folding over the fourth edge, so that the structure is stable and reliable. Moreover, when the combination of the connecting section and the extending section is connected to the negative tab, a more stable connection can be achieved due to the wider connecting section, so that the connection stability between the negative tab and the combination of the connecting section and the extending section can be improved.

In an embodiment, one end of the extending section away from the connecting section defines a chamfer. The chamfer facilitates a structure with smooth edge transition, which can avoid damage caused by scratching the cell or the like by a sharp angle structure of the extending section.

In an embodiment, the side surface of the vent hole is connected to a grid, and the grid separates the vent hole into multiple air holes. Configuration of the grid can strengthen the structural strength, thereby ensuring the structural stability.

In an embodiment, the first connecting part is integrated with the second connecting part. The integrated structure can strengthen the structural strength, without configuring additional connecting structures, thereby saving components and reducing costs.

In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a power consuming device. The power consuming device includes the energy storage device as described in any one of various embodiments of the first aspect. The energy storage device is configured to supply power to the power consuming device. Safety can be improved by using the energy storage device of the disclosure.

In order to more clearly illustrate embodiments of the disclosure or technical solutions in the related art, the following is a brief introduction of accompany drawings required to be used in the description of the embodiments or the related art. Obviously, the accompany drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the disclosure, and those of ordinary skill in the art may also obtain other drawings according to these drawings without creative effort.

Description of reference numbers: <NUM>- housing; <NUM>- cell; <NUM>- positive tab; <NUM>-negative tab; <NUM>- supporter; <NUM>- first side; <NUM>- second side; <NUM>- mounting hole; <NUM>- vent hole; <NUM>- first end point; <NUM>- second end point; <NUM>- third end point; <NUM>- fourth end point; <NUM>-grid; <NUM>- negative pole; <NUM>- pole body; <NUM>- connecting flange; <NUM>- sealing ring; <NUM>- negative connector; <NUM>- first connecting part; <NUM>- second connecting part; <NUM>- connecting section; <NUM>-extending section; <NUM>- first edge; <NUM>- second edge; <NUM>- third edge; <NUM>- fourth edge; <NUM>-fifth edge; <NUM>- sixth edge; <NUM>- first insulating adhesive film; <NUM>- second insulating adhesive film; <NUM>- stimulus-response member; <NUM>- smooth aluminum sheet; <NUM>- explosion-proof valve; <NUM>- positive pole; <NUM>- positive connector; <NUM>- energy storage device; <NUM>- power consuming device.

The following will describe technical solutions of embodiments of the present disclosure clearly and comprehensively with reference to accompanying drawings. Apparently, embodiments described herein are merely some embodiments, rather than all embodiments, of the disclosure. Based on the embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort shall fall within the protection scope of the disclosure.

It may be noted that when a component is referred to as "fixed to" another component, the component may be directly positioned on the other component or an intermediate component may exist therebetween. When a component is referred to as "connected to" another component, the component may be directly connected to the other component or an intermediate component may exist therebetween simultaneously.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in the present disclosure have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the present disclosure. The terms used in the detailed description in the present disclosure are for the purpose of describing embodiments only and are not intended to limit the disclosure. The term "and/or" in the present disclosure includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

The following will describe in detail embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various embodiments and features therein may be implemented in any combination with each other without conflict.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an energy storage device <NUM>. The energy storage device <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, an electrode assembly, a connector, and a cap assembly.

The cap assembly includes a cell <NUM> and a tab. The tab includes a positive tab <NUM> and a negative tab <NUM>. The cell <NUM> is accommodated in the housing <NUM>. The cell <NUM> includes a positive electrode (not shown), a separator (not shown), and a negative electrode (not shown). The positive tab <NUM> is connected to the positive electrode, and the negative tab <NUM> is connected to the negative electrode.

The connector includes a positive connector <NUM> and a negative connector <NUM>. The positive connector <NUM> is connected to the positive tab <NUM>, and the negative connector <NUM> is connected to the negative tab <NUM>.

The cap assembly includes a supporter <NUM>, a positive pole <NUM>, a negative pole <NUM>, a smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>, a stimulus-response member <NUM>, and the like. The positive pole <NUM> is mounted and fixed to the supporter on the positive electrode side and the negative pole <NUM> is mounted and fixed to the supporter <NUM> on the negative electrode side. The positive pole <NUM> is connected to the positive connector <NUM>, and the negative pole <NUM> is connected to the negative connector <NUM>.

