Rechargeable battery module

Abstract

A rechargeable battery module includes: a bus bar holder configured to cover a plurality of battery cells; a flexible printed circuit (FPC) configured to transmit a signal corresponding to the detected temperature of at least one of the battery cells from a temperature sensor mounted on the bus bar holder; a temperature sensing tab including a sensor connection portion at a first side connected to the temperature sensor and a cell contact portion at a second side coupled to the bus bar holder and in contact with at least one of the battery cells; and an elastic member coupled to the cell contact portion and configured to elastically press the cell contact portion onto at least one of the battery cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a rechargeable battery module. Background Art

[0002] A rechargeable battery is a battery designed to be repeatedly charged and discharged, as opposed to a primary battery. Small-capacity rechargeable batteries can be used in portable small electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptop computers, and portable video cameras.

[0003] Large-capacity and high-density rechargeable batteries can be used as a power source or energy storage for driving motors of hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles. The rechargeable battery can be used as a rechargeable battery module that includes a plurality of battery cells connected in series and / or in parallel to be able to drive, for example, a motor of a hybrid vehicle that requires a relatively high energy density.

[0004] Generally, a rechargeable battery module uses a temperature sensor to detect the temperature of a cell and transmits a detection signal through a flexible printed circuit (FPC). The temperature sensor mounted on the FPC is welded to a separate nickel tab, and the nickel tab is laser-welded to the battery cell so that the temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the battery cell through the nickel tab. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a rechargeable battery module in which a temperature sensor is connected between a flexible printed circuit (FPC) and a battery cell. Embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a rechargeable battery module that can reduce or eliminate defects that may be caused by welding because a tab of a temperature sensor mounted on a flexible printed circuit (FPC) is not connected to a battery cell by welding. Embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a rechargeable battery module that can reduce or eliminate certain costs, such as process costs and quality management costs, because welding is not used.

[0006] A rechargeable battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a bus bar holder configured to cover a plurality of battery cells; a flexible printed circuit (FPC) configured to transmit a signal corresponding to a detected temperature of at least one of the battery cells from a temperature sensor mounted on the bus bar holder; a temperature sensing tab including a sensor connection portion at a first side and a cell contact portion at a second side, the sensor connection portion being connected to the temperature sensor, the cell contact portion being coupled to the bus bar holder and contacting at least one of the battery cells; and an elastic member coupled to the cell contact portion and configured to elastically press the cell contact portion onto at least one of the battery cells.

[0007] The single-body contact portion may include: a contact plate portion that contacts at least one of the battery cells; a first catching portion that is in the contact plate portion on a side away from the sensor connection portion and on the bus bar holder; and a second catching portion that is spaced apart from the first catching portion and is closer to the sensor connection portion than the first catching portion in the contact plate portion, and is coupled below the bus bar holder.

[0008] The elastic member may include: a first elastic portion that is coupled to a first through hole in the first catching portion and is configured to apply an elastic force to the first catching portion; and a second elastic portion that is coupled to a second through hole in the second catching portion and is configured to apply an elastic force to the second catching portion.

[0009] The elastic member may further include a connection portion that interconnects the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion in a cross direction.

[0010] The bus bar holder may include: a seating groove having an open top corresponding to the first catching portion; and a hook having an open bottom corresponding to the second catching portion.

[0011] The first catching portion may extend horizontally in the seating groove, and the second catching portion may extend in an inclined direction and may be constrained below the hook.

[0012] The second catching portion may be configured to: in a first state, form a first angle by bending from the contact plate portion; and in a second state, form a second angle greater than the first angle when caught by the hook.

[0013] The second elastic portion may have a bent shape that protrudes toward the contact plate portion in a free state, and may be configured to provide an elastic force toward the contact plate portion in a state where it is coupled to the second catching portion constrained by the hook.

[0014] The elastic force provided by the second elastic portion to the contact plate portion through the second catching portion may be highest at the center of the contact plate portion and may decrease toward both ends.

[0015] In a free state, the first catching portion may be configured to form an angle larger than the first angle by bending from the contact plate portion.

[0016] In a free state, the first elastic portion of the elastic member may have a bent shape that protrudes toward the contact plate portion, and may be configured to provide an elastic force toward the contact plate portion in a state where it is coupled to the first catching portion in the seating groove.

