Chain-connected cylindrical battery cell for a battery pack

Abstract

A chain-connected cylindrical battery cell includes a cylindrical can sealed by a top cover. The cylindrical can contains a core and electrolyte. The chain-connected cylindrical battery cell further includes: a first link attached to the upper end of the cylindrical can; and a second link attached to the lower end of the cylindrical can. Each link includes a pair of connecting rings projecting in opposite directions. Additionally, the chain-connected cylindrical can includes a chain pin configured to insert through the connecting rings and aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical can. This configuration allows adjacent, similarly structured chain-connected cylindrical battery cells to be rotatably connected to form a chain structure suitable for battery packs.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0189065, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 17, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a cylindrical battery cell for chain-linked battery packs. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a cylindrical battery cell configured such that multiple cylindrical battery cells are interconnected in a chain. Background Technology

[0004] Reusable battery cells that can be charged and discharged refer to electrochemical energy storage devices widely used in various industries such as electric vehicles, energy storage systems (ESS), and small electronic devices.

[0005] Rechargeable and dischargeable battery cells have evolved from the invention of the voltaic pile in the 19th century to the lithium-ion batteries of today.

[0006] Early batteries primarily used lead-acid and nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, but with the commercialization of high-energy-density and long-life lithium-ion batteries in the 1990s, lithium-ion batteries became indispensable energy storage devices across various industries. Subsequently, high-output and high-efficiency battery cells were developed and used in various shapes such as cylindrical, pouch, and square.

[0007] For example, a cylindrical battery cell refers to a battery cell configured such that a metal cylindrical can is filled with electrolyte and the top of the metal cylindrical can is sealed, the metal cylindrical can containing a jelly-roll wound into a coil, the jelly-roll including a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator.

[0008] Due to the use of a cylindrical metal canister, cylindrical battery cells possess mechanical vibration resistance and rigidity. Furthermore, cylindrical battery cells can be mass-produced automatically and offer advantages such as high energy density and stable output.

[0009] When using a large number of cylindrical battery cells to manufacture battery packs for use in high-output electric vehicles or energy storage systems (ESS), the following disadvantages may occur: 1) Aligning the cylindrical battery cells one by one in the battery pack frame and electrically connecting the cylindrical battery cells to each other requires a lot of labor; 2) It is difficult to identify and replace faulty battery cells; and 3) External impacts can easily cause the electrical contacts of some battery cells to separate or short-circuit.

[0010] A pouch cell is a thin, cubic battery cell in which battery materials such as the positive electrode, negative electrode, separator, and electrolyte are sealed with a metal or plastic film. Its advantages include light weight, the ability to be manufactured in various sizes, high energy density, and high space efficiency. However, pouch cells also have disadvantages such as susceptibility to shocks and pressure, requiring an external casing for mechanical protection. Furthermore, when used to construct battery packs, similar to cylindrical cell types, more labor is required to align and electrically connect pouch cells, leading to reduced manufacturing efficiency.

[0011] Therefore, research and development are needed to improve the efficiency of manufacturing or assembling battery packs by aligning and setting up large numbers of cylindrical or pouch-shaped battery cells. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a chain-connected cylindrical battery cell for use in battery packs, enabling rapid assembly of the battery pack with less labor. This is achieved by arranging a large number of cylindrical battery cells in a linear, parallel, or helical structure at once, rather than aligning and positioning the cylindrical battery cells individually. Furthermore, this construction prevents electrical contact separation and short circuits due to mechanical impacts applied in multiple directions.

[0013] The aforementioned objective is achieved by a cylindrical battery cell for chain-connected battery packs. This chain-connected cylindrical battery cell includes: a cylindrical cell having a cylindrical can containing a core and electrolyte, and a top cover configured to seal the cylindrical can; and a first link connected to the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the cylindrical can. The first link has a pair of first connecting rings projecting in opposite directions from its outer peripheral surface. The chain-connected cylindrical battery cell further includes: a second link connected to the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the cylindrical can. The second link has a pair of second connecting rings projecting in opposite directions from its outer peripheral surface. The chain-connected cylindrical battery cell further includes: a chain pin configured to insert through the first connecting ring and adjacent first connecting rings of similarly configured battery cells, and through the second connecting ring and adjacent second connecting rings of similarly configured battery cells. The first connecting rings overlap with adjacent first connecting rings, and the second connecting rings overlap with adjacent second connecting rings.

