Electrical connector for portable multi-cell electrical energy storage device
First Claim
1. An electrical connector for making an electrical connection to a plurality of portable electrical energy storage cells, the electrical connector comprising:
- a. an electrically conductive frame;
b. a plurality of integral electrically conductive tabs in electrical communication with the electrically conductive frame; and
c. a plurality of integral electrically conductive supports that connect each of the plurality of integral electrically conductive tabs to the electrically conductive frame, wherein each of the integral electrically conductive support extends between a corresponding one of the plurality of integral electrically conductive tabs and the electrically conductive frame and has a cross-sectional area sufficient to open the connection between the corresponding tab and the frame if a current from an energy storage cell exceeds a threshold level at which at least one of the plurality of integral electrically conductive supports start to fail.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Electrical connectors for electrically connecting individual portable electrical energy storage cells making up a plurality of portable electrical energy storage cells that are part of a portable electrical energy storage device for powering portable devices such as vehicles or consumer electronics include bands of reduced cross-sectional area. The electrical connectors include conductive bands that promote reliable attachment between the electrical connector and portable electrical energy storage cells and provide the ability to electrically isolate failing or damaged cells.
39 Citations
12 Claims
-
1. An electrical connector for making an electrical connection to a plurality of portable electrical energy storage cells, the electrical connector comprising:
-
a. an electrically conductive frame; b. a plurality of integral electrically conductive tabs in electrical communication with the electrically conductive frame; and c. a plurality of integral electrically conductive supports that connect each of the plurality of integral electrically conductive tabs to the electrically conductive frame, wherein each of the integral electrically conductive support extends between a corresponding one of the plurality of integral electrically conductive tabs and the electrically conductive frame and has a cross-sectional area sufficient to open the connection between the corresponding tab and the frame if a current from an energy storage cell exceeds a threshold level at which at least one of the plurality of integral electrically conductive supports start to fail. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. An electrical connector for making an electrical connection to a plurality of portable electrical energy storage cells, the electric connector comprising:
-
a. an electrically conductive frame; b. a plurality of integral electrically conductive tabs in electrical communication with the electrically conductive frame; and c. a plurality of integral electrically conductive supports that connect each of the plurality of integral electrically conductive tabs to the electrically conductive frame, wherein each of the integral electrically conductive support extends between a corresponding one of the plurality of integral electrically conductive tabs and the electrically conductive frame and has a cross-sectional area sufficient to open the connection between the corresponding tab and the frame if a current from an energy storage cell exceeds a threshold level at which at least one of the plurality of integral electrically conductive supports start to fail; wherein the individual integral electrically conductive support includes a first edge and a second edge, and wherein the opening is between the first edge and the second edge, and wherein the first electrically conductive band is between the first edge and the opening and a second electrically conductive band is between the second edge and the opening.
-
-
12. An electrical connector for making an electrical connection to a plurality of portable electrical energy storage cells, the electrical connector comprising:
-
a. an electrically conductive frame; b. a plurality of integral electrically conductive tabs in electrical communication with the electrically conductive frame; and c. a plurality of integral electrically conductive supports that connect each of the plurality of integral electrically conductive tabs to the electrically conductive frame, wherein each of the integral electrically conductive support extends between a corresponding one of the plurality of integral electrically conductive tabs and the electrically conductive frame and has a cross-sectional area sufficient to open the connection between the corresponding tab and the frame if a current from an energy storage cell exceeds a threshold level at which at least one of the plurality of integral electrically conductive supports start to fail; wherein the at least one electrically conductive band is configured to be melted in response to an event that an electrical current passing through the at least one electrically conductive band exceeds a threshold level.
-
Specification