Rechargeable battery pack

Abstract

An exemplary embodiment of the present application provides a rechargeable battery pack including: rechargeable battery modules in each of which unit cells are accommodated in a module frame, electrode terminals of the unit cells are connected by bus bars, and the unit cells are restricted by the module frame and a restriction member; a pack frame configured to accommodate the rechargeable battery modules disposed adjacent to each other in a first direction and a third direction crossing in a planar surface; and a bracket configured to connect the rechargeable battery modules and the pack frame to each other in at least one of the first direction and the third direction so as to be fixed to the pack frame in a second direction crossing the planar surface.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 201710942717.1, filed on October 11, 2017, entitled "Rechargeable Battery Module and Rechargeable Battery Pack". TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a rechargeable battery module and a rechargeable battery pack. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a rechargeable battery module and a rechargeable battery pack formed by connecting electrode terminals of unit cells accommodated in a module frame with bus bars. BACKGROUND

[0003] A rechargeable battery differs from a primary battery in that it can be repeatedly charged and discharged, whereas the latter cannot be recharged. Low-capacity rechargeable batteries are used in small portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, notebook computers, and camcorders, whereas high-capacity rechargeable batteries can be used as a power source for driving an electric motor of a hybrid vehicle, an electric vehicle, etc.

[0004] A rechargeable battery can be used as a single unit cell in a small electronic device, or as a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are electrically connected, or a battery pack in which a plurality of battery modules are electrically connected, in an electric motor driving power source. That is, a rechargeable battery module includes a plurality of unit cells, a frame for accommodating the unit cells, and bus bars for electrically connecting electrode terminals of the unit cells.

[0005] However, when a rechargeable battery module or a rechargeable battery pack is applied to a vehicle, it can be subjected to severe environmental conditions such as impact, vibration, and heat of the vehicle. The unit cells of the rechargeable battery module or the rechargeable battery pack are restrained only in one horizontal direction, and thus the unit cells can move in other horizontal directions or vertical directions inside the frame. Therefore, damage and short circuit of the bus bars can occur.

[0006] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the application, and therefore it can contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art. SUMMARY

[0007] The present application has been made in an effort to provide a rechargeable battery module that can prevent damage or short circuit of bus bars due to severe environmental conditions (e.g., impact, vibration, and heat) by fixing unit cells accommodated in a module frame to the module frame. The present application has been made in an effort to provide a rechargeable battery pack in which a rechargeable battery module is accommodated in a pack frame.

[0008] An exemplary embodiment of the present application provides a rechargeable battery module including a plurality of unit cells in which electrode assemblies performing charging and discharging operations are accommodated in a case, an opening of the case is closed and sealed by a cover plate, electrode terminals electrically connecting the electrode assemblies installed at the cover plate are provided, wide surfaces of the plurality of unit cells face each other in a first direction, a busbar is configured to electrically connect the electrode terminals of the unit cells adjacent in the first direction, a module frame is configured to accommodate the unit cells to restrict opposite sides of the unit cells in the first direction and one side of the unit cells in a second direction crossing the first direction, and a restriction member is configured to be fixed to the module frame in the second direction to restrict the other side of the unit cells in the second direction.

[0009] In a third direction crossing the second direction, the restriction member can include a fastener rib protruding toward the unit cells to press the other side of the unit cells in the second direction.

[0010] The insulating sheet can be provided between the unit cells in the first direction and between the module frame and the unit cells.

[0011] The restriction member can include a recessed portion recessed further than the fastener rib in the third direction to open one side of the insulating sheet.

[0012] The restriction member can be fixed to the module frame with a first fastening member, and can press the cover plate of the unit cells with the fastener rib.

[0013] The restriction member can be fixed to the module frame with a first fastening member, and can press the electrode terminals of the unit cells with the fastener rib.

[0014] The rechargeable battery module can further include a first insulating member configured to be integrally provided between the fastener rib and the electrode terminals and on an upper surface of the fastener rib, a printed circuit board configured to be provided on the first insulating member, and a second fastening member configured to be fastened to the electrode terminals by passing through the printed circuit board, the fastener rib, and the first insulating member.

[0015] The restriction member can be fixed to the module frame with a first fastening member, and can press the electrode terminals of the unit cells with the fastener rib with a second insulating member therebetween.

