Patent Description:
With development of clean energy, more and more devices use secondary batteries as power sources, for example, lithium batteries and lithium iron phosphate energy-storage batteries. Generally, a top patch is arranged on a top cap of a battery with electrodes. In this way, an insulation effect can be achieved to prevent short circuiting between the battery and another circuit. The top cap of the battery can be protected to prevent the top cap from being directly impacted by an external force. At present, an existing top patch generally defines multiple through holes for being attached to an energy-storage apparatus. Among the multiple through holes, a connecting region between two through holes is relatively small in area and relatively weak in structure, which is prone to fracture and warpage, thereby affecting production yield. <CIT> relates to an end cover assembly, an energy storage apparatus and an electric device. The end cover assembly includes an end cover, a terminal assembly and a top adhesive sheet, and the end cover has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other in the thickness direction thereof; the terminal assembly is disposed on the end cover; and the top adhesive sheet is attached to the first surface of the end cover, the top adhesive sheet is provided with a first opening through which the terminal assembly penetrates. According to the present application, the attaching difficulty of the top adhesive sheet on the end cover can be reduced, and the attaching efficiency is improved; and the size of the first opening is more reasonable, an insulation effect is ensured, a probability of foreign matter accumulation is reduced, and the use safety is improved. <CIT> relates to a battery and a battery apparatus. The battery pack includes a cover plate, an explosion-proof valve, and a protective patch. The explosion-proof valve is arranged on the cover plate. The protective patch is arranged on an outer side of the cover plate. A sealed chamber is formed between the explosion-proof valve and the protective patch, and a notch penetrating through the protective patch is arranged on the protective patch in a thickness direction, such that when a predetermined pressure is applied, the sealed chamber communicates with an outside through the notch. The notch has a total length of a and the protective patch has a thickness of b, where <NUM>≤a/b≤<NUM> and <NUM>≤b≤<NUM>, and the protective patch has a tensile strength of c, where c/b=xb-<NUM>.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a top patch, an energy-storage apparatus, and an electricity-consumption device that are capable of improving production yield.

It may be understood that, a positive pole/negative pole of a battery may be exposed beyond the first pole through-hole, and a negative pole/positive pole of the battery may be exposed beyond the second pole through-hole, so that the battery may be electrically connected to another component. An explosion-proof valve of the battery may be exposed beyond the first explosion-proof valve through-hole, so that when internal pressure of the battery is too large, the explosion-proof valve can be lifted in a direction of the first explosion-proof valve through-hole, and the internal pressure of the battery is discharged, thereby avoiding explosion of the battery.

In addition, the connecting through-hole may communicate with the second pole through-hole and the first explosion-proof valve through-hole. The arrangement of the connecting through-hole can reduce the volume of the top patch, thereby saving the material of the top patch. With reduction of the weight of the top patch, the overall weight of the battery is reduced.

Furthermore, during the actual manufacturing of the top patch, only two pieces of offcuts (offcuts of the first pole through-hole, and offcuts of the whole of the second pole through-hole and the first explosion-proof valve through-hole) are present in the top patch. Therefore, when the top patch <NUM> is mounted, a step of removing internal residual materials is relatively simple, which not only improves a molding yield of the top patch <NUM>, but also saves production time costs.

In a possible implementation, the extension bump has a first curved surface and a second curved surface. A hole wall of the connecting through-hole is connected to a hole wall of the second pole through-hole through the first curved surface. The hole wall of the connecting through-hole is connected to a hole wall of the first explosion-proof valve through-hole through the second curved surface.

In a possible implementation, a radius of curvature of the first curved surface ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>; and/or the a radius of curvature of the second curved surface ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>.

It may be understood that, the hole wall of the connecting through-hole is smoothly connected to the hole wall of the second pole through-hole through the first curved surface, and/or the hole wall of the connecting through-hole is connected to the hole wall of the first explosion-proof valve through-hole through the second curved surface, so that the top patch may have a relatively smooth inner edge. On one hand, the smooth inner edge can avoid scratching and wear of a wrapping film, the smooth aluminum sheet, or an electrode caused by a sharp edge when the top patch is assembled with another component of the energy-storage apparatus. On the other hand, the smooth inner edge can also make the top patch have good mounting stability, which is beneficial to avoid warpage of edges of through holes in a middle part of the top patch due to poor coordination with the smooth aluminum sheet during mounting, and an adverse effect on mounting reliability of the top patch.

In a possible implementation, the top patch includes four first outer vertex-corners arranged in sequence. At least one of the four first outer vertex-corners each is a rounded corner. The rounded corner has a radius ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>.

Exemplarily, the four first outer vertex-corners each are a rounded corner. The four second outer vertex-corners of the top patch are all configured as rounded corners, so that the top patch may have a relatively smooth outer edge. On one hand, the smooth outer edge can prevent the top patch from scratching and wearing another component or being pierced by another component due to a sharp edge when assembled with another component (such as the smooth aluminum sheet) in the battery. On the other hand, the smooth outer edge can also make the top patch have good mounting stability, which is beneficial to avoid warpage around the top patch due to contact with another component in the battery during installation, and an adverse effect on mounting reliability of the top patch.

In a possible implementation, the connecting through-hole is an identification through-hole. The identification through-hole is configured to expose an identification on the energy-storage apparatus.

It may be understood that, a part of a surface of the battery may also be exposed though the connecting through-hole, to set some product identifications. In addition, since the top patch is arranged around the identification, and an identification position is recessed relative to the top patch, the identification position is not likely to be scratched by foreign objects.

In a possible implementation, in the width direction of the top patch, the connecting through-hole has a length less than the second pole through-hole; and/or in the width direction of the top patch, the connecting through-hole has a length less than the first explosion-proof valve through-hole.

It may be understood that, the length of the connecting through-hole is set to be relatively small, so that there may be a larger mounting space on the surface of the battery for being connected to the structure of the top patch. The larger the mounting space, the larger the area of the top patch, so that the top patch can also have a relatively good structural strength on the premise that the identification of the smooth aluminum sheet is exposed beyond the connecting through-hole of the top patch, thereby avoiding damage to the top patch due to the thin structure of the top patch.

In a possible implementation, the top patch further includes a liquid-injection-hole sealing-portion. The liquid-injection-hole sealing-portion is connected between the first pole through-hole and the first elongated hole, the liquid-injection-hole sealing-portion is provided with an adhesive layer on one surface of the liquid-injection-hole sealing-portion close to the energy-storage apparatus, and the adhesive layer is attached to and covers a liquid-injection hole of the energy-storage apparatus.

It may be understood that, sealing performance of the liquid-injection hole has a great influence on a service life and performance of the battery. If the liquid-injection hole of the battery is not sealed, an electrolyte solution or other components inside the battery may be oxidized and corroded by external gas or foreign matters. For the top patch of the present disclosure, the liquid-injection hole is sealed by the adhesive layer, so that the liquid-injection hole can be sealed while the top patch is connected to the smooth aluminum sheet, thereby reducing occurrence of electrolyte leakage and the like in the liquid-injection hole of the battery.

In addition, since the liquid-injection hole is recessed relative to the smooth aluminum-sheet body, and the adhesive layer located on the sealing surface of the top patch exceeds the surface of the top patch, after the adhesive layer is correspondingly connected to the liquid-injection hole, at least a part of the adhesive layer can be accommodated in the liquid-injection hole, so that the top patch can be more flatly attached to the surface of the smooth aluminum sheet, thereby improving flatness of installation of the top patch.