[0014] The chain pin connects the battery cell to the battery cell with similar construction based on the length direction of the cylindrical can and the length direction of the adjacent cylindrical can of the similarly constructed battery cell, thereby rotatably connecting the cylindrical can to the adjacent cylindrical can in the form of a chain.

[0015] The first connecting ring in the first connecting ring may have a connecting protrusion formed parallel to the length direction of the cylindrical can. The second connecting ring in the first connecting ring may have a connecting groove, and adjacent connecting protrusions of similarly constructed battery cells are configured to fit into the connecting groove.

[0016] The first connecting ring in the second connecting ring may have a connecting protrusion formed parallel to the length direction of the cylindrical can. The second connecting ring in the second connecting ring may have a connecting groove in which adjacent connecting protrusions of similarly constructed battery cells are fitted.

[0017] The first link may further include a first parallel fastener having a complementary shape, projecting from the outer peripheral surface of the first link, and positioned orthogonal to a pair of first connecting links in opposite directions. The first parallel fastener is configured to secure the cylindrical can to an adjacent cylindrical can of a similarly constructed battery cell, and the cylindrical cans and adjacent cylindrical cans may face each other based on their parallel arrangement and adjacent positioning.

[0018] The second link may further include a second parallel fastener having a complementary shape, projecting from the outer peripheral surface of the second link, and positioned orthogonal to a pair of second connecting links in opposite directions. The second parallel fastener is configured to secure the cylindrical can to an adjacent cylindrical can of a similarly constructed battery cell, and the cylindrical cans and adjacent cylindrical cans may face each other while being positioned adjacent to each other based on parallel directions.

[0019] The chain pin may further include: a retaining package extending from both ends of the chain pin and configured to be embedded in the inner circumferential surface of the battery pack frame and the battery pack cover to further secure the cylindrical unit.

[0020] The first link may include a first circumferential member configured to fit around the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the cylindrical can. The first link may include a first support jaw extending from the first circumferential member and configured to fit around and support the edge of the upper surface of the top cover.

[0021] The second link may include: a second circumferential member configured to fit around the outer circumferential surface of the lower end of the cylindrical can; and a second support jaw extending from the second circumferential member and configured to fit around and support the edge of the lower surface of the cylindrical can. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing cylindrical battery cells for a battery pack arranged in a straight line and connected in a chain, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded 3D diagram;

[0024] Figures 3A to 3E The manufacturing process of a cylindrical battery cell for chain connection in a battery pack is illustrated based on an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a view illustrating the process of assembling cylindrical battery cells in a spiral arrangement for a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to form a disc-shaped battery pack.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a view illustrating the process of assembling cylindrical battery cells for a battery pack in a chain connection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, arranged in parallel, to form a quadrilateral battery pack.

[0027] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 4 A view of the installed state of the disc-shaped battery pack. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, in order to clarify the key points of the disclosure, descriptions of features or structures known in the art have been omitted.

[0029] When a component is referred to as a “connection” or “link” to another component, it can be directly connected to or linked to another component, or there can be an intermediate component.

[0030] Conversely, when one element is referred to as "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there may be no intermediate element.

[0031] In the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are open-ended and thus indicate the presence of a particular feature, integer, step, operation, element, component, and / or combination thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0032] When a component, device, element, etc., of this disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation or function, the component, device, or element shall be considered as being “constructed” to satisfy that purpose or perform that operation or function.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing cylindrical battery cells arranged in a straight line for a battery pack in a chain connection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded 3D diagram. Figures 3A to 3E This is a process view illustrating the steps of manufacturing a cylindrical battery cell for a battery pack with chain connections based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a view illustrating the process of assembling cylindrical battery cells for a battery pack in a chain connection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a spiral arrangement to form a disc-shaped battery pack. Figure 5This is a view illustrating the process of assembling cylindrical battery cells for a battery pack in a chain connection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, arranged in parallel to form a quadrilateral battery pack. Figure 6 It is shown Figure 4 A view showing the state in which the disc-shaped battery pack is installed.

[0034] In this disclosure and claims, the terms “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “front,” and “rear” (rear or backward) referring to directions are used for convenience of description only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, these terms are based on relative positions in the drawings and construction, and the three axes can be rotated to correspond to each other.