[0017] The elastic force provided by the first elastic portion to the contact plate portion through the first catching portion may be highest at the center of the contact plate portion and may decrease toward both ends.

[0018] The monomer contact portion may include: a contact plate portion that contacts at least one of the battery monomers; a pair of first catching portions that respectively extend from opposite sides in the width direction of the contact plate portion in a region of the contact plate portion far from the sensor connection portion, and the first catching portions are located on the bus bar holder; and a pair of second catching portions that respectively extend from opposite sides in the width direction of the contact plate portion in another region of the contact plate portion closer to the sensor connection portion, and the second catching portions are coupled below the bus bar holder.

[0019] The elastic member may include: a first elastic portion that is coupled to each of the first through holes in a pair of the first catching portions respectively, and is configured to apply an elastic force to the first catching portions; and a second elastic portion that is coupled to each of the second through holes in a pair of the second catching portions respectively, and is configured to apply an elastic force to the second catching portions.

[0020] At the same height on the contact plate portion: a pair of the first catching portions may form a first gap; and a pair of the second catching portions may form a second gap that is larger than the first gap.

[0021] According to an embodiment, since the temperature sensing tab can be formed as the sensor connection portion and the monomer contact portion, and the temperature sensor of the flexible printed circuit (FPC) is connected to the sensor connection portion, the temperature sensor can be connected between the flexible printed circuit (FPC) and the battery monomer.

[0022] In addition, according to an embodiment, instead of using welding, the monomer contact portion that contacts the battery monomer and is elastically pressed by the elastic member can be used to prevent defects that may be caused by welding.

[0023] According to an embodiment, since the temperature sensor is connected to the battery monomer without using welding, costs such as process cost and quality management cost can be eliminated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a rechargeable battery module according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 is a partial perspective view showing a flexible printed circuit, a temperature sensing tab, and an elastic member in a rechargeable battery module according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a top plan view of the shown flexible printed circuit, temperature sensing tab, and elastic member.

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

[0028] Figure 5 is a top plan view of a flexible printed circuit, a temperature sensing tab, an elastic member, and a bus bar holder according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 6 is along Figure 5 sectional view taken along line VI-VI.

[0030] Figure 7 is Figure 3 perspective view of the temperature sensing tab shown.

[0031] Figure 8 is a sectional view showing the states before and after the first engaging portion of the elastic member is engaged with the first catching portion of the temperature sensing tab.

[0032] Figure 9 is a sectional view showing the states before and after the second engaging portion of the elastic member is engaged with the first catching portion of the temperature sensing tab. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the described embodiments may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0034] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be one or more intervening elements or layers. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being "coupled" or "connected" to a second element, the first element can be directly coupled or connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly coupled or connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0035] In the drawings, for clarity of illustration, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated. The same reference numerals represent the same or similar elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Further, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure". Expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any one of..." when preceding a list of elements modify the entire list of elements and not individual elements in the list. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, or c" indicates only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, all of A and B and C, or variations thereof. As used herein, the terms "use", "using", and "used" may be considered to be synonymous with the terms "utilize", "utilizing", and "utilized", respectively. As used herein, the terms "substantially", "about", and similar terms are used as approximate terms and not terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0036] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or part from another element, component, region, layer, or part. Thus, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer, or part discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or part.

[0037] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another or other elements or features as shown in the figures. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the figures, the spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as "beneath" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented "above" or "over" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "beneath" can encompass both an orientation above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0038] The terms used in this disclosure are for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "an" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that when used in this specification, the terms "includes", "including", "comprises" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0039] In a rechargeable battery module, it is necessary to fix the position of the temperature sensing tab to weld it to the battery cell. Therefore, in order to fix the temperature sensing tab to the bus bar holder, the temperature sensing tab may have a locking structure. However, during assembly, defects such as deformation of the temperature sensing tab or non-engagement of the temperature sensing tab with the bus bar holder may occur.

[0040] In addition, even if the temperature sensing tab engages with the bus bar holder, welding defects may occur due to the temperature sensing tab being lifted from the battery cell. In addition, when welding the battery cell and the temperature sensing tab together, defects may occur according to the welding conditions, or foreign particles may exist or be generated at the welding point, causing defects.