In a possible implementation, the smooth aluminum-sheet body has a first surface facing the top patch, the energy-storage apparatus further includes a wrapping film, and an edge of the wrapping film covers a portion of an edge of the first surface. In the width direction of the smooth aluminum sheet, a width of the wrapping film covering the portion of the first surface is a third distance, and the second distance is greater than the third distance.

In other words, in the width direction of the smooth aluminum sheet, the width of the narrowest portion of the top patch is greater than the width of the wrapping film covering the portion of the first surface of the smooth aluminum sheet. With such arrangement, the top patch can completely cover a portion of the edge of the wrapping film on the first surface of the smooth aluminum sheet, so that after the top patch is connected to the smooth aluminum sheet, warpage of the portion of the edge of the wrapping film on the surface of the smooth aluminum sheet can be avoided, which is conducive to improving the smoothness of mounting of the wrapping film and the top patch.

In a possible implementation, the difference between the first distance and the second distance is greater than a difference between the second distance and the third distance.

In this way, the top patch may completely cover the edge of the wrapping film on the first surface, and a portion of the top patch may also be attached to the smooth aluminum sheet, thereby better pressing the edge of the wrapping film on the smooth aluminum sheet.

In a possible implementation, the smooth aluminum sheet further includes a positive electrode protrusion and a second explosion-proof valve through-hole. The positive electrode protrusion, the negative electrode protrusion, the second explosion-proof valve through-hole each are disposed on the smooth aluminum-sheet body. The positive electrode protrusion and the negative electrode protrusion are located on two opposite sides of the second explosion-proof valve through-hole respectively. The positive electrode protrusion is spaced apart from the second explosion-proof valve through-hole, and the negative electrode protrusion is spaced apart from the second explosion-proof valve through-hole. The positive electrode protrusion is exposed beyond the first pole through-hole, and the negative electrode protrusion is exposed beyond the second pole through-hole. The second explosion-proof valve through-hole communicates with the first explosion-proof valve through-hole.

It may be understood that, the first pole through-hole and the second pole through-hole may be mounted in alignment with the positive electrode protrusion and the negative electrode protrusion in a process of mounting the top patch respectively. The peripheral-side surface of the positive electrode protrusion and the peripheral-side surface of the negative electrode protrusion may guide the mounting process of the top patch.

In a possible implementation, the smooth aluminum sheet includes four second outer vertex-corners arranged in sequence. At least one of the four second outer vertex-corners each is a rounded corner. The rounded corner has a radius ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>.

Exemplarily, the four second outer vertex-corners each are a rounded corner. The four second outer vertex-corners of the smooth aluminum-sheet body are all configured as rounded corners, so that the smooth aluminum-sheet body may have a relatively smooth outer edge. On one hand, the smooth outer edge can prevent the smooth aluminum sheet from scratching and wearing another component or being pierced by another component due to a sharp edge when assembled with another component (such as the top patch) in the battery. On the other hand, the smooth outer edge can also make the smooth aluminum sheet have good mounting stability, which is beneficial to avoid warpage around the smooth aluminum sheet due to contact with another component in the battery during installation, and an adverse effect on mounting reliability of the smooth aluminum-sheet body.

In a possible implementation, the top patch includes four first outer vertex-corners arranged in sequence. At least one of the four first outer vertex-corners each is a rounded corner. The at least one of four first outer vertex-corners each has a radius of the rounded corner greater than the at least one of the four second outer vertex-corners.

In may be understood that, when the radius of the rounded corner of the first outer vertex-corner is greater than the radius of the rounded corner of the second outer-vertex-corner, a vertex corner of the top patch is inwardly contracted relative to the smooth aluminum sheet, and the top patch is completely located on a surface of the smooth aluminum sheet. In other words, the top patch may not exceed the edge of the smooth aluminum sheet, thereby preventing the top patch from being removed from the smooth aluminum sheet or preventing the vertex corner of the top patch from warping relative to the smooth aluminum sheet.

In a possible implementation, the smooth aluminum sheet further defines a liquid-injection hole located between the positive electrode protrusion and the second explosion-proof valve through-hole. The liquid-injection hole is covered by the adhesive layer.

In a possible implementation, the smooth aluminum-sheet body has a first surface facing the top patch, the positive electrode protrusion and the negative electrode protrusion each protrude from the first surface, the liquid-injection hole is recessed relative to the first surface, and a recessed direction of the liquid-injection hole is opposite to a protruding direction of each of the positive electrode protrusion and the negative electrode protrusion.

It may be understood that, the liquid-injection hole is recessed relative to the first surface, and when the top patch is attached, the top patch may be flush with and attached to the first surface, and the top patch will not be unable to be flush with and attached to the first surface due to the protrusion on the first surface.

In a possible implementation, a depth of the liquid-injection hole recessed relative to the first surface ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>.

In a third aspect, an electricity-consumption device is provided in the present disclosure. The electricity-consumption device includes the energy-storage apparatus as described above.

It may be understood that, an existing top patch generally defines three through holes, namely, a positive electrode through-hole, a negative electrode through-hole, and an explosion-proof valve through-hole, an area of a connection region between every two of the three holes is relatively small, and a structure of a joint is relatively weak. In a process of removing the offcuts to define the positive electrode through-hole, the negative electrode through-hole, and the explosion-proof valve through-hole, the joint between every two holes is likely to be broken. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the first elongated hole is defined to communicate the second pole through-hole with the first explosion-proof valve through-hole, so that to-be-removed offcuts in the top patch may be large offcuts, which can not only keep structural integrity of the top patch, but also effectively prevent a portion with a weak structure from being broken due to a force in the process of removing the offcuts in the top patch, and connection strength of the top patch is better.

In addition, due to the weak structure of the joint between the through holes of the top patch in the related art, deformation is likely to occur in the process of removing the offcuts, mounting with an end cap assembly, and the like, and consequently, the top patch cannot be kept flat, and an inner edge or outer edge of the top patch is likely to be warped. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the first elongated hole is defined to communicate the second pole through-hole with the first explosion-proof valve through-hole, to avoid problems such as warpage of the top patch and a difficulty in a subsequent mounting process of the top patch due to deformation at a joint of each hole.

Furthermore, arrangement of the connecting through-hole can reduce a volume of the top patch occupied by configuring this portion as a physical structure, thereby saving a material of the top patch. Since a weight of the top patch is reduced, a weight of the whole energy-storage apparatus is also reduced. In addition, since the connecting through-hole communicates the second pole through-hole with the first explosion-proof valve through-hole, only two pieces of offcuts (offcuts of the first pole through-hole and offcuts of a whole for connecting the second pole through-hole, the connecting through-hole, and the first explosion-proof valve through-hole) are present in the top patch during actual manufacturing. Therefore, when the top patch is mounted, a step of removing internal residual materials is relatively simple, which not only improves a molding yield of the top patch, but also saves production time costs.

To describe technical solutions in the present disclosure more clearly, the following briefly introduces the accompanying drawings required for describing implementations. Apparently, the accompanying drawings in the following description show merely some implementations of the present disclosure, and a person of ordinary skill in the art may still derive other drawings from these accompanying drawings without creative efforts.