[0016] The rechargeable battery module can further include a second fastening member configured to be fastened to the electrode terminals by passing through the fastener rib and the second insulating member, a printed circuit board configured to be provided on the fastener rib with a third insulating member therebetween, and a third fastening member configured to be fastened to the fastener rib by passing through the printed circuit board and the third insulating member.

[0017] Another embodiment of the present application provides a rechargeable battery pack including: a plurality of rechargeable battery modules in which a plurality of unit cells are accommodated in a module frame, electrode terminals of the unit cells are connected by bus bars, and the unit cells are restricted by the module frame and a restriction member; a pack frame configured to accommodate the rechargeable battery modules disposed adjacent to each other in a first direction and a third direction crossing a planar surface; and a bracket configured to connect the rechargeable battery modules and the pack frame to each other in at least one of the first direction and the third direction so as to be fixed to the pack frame in a second direction crossing the planar surface.

[0018] The bracket can connect one point of the module frame and three points of the pack frame at a corner of the pack frame so as to be fixed to a bottom and a side wall of the pack frame.

[0019] The bracket can connect one point of each of two module frames and two points of the pack frame at an edge of the pack frame so as to be fixed to the bottom and the side wall of the pack frame.

[0020] The bracket can be spaced apart from the pack frame and can connect one point of each of four module frames so as to be fixed to the bottom of the pack frame.

[0021] The rechargeable battery modules can be connected by module bus bars.

[0022] The rechargeable battery module according to the embodiment of the present application, because the plurality of unit cells are accommodated in the module frame, the electrode terminals are connected by the bus bars, and then the restriction member is fixed to the module frame for restricting the unit cells, can prevent damage and short circuit of the bus bars for connecting the unit cells due to severe environmental conditions such as impact, vibration, and heat.

[0023] Further, the rechargeable battery pack according to the embodiment of the present application, because the plurality of rechargeable battery modules are accommodated in the pack frame, and then the rechargeable battery modules are fixed to the pack frame by the bracket, can prevent damage and short circuit of the bus bars for connecting the rechargeable battery modules due to severe environmental conditions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 A perspective view of a rechargeable battery module according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0025] Figure 2 A top view of the rechargeable battery module of Figure 1 is shown.

[0026] Figure 3 A perspective view of a unit cell applied to the rechargeable battery module of Figure 1 is shown.

[0027] Figure 4 a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of Figure 3

[0028] Figure 5 a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of Figure 2

[0029] Figure 6 a partial cross-sectional view of a rechargeable battery module according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0030] Figure 7 a partial cross-sectional view of a rechargeable battery module according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0031] Figure 8 a plan view of a rechargeable battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Figure 9 a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX of Figure 8 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The present application will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the application are shown. As this description proceeds, this application will become apparent from the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the drawings. As the skilled artisan will appreciate, the described embodiments can be modified in various different ways without departing from the scope of the application. The attached drawings and specification are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the application. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals will be understood to refer to like structures.

[0034] Figure 1 a perspective view of a rechargeable battery module according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present application, Figure 2 a plan view of Figure 1 a rechargeable battery module. Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the rechargeable battery module 1 of the first exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of unit cells 100, bus bars 200 for electrically connecting the unit cells 100, a module frame 300 for accommodating the unit cells 100, and a restriction member 400 for restricting movement of the unit cells 100.

[0035] The unit cells 100, in which rechargeable batteries are formed, are arranged adjacent to each other in a first direction (x-axis direction), in which case their wide surfaces face each other, and the unit cells 100 are electrically and mechanically connected to each other to form the rechargeable battery module 1. The bus bars 200 are provided on the rechargeable battery module 1 for electrically connecting the unit cells 100 adjacent in the x-axis direction, for example, one bus bar 200 can connect two unit cells 100 adjacent to each other in the x-axis direction.​​​