The structure of the positive electrode side is substantially the same as the structure of the negative electrode side. It may be noted that the stimulus-response member <NUM> is disposed at either the positive electrode side or the negative electrode side. The following describes the structure of the negative electrode side, taking the stimulus-response member <NUM> being disposed at the negative electrode side as an example. It may be understood that when the stimulus-response member <NUM> is disposed at the positive electrode side, the structure of the positive electrode side can be similar to the structure of the negative electrode side provided with the stimulus-response member <NUM>.

The supporter <NUM> is made of an insulating material, and specifically may be a plastic material, such as polypropylene (PP) material. The supporter <NUM> has a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM> opposite to the first side <NUM>. The first side <NUM> is positioned facing towards the cell <NUM> and the second side <NUM> is positioned facing away from the cell <NUM>. The supporter <NUM> is substantially in a plate shape, with a substantially rectangular plate surface. The supporter <NUM> has a length, a width, and a thickness. In the subsequent description of various structures, the extension direction of the length of the supporter <NUM> is a length direction, the extension direction of the width of the supporter <NUM> is a width direction, and the extension direction of the thickness of the supporter <NUM> is a thickness direction.

The supporter <NUM> defines a mounting hole <NUM> and a vent hole <NUM>. The mounting hole <NUM> is spaced apart from the vent hole <NUM> in the length direction of the supporter <NUM>. The mounting hole <NUM> and the vent hole <NUM> each are a via hole through the supporter <NUM> in the thickness direction and each may be circular holes. Optionally, the mounting hole <NUM> and the vent hole <NUM> each may also be a non-circular hole, such as elliptical hole, polygonal hole, and the like, without limitation. A line connecting a geometric center of the mounting hole <NUM> and a geometric center of the vent hole <NUM> may be parallel to the length direction of the supporter <NUM>, or may be slightly skewed at an angle with respect to the length direction of the supporter <NUM>.

Optionally, a side surface of the vent hole <NUM> is connected to a grid <NUM>, and the grid <NUM> separates the vent hole <NUM> into multiple air holes. Specifically, the grid <NUM> may be composed of multiple strip-shaped structures. The grid <NUM> may be in the shape of "+", "<IMG>"(a shape of the Chinese character), and the like, without limitation. The strip-shaped structures of the grid <NUM> are connected and fixed to the side surface of the vent hole <NUM> at distal ends. The grid <NUM> may be in an integrated structure with the supporter <NUM>, for example, the integrated structure formed by using integral molding process of injection molding. Configuring the grid <NUM> can strengthen the structural strength, thereby ensuring the structural stability.

The negative pole <NUM> is accommodated in the mounting hole <NUM>. The negative pole <NUM> extends from the first side <NUM> into the mounting hole <NUM> and extends beyond the second side <NUM>.

Optionally, the negative pole <NUM> includes a pole body <NUM> and a connecting flange <NUM>. The pole body <NUM> is connected to the middle of the connecting flange <NUM>. The pole body <NUM> extends through the mounting hole <NUM> beyond the second side <NUM>. The connecting flange <NUM> is located on the first side <NUM>. An outer peripheral surface of the pole body <NUM> may contact with an inner surface of the mounting hole <NUM>. The connecting flange <NUM> has a size larger than the pole body <NUM>. The connecting flange <NUM> may be attached to a surface of the supporter <NUM> on the first side. The connecting flange <NUM> serves to restrict the pole body <NUM> from extending further beyond the second side <NUM>. The negative pole <NUM> is accommodated in the mounting hole <NUM>, and the mounting hole <NUM> is sealed, so that the gas cannot leak from the mounting hole <NUM>, thereby ensuring the sealing of the internal space of the energy storage device <NUM>.

Optionally, a sealing ring <NUM> may be disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the negative pole <NUM> and/or the inner surface of the mounting hole <NUM>. The sealing of the negative pole <NUM> and the mounting hole <NUM> can be implemented by the sealing ring <NUM>.

The stimulus-response member <NUM> is disposed at the second side <NUM>, and gas flows from the first side <NUM> to the stimulus-response member <NUM> through the vent hole <NUM>. The stimulus-response member <NUM> is configured to, in response to an increase of pressure in the energy storage device <NUM>, make a stimulus-response and thus deform so that the stimulus-response member <NUM> can make the stimulus-response and thus deform to contact with a metal conductive block, when the gas pressure inside the energy storage device <NUM> exceeds a predetermined threshold. In this case, the positive electrode assembly is short-circuited externally. Due to a strong short-circuiting current, fusing and clipping then occur at the stimulus-response member <NUM> and the bottom of the metal conductive block, so that the positive electrode assembly returns to be in an off-state, thereby preventing the energy storage device <NUM> from overcharging and further explosion.