Reference signals: electricity-consumption device <NUM>; power system <NUM>; energy-storage apparatus <NUM>; housing <NUM>; end cap assembly <NUM>; smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>; top patch <NUM>; smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM>; positive electrode protrusion <NUM>; negative electrode protrusion <NUM>; second explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM>; liquid-injection hole <NUM>; identification <NUM>; second outer vertex-corner <NUM>; first surface <NUM>; second surface <NUM>; first end <NUM>; second end <NUM>; first cavity <NUM>; second cavity <NUM>; positive electrode through-hole <NUM>; first top-surface <NUM>; first bottom-surface <NUM>; first peripheral-side-surface <NUM>; first side surface <NUM>; second side surface <NUM>; third side surface <NUM>; fourth side surface <NUM>; negative electrode through-hole <NUM>; second top-surface <NUM>; second bottom-surface <NUM>; second peripheral-side-surface <NUM>; fifth side surface <NUM>; sixth side surface <NUM>; seventh side surface <NUM>; eighth side surface <NUM>; liquid-injection-hole top-surface <NUM>; liquid-injection-hole bottom-surface <NUM>; sealing member <NUM>; first outer vertex-corner <NUM>; third end <NUM>; fourth end <NUM>; adhesive layer <NUM>; first elongated hole <NUM>; first pole through-hole <NUM>; second pole through-hole <NUM>; first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM>; connecting through-hole <NUM>; first side wall <NUM>; second side wall <NUM>; third side wall <NUM>; fourth side wall <NUM>; explosion-proof valve <NUM>; fifth side wall <NUM>; sixth side wall <NUM>; liquid-injection-hole sealing-portion <NUM>; sealing surface <NUM>; hole wall <NUM> of first pole through-hole; connecting surface <NUM>; hole wall <NUM> of second pole through-hole; hole wall <NUM> of first explosion-proof valve through-hole; first curved surface <NUM>; hole wall <NUM> of connecting through-hole; second curved surface <NUM>; wrapping film <NUM>; fifth end <NUM>; sixth end <NUM>; seventh end <NUM>; eighth end <NUM>; through hole <NUM>; first distance L1; second distance L2, third distance L3.

For ease of understanding, terms involved in embodiments of the present disclosure are first explained.

"And/or" is only an association relationship for describing associated objects and represents that three relationships may exist.

Implementations of the present disclosure are clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Reference can be made to <FIG>, where <FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of an electricity-consumption device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The electricity-consumption device <NUM> includes a power system <NUM> and an energy-storage apparatus <NUM>. The power system <NUM> is electrically connected to the energy-storage apparatus <NUM>. The energy-storage apparatus <NUM> provides a power source for the power system <NUM>.

Descriptions are provided below by using an example in which the electricity-consumption device <NUM> is a vehicle. The vehicle may be a fuel vehicle, a gas vehicle, or a new energy vehicle, where the new energy vehicle may be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or an extended-range vehicle. The vehicle includes a battery, a controller, and a motor. The battery is configured to supply power to the controller and the motor as an operating power source and a driving power source of the vehicle, for example, the battery is for power requirements of the vehicle during startup, navigation, and operation. For example, the battery supplies power to the controller, and the controller controls the battery to supply power to the motor, and the motor receives and uses power of the battery as driving power of the vehicle, to replace or partially replace fuel oil or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle.

It may be understood that the energy-storage apparatus <NUM> may include but is not limited to a single battery, a battery module, a battery pack, a battery system, or the like. When the energy-storage apparatus <NUM> is a single battery, the battery may be a prismatic battery. Descriptions are provided below by using an example in which the energy-storage apparatus <NUM> is a prismatic battery, but it may be understood that, the energy-storage apparatus is not limited thereto.

It may be noted that, the vehicle is only a use scenario of the energy-storage apparatus <NUM> provided in the present disclosure. In other scenarios, the energy-storage apparatus <NUM> can also be used for another electronic device or mechanical device, and is not limited to the vehicle. Certainly, the energy-storage apparatus <NUM> of the present disclosure may also be used in a non-power system, for example, a lighting tool or charging equipment. The use scenario of the energy-storage apparatus <NUM> is not specifically limited in the present disclosure.

Reference can be made to <FIG>, where <FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of the energy-storage apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG>. For ease of description, a length direction of the energy-storage apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG> is defined as an X-axis direction (hereinafter referred to as direction X), a width direction is defined as a Y-axis direction (hereinafter referred to as direction Y), and a height direction is defined as a Z-axis direction (hereinafter referred to as direction Z).

The energy-storage apparatus <NUM> includes an electrode assembly (not shown in <FIG>), a housing <NUM>, an end cap assembly <NUM>, and a top patch <NUM>. One end of the housing <NUM> defines an opening, and the housing <NUM> has an accommodating space. The electrode assembly is mounted in the accommodating space of the housing <NUM>. The end cap assembly <NUM> is connected to the opening of the housing <NUM>, and cooperates with the housing <NUM> to encapsulate the electrode assembly, and the top patch <NUM> is attached to the end cap assembly <NUM>. For example, the housing <NUM> is a metal housing such as an aluminum housing. Certainly, the housing <NUM> may also be made of other materials. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator located between the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet. The positive electrode sheet, the separator, and the negative electrode sheet are stacked sequentially and wound to form the electrode assembly.

It may be noted that, <FIG> schematically describes the connection relationship between the housing <NUM> and the end cap assembly <NUM>, and is not to specifically limit the connection position, specific configuration, and quantity of each device. The schematic structure of embodiments of the disclosure does not constitute a specific limitation to the energy-storage apparatus <NUM>. In other embodiments of the disclosure, the energy-storage apparatus <NUM> may include more or fewer components than illustrated in <FIG>, or combine or split certain components, or have different component arrangements. The components illustrated in <FIG> may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

Reference can be made to <FIG>, where <FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of an end cap assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The end cap assembly <NUM> includes a positive pole (not shown in <FIG>), a negative pole (not shown in <FIG>), and the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>.

The positive pole and the negative pole are arranged opposite to each other in direction X, and both the positive pole and the negative pole are electrically connected to the electrode assembly. Specifically, the positive pole is electrically connected with the positive electrode sheet in the electrode assembly to achieve the electrical connection between the positive pole and the electrode assembly, and the positive pole protrudes relative to the electrode assembly in a direction away from the electrode assembly. The negative pole is electrically connected to the negative electrode sheet in the electrode assembly to achieve the electrical connection between the negative pole and the electrode assembly, and the negative pole protrudes relative to the electrode assembly in the direction away from the electrode assembly. The positive pole and the negative pole may be used as electrode poles of the energy-storage apparatus <NUM>, and a current in the electrode assembly flows to the positive pole, then flows to an external electricity-consumption device through the positive pole, and flows to the electrode assembly through the negative pole, thus realizing current circulation.

Reference can be made to <FIG>, where <FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> shown in <FIG> at an angle. The smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> is connected to the opening of the housing <NUM>. For example, the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> may be welded to the housing <NUM> to isolate the interior of the energy-storage apparatus <NUM> and exterior of the energy-storage apparatus <NUM>.

The smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> includes a smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM>, a positive electrode protrusion <NUM>, a negative electrode protrusion <NUM>, a second explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM>, and a liquid-injection hole <NUM>.

An outer contour of the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM> is rectangular in shape. The smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM> includes four second outer vertex-corners <NUM> that are at an outer edge of the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM> and that are sequentially arranged, and the four second outer vertex-corners <NUM> are four corners of an outer edge of the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM>.