[0036] The module frame 300 accommodates the unit cells 100 inside thereof and restricts opposite sides of the unit cells in the first direction (x-axis direction) and one side of the unit cells in the second direction (z-axis direction) crossing the first direction. That is, the unit cells 100 are restricted by the module frame 300 in front and rear in the x-axis direction and below in the z-axis direction, respectively. In other words, the unit cells 100 are arranged adjacent to each other along the x-axis direction between two opposite side walls of the module frame 300 spaced apart from each other in the x-axis direction, and the unit cells 100 are arranged on the bottom of the module frame 300 along the z-axis direction. That is, the unit cells 100 are restricted by the module frame 300 in front and rear in the x-axis direction, i.e., between the opposite side walls of the module frame 300, and below in the z-axis direction, i.e., by the bottom of the module frame 300. The unit cells 100 can be spaced apart from the inner walls of the module frame 300 in a third direction (y-axis direction) crossing the first and second directions (x-axis and z-axis directions) by a first gap G1 (refer to FIG. 2). Figure 2 and Figure 5 ).

[0037] The restriction member 400 is fixed to the module frame 300 at the other side in the second direction (z-axis direction) to restrict the other side of the unit cells 100 in the second direction. In other words, the restriction member 400 is fixed to the module frame 300 at the side opposite to the bottom of the module frame 300. That is, the restriction member 400 is fixed to the upper end of the module frame 300 to restrict the upper portion of the unit cells 100. Thus, the unit cells 100 are restricted by the module frame 300 in front and rear in the x-axis direction, and by the bottom of the module frame 300 and the restriction member 400 in front and rear in the z-axis direction. That is, the opposite side walls of the module frame 300 spaced apart from each other in the x-axis direction restrict the unit cells 100 in the x-axis direction, and the bottom of the module frame 300 and the restriction member 400 restrict the unit cells 100 in the z-axis direction.

[0038] The insulation sheets 501 are provided between the unit cells 100 and between the inner walls of the module frame 300 and the unit cells 100 in the first direction (x-axis direction), respectively. For example, each of the insulation sheets 501 can be placed between two adjacent unit cells 100 and between the inner wall of the module frame 300 and the adjacent unit cells 100. The insulation sheets 501 electrically insulate the adjacent unit cells 100 and absorb and reduce the impact and vibration between the unit cells 100.

[0039] Figure 3 a perspective view of a unit cell of a rechargeable battery module applied to Figure 1 a perspective view of a unit cell of a rechargeable battery module applied to Figure 4 a perspective view of a unit cell of a rechargeable battery module applied to Figure 3a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIG. 1. Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The unit cell 100 is formed as a rechargeable battery of a charge current or a discharge current.

[0040] The unit cell 100 includes an electrode assembly 10 performing a charge or discharge operation, a case 15 accommodating the electrode assembly 10, a cover plate 20 closing and sealing an opening of the case 15, and electrode terminals 21 and 22 electrically connected to the electrode assembly 10 and mounted at the cover plate 20.

[0041] For example, the negative electrode 11 and the positive electrode 12 are disposed at opposite sides of a separator 13 which is an insulator, and the positive electrode 12, the negative electrode 11, and the separator 13 are spirally wound in a jelly-roll state to form the electrode assembly 10.

[0042] The negative electrode 11 and the positive electrode 12 respectively include coated regions 11a and 12a in which active materials are coated on current collectors made of metal plates, and uncoated regions 11b and 12b in which active materials are not coated thereon and which are formed as exposed current collectors.

[0043] The uncoated region 11b of the negative electrode 11 is formed at one end portion of the wound negative electrode 11. The uncoated region 12b of the positive electrode 12 is formed at one end portion of the wound positive electrode 12. Thus, the uncoated regions 11b and 12b of the negative electrode 11 and the positive electrode 12 are respectively disposed at opposite end portions of the electrode assembly 10.

[0044] For example, the case 15 is substantially formed as a rectangular parallelepiped in which a space for accommodating the electrode assembly 10 and an electrolyte solution is disposed, and an opening for connecting an internal space and an external space is formed at one side of the rectangular parallelepiped. The opening allows the electrode assembly 10 to be inserted into the case 15. For example, the case 15 and the cover plate 20 can be made of aluminum, and they can be welded to each other.

[0045] The cover plate 20 is provided with an electrolyte injection port 29, a gas vent hole 24, and terminal holes H1 and H2. The electrolyte injection port 29 allows the electrolyte solution to be injected into the case 15 after the cover plate 20 is combined to the case 15. The electrolyte injection port 29 is sealed with a sealing cap 27 after being injected with the electrolyte solution.