Specifically, the supporter <NUM> is provided with a smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> on the second side <NUM>. The smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> is connected to the supporter <NUM> to define a cavity that is communicate with the vent hole <NUM>. The stimulus-response member <NUM> is disposed on the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>. When the overcharging of the cell <NUM> causes the gas pressure inside the energy storage device <NUM> to exceed the threshold, the gas flows through the vent hole <NUM> to a space below the stimulus-response member <NUM> (that is, the side of the stimulus-response member <NUM> toward the negative connector <NUM>, the same below) on the second side <NUM>, and pushes the stimulus-response member <NUM> to be turned over. After the stimulus-response member <NUM> is turned over, the negative pole <NUM> and the positive pole <NUM> are electrically connected. In this case, the energy storage device <NUM> is in a short-circuit state. The charging current flows directly from the positive pole <NUM> to the negative pole <NUM> through the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>, without flowing to the cell <NUM>. Therefore, the overcharging protection can be achieved and the safety of charging of the cell <NUM> can be improved. When the cell <NUM> is normally charged but not overcharged, the stimulus-response member <NUM> will not be turned over, and the positive pole <NUM> and the negative pole <NUM> will not be directly electrically connected, thereby ensuring the normal charging and use of the energy storage device <NUM>.

The stimulus-response member <NUM> is made of a metal conductive material and may have a movable film layer, a ribbed structure, and the like. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the specific structure of the stimulus-response member <NUM>, and any feasible structure is possible.

The smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> may further be provided with an explosion-proof valve <NUM>. When a large amount of gas is generated due to abnormal thermal management occurring in the cell <NUM>, the gas will burst through the explosion-proof valve <NUM> and leak out due to excessive air pressure, thereby avoiding accidents such as explosion caused by high pressure that is unable to be relieved.

Both the positive connector <NUM> and the negative connector <NUM> are made of metal. For example, the positive connector <NUM> is made of aluminum and the negative connector <NUM> is made of copper or aluminum copper alloy.

The negative connector <NUM> is disposed at the first side <NUM>. The negative connector <NUM> includes a first connecting part <NUM> and a second connecting part <NUM>. The first connecting part <NUM> is in a foldable connection to the second connecting part <NUM>. The first connecting part <NUM> is opposite to the second connecting part <NUM> after folding. The foldable connection refers to that the two components are connected and one component is able to fold on the other component. The first connecting part <NUM> may be in the same plane as or have a large included angle with the second connecting part <NUM> before folding. The first connecting part <NUM> may be parallel to and in a different plane from the second connecting part <NUM> or may have a small included angle with the second connecting part <NUM> after folding.

The first connecting part <NUM> is connected to the negative pole <NUM>. The connection manner may be welding, and specifically may be laser welding. The second connecting part <NUM> is connected and fixed to the negative tab <NUM>. The connection manner may be welding, and specifically may be ultrasonic welding.

During assembly of the energy storage device <NUM>, when the negative connector <NUM> is first set to an unfolded state, the cap assembly does not seal the housing <NUM> of the energy storage device <NUM>. After the first connecting part <NUM> is welded and fixed to the negative pole <NUM> and the second connecting part <NUM> is welded and fixed to the negative tab <NUM>, the first connecting part <NUM> is then folded on the second connecting part <NUM>. Along with the folding, other components of the cap assembly, such as the supporter <NUM>, the stimulus-response member <NUM>, the negative pole <NUM>, the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>, and the like, are turned over, until the first connecting part <NUM> and the second connecting part <NUM> are in a folded state, opposite to each other. Moreover, the cap assembly is aligned with the cell <NUM>, so that the cap assembly covers the opening of the housing <NUM> to seal the cell <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the negative tab <NUM> generally has a long length. For stable connection with the negative tab <NUM>, the length of the second connecting part <NUM> of the negative connector <NUM> may also be set to a large size. In the embodiment, the second connecting part <NUM> extends toward the vent hole <NUM> and partially shields the vent hole <NUM> in the thickness direction of the supporter <NUM>.