In a possible implementation, at least one second outer vertex-corner <NUM> of the four second outer vertex-corners <NUM> may be a rounded corner. Descriptions are provided below by using an example in which the four second outer vertex-corners <NUM> are all rounded corners, but it may be understood that, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. It may be understood that, the four second outer vertex-corners <NUM> of the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM> are all configured as rounded corners, so that the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM> may have a relatively smooth outer edge. On one hand, the smooth outer edge can prevent the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> from scratching and wearing another component or being pierced by another component due to a sharp edge when assembled with another component (such as the top patch <NUM>) in the energy-storage apparatus <NUM>. On the other hand, the smooth outer edge can also make the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> have good mounting stability, which is beneficial to avoid warpage around the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> due to contact with another component in the energy-storage apparatus <NUM> during installation, and an adverse effect on mounting reliability of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>.

For example, a radius of the rounded corner of the second outer vertex-corner <NUM> ranges from <NUM> to <NUM> (including endpoint values of <NUM> and <NUM>). It may be understood that, if a corner of the second outer vertex-corner is set too large, it may result in a situation in which it is difficult to fit with the housing <NUM> during assembly. If the corner of the second outer vertex-corner is set too small, mounting of the top patch <NUM> may be adversely affected during subsequent assembly with the top patch <NUM>. The radius of the rounded corner of the second outer vertex-corner <NUM> is set within this range, so that when the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> meets an assembly standard, warpage around the top patch <NUM> that is caused by touching a sharp corner in a subsequent process and further causes the top patch <NUM> to fall can be avoided, and the reliability is excellent.

Still referring to <FIG>, in embodiments of the present disclosure, the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM> has a first surface <NUM> and a second surface <NUM> that are opposite to each other. The first surface <NUM> is a surface of the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM> facing the top patch <NUM>, and the second surface <NUM> is a surface in the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM> facing the housing <NUM>. The smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The second end <NUM> and the first end <NUM> are arranged opposite to each other in direction X.

Reference can be made to <FIG>, where <FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> shown in <FIG> at another angle. The smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM> defines a first cavity <NUM> and a second cavity <NUM>. The first cavity <NUM> is defined at the first end <NUM>, the first cavity <NUM> is recessed from the second surface <NUM> toward the first surface <NUM>, and the first cavity <NUM> is for accommodating another component (such as a lower plastic component ) in the energy-storage apparatus <NUM>. The second cavity <NUM> is defined at the second end <NUM>, the second cavity <NUM> is recessed from the second surface <NUM> toward the first surface <NUM>, and the second cavity <NUM> is for accommodating another component (such as lower plastic component) in the energy-storage apparatus <NUM>.

Reference can be made to <FIG> and <FIG>, where <FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> shown in <FIG> at yet another angle. The positive electrode protrusion <NUM> is arranged at the first end <NUM> of the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM>, and the positive electrode protrusion <NUM> protrudes relative to the first surface <NUM> of the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM>. The positive electrode protrusion <NUM> protrudes relative to the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM>, so that a good reminding effect can be achieved, and when assembling the energy-storage apparatus <NUM>, an operator can align each component of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> to the top patch <NUM> without paying too much attention, which improves assembly efficiency of the energy-storage apparatus <NUM> and assembly accuracy of each component in the energy-storage apparatus <NUM>. For example, an outer diameter of the positive electrode protrusion <NUM> gradually decreases in a direction from the first surface <NUM> of the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM> to the top patch <NUM>.

The positive electrode protrusion <NUM> defines a positive electrode through-hole <NUM>. The positive electrode through-hole <NUM> extends through the positive electrode protrusion <NUM> in direction Z. The positive electrode through-hole <NUM> is communicated with the first cavity <NUM>. The positive electrode through-hole <NUM> is configured for the positive pole to pass through.

Reference can be made to <FIG>, <FIG>, where <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of plane A-A of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The positive electrode protrusion <NUM> further has a first top-surface <NUM>, a first bottom-surface <NUM> opposite to the first top-surface <NUM>, and a first peripheral-side-surface <NUM>.

The first top-surface <NUM> is a surface of the positive electrode protrusion <NUM> away from the first surface <NUM>. The first top-surface <NUM> may be rectangular. Four vertex corners of the first top-surface <NUM> are rounded corners.

The first bottom-surface <NUM> is a surface of the positive electrode protrusion <NUM> facing the housing <NUM>, the first bottom-surface <NUM> is connected to an opening of the first cavity <NUM> on a side of the first surface <NUM>, and the first bottom-surface <NUM> closes the opening. The first bottom-surface <NUM> is flush with the first surface <NUM> of the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM>. The first bottom-surface <NUM> may be rectangular. Four vertex corners of the first bottom-surface <NUM> are rounded corners.

Still referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first peripheral-side-surface <NUM> connects the first surface <NUM> to the first top-surface <NUM>. The first peripheral-side-surface <NUM> may include four side surfaces, and two adjacent side surfaces are connected through a curved surface transition. In other words, a vertex corner of an outer periphery of the positive pole protrusion is a rounded corner. The four outer corners of the positive electrode protrusion <NUM> are configured as a curved surface transition, to prevent the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> from scratching an operator or scratching another component (such as the wrapping film <NUM> covering the housing <NUM>) due to a sharp edge when assembled with another component of the energy-storage apparatus <NUM>. Moreover, a curved surface structure can also play a guiding role in a subsequent mounting process of the top patch <NUM>, so that the top patch <NUM> can be more easily aligned with the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>.

For example, a radian of the curved surface ranges from <NUM> to <NUM> (including endpoint values of <NUM> and <NUM>).

Specifically, the four side surfaces of the first peripheral-side-surface <NUM> may include a first side surface <NUM>, a second side surface <NUM>, a third side surface <NUM>, and a fourth side surface <NUM>. The first side surface <NUM> and the second side surface <NUM> are arranged opposite to each other in direction X. The third side surface <NUM> and the fourth side surface <NUM> are arranged opposite to each other in direction Y. The first side surface <NUM>, the third side surface <NUM>, the second side surface <NUM>, and the fourth side surface <NUM> are sequentially connected to form the first peripheral-side-surface <NUM> of the positive electrode protrusion <NUM>. Since four vertex corners of the first top-surface <NUM> and four vertex corners of the first bottom-surface <NUM> are all rounded corners, the first side surface <NUM> is smoothly connected to the third side surface <NUM> through a curved surface, the third side surface <NUM> is smoothly connected to the second side surface <NUM> through a curved surface, the second side surface <NUM> is smoothly connected to the fourth side surface <NUM> through a curved surface, and the fourth side surface <NUM> is smoothly connected to the first side surface <NUM> through a curved surface.

Still referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the negative electrode protrusion <NUM> is arranged at the second end <NUM> of the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM>, and the negative electrode protrusion <NUM> protrudes relative to the first surface <NUM> of the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM>. The negative electrode protrusion <NUM> protrudes relative to the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM>, so that a good reminding effect can be achieved, and when assembling the energy-storage apparatus <NUM>, an operator can align each component of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> to the top patch <NUM> without paying too much attention, which improves assembly efficiency of the energy-storage apparatus <NUM> and assembly accuracy of each component in the energy-storage apparatus <NUM>. For example, an outer diameter of the negative electrode protrusion <NUM> gradually decreases in the direction from the first surface <NUM> of the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM> to the top patch <NUM>.

The negative electrode protrusion <NUM> defines a negative electrode through-hole <NUM>. The negative electrode through-hole <NUM> extends through the negative electrode protrusion <NUM> in direction Z. The negative electrode through-hole <NUM> is communicated with the second cavity <NUM>. The negative electrode through-hole <NUM> is configured for the negative pole to pass through.

Reference can be made to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, where <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of plane B-B of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The negative electrode protrusion <NUM> further has a second top-surface <NUM>, a second bottom-surface <NUM> opposite to the second top-surface <NUM>, and a second peripheral-side-surface <NUM>.

