Electrode connector containing plate and battery module employed with the same

Abstract

An electrode connector includes a conductive wire and plates mounted on the wire such that the plates can be electrically connected to electrodes of cells. The plates are electrically connected to the wire. A battery module is manufactured with the electrode connector. The electrode connector is electrically connected to the electrodes of the cells by means of the plates. Consequently, the coupling of the electrode connector to the electrodes of the cells is easily accomplished by welding while damage to the cells is minimized. Furthermore, the electrical connection between the plates is accomplished by means of the flexible wire. Consequently, the assembly operation for the electrode connection is very easily carried out, and the electrode connector can be manufactured inexpensively.

1 . An electrode connector comprising: 
 a conductive wire; and    plates mounted on the wire such that the plates can be electrically connected to electrodes of cells, wherein    the plates are electrically connected to the wire.    
   
   
       2 . The electrode connector as set forth in claim I, wherein the wire is covered with an insulating resin.  
   
   
       3 . The electrode connector as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the wire is made of copper, and the plates are made of nickel.  
   
   
       4 . The electrode connector as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the electrical connection between the plates and the electrode of the cells is accomplished by spot welding, ultrasonic welding, laser welding, or soldering.  
   
   
       5 . The electrode connector as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the electrode connector is constructed by clamping a plurality of plates to a single wire.  
   
   
       6 . A battery module manufactured with an electrode connector as set forth in  claim 1 .  
   
   
       7 . The battery module as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the electrode connector is used to connect electrodes of a plurality of cells (unit cells) with each other or to connect the electrode of one of the unit cells with a predetermined external device.