In the embodiment, in the thickness direction of the supporter <NUM>, at least a part of the vent hole <NUM> is not shielded by the second connecting part <NUM>. In this way, at least a gap is defined between the side surface of the vent hole <NUM> and the second connecting part <NUM> in the length direction and/or the width direction of the supporter <NUM>, which can prevent the second connecting part <NUM> from completely shielding the vent hole <NUM>, and thus avoid a blockage which would block the gas from flowing from the first side <NUM> through the vent hole <NUM> to the space below the stimulus-response member <NUM> on the second side <NUM>.

The above configuration has at least two advantages. On the one hand, a part of the vent hole <NUM> enables the gas to flow, that is, the second connecting part <NUM> does not completely shield the vent hole <NUM>, so that the gas generated from the cell <NUM> can still flow to the space below the stimulus-response member <NUM> on the second side <NUM> through the gap between the inner surface of the vent hole <NUM> and the second connecting part <NUM>, thus ensuring a basic overcharging protection function. On the other hand, welding slags will be generated when the first connecting part <NUM> is welded to the negative pole <NUM>, as well as when the second connecting part <NUM> is welded to the negative tab <NUM>. Since the second connecting part <NUM> shields part of the vent hole <NUM>, the welding slags can be blocked to prevent the welding slags from falling from the vent hole <NUM> onto the stimulus-response member <NUM> and causing a short-circuit. The second connecting part <NUM> can also block the welding slags to reduce the welding slags falling into the cell <NUM>, thereby avoiding the short-circuiting inside the cell <NUM>.

Optionally, the first connecting part <NUM> is integrated with the second connecting part <NUM>. Specifically, the first connecting part <NUM> and the second connecting part <NUM> may be made by processes such as cutting and folding of a metal sheet. The integrated structure can improve the structural strength, without configuring additional connecting structures, thereby saving components and reducing costs.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in order to improve the effect of blocking the welding slag, a first insulating adhesive film <NUM> and a second insulating adhesive film <NUM> may further be configured. The first insulating adhesive film <NUM> is adhered to a surface of the first connecting part <NUM> toward the second connecting part <NUM>, and the second insulating adhesive film <NUM> is adhered to the surface of the second connecting part <NUM> toward the first connecting part <NUM>. The first insulating adhesive film <NUM> partially shields the vent hole <NUM> in the thickness direction of the supporter <NUM>, so that when the negative connector <NUM> is not yet folded, the welding slags generated by the welding is shielded by the first insulating adhesive film <NUM> to avoid falling into the vent hole <NUM>, and the welding slags falling into the cell <NUM> can also be reduced. The second insulating film <NUM> at least partially shields the vent hole <NUM> in the thickness direction of the supporter <NUM>, which can also prevent the welding slags from falling.

It may be understood that either the first insulating adhesive film <NUM> or the second insulating adhesive film <NUM> may be configured, or both the first insulating adhesive film <NUM> and the second insulating adhesive film <NUM> may be configured. In either case, it is ensured at least that the gas can enter the vent hole <NUM>. That is, while shielding the vent hole <NUM>, the first insulating adhesive film <NUM> and the second insulating adhesive film <NUM> leave at least a gap for the gas to enter the vent hole <NUM>.

The first insulating adhesive film <NUM> and the second insulating adhesive film <NUM> may be of different colors to facilitate quick identification of a correct configuration. The first insulating adhesive film <NUM> and the second insulating adhesive film <NUM> may have adhesiveness and may be directly adhered and fixed to the negative connector <NUM>.

It may be understood that the above is described in terms of the negative electrode side only. When the stimulus-response member <NUM> is disposed at the positive electrode side, the structures of the positive connector <NUM>, the supporter and the like on the positive electrode side may be configured with reference to the negative electrode side, which will not be described in detail.

According to the energy storage device <NUM> of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the second connecting part <NUM> of the connector extends to the vent hole <NUM> of the supporter <NUM>, so that the second connecting part <NUM> has a long size and thus can be stably connected and fixed to the negative tab <NUM>. In addition, the second connecting part <NUM> partially shields the vent hole <NUM> in the thickness direction of the supporter <NUM> and at least part of the vent hole <NUM> is not shielded by the second connecting part <NUM>, which ensures that the gas generated from the cell <NUM> can flow to the space below the stimulus-response member <NUM> on the second side <NUM> through the vent hole <NUM>, so that the stimulus-response member <NUM> can be turned over to achieve the overcharging protection function, thereby improving the safety of the energy storage device <NUM>.