[0041] Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a rechargeable battery module according to an embodiment. Figure 2 mainly shows Figure 1 a partial perspective view of the flexible printed circuit, temperature sensing tab and elastic member in the rechargeable battery module shown. Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a rechargeable battery module according to an embodiment may include a bus bar holder 20 configured to cover a plurality of battery cells 10, a flexible printed circuit (FPC) 30, a temperature sensing tab 40, and an elastic member 50.

[0042] The bus bar holder 20 may be formed of an electrically insulating material (e.g., an electrically insulating material) and may be configured to cover the plurality of battery cells 10 to hold (or fix) the position of the bus bar that electrically connects the battery cells 10 to each other.

[0043] The flexible printed circuit (FPC) 30 can be configured to detect the temperatures of the bus bar and the battery cell 10, and transmit the detected temperatures to the battery management system (BMS). As an example, the flexible printed circuit 30 is configured to mount (or receive or accommodate) a temperature sensor 31, and the temperature sensor 31 can be covered by an insulating material 32 for electrical insulation. The flexible printed circuit 30 can be provided on the lower surface or the upper surface of the bus bar holder 20. In the illustrated embodiment, as an example, the flexible printed circuit 30 is shown located on the upper surface of the bus bar holder 20.

[0044] The temperature sensing tab 40 can include a sensor connection portion 41 and a cell contact portion 42 integrally formed. The temperature sensor 31 can be connected to the sensor connection portion 41. For example, since the temperature sensor 31 is electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit 30 and is in mechanical surface contact with the sensor connection portion 41, it can effectively detect the temperature (e.g., heat) of the battery cell 10 through the sensor connection portion 41, and can transmit this temperature (e.g., heat) of the battery cell 10 through the flexible printed circuit 30.

[0045] The cell contact portion 42 can be coupled to the bus bar holder 20 to contact the battery cell 10. Thus, when the bus bar holder 20 covers the battery cell 10, the cell contact portion 42 can stably contact the battery cell 10 and is configured to detect the temperature of the battery cell 10. In this state, the gap between the cell contact portion 42 and the battery cell 10 is zero (0).

[0046] To further fix the temperature sensing tab 40 to the battery cell 10, an elastic member 50 can be coupled to the battery cell contact portion 42 and can elastically press the battery cell contact portion 42. For example, since the elastic member 50 is coupled to the cell contact portion 42 (which is coupled to the bus bar holder 20), and applies an elastic force to the cell contact portion 42 to resist the force of the cell contact portion 42 floating from (or moving away from) the battery cell 10, the cell contact portion 42 can elastically contact the battery cell 10. The gap between the cell contact portion 42 and the battery cell 10 can be stably maintained at zero (0).

[0047] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a top plan view of the illustrated flexible printed circuit, temperature sensing tab, and elastic member. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 3 line IV-IV of. Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , the cell contact portion 42 includes a contact plate portion 423, a first catching portion 421, and a second catching portion 422.

[0048] The contact plate portion 423 can be in direct contact with the battery cell 10 to receive and transfer the heat of the battery cell 10. The contact plate portion 423 can be formed to be integrally connected to the sensor connection portion 41. Thus, the heat of the battery cell 10 detected at the contact plate portion 423 can be transferred through the sensor connection portion 41 to the temperature sensor 31 in contact with the sensor connection portion 41.

[0049] The first catching portion 421 can be located in the contact plate portion 423 (e.g., can extend or protrude from the contact plate portion 423) away from the sensor connection portion 41 (e.g., opposite to the sensor connection portion 41), and can be disposed on the bus bar holder 20. The second catching portion 422 can be spaced apart from the first catching portion 421, and be located in the contact plate portion 423 near the sensor connection portion 41, and be coupled below the bus bar holder 20. For example, the contact plate portion 423 can be joined to the bus bar holder 20 through the first catching portion 421 and the second catching portion 422.

[0050] The contact plate portion 423 of the cell contact portion 42 can be in contact with the battery cell 10. In this state, the first catching portion 421 can be located in the contact plate portion 423 away from the sensor connection portion 41 and disposed on the bus bar holder 20, and the first catching portion 421 can be provided as a pair on both sides of the contact plate portion 423 in the width direction.