[0046] The gas vent hole 24 is sealed with a gas vent plate 25 so as to discharge an internal pressure of the unit cell 100. When the internal pressure of the unit cell 100 reaches a predetermined pressure, the gas vent plate 25 is broken along a notch 25a to open the gas vent hole 24.

[0047] The electrode terminals 21 and 22 are provided in the terminal holes Hl and H2 of the cover plate 20 and are electrically connected to the electrode assembly 10 so as to be led out of the case 15. For example, the electrode terminals 21 and 22 include rivet terminals 21a and 22a, flanges 21b and 22b, and plate terminals 21c and 22c.

[0048] The rivet terminals 21a and 22a are provided in the terminal holes Hl and H2 of the cover plate 20, the flanges 21b and 22b are formed wide inside the cover plate 20 while being formed integrally with the rivet terminals 21a and 22a, and the plate terminals 21c and 22c are connected to the rivet terminals 21a and 22a by riveting or welding while being disposed outside the cover plate 20.

[0049] The negative gasket 36 and the positive gasket 37 are provided between the rivet terminals 21a and 22a of the negative terminal 21 and the positive terminal 22 and the inside of the terminal holes Hl and H2, respectively, so as to seal and electrically insulate between the rivet terminals 21a and 22a of the negative terminal 21 and the positive terminal 22 and the cover plate 20.

[0050] In the electrode terminal 21 connected to the negative electrode 11, the plate terminal 21c is electrically connected to the rivet terminal 21a and is disposed outside the cover plate 20 with the insulating member 31 therebetween. The insulating member 31 electrically insulates the plate terminal 21c and the cover plate 20.

[0051] The negative gasket 36 further extends between the flange 21b and the inner surface of the cover plate 20, thereby further sealing and electrically insulating between the flange 21b and the cover plate 20. That is, the negative gasket 36 is provided in the terminal hole Hl of the cover plate 20 and the hole of the insulating member 31 together with the rivet terminal 21a of the electrode terminal 21, thereby preventing leakage of the electrolyte solution through the terminal hole Hl and the hole.

[0052] In the electrode terminal 22 connected to the positive electrode 12, the plate terminal 22c is electrically connected to the rivet terminal 22a and is disposed outside the cover plate 20 with the conductive top plate 46 therebetween. The top plate 46 electrically connects the plate terminal 22c and the cover plate 20.

[0053] The positive gasket 37 further extends between the flange 22b and the inner surface of the cover plate 20, thereby further sealing and electrically insulating between the flange 22b and the cover plate 20. That is, the positive gasket 37 is provided in the terminal hole H2 of the cover plate 20 and the hole of the top plate 46 together with the rivet terminal 22a of the electrode terminal 22, thereby preventing leakage of the electrolyte solution through the terminal hole H2 and the hole.

[0054] The negative lead tab 51 and the positive lead tab 52 electrically connect the electrode terminals 21 and 22 to the uncoated regions 1 lb and 12b of the negative electrode 11 and the positive electrode 12, respectively. The negative lead tab 51 and the positive lead tab 52 are supported by the flanges 21b and 22b and connected to the lower end portions of the rivet terminals 21a and 22a by combining the negative lead tab 51 and the positive lead tab 52 with the lower end portions of the rivet terminals 21a and 22a and then caulking the lower end portions.

[0055] The negative insulating member 61 and the positive insulating member 62 are installed between the negative lead tab 51 and the positive lead tab 52 and the cover plate 20 to electrically insulate therebetween. In addition, the negative insulating member 61 and the positive insulating member 62 are combined to the cover plate 20 at one side thereof and enclose the negative lead tab 51 and the positive lead tab 52, the rivet terminals 21a and 22a, and the flanges 21b and 22b at the other side thereof, thereby stabilizing the connection structure therebetween.