In the thickness direction of the supporter <NUM>, a ratio of the area of a portion of the vent hole <NUM> not shielded by the second connecting part <NUM> to the area of a portion of the vent hole <NUM> shielded by the second connecting part <NUM> ranges from <NUM>/<NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM>. Specifically, the ratio may be <NUM>/<NUM>, <NUM>/<NUM>, <NUM>/<NUM>, <NUM>/<NUM>, <NUM>/<NUM>, <NUM>/<NUM>, <NUM>/<NUM>, <NUM>/<NUM>, <NUM>/<NUM>, and the like. The range of the ratio set herein facilitates appropriate sizes of the vent hole <NUM> and the second connecting part <NUM> and facilitates balanced proportions in the structure of the energy storage device <NUM>. In addition, it can be ensured that the second connecting part <NUM> has a larger size to connect with the tab and can serve to block the welding slag, while enabling the gas to enter the space below the stimulus-response member <NUM> through the vent hole <NUM>.

In an embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the side surface of the vent hole <NUM> includes a first end point <NUM> and a second end point <NUM> opposite to the first end point <NUM> in the length direction of the supporter <NUM>. The first end point <NUM> is close to the mounting hole <NUM>. The second connecting part <NUM> shields the first end point <NUM> in the thickness direction of the supporter <NUM>. The second connecting part <NUM> does not shield the second end point <NUM> in the thickness direction of the supporter <NUM>, so that a gap is defined between the second connecting part <NUM> and the second end point <NUM> in the length direction of the supporter <NUM>.

Specifically, the first end point <NUM> and the second end point <NUM> are each a point on the side surface of the vent hole <NUM>. Optionally, the first end point <NUM> is a point where a line connecting a geometric center of the mounting hole <NUM> and the geometric center of the vent hole <NUM> intersects the side surface of the vent hole <NUM>. The second end point <NUM> is a point where an extension of the line connecting the geometric center of the mounting hole <NUM> and the geometric center of the vent hole <NUM> intersects the side surface of the vent hole <NUM>, opposite to the first end point <NUM>. The line connecting the first end point <NUM>, the geometric center of the vent hole <NUM>, and the second end point <NUM> is a straight line. In embodiments where the vent hole <NUM> is a circular hole, the line connecting the first end point <NUM> and the second end point <NUM> is a diameter of the vent hole <NUM>.

The second connecting part <NUM> is substantially shaped as a rectangular sheet. The length direction of the second connecting part <NUM> may be the same as the length direction of the supporter <NUM>, the width direction of the second connecting part <NUM> may be the same as the width direction of the supporter <NUM>, and the thickness direction of the second connecting part <NUM> may be the same as the thickness direction of the supporter <NUM>, which will be used as an example in the following description. It may be understood that the direction of the second connecting part <NUM> may be slightly skewed with respect to the corresponding direction of the supporter <NUM>.

The second connecting part <NUM> extends in a direction from the first end point <NUM> toward the second end point <NUM>, and the end of the second connecting part <NUM> away from the negative pole <NUM> in the length direction is positioned between the first end point <NUM> and the second end point <NUM>, so that a gap is defined between the second end point <NUM> and the second connecting part <NUM> in the length direction of the supporter <NUM>.

The second connecting portion <NUM> does not shield the second end point <NUM> in the thickness direction of the supporter <NUM>, so that a gap is defined between the second end point <NUM> and the second connecting portion <NUM> in the length direction of the supporter <NUM>, which enables the gas to flow from the first side <NUM> through the gap into the vent hole <NUM> and then to the space below the stimulus-response member <NUM> on the second side <NUM>.

It may be understood that the gap between the second connecting part <NUM> and the second end point <NUM> in the length direction of the supporter <NUM> may be set as needed. A larger gap enables the gas to pass through more easily, and a smaller gap provides a better shielding effect so that the welding slag does not easily fall onto the stimulus-response member <NUM> through the gap. The specific size of the gap is not limited.

In an embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the side surface of the vent hole <NUM> further includes a third end point <NUM> and a fourth end point <NUM> opposite to the third end point <NUM> in the width direction of the supporter <NUM>. The second connecting part <NUM> shields the third end point <NUM> in the thickness direction of the supporter <NUM> and the second connecting part <NUM> does not shield the fourth end point <NUM> in the thickness direction of the supporter <NUM>, so that a gap is defined between the second connecting part <NUM> and the fourth end point <NUM> in the width direction of the supporter <NUM>. Alternatively, the second connecting part <NUM> does not shield the third end point <NUM> and does not shield the fourth end point <NUM> in the thickness direction of the supporter <NUM>, so that a gap is defined between the second connecting part <NUM> and the third end point <NUM> and a gap is defined between the second connecting part <NUM> and the fourth end point <NUM>, in the width direction of the supporter <NUM>.