[0035] The cylindrical battery cells 100 for battery packs based on this disclosure are configured with a chain connection structure in which the cylindrical cells 110 are connected to each other in a line. Therefore, this configuration allows for easy one-time transport and handling of large quantities of cylindrical cells 110 used to assemble battery packs 50 or 60. Furthermore, this configuration allows for the rapid assembly or manufacture of battery packs 50 or 60 of various shapes with less labor by changing the chain arrangement or layout, and facilitates adjustment of the power capacity and size of the battery packs 50 or 60 by changing the chain length.

[0036] Battery pack 50 or 60 refers to a high-power, large-scale battery assembly, which is constructed by connecting a large number of battery cells in series or in parallel within a protective frame, electrically connecting the battery cells to each other, and adding other circuits, in order to achieve high output voltage and power capacity.

[0037] To specifically implement the above functions or operations, a single chain-connected cylindrical battery cell 100 for a battery pack is described based on an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the chain-connected cylindrical battery unit 100 may include a cylindrical unit 110, a first link 120, a second link 130, and a pin 140.

[0038] Each of the above components will be described in detail below.

[0039] First, the cylindrical unit 110 can be a cylindrical secondary unit battery, which can be used individually or in multiples in series or parallel to form a high-output battery pack 50 or 60.

[0040] The cylindrical cell 110 includes: a cylindrical can 112 containing a core 10 and an electrolyte, the core 10 including a positive electrode 12, a negative electrode 14, a separator 16, and machined tabs 18; and a top cover 114 configured to seal the cylindrical can 112. Alternatively, the cylindrical cell 110 can be a commercially available cylindrical battery cell of various sizes, such as 18650, 21700, and 4680(0).

[0041] The first link 120 is a component that cooperates with the second link 130 described below, for mediating a linear chain connection between adjacent cylindrical units 110 at the upper end of the cylindrical unit 110. Therefore, the cylindrical units can be easily transported and handled in one go, allowing for the rapid assembly or manufacture of battery packs 50 or 60 of various shapes with less labor by changing the chain arrangement or layout, and facilitating the adjustment of the power capacity and size of the battery packs 50 or 60.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown in Figure 3, the first link 120 is manufactured in the form of a ring that connects to the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the cylindrical can 112. The first link 120 is the outer cover of the cylindrical unit 110. The first link 120 may include a first circumferential member 121a, a first support end jaw 121b, a first connecting ring 122, and a first parallel fastener 125.

[0043] In this configuration, the first circumferential member 121a is an annular component that is assembled and secured to surround the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the cylindrical can 112. The first support jaw 121b is a member extending from the first circumferential member 121a to surround and support the edge of the upper surface of the top cover 114.

[0044] The first connecting ring 122 is a component disposed above the second connecting ring 132 (described below) for connecting adjacent cylindrical units 110 to each other in a linear chain connection structure via a through-mount of a chain pin 140 (described below). The first connecting ring 122 may be formed by a pair of ring-shaped structures protruding in opposite directions from the outer peripheral surface (i.e., the first circumferential member 121a described above).

[0045] In this case, one of the first connecting rings (e.g., the first one in the first connecting rings) 122 may have a connecting protrusion 123 that protrudes parallel to the length direction of the cylindrical can 112, such as... Figure 2 As shown in Figure 3.

[0046] Another (e.g., the second one in the first connecting ring) 122 located on the opposite side of the first circumferential member 121a in the first connecting ring may be provided with a connecting groove 124, and another connecting protrusion 123 from the adjacent cylindrical unit 110 that is adjacent to and overlaps with the connecting groove is adapted in the connecting groove 124.

[0047] Because they are configured to be interconnected via fitting connecting protrusions 123 and connecting grooves 124, adjacent cylindrical units 110 can be easily and quickly connected to each other. Furthermore, the connection strength between the first connecting rings 122 can be further enhanced, with the chain pins 140 (described below) extending through the first connecting rings 122 after overlapping, and the interconnected cylindrical units 110 can rotate relative to each other more reliably without wobbling.

[0048] The first parallel fastener 125 is configured to ensure that the plurality of cylindrical units 110 connected in a straight line by the aforementioned first connecting ring 122 and based on Figure 5 The parallel cylindrical units 110 shown are interconnected and fixed to each other.