[0056] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along a line V-V of FIG. 1 is shown. Referring to Figure 2 , Figure 1 , Figure 2 , and Figure 5 , in the third direction (y-axis direction), the restriction member 400 includes fastener ribs 401 protruding toward the unit cells 100 at one side to press the unit cells 100 and recessed portions 402 recessed further than the fastener ribs 401 in the third direction (y-axis direction) at one side to open the insulating sheets 501. For example, as shown in Figure 1 , the restriction member 400 can include a base member extending, for example, continuously along the first direction (x-axis direction) to overlap the top of all the unit cells 100, the fastener ribs 401 extending from the base member in the third direction (y-axis direction) while being spaced apart from each other in the first direction (x-axis direction), and the recessed portions 402 between every two adjacent fastener ribs 401. For example, as shown in Figures 1-2 , the fastener ribs 401 overlap the top of each unit cell 100 and the recessed portions 402 overlap each insulating sheet 501 to expose the insulating sheet 501.

[0057] For example, as shown in Figure 1As shown in the middle, two restriction members 400 are provided on the rechargeable battery module 1 to extend in the x-axis direction at opposite ends of the module frame 300 spaced apart from each other, for example, along the y-axis direction. Each of the two restriction members 400 can include a fastener rib 401 protruding toward each other in the third direction (y-axis direction) and a recessed portion 402 therebetween. The restriction member 400 is fixed to the module frame 300 by a first fastening member 411 to press the cover plate 20 of the unit cell 100 with the fastener rib 401, for example, the first fastening member 411 can extend into the module frame 300 through the base member of the restriction member 400 Figure 5

[0058] Because the base member of the restriction member 400 is fixed to the module frame 300, the fastener rib 401 extending from the base member toward the unit cell 100 presses the cover plate 20 of each unit cell 100 downward at the upper side of the unit cell 100 in the z-axis direction. For example, each fastener rib 401 can correspond to one unit cell 100. Since the unit cell 100 is supported by the bottom of the module frame 300 and the restriction member 400, i.e., pressed between the bottom of the module frame 300 and the restriction member 400, the movement of the unit cell 100 can be limited in the vertical direction, i.e., in the z-axis direction, above and below within the module frame 300.

[0059] Due to the impact and vibration in the unit cell 100, the restriction member 400 can have irregular height in the z-axis direction over the entire length in the x-axis direction. The recessed portion 402 can absorb the height deviation of the restriction member 400 in the z-axis direction between the fastener ribs 401 within the safety range of the bus bar 200.

[0060] In addition, an insulating sheet 502 is interposed in a first gap G1 formed in the y-axis direction between the opposite ends of the unit cell 100 and the inner wall of the module frame 300, for example, the insulating sheet 502 can be between the inner wall of the module frame 300 and the opposite ends of the unit cell 100. The insulating sheet 502 improves the electrical insulation performance of the unit cell 100 and absorbs and reduces the impact and vibration between the module frame 300 and the unit cell 100.

[0061] As such, in the rechargeable battery module 1, because the unit cell 100 is firmly fixed to the inside of the module frame 300, damage and short circuit of the bus bar 200 connecting the electrode terminals 21 and 22 of the unit cell 100 can be prevented. Therefore, the service life of the vehicle to which the rechargeable battery module 1 is applied can be stably ensured.

[0062] ​Hereinafter, various exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described. The exemplary embodiments will be compared with the first exemplary embodiment and the above exemplary embodiments, the same configurations will be omitted, and different configurations will be described.

[0063] Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional view of a rechargeable battery module according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown. Referring to Figure 6 In the third direction (y-axis direction) of the rechargeable battery module 2 of the second exemplary embodiment, the restriction member 420 is fixed to the module frame 300 by the first fastening member 412, and the electrode terminal 21 of the unit cell 100 is pressed in the second direction (z-axis direction) by the fastener rib 421.

[0064] The rechargeable battery module 2 of the second exemplary embodiment includes a first insulating member 541, a printed circuit board 552, and a second fastening member 550. The printed circuit board 552 is connected for measuring the voltage of the unit cell 100, and is provided by controlling the safety device of the rechargeable battery module 2 using the measured voltage.

[0065] The first insulating member 541 is integrally provided between the fastener rib 421 and the electrode terminal 21 and on the upper surface of the fastener rib 421. The printed circuit board 552 is provided on the first insulating member 541. The second fastening member 550 passes through the printed circuit board 552, the fastener rib 421, and the first insulating member 541 to be fastened to the electrode terminal 21.