Specifically, similarly to the first end point <NUM> and the second end point <NUM>, the third end point <NUM> and the fourth end point <NUM> are each a point on the side surface of the vent hole <NUM>. Optionally, a line connecting the third end point <NUM> and the fourth end point <NUM> passes through the geometric center of the vent hole <NUM>. Optionally, the line connecting the third end point <NUM> and the fourth end point <NUM> is perpendicular to the line connecting the first end point <NUM> and the second end point <NUM>. Optionally, the line connecting the third end point <NUM> and the fourth end point <NUM> is parallel to the width direction of the supporter <NUM>.

As described above, in the length direction, the second connecting part <NUM> extends in a direction from the first end point <NUM> to the second end point <NUM>. On this basis, the width of the second connecting part <NUM> is set to make two opposite edges of the second connecting part <NUM> in the width direction have certain relationships with the third end point <NUM> and the fourth end point <NUM>. Different shielding effects may be provided by setting such relationships.

Specifically, in a first relationship, one edge of the second connecting part <NUM> in the width direction is spaced apart from the third end point <NUM> by a distance, so that a gap is defined between the second connecting part <NUM> and the third end point <NUM> in the width direction of the supporter <NUM>. In addition, the other edge of the second connecting part <NUM> in the width direction extends beyond the fourth end point <NUM>, so that the second connecting part <NUM> shields the fourth end point <NUM> in the thickness direction of the supporter <NUM>. In a second relationship, one edge of the second connecting part <NUM> in the width direction is spaced apart from the third end point <NUM> by a distance, so that a gap is defined between the second connecting part <NUM> and the third end point <NUM> in the width direction of the supporter <NUM>. In addition, the other edge of the second connecting part <NUM> in the width direction is spaced apart from the fourth end point <NUM> by a distance, so that a gap is defined between the second connecting part <NUM> and the fourth end point <NUM> in the width direction of the supporter <NUM>.

It may be understood that the third end point <NUM> and the fourth end point <NUM> are interchangeable, that is, in the first relationship, there may be a gap between either side of the second connecting part <NUM> in the width direction and the side surface of the vent hole <NUM>, or there may be gaps between each of two sides and the side surface of the vent hole <NUM>.

The gap is defined between the second connecting part <NUM> and the side surface of the vent hole <NUM> in the width direction, which enables the gas to flow from the gap into the vent hole <NUM> and then to the space below the stimulus-response member <NUM>, thus ensuring smoother gas flow.

It may be understood that the size of the gap between the second connecting part <NUM> and the side surface of the vent hole <NUM> in the width direction is not limited and can be set as needed.

In an embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, the second connecting part <NUM> includes a connecting section <NUM> and an extending section <NUM>. The connecting section <NUM> is connected to the extending section <NUM> in the length direction of the supporter <NUM>. The first connecting part <NUM> is foldably connected to the connecting section <NUM>. The extending section <NUM> protrudes from the connecting section <NUM>. The extending section <NUM> partially shields the vent hole <NUM>. At least a part of the vent hole <NUM> is not shielded by the extending section <NUM>, so that at least a gap is defined between the side surface of the vent hole <NUM> and the extending section <NUM>.

Specifically, the connecting section <NUM> does not shield the vent hole <NUM> in the thickness direction of the supporter <NUM>. The shape and structure of the connecting section <NUM> can be designed without taking into account the limitation on shielding the vent hole <NUM>, and the connecting section <NUM> can be configured as a suitable shape and structure as needed. Similarly, the first connecting part <NUM> does not shield the vent hole <NUM> in the thickness direction of the supporter <NUM>, and the first connecting part <NUM> can also be configured as a suitable shape and structure as needed. The extending section <NUM> needs to partially shield the vent hole <NUM> in the thickness direction of the supporter <NUM> to make at least a part of the vent hole <NUM> not shielded by the extending section <NUM>, and thus the extending section <NUM> needs to be designed to enable the gas to flow through the gap between the extending section <NUM> and the side surface of the vent hole <NUM> while shielding the vent hole <NUM>.

Therefore, the extending section <NUM> partially shields the vent hole <NUM>, so that it is only required to design the shape, structure, size, and the like of the extending section <NUM> that meets the necessary requirement, while the requirement can be relaxed for the first connecting part <NUM> and the connecting section <NUM>, thereby reducing the difficulty in design and manufacture and reducing the cost.