[0049] The first parallel fastener 125 may be formed by a pair of fasteners protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the first link 120. In other words, the first parallel fastener 125 is positioned orthogonal to the connecting protrusion 123 and the connecting groove 124, which are positioned in opposite directions to each other.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown in Figure 3, the fixing protrusion 126 can protrude from one side of the first parallel fixing member 125 along the radial direction of the cylindrical can 112.

[0051] The fixed protrusion 126 may be a horizontal, flat, plate-like protrusion, configured to allow multiple cylindrical units 110 connected in a straight line via the first connecting ring 122, etc., to rotate freely relative to each other.

[0052] On the other side of the first parallel fastener 125 (located on the opposite side with respect to the first circumferential member 121a), a fastening groove 127 with a complementary shape can be formed, and another fastening protrusion 126 of the adjacent cylindrical unit 110 is adapted to the fastening groove 127.

[0053] The fixing groove 127 can be open so as not to restrict the end of the horizontally flat fixing protrusion 126 in the width direction.

[0054] Due to the aforementioned adaptation type of the first parallel fastener 125, including the fixing protrusion 126 and the fixing groove 127, adjacent cylindrical units 110 in the parallel direction can be easily and quickly connected to each other. Furthermore, through the connecting protrusion 123 and connecting groove 124 of the first link 120, a large number of cylindrical units 110 arranged in a straight line and parallel can be securely connected or linked to each other.

[0055] The first link 120, composed of the aforementioned components, can be integrally manufactured from injection-molded engineering plastics such as polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). These amorphous resins possess excellent heat resistance, flame retardancy, insulation, abrasion resistance, and impact resistance. Alternatively, the first link 120 can be manufactured by pressing or die-casting lightweight metal.

[0056] The second link 130, shared with the first link 120, mediates the connection of adjacent cylindrical units 110 to form a linear chain connection at the lower end of the cylindrical unit 110. Therefore, the cylindrical units can be easily transported and handled in one go, enabling the rapid assembly or manufacture of battery packs 50 or 60 of various shapes with less labor. This is achieved by changing the chain arrangement or layout, and also facilitates adjustments to the power capacity and size of the battery packs 50 or 60.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown in Figure 3, the second link 130 is manufactured in the form of a ring that connects to the outer circumferential surface of the lower end of the cylindrical can 112. The second link 130 is the outer cover of the cylindrical unit 110. The second link 130 may include a second circumferential member 131a, a second support end jaw 131b, a second connecting ring 132, and a second parallel fastener 135.

[0058] In this configuration, the second circumferential member 131a is an annular component that is fitted and secured to surround the outer circumferential surface of the lower end of the cylindrical can 112. The second support jaw 131b is a component extending from the aforementioned second circumferential member 131a to surround and support the edge of the lower surface of the cylindrical can 112.

[0059] The second connecting ring 132 is a component disposed below the first connecting ring 122, used to connect adjacent cylindrical units 110 into a chain-like connection structure formed in a straight line by through-mounting of a chain pin 140 (described below). The second connecting ring 132 may be formed by a pair of ring-shaped structures protruding in opposite directions from the outer peripheral surface (i.e., the second circumferential member 131a described above).

[0060] In this case, one of the second connecting rings (e.g., the first one in the second connecting ring) 132 may have a connecting protrusion 133 that protrudes parallel to the length direction of the cylindrical can 112, such as... Figure 2 As shown in Figure 3.

[0061] Another (e.g., the second one in the second connecting ring) 132 located on the opposite side of the second circumferential member 131a in the second connecting ring may be provided with a connecting groove 134, and another connecting protrusion 133 of the adjacent cylindrical unit 110 that is adjacent to and overlaps with the connecting groove 134 is adapted in the connecting groove 134.

[0062] Because they are configured to be interconnected via fitting connecting protrusions 133 and connecting grooves 134, adjacent cylindrical units 110 can be easily and quickly connected to each other. Therefore, the connection strength between the second connecting rings 132, through which the chain pins 140 (described below) extend after overlapping, can be further enhanced, and the interconnected cylindrical units 110 can rotate relative to each other more reliably without wobbling.