The second top-surface <NUM> is a surface of the negative electrode protrusion <NUM> away from the first surface <NUM>. The second top-surface <NUM> may be rectangular. Four vertex corners of the second top-surface <NUM> are rounded corners.

The second bottom-surface <NUM> is a surface of the negative electrode protrusion <NUM> facing the housing <NUM>, the second bottom-surface <NUM> is connected to an opening of the second cavity <NUM> on the side of the first surface <NUM>, and the second bottom-surface <NUM> closes the opening. The second bottom-surface <NUM> is flush with the first surface <NUM> of the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM>. The second bottom-surface <NUM> may be rectangular. Four vertex corners of the second bottom-surface <NUM> are rounded corners.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> again, the second peripheral-side-surface <NUM> connects the first surface <NUM> to the second top-surface <NUM>. The second peripheral-side-surface <NUM> may include four side surfaces, and two adjacent side surfaces are connected through a curved surface transition. In other words, a vertex corner of an outer peripheral edge of the negative electrode protrusion <NUM> is a rounded corner. The four outer corners of the negative electrode protrusion <NUM> are configured as a curved surface transition, to prevent the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> from scratching an operator or scratching another component (such as the wrapping film <NUM> covering the housing <NUM>) due to a sharp edge when assembled with another component of the energy-storage apparatus <NUM>. Moreover, a curved surface structure can also play a guiding role in a subsequent mounting process of the top patch <NUM>, so that the top patch <NUM> can be more easily aligned with the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>.

Specifically, the four side surfaces of the second peripheral-side-surface <NUM> may include a fifth side surface <NUM>, a sixth side surface <NUM>, a seventh side surface <NUM>, and an eighth side surface <NUM>. The fifth side surface <NUM> and the sixth side surface <NUM> are arranged opposite to each other in direction X. The seventh side surface <NUM> and the eighth side surface <NUM> are arranged opposite to each other in direction Y. The fifth side surface <NUM>, the seventh side surface <NUM>, the sixth side surface <NUM>, and the eighth side surface <NUM> are sequentially connected form the second peripheral-side-surface <NUM> of the negative electrode protrusion <NUM>. Since four vertex corners of the second top-surface <NUM> and four vertex corners of the second bottom-surface <NUM> are all rounded corners, the fifth side surface <NUM> is smoothly connected to the seventh side surface <NUM> through a curved surface, the seventh side surface <NUM> is smoothly connected to the sixth side surface <NUM> through a curved surface, the sixth side surface <NUM> is smoothly connected to the eighth side surface <NUM> through a curved surface, and the eighth side surface <NUM> is smoothly connected to the fifth side surface <NUM> through a curved surface.

The second explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM> is between the positive electrode protrusion <NUM> and the negative electrode protrusion <NUM>. The second explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM>, the positive electrode protrusion <NUM>, and the negative electrode protrusion <NUM> are arranged at intervals. The second explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM> extends through the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM> of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> in direction Z. The second explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM> is used to connect an explosion-proof valve of the energy-storage apparatus <NUM>.

Reference can be made to <FIG> and <FIG>, where <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of plane C-C of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The liquid-injection hole <NUM> is located between the positive electrode protrusion <NUM> and the second explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM>, and the liquid-injection hole <NUM>, the positive electrode protrusion <NUM>, and the second explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM> are arranged at intervals.

The liquid-injection hole <NUM> may be a blind hole. As shown in <FIG>, the liquid-injection hole <NUM> is in an open state when the energy-storage apparatus <NUM> is not assembled, and the liquid-injection hole <NUM> is a through hole <NUM>. The through hole <NUM> extends through the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM> in direction Z. As shown in <FIG>, the through hole <NUM> is connected to a sealing member <NUM> after the energy-storage apparatus <NUM> is assembled. The sealing member <NUM> seals the through hole <NUM> to form the liquid-injection hole <NUM> that is recessed relative to the first surface <NUM>. The liquid-injection hole <NUM> has a liquid-injection-hole top-surface <NUM> and a liquid-injection-hole bottom-surface <NUM> opposite to the liquid-injection-hole top-surface <NUM> in an opposite direction of direction Z. The liquid-injection-hole top-surface <NUM> is recessed relative to the first surface <NUM>, and the liquid-injection-hole bottom-surface <NUM> may protrude relative to the second surface <NUM>.

Since the liquid-injection hole <NUM> is recessed relative to the first surface <NUM>, and a recessed direction of the liquid-injection hole <NUM> is opposite to a protruding direction of the positive electrode protrusion <NUM> and a protruding direction of the negative electrode protrusion <NUM>. Therefore, after liquid injection into the through hole <NUM> is completed and the sealing member <NUM> is welded to the through hole <NUM> to form the liquid-injection hole <NUM>, the liquid-injection hole <NUM> may not protrude relative to the first surface <NUM> of the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM>. In this arrangement, the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM> has good flatness, so that when the top patch <NUM> is subsequently mounted, the top patch <NUM> may be flush with and attached to the first surface <NUM> of the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM>, the top patch <NUM> will not be unable to be flush with and attached to the first surface <NUM> of the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM> due to the protrusion on the first surface <NUM>, and the top patch <NUM> is not prone to being fallen off from the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>.

For example, a depth of the liquid-injection hole <NUM> recessed relative to the first surface <NUM> ranges from <NUM> to <NUM> (including endpoint values of <NUM> and <NUM>).

Reference can be made to <FIG>, where <FIG> is a schematic top view of fitting of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> shown in <FIG> and a wrapping film <NUM>. The energy-storage apparatus <NUM> may further include a wrapping film <NUM>. The wrapping film <NUM> may be attached to an outer surface of the housing <NUM>, thereby protecting the housing <NUM> of the energy-storage apparatus <NUM> and internal components of the housing <NUM>. The wrapping film <NUM> covers the housing, and an edge of the wrapping film <NUM> covers an edge of a portion of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>.

In the width direction (that is, direction Y) of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>, a distance between the negative electrode protrusion <NUM> and the outer edge of the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM> may be a first distance L1, and a width of the wrapping film <NUM> covering a portion of the first surface <NUM> of the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM> may be a third distance L3.

It may be noted that, the distance between the negative electrode protrusion <NUM> and the outer edge of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> may be equal to or not equal to a distance between the positive electrode protrusion <NUM> and the outer edge of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>.

Reference can be made to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, where <FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of the top patch <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and <FIG> is a schematic top view of the top patch <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The top patch <NUM> is stacked with the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>. The top patch <NUM> is disposed on the first surface <NUM> of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>. In other words, the top patch <NUM> is attached to the top of the polished aluminum sheet <NUM>. The top patch <NUM> may be an insulator. On one hand, the top patch <NUM> may be disposed to achieve an insulation effect, to prevent the energy-storage apparatus <NUM> from being short-circuited with another circuit. On the other hand, the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> of the energy-storage apparatus <NUM> can be protected to prevent the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> from being directly impacted by an external force and being damaged.

The top patch <NUM> is rectangular. A shape of the top patch <NUM> may be the same as a shape of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>. The top patch <NUM> includes four first outer vertex-corners <NUM> that are located at the outer edge of the top patch <NUM> and that are sequentially arranged, and the four first outer vertex-corners <NUM> are four corners of an outer edge of the top patch <NUM>.