Optionally, as illustrated in <FIG>, a size of the extending section <NUM> in the width direction of the supporter <NUM> is a first width W1, and a maximum size of the vent hole <NUM> in the width direction of the supporter <NUM> is a second width W2. A ratio of the first width W1 to the second width W2 ranges from <NUM>/<NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM>.

Specifically, the extending section <NUM> may be in the shape of a rectangular sheet. A length direction of the extending section <NUM> is the same as the length direction of the supporter <NUM>, a width direction of the extending section <NUM> is the same as the width direction of the supporter <NUM>, and a thickness direction of the extending section <NUM> is the same as the thickness direction of the supporter <NUM>. One end of the extending section <NUM> in the length direction is connected to the connecting section <NUM>, and the other end of the extending section <NUM> in the length direction extends toward and shields the vent hole <NUM>.

The extending section <NUM> has a first edge <NUM> and a second edge <NUM> opposite to the first edge <NUM> in the width direction of the supporter <NUM>. Both the first edge <NUM> and the second edge <NUM> extend along the length direction of the supporter <NUM>. The first width W1 is a length of a perpendicular line between the first edge <NUM> and the second edge <NUM>.

When the vent hole <NUM> is a circular hole, the second width W2 is the diameter of the vent hole <NUM>.

It may be understood that the extending section <NUM> may also have other shapes and the vent hole <NUM> may also have other shapes. For the extending section <NUM> and the vent hole <NUM> of any shape, the first width W1 may be a length of a longest straight line among any straight lines drawn between the first edge <NUM> and the second edge <NUM> and parallel to the width direction of the supporter <NUM>, and the second width W2 may be a length of a longest line among any straight lines drawn between the side surface of the vent hole <NUM> and parallel to the width direction of the supporter <NUM>.

The ratio of the first width W1 to the second width W2 ranges from <NUM>/<NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM>, where first width W1 is smaller than the second width W2 and the ratio is not too small. In this way, the extending section <NUM> has a wide width, and thus can be effectively and stably connected to the negative tab <NUM> while blocking the welding slag. Moreover, the extending section <NUM> does not completely shield the vent hole <NUM>, leaving a certain gap, which can ensure that the gas can flow through the gap into the vent hole <NUM> and to the space below the stimulus-response member <NUM> on the second side <NUM>. Optionally, the ratio of the first width W1 to the second width W2 may be <NUM>/<NUM>, <NUM>/<NUM>, <NUM>/<NUM>, <NUM>/<NUM>, and the like, without limitation, and the specific values of the first width W1 and the second width W2 are not limited.

Optionally, as illustrated in <FIG>, a size of the extending section <NUM> in the width direction of the supporter <NUM> is a first width W1, and when the first connecting part <NUM> is folded relative to the connecting section <NUM>, a size of a combination of the connecting section <NUM> and the first connecting part <NUM> in the width direction of the supporter <NUM> is a third width W3. A ratio of the first width W1 to the third width W3 ranges from <NUM>/<NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM>.

Specifically, according to the above description, the shapes, sizes, structures, and the like of the connecting section <NUM> and the first connecting part <NUM> may be configured appropriately as needed, without considering the limitation on shielding the vent hole <NUM>. In the embodiment, the whole formed by the connecting section <NUM> and the first connecting part <NUM> after folded relative to each other has the third width W3. The first width W1 is smaller than the third width W3, so that the whole formed by the connecting section <NUM> and the first connecting part <NUM> has a wider size to more stably connect with the negative tab <NUM> and the negative pole <NUM>, thereby improving the connection stability.

Both the connecting section <NUM> and the first connecting part <NUM> may be in the shape of a sheet, and the shape may be a rectangle, a square, and the like, without limitation. The definition of the third width W3 may be similar to the definition of the first width W1 as described previously and will not be repeated herein.

It may be understood that the connecting section <NUM> and the first connecting part <NUM> may have the same or different sizes in the width direction of the supporter <NUM>. In any case, the combination of the connecting section <NUM> and the first connecting part <NUM> after the two are folded relative to each other has the third width W3.

Optionally, the ratio of the first width W1 to the third width W3 may be <NUM>/<NUM>, <NUM>/<NUM>, <NUM>/<NUM>, <NUM>/<NUM>, and the like, without limitation, and the specific values of the first width W1 and the third width W3 are not limited.

Optionally, as illustrated in <FIG>, the connecting section <NUM> has a third edge <NUM> and a fourth edge <NUM> opposite to the third edge <NUM> in the width direction of the supporter <NUM>. The first edge <NUM> flushes with the third edge <NUM>, and the fourth edge <NUM> extends beyond the second edge <NUM>. The fourth edge <NUM> is foldably connected to the first connecting part <NUM>.

