초록 ▼

A connector assembly connects a plurality of battery cells in a serial/parallel arrangement. Each battery cell includes a cover and a canister having a side and a bottom. Each battery cell is constructed such that a segment of the side of the canister forms a top crimped portion that retains the cov

A connector assembly connects a plurality of battery cells in a serial/parallel arrangement. Each battery cell includes a cover and a canister having a side and a bottom. Each battery cell is constructed such that a segment of the side of the canister forms a top crimped portion that retains the cover and is electrically isolated from the cover. The connector assembly includes a conductive weld cup. The conductive weld cup includes a bordered portion and recessed portion. The bordered portion includes a first side wall and a ledge that is substantially planar. The recessed portion is recessed within the ledge. The recessed portion includes a recessed portion and a floor that is substantially planar. The first side wall includes an integrated tab projecting from it. An inner surface of the bordered portion engages an outer surface of the side and the bottom of the canister of an upper adjacent battery cell. An outer surface of the floor engages a cover of a lower adjacent battery cell. The integrated tab provides for coupling the battery cells of two adjacent battery sticks in parallel.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A connector assembly for connecting a plurality of battery cells in a serial/parallel arrangement, each battery cell including a cover and a canister having a side and a bottom, where a segment of the side of the canister forms a top crimped portion that retains the cov

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A connector assembly for connecting a plurality of battery cells in a serial/parallel arrangement, each battery cell including a cover and a canister having a side and a bottom, where a segment of the side of the canister forms a top crimped portion that retains the cover and is electrically isolated from the cover, the connector assembly comprising:a conductive weld cup, the conductive weld cup including:a bordered portion having a first side wall, a ledge and an integrated tab projecting from the first side wall, wherein the ledge and the integrated tab are disposed at an angle to the first side wall; anda recessed portion recessed within the bordered portion, wherein the recessed portion includes a second side wall and a floor that is disposed at an angle to the second side wall,where an inner surface of the bordered portion engages an outer surface of the side and the bottom of the canister of an upper adjacent battery cell and an outer surface of the floor engages the cover of a lower adjacent battery cell, and where the integrated tab is provided for coupling the battery cells of two adjacent battery sticks in parallel; andan insulative cup for preventing the top crimped portion of the lower adjacent battery cell from coming in electrical contact with the outer surface of the bottom of the canister of the upper adjacent battery cell when the lower adjacent and the upper adjacent battery cells are serially coupled, the insulative cup located between the top crimped portion of the lower adjacent battery cell canister and the bottom of the canister of the upper adjacent battery cell, the insulative cup including a substantially planar portion and a rim extending about the periphery of the planar portion, wherein the planar portion includes an opening for receiving the recessed portion of the conductive weld cup, and wherein an inner surface of the rim and the planar portion engage the side and the top crimped portion of the canister of the lower adjacent battery cell.