[0063] The second parallel fastener 135 is configured to ensure that the plurality of cylindrical units 110 connected in a straight line by the second connecting ring 132 and based on Figure 5 The parallel cylindrical units 110 shown are connected and fixed to each other, and can be located below the first parallel fastener 125.

[0064] The second parallel fastener 135 may be formed by a pair of fasteners protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the second link 130. In other words, the second parallel fastener 135 is positioned orthogonal to the connecting protrusion 133 and the connecting groove 134, while the connecting protrusion 133 and the connecting groove 134 are positioned in opposite directions to each other.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown in Figure 3, the fixing protrusion 136 can protrude from one side of the second parallel fixing member 135 along the radial direction of the cylindrical can 112.

[0066] The fixed protrusion 136 may be a horizontal, flat, plate-like protrusion, configured to allow free relative rotation of a plurality of cylindrical units 110 connected in a straight line via the aforementioned second connecting ring 132, etc.

[0067] On the other side of the second parallel fastener 135 (located on the opposite side with respect to the second circumferential member 131a mentioned above), a fixing groove 137 with a complementary shape can be formed, and another fixing protrusion 136 of the adjacent cylindrical unit 110 is adapted to the fixing groove 137.

[0068] The fixing groove 137 may be open so as not to restrict the end of the horizontally flat fixing protrusion 126 in the width direction.

[0069] Due to the aforementioned adaptation type of the second parallel fastener 135, which includes the fixing protrusion 136 and the fixing groove 137, adjacent cylindrical units 110 in the parallel direction can be easily and quickly connected to each other. Therefore, a large number of cylindrical units 110 arranged in a straight line and parallel can be securely connected or linked to each other by means of the connecting protrusion 133 and the connecting groove 134 of the second link 130.

[0070] The second link 130, formed by the aforementioned components, can be integrally manufactured from injection-molded engineering plastics such as polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). These amorphous resins possess excellent heat resistance, flame retardancy, insulation, abrasion resistance, and impact resistance. Optionally, the second link 130 can be manufactured in the same manner as the first link 120, by pressing or die-casting a lightweight metal.

[0071] The chain pin 140 is a component that, together with the first connecting ring 122 and the second connecting ring 132, rotatably connects adjacent cylindrical units 110 in the form of a chain.

[0072] The chain pin 140 can be formed by a rod-like member mounted through a first connecting ring 122 and a second connecting ring 132 that overlap with adjacent connecting rings 122 and 132 of the adjacent cylindrical unit 110. In other words, as Figure 2 As shown in Figure 3, the first connecting ring 122 and the second connecting ring 132 overlap each other when they are adjacent to each other, and are arranged parallel to the length direction of the cylindrical tank 112 based on the straight line of the cylindrical unit 110.

[0073] In this case, the chain pin 140 may include a fixing pack 142 extending from both ends of each corresponding chain pin 140. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the fixing package 142 is embedded in the inner circumferential surface of the battery pack frame 20 or the battery pack cover 30 to further fix the multiple cylindrical units 110 arranged in a straight line and parallel to form the battery pack 50 or 60.

[0074] Due to the aforementioned chain pin 140, the connection strength between the first connecting ring 122 and the second connecting ring 132, which are arranged in a straight line and connected by an adapter, can be further improved, the separation between the first connecting ring 122 and the second connecting ring 132 can be suppressed, and the relative rotation between the cylindrical units 110 arranged in a straight line can be realized freely and reliably.

[0075] like Figures 3A to 3EAs shown, the cylindrical battery cell 100 based on the chain connection of the present disclosure can be manufactured by continuously supplying interconnected second chain links 130 to a production line using a conventional cylindrical battery cell manufacturing process. Figure 3A ); A cylindrical unit 110 is manufactured on the provided second link 130. Figure 3B and Figure 3C The first chain links 120, which are interconnected, are connected to the upper end of the manufactured cylindrical unit 110. Figure 3D ); and mounting the chain pin 140 through the first link 120 and the second link 130 ( Figure 3E ).

[0076] like Figure 4 As shown, a large number of cylindrical units 110 are manufactured continuously in a linear chain-like structure, entering one side of the spiral-shaped guide frame 25 without separate transport, and arranged in a spiral shape. The cylindrical units 110 are all transferred to the disc-shaped battery pack frame 20 in one go by a robotic arm 40, etc. Circuitry and wiring are added and sealed by the battery pack cover 30, thereby enabling the disc battery pack 50 to be formed quickly with less labor.