The first edge <NUM> flushes with the third edge <NUM> and the fourth edge <NUM> extends beyond the second edge <NUM>. As such, the connecting section <NUM> has a wider size than the extending section <NUM>, so that the connecting section <NUM> can be in a stable foldable connection to the first connecting part <NUM>. The second edge <NUM> will be little affected when the first connecting part <NUM> is folding over the fourth edge <NUM>, so that the structure is stable and reliable. Moreover, when the combination of the connecting section <NUM> and the extending section <NUM> is connected to the negative tab <NUM>, a more stable effect can be achieved due to the wider connecting section, so that the connection stability between the negative tab <NUM> and the combination of the connecting section <NUM> and the extending section <NUM> can be improved.

Optionally, the first connecting part <NUM> has a fifth edge <NUM> and a sixth edge <NUM> opposite to the fifth edge <NUM> in the width direction of the supporter <NUM>. After the negative connector <NUM> is folded, the fifth edge <NUM> flushes with the third edge <NUM> and the sixth edge <NUM> flushes with the fourth edge <NUM>. Optionally, the sixth edge <NUM> and the fourth edge <NUM> are the same edge.

The shape of the first connecting part <NUM> is substantially the same as the shape of the connecting section <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. After the first connecting part <NUM> is folded relative to the second connecting part <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, the shapes of the first connecting part <NUM> and the connecting section <NUM> are essentially the same when viewed from above, that is, an orthographic projection of the first connecting part <NUM> on the second connecting part <NUM> coincides with the connecting section <NUM>. This can simplify the design and reduce the difficulty in manufacture.

Optionally, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, one end of the extending section <NUM> away from the connecting section <NUM> defines a chamfer. The chamfer facilitates a structure with smooth edge transition, which can avoid damage caused by scratching the structure such as the cell or the like by a sharp angle structure of the extending section.

As illustrated in <FIG>, based on the above energy storage device <NUM> in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a power consuming device. The power consuming device includes the energy storage device <NUM> in the embodiments of the present disclosure. The energy storage device <NUM> is configured to supply power to the power consuming device.

The power consuming device may be an electric vehicle, a battery exchange station, and the like, which is not limited herein.

Safety can be improved by using the energy storage device <NUM> of the present disclosure.

In description of the disclosure, it may be understood that locations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "center", "on", "under", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "in", "out", and the like are locations or positional relationship based on accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of description and simplicity, rather than explicitly or implicitly indicate that devices or components referred to herein must have a certain direction or be configured or operated in a certain direction and therefore cannot be understood as limitations to the disclosure.

Claim 1:
An energy storage device (<NUM>), comprising:
a supporter (<NUM>) having a first side (<NUM>) and a second side (<NUM>) opposite to each other, the supporter (<NUM>) defining a mounting hole (<NUM>) and a vent hole (<NUM>), the mounting hole (<NUM>) being spaced apart from the vent hole (<NUM>) in a length direction of the supporter (<NUM>);
a pole accommodated in the mounting hole (<NUM>);
a stimulus-response member (<NUM>) disposed at the second side (<NUM>), wherein the vent hole (<NUM>) enables gas from the first side (<NUM>) to flow through to the stimulus-response member;
a connector (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed at the first side (<NUM>), the connector (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a first connecting part (<NUM>) and a second connecting part (<NUM>), wherein
the first connecting part (<NUM>) is connected to the pole (<NUM>), the first connecting part (<NUM>) is connected to the second connecting part (<NUM>), the first connecting part (<NUM>) is opposite to the second connecting part (<NUM>) when the first connecting part (<NUM>) is folded relative to the second connecting part (<NUM>), the first connecting part (<NUM>) is connected to the pole, the second connecting part (<NUM>) extends toward the vent hole (<NUM>), and the second connecting part (<NUM>) partially shields the vent hole (<NUM>) in a thickness direction of the supporter (<NUM>); and
an electrode assembly having a tab (<NUM>, <NUM>), the tab (<NUM>, <NUM>) being connected to the second connecting part (<NUM>),
wherein, in the thickness direction of the supporter (<NUM>), a ratio of an area of a portion of the vent hole (<NUM>) not shielded by the second connecting part (<NUM>) to an area of a portion of the vent hole (<NUM>) shielded by the second connecting part (<NUM>) ranges from <NUM>/<NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM>.