In a possible implementation, at least one first outer vertex-corner <NUM> in the four first outer vertex-corners <NUM> is a rounded corner. Descriptions are provided below by using an example in which the four first outer vertex-corners <NUM> are all rounded corners, but it may be understood that, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. It may be understood that, the four first outer vertex-corners <NUM> of the top patch <NUM> are all configured as rounded corners, so that the top patch <NUM> may have a relatively smooth outer edge. On one hand, the smooth outer edge can prevent the top patch <NUM> from scratching and wearing another component (such as the wrapping film <NUM>) or scratching operators due to a sharp edge when the top patch <NUM> is attached to the wrapping film <NUM>. On the other hand, the smooth outer edge can also make the top patch <NUM> have good mounting stability, which is beneficial to avoid warpage around the top patch <NUM> due to contact with another component in the energy-storage apparatus <NUM> during installation, and an adverse effect on mounting reliability of the top patch <NUM>, and to avoid the top patch <NUM> from falling off from the energy-storage apparatus <NUM>.

In this implementation, the radius of the rounded corner of the first outer vertex-corner <NUM> of the top patch <NUM> is greater than the radius of the rounded corner of the second outer vertex-corner <NUM> of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>. In addition, a straight edge of an outer contour of the top patch <NUM> may be flush with a straight edge of an outer contour of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> in direction Y. Alternatively, the straight edge of the outer contour of the top patch <NUM> may be recessed relative to the outer contour of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> in direction Y. In other words, in direction Y, two straight edges of the top patch <NUM> may be between two straight edges of the aluminum sheet <NUM>.

It may be understood that, since the top patch <NUM> and the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> are both rectangular, a center angle corresponding to the first outer vertex-corner <NUM> of the top patch <NUM> and a center angle corresponding to the second outer vertex-corner <NUM> of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> are both <NUM> degrees. When the radius of the rounded corner of the first outer vertex-corner <NUM> is greater than the radius of the rounded corner of the second outer vertex-corner <NUM>, a vertex corner of the top patch <NUM> is inwardly contracted relative to the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>, and the top patch <NUM> is completely located on a surface of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>. In other words, the top patch <NUM> may not exceed relative to the edge of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>, thereby preventing the top patch <NUM> from being removed from the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> or preventing the vertex corner of the top patch <NUM> from warping relative to the periphery of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the top patch <NUM> includes a third end <NUM> and a fourth end <NUM>. The fourth end <NUM> and the third end <NUM> are arranged opposite to each other in direction X. The top patch <NUM> further defines a first pole through-hole <NUM> and a first elongated hole <NUM>. The first elongated hole <NUM> includes two side walls <NUM> arranged opposite to each other in direction Y. The two side walls <NUM> are respectively a first wall <NUM> and a second wall <NUM>. Each of two side walls <NUM> is provided with an extension bump <NUM>, and extension bumps <NUM> of the two side walls <NUM> are arranged opposite to each other. The first elongated hole <NUM> on one side of the extension bump <NUM> forms a first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM>, and the first elongated hole <NUM> on the other side of the extension bump <NUM> forms a second pole through-hole <NUM>. A connecting through-hole <NUM> is defined between the two extension bumps <NUM>. The extension bump <NUM> further has a first curved surface <NUM> and a second curved surface <NUM>. One of the positive electrode protrusion <NUM> or the negative electrode protrusion <NUM> of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> may be exposed beyond the first pole through-hole <NUM>, and the other of the positive electrode protrusion <NUM> or the negative electrode protrusion <NUM> of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> may be exposed beyond the second pole through-hole <NUM>.

In a possible implementation, the positive electrode protrusion <NUM> of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> is exposed beyond the first pole through-hole <NUM>, and the negative electrode protrusion <NUM> of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> is exposed beyond the second pole through-hole <NUM>. The first curved surface <NUM> connects the hole wall <NUM> of the second pole through-hole <NUM> to a hole wall <NUM> of the connecting through-hole <NUM>. The second curved surface <NUM> connects a hole wall <NUM> of the first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM> to the hole wall <NUM> of the connecting through-hole <NUM>. Descriptions are provided below by using this implementation as an example, but it may be understood that, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The first pole through-hole <NUM> is defined at the third end <NUM> of the top patch <NUM>. The first pole through-hole <NUM> is rectangular, and four vertex corners of the first pole through-hole <NUM> are rounded corners. A shape of the first pole through-hole <NUM> may be the same as a shape of the first bottom-surface <NUM> of the positive pole protrusion <NUM>, and a corner of the first pole through-hole <NUM> may be greater than or equal to a corner of the first bottom-surface <NUM> of the positive pole protrusion <NUM>, so that the first pole through-hole <NUM> can be smoothly sheathed on a peripheral side of the positive pole protrusion <NUM>, and the positive pole protrusion <NUM> of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> is exposed beyond the first pole through-hole <NUM>. The first pole through-hole <NUM> is used to accommodate the positive electrode protrusion <NUM>. When the top patch <NUM> is attached to the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>, the positive electrode protrusion <NUM> of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> exceeds relative to the top patch <NUM>.

In a possible implementation, there may be a certain gap between a hole wall <NUM> of the first pole through-hole <NUM> and the peripheral side of the positive pole protrusion <NUM>, so that the first pole through-hole <NUM> can be smoothly sheathed on the peripheral side of the positive pole protrusion <NUM> even if there is a certain machining error.

The second pole through-hole <NUM> is defined at the fourth end <NUM> of the top patch <NUM>. The second pole through-hole <NUM> is rectangular, and four vertex corners of the second pole through-hole <NUM> are rounded corners. A shape of the second pole through-hole <NUM> may be the same as a shape of the second bottom-surface <NUM> of the negative electrode protrusion <NUM>, and a corner of the second pole through-hole <NUM> may be greater than or equal to a corner of the second bottom-surface <NUM> of the negative electrode protrusion <NUM>, so that the second pole through-hole <NUM> can be smoothly sheathed on a peripheral side of the negative electrode protrusion <NUM>, and the negative electrode protrusion <NUM> of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> is exposed beyond the second pole through-hole <NUM>. The second pole through-hole <NUM> is used to accommodate the negative electrode protrusion <NUM>. When the top patch <NUM> is attached to the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>, the negative electrode protrusion <NUM> of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> exceeds relative to the top patch <NUM>.

In a possible implementation, there may be a certain gap between a hole wall <NUM> of the second pole through-hole <NUM> and the peripheral side of the negative electrode protrusion <NUM>, so that the second pole through-hole <NUM> can be smoothly sheathed on the peripheral side of the negative electrode protrusion <NUM> even if there is a certain machining error.

It may be understood that, since the positive electrode protrusion <NUM> and the negative electrode protrusion <NUM> are protruded relative to the first surface <NUM>, the first pole through-hole <NUM> and the second pole through-hole <NUM> may be mounted in alignment with the positive electrode protrusion <NUM> and the negative electrode protrusion <NUM> in a process of mounting the top patch <NUM> respectively. The first peripheral-side-surface <NUM> of the positive electrode protrusion <NUM> and the second peripheral-side-surface <NUM> of the negative electrode protrusion <NUM> may guide the mounting process of the top patch <NUM>. In addition, since vertex corners of the positive electrode protrusion <NUM> and the negative electrode protrusion <NUM> are both rounded corners, during mounting, the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> does not have a sharp structure and may not scratch an operator or another component of the energy-storage apparatus <NUM>.

The first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM> is between the first pole through-hole <NUM> and the second pole through-hole <NUM>. In addition, the first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM>, the first pole through-hole <NUM>, and the second pole through-hole <NUM> are arranged at intervals. A shape of the first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM> may be the same as a shape of the second explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM> of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>, and the first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM> and the second explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM> are defined corresponding to each other and communicate with each other.