[0077] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, multiple disc-shaped battery packs 50 can be connected in series to an electric vehicle 70, etc., making it easy to adjust their power capacity and size.

[0078] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, a large number of cylindrical units 110, continuously manufactured through a chain-like structure formed in straight lines, can be repeatedly arranged in parallel lines within a quadrilateral battery pack frame 20 via a series of processes, thereby rapidly forming a quadrilateral battery pack 60 with less labor. The cylindrical units 110 are manufactured to have a certain length. For example... Figure 5 As shown, add circuitry and wiring and perform a seal using the battery pack cover 30.

[0079] According to this disclosure, a pair of first connecting rings protrude from a first link, which is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of a cylindrical unit, which is sealed by a top cover after the core is inserted and electrolyte is injected. The pair of first connecting rings protrude in opposite directions. Similarly, a pair of second connecting rings protrude from a second link in opposite directions, which is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of a cylindrical can.

[0080] A chain pin is inserted into the first and second connecting rings, which are aligned with the corresponding first and second connecting rings of adjacent cylindrical units. Therefore, the first and second connecting rings of adjacent cylindrical units overlap, forming a chain connection along the length of the cylindrical can of the respective cylindrical unit. This construction allows for easy transport and handling of multiple aligned cylindrical units together. Furthermore, the interconnected batteries can be arranged in a straight line or quadrilateral battery pack (which can be straight or parallel), or easily arranged in a spiral structure within a circular or elliptical battery pack while freely rotating about a length-parallel axis of rotation. Therefore, various types of battery packs can be assembled or manufactured quickly with minimal labor.

[0081] In addition, since multiple cylindrical units are interconnected in a chain-like structure, it can effectively suppress the separation or short circuit of electrical contacts caused by external mechanical impact. Furthermore, the cylindrical units can be configured in various lengths and arrangements as needed, thereby facilitating the adjustment of the power capacity and size of the battery pack.

[0082] Those skilled in the art should understand that although specific embodiments of this disclosure have been shown and described above, this disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, these modifications or improvements should not be understood independently of the technical spirit or prospects of this disclosure, and the modified embodiments should also fall within the scope of the claims of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A cylindrical battery cell for chain connection in a battery pack, the battery cell comprising: A cylindrical unit includes a cylindrical container containing a core and an electrolyte, and a top cover that seals the cylindrical container; A first link is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the cylindrical can, and the first link has a pair of first connecting rings protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the first link in opposite directions. A second link, connected to the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the cylindrical can, the second link having a pair of second connecting rings projecting from the outer peripheral surface of the second link in opposite directions; and A chain pin is inserted through the first connecting ring and the adjacent first connecting ring of the other battery cell, and through the second connecting ring and the adjacent second connecting ring of the other battery cell. Wherein, the first connecting ring overlaps with the adjacent first connecting ring, and The second connecting ring overlaps with the adjacent second connecting ring.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The chain pin connects the battery cell to the other battery cell based on the length direction of the cylindrical can and the length direction of the adjacent cylindrical can of the other battery cell, thereby rotatably connecting the cylindrical can to the adjacent cylindrical can in the form of a chain. The battery cell and the other battery cell have the same construction.

3. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, One of the first connecting rings is provided with a connecting protrusion, which is formed parallel to the length direction of the cylindrical can; and Another connecting ring in the first connecting ring is provided with a connecting groove, and the adjacent connecting protrusion of the other battery unit is adapted to the connecting groove.

4. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, One of the second connecting rings is provided with a connecting protrusion, which is formed parallel to the length direction of the cylindrical tank; and Another connecting ring in the second connecting ring is provided with a connecting groove, and the adjacent connecting protrusion of the other battery unit is adapted to the connecting groove.

5. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The first chain link further includes: A first parallel fastener of complementary shape protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the first link and is positioned orthogonal to the pair of first connecting links in opposite directions. The first parallel fastener secures the cylindrical can to the adjacent cylindrical can of the other battery cell, and The cylindrical tank and the adjacent cylindrical tank face each other when they are positioned adjacent to each other in a parallel direction.

6. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The second link further includes: A second parallel fastener of complementary shape protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the second link and is positioned orthogonal to the pair of second connecting links in opposite directions. The second parallel fastener secures the cylindrical can to the adjacent cylindrical can of the other battery cell, and The cylindrical tank and the adjacent cylindrical tank face each other when they are positioned adjacent to each other in a parallel direction.

7. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The chain further includes: A retaining element extends from both ends of the chain pin and is embedded in the inner circumferential surface of the battery pack frame and battery pack cover to further secure the cylindrical unit.

8. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The first chain link includes: A first circumferential member is adapted to surround the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the cylindrical can; and A first support jaw extends from the first circumferential member and is adapted to surround and support the edge of the upper surface of the top cover.

9. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The second link includes: A second circumferential member is adapted to surround the outer circumferential surface of the lower end of the cylindrical can; and The second support jaw extends from the second circumferential member and is adapted to surround and support the edge of the lower surface of the cylindrical can.

10. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The first and second links are integrally manufactured from injection-molded engineering plastics including polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).

11. A cylindrical battery cell system for chain connection of a battery pack, the battery cell system comprising: Multiple battery cells are interconnected in a chain, each of the multiple battery cells comprising: A cylindrical unit includes a cylindrical container containing a core and an electrolyte, and a top cover that seals the cylindrical container; A first link is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the cylindrical can, and the first link has a pair of first connecting rings protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the first link in opposite directions. A second link, connected to the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the cylindrical can, the second link having a pair of second connecting rings projecting from the outer peripheral surface of the second link in opposite directions; and A chain pin is inserted through the first connecting ring and the second connecting ring. In this configuration, the first connecting ring of a pair of first connecting rings in the first battery cell overlaps with the first connecting ring of a pair of first connecting rings in the second battery cell, and The second connecting ring of the first battery cell overlaps with the second connecting ring of the second battery cell.

12. The battery cell system according to claim 11, wherein, The chain pin connects the first battery unit to the second battery unit based on the length direction of the first cylindrical can of the first battery unit and the length direction of the second cylindrical can of the second battery unit, thereby rotatably connecting the first cylindrical can to the second cylindrical can in the form of a chain.

13. The battery cell system according to claim 11, wherein, Each of the plurality of battery cells further includes: One of the first connecting rings has a connecting protrusion, the connecting protrusion being formed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical can; and The other connecting ring in the first connecting ring has a connecting groove, and a connecting protrusion of another battery cell is adapted to the connecting groove. The battery cell and the other battery cell have the same construction.

14. The battery cell system according to claim 11, wherein, Each of the plurality of battery cells further includes: One of the second connecting rings has a connecting protrusion, the connecting protrusion being formed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical can; and Another connecting ring in the second connecting ring has a connecting groove, and a connecting protrusion of another battery unit is adapted to the connecting groove.

15. The battery cell system according to claim 11, wherein, The first link of each of the plurality of battery cells further includes: A first parallel fastener of complementary shape protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the first link and is positioned orthogonal to the pair of first connecting links in opposite directions. The first parallel fastener secures the cylindrical can to an adjacent cylindrical can of another battery cell.

16. The battery cell system according to claim 11, wherein, The second link of each of the plurality of battery cells further includes: A second parallel fastener of complementary shape protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the second link and is positioned orthogonal to the pair of second connecting links in opposite directions. The second parallel fastener secures the cylindrical can to an adjacent cylindrical can of another battery cell.

17. The battery cell system according to claim 11, wherein, The chain pins of each of the plurality of battery cells further include: A retaining element extends from both ends of the chain pin and is embedded in the inner circumferential surface of the battery pack frame and battery pack cover to further secure the cylindrical unit.

18. The battery cell system according to claim 11, wherein, The first link of each of the plurality of battery cells further includes: A first circumferential component surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the cylindrical can; and The first support jaw extends from the first circumferential member and surrounds and supports the edge of the upper surface of the top cover.

19. The battery cell system according to claim 11, wherein, The second link of each of the plurality of battery cells further includes: A second circumferential component surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the lower end of the cylindrical can; and The second support jaw extends from the second circumferential member and surrounds and supports the edge of the lower surface of the cylindrical can.

20. The battery cell system according to claim 11, wherein, The first and second links are integrally manufactured from injection-molded engineering plastics including polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).

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