[0066] Since the fastener rib 421 of the restriction member 420 presses the electrode terminal 21 on the upper side in the z-axis direction with the first insulating member 541 therebetween, the unit cell 100 supported on the bottom of the module frame 300 can be restricted on the opposite side in the z-axis direction inside the module frame 300.

[0067] The first insulating member 541 improves the electrical insulation performance between the electrode terminal 21 of the unit cell 100 and the printed circuit board 552, and absorbs and reduces the impact and vibration between the module frame 300 and the unit cell 100, i.e., between the restriction member 420 and the electrode terminal 21.

[0068] Figure 7 A partial cross-sectional view of a rechargeable battery module according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown. Referring to Figure 7 In the third direction (y-axis direction) of the rechargeable battery module 3 of the third exemplary embodiment, the restriction member 430 is fixed to the module frame 300 by the first fastening member 413, and the electrode terminal 21 of the unit cell 100 is pressed in the second direction (z-axis direction) by the fastener rib 431 with the second insulating member 542 therebetween.

[0069] The rechargeable battery module 3 of the third exemplary embodiment includes a second insulating member 542, a second fastening member 551, a printed circuit board 552, a third insulating member 543, and a third fastening member 553. The second insulating member 542 is provided between the electrode terminal 21 and the fastener rib 431.

[0070] The second fastening member 551 passes through the fastener rib 431 and the second insulating member 542 to be fastened to the electrode terminal 21. The printed circuit board 552 is provided on the fastener rib 431 with the third insulating member 543 therebetween. The third fastening member 553 passes through the printed circuit board 552 and the third insulating member 543 to be fastened to the fastener rib 431.

[0071] Because the fastener rib 431 of the restriction member 430 presses the electrode terminal 21 on the upper side in the z-axis direction with the second insulating member 542 therebetween, and the second fastening member 551 passes through the fastener rib 431 and the second insulating member 542 to be fastened to the electrode terminal 21, the unit battery 100 supported on the bottom of the module frame 300 can be restricted on the opposite side in the z-axis direction inside the module frame 300.

[0072] Further, because the printed circuit board 552 is provided on the fastener rib 431 on the upper side in the z-axis direction with the third insulating member 543 therebetween, and the third fastening member 553 passes through the printed circuit board 552 and the third insulating member 543 to be fastened to the fastener rib 431, the unit battery 100 supported on the bottom of the module frame 300 can be further restricted on the opposite side in the z-axis direction inside the module frame 300.

[0073] The second insulating member 542 and the third insulating member 543 respectively improve the electrical insulation performance between the electrode terminal 21 of the unit battery 100 and the fastener rib 431, and between the fastener rib 431 and the printed circuit board 552, and absorb and reduce the impact and vibration between the module frame 300 and the unit battery 100, i.e., between the restriction member 430 and the electrode terminal 21, and between the restriction member 430 and the printed circuit board 552.

[0074] Hereinafter, a rechargeable battery pack formed by applying the rechargeable battery module will be described. For convenience, the rechargeable battery module 1 of the first exemplary embodiment will be described as applied thereto.

[0075] Figure 8 a plan view of a rechargeable battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown, Figure 9 a sectional view taken along Figure 8 line IX-IX thereof is shown. Reference is made to Figure 8 andFigure 9 A rechargeable battery pack of an exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of rechargeable battery modules 1, a pack frame 5, and a bracket 6. The rechargeable battery modules 1 are connected through module bus bars 7.

[0076] The pack frame 5 accommodates the plurality of rechargeable battery modules 1 arranged adjacent to each other in a first direction (x-axis direction) and a third direction (y-axis direction) crossing each other in a surface (x-y surface). In the pack frame 5 of this exemplary embodiment, four rechargeable battery modules 1 are arranged and accommodated two by two in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction, respectively.

[0077] The bracket 6 connects the rechargeable battery modules 1 and the pack frame 5 to each other in at least one of the first direction (x-axis direction) and the third direction (y-axis direction), and is fixed to the pack frame 5 in a second direction (z-axis direction) crossing the surface (x-y surface). A plurality of brackets 6 are provided to be capable of fixing the rechargeable battery modules 1 to the pack frame 5.