The first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM> extends through the top patch <NUM> in direction Z. Specifically, the first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM> includes a first side wall <NUM> and a second side wall <NUM> arranged opposite to each other in direction X, and a third side wall <NUM> and a fourth side wall <NUM> arranged opposite to each other in direction Y. Each of the first side wall <NUM> and the second side wall <NUM> may be a curved surface. The third side wall <NUM> and the fourth side wall <NUM> each may be a flat surface.

It may be understood that, referring to <FIG> again, in actual use, the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> may include an explosion-proof valve <NUM>, and the second explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM> of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> may be connected to the explosion-proof valve <NUM> in a sealed manner. The explosion-proof valve <NUM> may be exposed beyond the first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM>. When internal pressure of the energy-storage apparatus <NUM> increases due to abnormality of the energy-storage apparatus <NUM>, the internal pressure of the energy-storage apparatus <NUM> can lift the explosion-proof valve <NUM> to complete pressure relief and avoid explosion of the energy-storage apparatus <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the connecting through-hole <NUM> may communicate the second pole through-hole <NUM> with the first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM>. The connecting through-hole <NUM> includes a fifth side wall <NUM> and a sixth side wall <NUM> arranged opposite to each other in direction Y. The fifth side wall <NUM> is connected to the first side wall <NUM> of the first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM> on one side of the fifth side wall <NUM>, and the sixth side wall <NUM> is connected to the first side wall <NUM> of the first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM> on one side of the sixth side wall <NUM>. The fifth side wall <NUM> is connected to the hole wall <NUM> of the second pole through-hole <NUM> on the other side of the fifth side wall <NUM>, and the sixth side wall <NUM> is connected to the hole wall <NUM> of the second pole through-hole <NUM> on the other side of the sixth side wall <NUM>. The fifth side wall <NUM> and the sixth side wall <NUM> each are an arc surface, allowing for an arc transition at the connection between the connecting through-hole <NUM> and the second pole through-hole <NUM>, and at the connection between the connecting through-hole <NUM> and the first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM>, which facilitates more convenient and smooth removal of the offcuts from the top patch <NUM> when cutting the offcuts from various holes.

In direction Y, a length of the connecting through-hole <NUM> may be less than each of a length of the second pole through-hole <NUM> in direction Y and a length of the first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM> in direction Y. In this way, on the basis of satisfying that the connecting through-hole <NUM> communicates the second pole through-hole <NUM> with the first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM>, a structural area around the connecting through-hole <NUM> is increased as much as possible, so that the connecting through-hole <NUM> of the top patch <NUM> can effectively avoid an influence of structural strength due to an excessively thin structure of the top patch <NUM> while satisfying operating performance (such as exposing an identification <NUM> of the energy-storage apparatus <NUM> described below). Certainly, in other embodiments, in direction Y, the length of the connecting through-hole <NUM> may be greater than each of the length of the second pole through-hole <NUM> in direction Y and the length of the first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM> in direction Y. Alternatively, in direction Y, the length of the connecting through-hole <NUM>, the length of the second pole through-hole <NUM>, and the length of the first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM> may be the same.

It may be understood that, an existing top patch generally defines three through holes, namely, a positive electrode through-hole, a negative electrode through-hole, and an explosion-proof valve through-hole, an area of a connection region between every two of the three holes is relatively small, and a structure of a joint is relatively weak. In a process of removing the offcuts to define the positive electrode through-hole, the negative electrode through-hole, and the explosion-proof valve through-hole, the joint between every two holes is likely to be broken. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the first elongated hole <NUM> is defined to communicate the second pole through-hole <NUM> with the first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM>, so that to-be-removed offcuts in the top patch <NUM> may be large offcuts, which can not only keep structural integrity of the top patch <NUM>, but also effectively prevent a portion with a weak structure from being broken due to a force in the process of removing the offcuts in the top patch <NUM>, and connection strength of the top patch is better.

In addition, due to the weak structure of the joint between the through holes of the top patch in the related art, deformation is likely to occur in the process of removing the offcuts, mounting with an end cap assembly, and the like, and consequently, the top patch cannot be kept flat, and an inner edge or outer edge of the top patch is likely to be warped. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the first elongated hole <NUM> is defined to communicate the second pole through-hole <NUM> with the first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM>, to avoid problems such as warpage of the top patch <NUM> and a difficulty in a subsequent mounting process of the top patch <NUM> due to deformation at a joint of each hole.

Furthermore, arrangement of the connecting through-hole <NUM> can reduce a volume of the top patch <NUM> occupied by configuring this portion as a physical structure, thereby saving a material of the top patch <NUM>. Since a weight of the top patch <NUM> is reduced, a weight of the whole energy-storage apparatus <NUM> is also reduced. In addition, since the connecting through-hole <NUM> communicates the second pole through-hole <NUM> with the first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM>, only two pieces of offcuts (offcuts of the first pole through-hole <NUM> and offcuts of a whole for connecting the second pole through-hole <NUM>, the connecting through-hole <NUM>, and the first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM>) are present in the top patch <NUM> during actual manufacturing. Therefore, when the top patch <NUM> is mounted, a step of removing internal residual materials is relatively simple, which not only improves a molding yield of the top patch <NUM>, but also saves production time costs.

Referring to <FIG> again, the fifth side wall <NUM> includes a fifth end <NUM> and a sixth end <NUM> arranged opposite to each other in direction X. The fifth end <NUM> is arranged toward the second pole through-hole <NUM>, and the sixth end <NUM> is arranged toward the first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM>. The sixth side wall <NUM> includes a seventh end <NUM> and an eighth end <NUM> arranged opposite to each other in direction X. The seventh end <NUM> is arranged toward the second pole through-hole <NUM>, and the eighth end <NUM> is arranged toward the first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM>.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the hole wall <NUM> of the connecting through-hole <NUM> is connected to the hole wall <NUM> of the second pole through-hole <NUM> through a first curved surface <NUM>. A radius of curvature of the first curved surface <NUM> ranges from <NUM> to <NUM> (including end point values of <NUM> and <NUM>). Specifically, the fifth end <NUM> of the fifth side wall <NUM> is connected to the hole wall <NUM> of the second pole through-hole <NUM> through one first curved surface <NUM>. Specifically, the seventh end <NUM> of the sixth side wall <NUM> is connected to the hole wall <NUM> of the second pole through-hole <NUM> through the other first curved surface <NUM>.

It may be understood that, the hole wall <NUM> of the connecting through-hole <NUM> is smoothly connected to the hole wall <NUM> of the second pole through-hole <NUM> through the first curved surface <NUM>, and the hole wall <NUM> of the connecting through-hole <NUM> is connected to the hole wall <NUM> of the first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM> through the second curved surface <NUM>, so that the top patch <NUM> may have a relatively smooth inner edge. On one hand, the relatively smooth inner edge can avoid scratching and wear of a wrapping film <NUM>, the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>, or an electrode caused by a sharp edge when the top patch <NUM> is assembled with another component of the energy-storage apparatus <NUM>. On the other hand, the relatively smooth inner edge can also make the top patch <NUM> have good mounting stability, which is beneficial to avoid warpage of edges of through holes in a middle part of the top patch <NUM> due to poor coordination with the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> during installation, and an adverse effect on mounting reliability of the top patch <NUM>.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the hole wall <NUM> of the connecting through-hole <NUM> is connected to the hole wall <NUM> of the first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM> through a second curved surface <NUM>. A radius of curvature of the second curved surface <NUM> ranges from <NUM> to <NUM> (including end point values of <NUM> and <NUM>). Specifically, the sixth end <NUM> of the fifth side wall <NUM> is connected to one end of the first side wall <NUM> of the first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM> through one second curved surface <NUM>. The seventh end <NUM> of the sixth side wall <NUM> is connected to another end of the first side wall <NUM> of the first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM> through the other second curved surface <NUM>.