[0051] In addition, the second catching portion 422 can be spaced apart from the first catching portion 421, be located in the contact plate portion 423 near the sensor connection portion 41, and be coupled below the bus bar holder 20, and the second catching portion 422 can be provided as a pair on both sides of the contact plate portion 423 in the width direction.

[0052] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the states before and after the first engaging portion of the elastic member is engaged with the first catching portion of the temperature sensing tab (e.g., in a substantially horizontal state). Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the states before and after the second engaging portion of the elastic member is engaged with the second catching portion of the temperature sensing tab (e.g., in a substantially inclined state).

[0053] Refer to Figures 1 - 4 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9, the elastic member 50 includes a first elastic portion 51, a second elastic portion 52, and a connecting portion 53. The first elastic portion 51 can be coupled to the first catching portion 421 at the first through hole H1 in the first catching portion 421 and can be configured to apply an elastic force to the first catching portion 421. The second elastic portion 52 can be coupled to the second catching portion 422 at the second through hole H2 in the second catching portion 422 and can be configured to apply an elastic force to the second catching portion 422. The connecting portion 53 can interconnect the first elastic portion 51 and the second elastic portion 52 in the crossing direction and can ensure the uniformity of the elastic forces applied by the first elastic portion 51 and the second elastic portion 52.

[0054] The first elastic portion 51 of the elastic member 50 can be coupled to each of the first through holes H1 in the pair of first catching portions 421 and is configured to apply an elastic force to the first catching portion 421. In addition, the second elastic portion 52 can be coupled to each of the second through holes H2 in the pair of second catching portions 422 and is configured to apply an elastic force to the second catching portion 422.

[0055] Referring to Figure 9 , the pair of first catching portions 421 can form a first gap G1 at the same height on the contact plate portion 423, and the pair of second catching portions 422 can form a second gap G2 larger than the first gap G1.

[0056] The pair of first catching portions 421 are caught (e.g., constrained) by the upper surface of the bus bar holder 20 through the relatively short first gap G1, and the pair of second catching portions 422 are caught (e.g., constrained) by the lower surface of the bus bar holder 20 through the relatively long second gap G2. Thus, the contact plate portion 423 can maintain a stable contact structure with respect to the battery cell 10.

[0057] Figure 5 is a top plan view showing the Figure 2 flexible printed circuit, temperature sensing tab, elastic member, and bus bar holder. Referring to Figure 5 , for the engagement of the first catching portion 421 and the second catching portion 422 with the bus bar holder 20, the bus bar holder 20 can be provided with a seating groove 211 and a hook 212. The seating groove 211 can be formed to have a structure with an open top in the upper surface of the bus bar holder 20, corresponding to the first catching portion 421. Through this open structure, the first catching portion 421 can be seated in the seating groove 211.

[0058] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the Figure 5 VI-VI line in Figure 6, the hook 212 can be arranged in the open bottom area of the lower surface of the bus bar holder 20, corresponding to the second catching part 422. With this structure, the second catching part 422 can be caught by the hook 212. Therefore, the first catching part 421 and the second catching part 422 can be respectively seated on the seating groove 211 in the upper surface of the bus bar holder 20 and on the hook 212 in the lower surface of the bus bar holder 20 and respectively coupled to the seating groove 211 and the hook 212.

[0059] In addition, the first catching part 421 is formed in a horizontal state and disposed on the seating groove 211, and the second catching part 422 is formed in an inclined state and caught below the hook 212. A pair of first catching parts 421 are caught by the seating groove 211 in the upper surface of the bus bar holder 20, and a pair of second catching parts 422 are caught by the hook 212 in the lower surface of the bus bar holder 20. Therefore, the contact plate part 423 can maintain a stable contact structure with respect to the battery cell 10.

[0060] Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 6 , the second catching part 422 can form a first angle θ1 in a free state by bending from the contact plate part 423, and when it is caught by the hook 212, it can form a second angle θ2 greater than the first angle θ1. For example, when the second catching part 422 is gathered (e.g., pushed) to the center by the hook 212, the outer angle between the second catching part 422 and the battery cell 10 can increase.

[0061] The second catching part 422 can expand below the hook 212 because the hook 212 is inserted from above, and the second angle in the inserted state can be smaller than the first angle in the free state.