[0078] As an example, the bracket 6 can connect one point of each of two module frames 300 and three points of the pack frame 5 at a corner P1 of the pack frame 5, and thus be fixed to the bottom 511 and the side wall 512 of the pack frame 5 with four fastening members 81 and 82. Accordingly, the bracket 6 can minimize deformation of the rechargeable battery modules 1 at the corner P1.

[0079] The bracket 6 can connect one point of each of two module frames 300 and two points of the pack frame 5 at an edge P2 of the pack frame 5, and thus be fixed to the bottom 511 and the side wall 512 of the pack frame 5 with four fastening members 81 and 82. Accordingly, the bracket 6 can minimize deformation of the rechargeable battery modules 1 at the edge P2.

[0080] The bracket 6 can connect one point of each of four module frames 300 at a position P3 spaced apart from the pack frame 5, and thus be fixed to the bottom 511 of the pack frame 5 with four fastening members 81. Accordingly, the bracket 6 can minimize deformation of the rechargeable battery modules 1 at the position P3 spaced apart from the pack frame 5.

[0081] As such, since the rechargeable battery modules 1 are firmly fixed inside the pack frame 5 of the rechargeable battery pack, impacts and vibrations between the rechargeable battery modules 1 and the pack frame 5 are absorbed by the module frames 300, the brackets 6, and the pack frame 5, and thus damage and short circuit of the module bus bars 7 for connecting the rechargeable battery modules 1 can be prevented. Accordingly, the service life of a vehicle to which the rechargeable battery pack is applied can be secured.

[0082] While the application has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical example embodiments, it is to be understood that the application is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0083] Labeling Explanation

[0084] 1, 2, 3: rechargeable battery module 5: package frame

[0085] 6: support 7: module bus bar

[0086] 81, 82: fastening member 10: electrode assembly

[0087] 11: negative electrode 11a, 12a: coated area

[0088] 11b, 12b: uncoated area 12: positive electrode

[0089] 13: separator 15: case

[0090] 20: cover plate 21, 22: electrode terminal

[0091] 21a, 22a: rivet terminal 21b, 22b: flange

[0092] 21c, 22c: plate terminal 24: exhaust hole

[0093] 25: exhaust plate 25a: notch

[0094] 27: sealing cap 29: electrolyte injection port

[0095] 31: insulating member 36, 37: negative electrode gasket, positive electrode gasket

[0096] 46: top plate 51, 52: negative electrode lead tab, positive electrode lead tab

[0097] 61, 62: negative electrode insulating member, positive electrode insulating member

[0098] 100: unit cell 200: bus bar

[0099] 300: module frame 400, 420, 430: limiting member

[0100] 401, 421, 431: fastener rib 402: recessed portion

[0101] 411, 412, 413: first fastening member 501, 502: insulating sheet

[0102] 511: bottom 512: side wall

[0103] 541: first insulating member 542: second insulating member

[0104] 543: third insulating member 550, 551: second fastening member

[0105] 552: printed circuit board 553: third fastening member

[0106] G1: first gap H1, H2: terminal hole

[0107] P1: corner P2: side

[0108] P3: division position

Claims

1.A rechargeable battery pack comprising: rechargeable battery modules, in each of which a unit cell is accommodated in a module frame, electrode terminals of the unit cell are connected by a busbar, and the unit cell is restricted by the module frame and a restriction member; a pack frame configured to accommodate the rechargeable battery modules disposed adjacent to each other in a first direction and a third direction crossing in a planar surface; a bracket configured to connect the rechargeable battery modules and the pack frame to each other in at least one of the first direction and the third direction so as to be fixed to the pack frame in a second direction crossing the planar surface; and a fastening member extending through the bracket and the module frame and fixed to a bottom of the pack frame to restrict movement of the rechargeable battery modules in the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction, wherein the bracket connects one point of the module frame and three points of the pack frame at a corner of the pack frame so as to be fixed to the bottom and a side wall of the pack frame, wherein the bracket connects one point of each of two module frames and two points of the pack frame at an edge of the pack frame so as to be fixed to the bottom and a side wall of the pack frame. 2.The rechargeable battery pack of claim 1, wherein the bracket is spaced apart from the pack frame and connects one point of each of four module frames so as to be fixed to the bottom of the pack frame. 3.The rechargeable battery pack of claim 1, wherein the rechargeable battery modules are connected by module busbars. ​

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