It may be understood that, the hole wall <NUM> of the first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM> of the top patch <NUM> is smoothly connected to the hole wall <NUM> of the connecting through-hole <NUM> of the top patch <NUM> through the second curved surface <NUM>, so that the inner edge of the top patch <NUM> does not have a relatively sharp angle, thereby avoiding an operation of accurately aligning the top patch <NUM> with the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> at a sharp corner, and simplifying a coordination connection process between the top patch <NUM> and the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the connecting through-hole <NUM> may be an identification-through hole. The identification through-hole may expose an identification <NUM> arranged on the first surface <NUM> of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>. With such arrangement, the identification <NUM> at a position of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> corresponding to the connecting through-hole <NUM> may be exposed beyond the connecting through-hole <NUM>. In addition, since the top patch <NUM> and the negative electrode protrusion <NUM> are arranged around the identification <NUM>, and a position of the identification <NUM> is recessed relative to the top patch <NUM> and the negative electrode protrusion <NUM>, the position of the identification <NUM> is not prone to being scratched by foreign objects and has good reliability.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a distance between the hole wall <NUM> of the second pole through-hole <NUM> and the outer edge of the top patch <NUM> in the width direction (that is, direction Y) of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> is a second distance L2. The second distance L2 is also a narrowest portion of a physical structure of the top patch <NUM>. It may be noted that, the distance between the hole wall <NUM> of the second pole through-hole <NUM> and the outer edge of the top patch <NUM> may be equal to or not equal to a distance between the first pole through-hole <NUM> and the outer edge of the top patch <NUM>.

In a possible implementation, the second distance L2 is greater than the third distance L3. In other words, in the width direction (that is, direction Y) of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>, a width of the narrowest portion of the top patch <NUM> is greater than the width of the wrapping film <NUM> covering the portion of the first surface <NUM> of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>. With such arrangement, the top patch <NUM> can completely cover the edge of the wrapping film <NUM> on the first surface <NUM> of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>, so that after the top patch <NUM> is connected to the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>, warpage of a portion of the edge of the wrapping film <NUM> on the surface of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> can be avoided, which is conducive to improving the smoothness of mounting of the wrapping film <NUM> and the top patch <NUM>.

For example, the second distance L2 may also be less than the first distance L1, and specifically, a difference between the first distance L1 and the second distance L2 ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>. In other words, in the width direction (that is, direction Y) of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>, the width of the narrowest portion of the top patch sheet <NUM> is less than a width between the positive electrode protrusion <NUM> and/or the negative electrode protrusion <NUM> of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> and the outer edge of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>. Therefore, after the top patch <NUM> is attached to the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>, the top patch <NUM> may not fall off because the outer edge of the top patch <NUM> protrudes relative to the outer edge of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>.

Further, a difference between the first distance L1 and the second distance L2 may be greater than a difference between the second distance L2 and the third distance L3. In other words, in the width direction (that is, direction Y) of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>, a difference between the width of the narrowest portion of the top patch <NUM> and the distance between the protrusions (the positive electrode protrusion <NUM> and/or the negative electrode protrusion <NUM>) of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> and the outer edge of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> is greater than a difference between the width of the narrowest portion of the top patch <NUM> and a width of the wrapping film <NUM> on the first surface <NUM>.

In this way, the top patch <NUM> may completely cover the edge of the wrapping film <NUM> on the first surface <NUM>, and a portion of the top patch <NUM> may also be attached to the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>, thereby better pressing the edge of the wrapping film <NUM> on the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the top patch <NUM> includes a liquid-injection- hole sealing-portion <NUM>. The liquid-injection-hole sealing-portion <NUM> is between the first pole through-hole <NUM> and the first explosion-proof valve through-hole <NUM>. The liquid-injection-hole sealing-portion <NUM> includes a sealing surface <NUM>, where the sealing surface <NUM> is a part of a surface of the top patch <NUM> facing the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>. The top patch <NUM> further includes an adhesive layer <NUM> (not shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). The adhesive layer <NUM> is arranged on the sealing surface <NUM>. The adhesive layer <NUM> is spaced apart from an edge of the first pole through-hole <NUM>, an edge of the second pole through-hole <NUM>, and an edge of the top patch <NUM>, to prevent an adhesive from overflowing to the liquid-injection-hole sealing-portion <NUM> and causing adverse effects on the operating performance of the energy-storage apparatus <NUM>. The liquid-injection-hole sealing-portion <NUM> is connected to the liquid-injection hole <NUM> through the adhesive layer <NUM>, so that the adhesive layer <NUM> seals the liquid-injection hole <NUM>.

It may be understood that, sealing performance of the liquid-injection hole <NUM> has a great influence on a service life and performance of the energy-storage apparatus <NUM>. If the liquid-injection hole of the battery is not sealed, an electrolyte solution or other components inside the battery may be oxidized and corroded by external gas or foreign matters. The top patch <NUM> of the present disclosure can seal the liquid-injection hole <NUM> of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> while connecting the top patch <NUM> to the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM> by arranging the adhesive layer <NUM> and enabling the adhesive layer <NUM> to seal the liquid-injection hole <NUM>, thereby reducing occurrence of electrolyte leakage and the like in the liquid-injection hole <NUM> of the energy-storage apparatus <NUM>.

In addition, since the liquid-injection-hole top-surface <NUM> is recessed relative to the smooth aluminum-sheet body <NUM>, and the adhesive layer <NUM> located on the sealing surface <NUM> of the top patch <NUM> is protruded relative to the surface of the top patch <NUM>, after the adhesive layer <NUM> is correspondingly connected to the liquid-injection hole <NUM>, at least a part of the adhesive layer <NUM> can be accommodated in the liquid-injection hole <NUM>, so that the top patch <NUM> can be more flatly attached to the surface of the smooth aluminum sheet <NUM>, thereby improving flatness of installation of the top patch <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A top patch (<NUM>) configured to be attached to an energy-storage apparatus (<NUM>), wherein the top patch (<NUM>) defines a first pole through-hole (<NUM>) and a first elongated hole (<NUM>) in a length direction of the top patch (<NUM>), the first elongated hole (<NUM>) comprises two side walls (<NUM>) arranged opposite to each other in a width direction of the top patch (<NUM>), and each of the two side walls (<NUM>) is provided with an extension bump (<NUM>); the first elongated hole (<NUM>) on one side of the extension bump (<NUM>) forms a first explosion-proof valve through-hole (<NUM>), and the first elongated hole (<NUM>) on the other side of the extension bump (<NUM>) forms a second pole through-hole (<NUM>); the first pole through-hole (<NUM>) is spaced apart from the first elongated hole (<NUM>); and a connecting through-hole (<NUM>) is defined between two extension bumps (<NUM>), the connecting through-hole (<NUM>) is located between the second pole through-hole (<NUM>) and the first explosion-proof valve through-hole (<NUM>), and the connecting through-hole (<NUM>) communicates with the second pole through-hole (<NUM>) and the first explosion-proof valve through-hole (<NUM>).