[0062] Figure 7 is Figure 3 a perspective view of the temperature sensing tab shown. Referring to Figures 7 to 9 , the second elastic part 52 can be formed in a bent shape (e.g., can have a curved shape) protruding toward the cell contact part 42 in a free state, and can provide elastic force toward the cell contact part 42 in a state where it is coupled to the second catching part 422 caught by the hook 212.

[0063] Referring to Figure 6 , the elastic force F provided to the cell contact part 42 by the second elastic part 52 through the second catching part 422 can be the highest at the center of the cell contact part 42 (e.g., Figure 6 the center in the left - right direction of

[0064] Referring to Figure 4 , the first catching part 421 can form an angle θ greater than the first angle θ1 in a free state by bending from the contact plate part 423. AsFigure 9 As shown, in a state where the second catching part 422 is coupled to the hook 212, the second catching part 422 can form a second angle θ2, and the second angle θ2 is similar to the angle θ in a state where the first catching part 421 is disposed on the seating groove 211 (see, for example, Figure 9 ). For example, the first catching part 421 and the second catching part 422 can be parallel to each other in an inclined state.

[0065] The first elastic part 51 can have a curved shape protruding toward the contact plate part 423 in a free state (for example, can have a curved shape), and can provide an elastic force toward the single cell contact part 42 in a state where it is coupled to the first catching part 421 provided in the seating groove 211.

[0066] The elastic force provided to the single cell contact part 42 by the first catching part 421 receiving the elastic force of the first elastic part 51 can be the highest at the center of the single cell contact part 42 ( Figure 6 the center in the left - right direction of Figure 6 ) and can decrease toward both ends. This can be seen from, for example,

[0067] the elastic force F of the second elastic part 52 on the second catching part 422 shown in

[0068] Since the first elastic part 51 and the second elastic part 52 of the elastic member 50 press the first catching part 421 and the second catching part 422 respectively, such that the contact plate part 423 can be elastically supported by the battery cell 10 and contact the battery cell 10, welding the contact plate part 423 and the battery cell 10 is not required. Therefore, defects that may be caused by welding can be eliminated. In addition, costs caused by welding, such as process costs and quality management costs, can be eliminated.

[0069] Description of some reference numerals

[0070] 10: Battery cell 20: Bus bar holder

[0071] 30: Flexible printed circuit (FPC) 31: Temperature sensor

[0072] 32: Insulating material 40: Temperature sensing tab

[0073] 41: Sensor connection part 42: Single cell contact part

[0074] 50: Elastic member 51: First elastic part

[0075] 52: Second elastic part 53: Connecting part

[0076] 211: Seating groove 212: Hook

[0077] 421: First catching part 422: Second catching part

[0078] 423: Contact plate part F: Elastic force

[0079] G1: First gap G2: Second gap

[0080] H1: First through hole H2: Second through hole

[0081] θ: Angle θ1: First angle

[0082] θ2: Second angle

Claims

1. A rechargeable battery module, comprising: A bus bar retainer configured to cover a plurality of battery cells; A flexible printed circuit (FPC) configured to transmit a signal corresponding to a detected temperature of at least one of the battery cells from a temperature sensor mounted on the bus bar retainer; A temperature sensing tab including a sensor connection portion at a first side and a cell contact portion at a second side, the sensor connection portion being connected to the temperature sensor, and the cell contact portion being coupled to the bus bar retainer and contacting the at least one of the battery cells; And An elastic member coupled to the cell contact portion and configured to elastically press the cell contact portion against the at least one of the battery cells.

2. The rechargeable battery module according to claim 1, wherein the cell contact portion includes: A contact plate portion that contacts the at least one of the battery cells; A first catching portion in the contact plate portion on a side away from the sensor connection portion and on the bus bar retainer; And A second catching portion spaced apart from the first catching portion, closer to the sensor connection portion than the first catching portion in the contact plate portion, and coupled below the bus bar retainer.

3. The rechargeable battery module according to claim 2, wherein, The elastic member includes: A first elastic portion coupled to a first through hole in the first catching portion and configured to apply an elastic force to the first catching portion; and A second elastic portion coupled to a second through hole in the second catching portion and configured to apply an elastic force to the second catching portion.

4. The rechargeable battery module according to claim 3, wherein, The elastic member further includes a connecting portion that interconnects the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion in a cross direction.

5. The rechargeable battery module according to claim 2, wherein, The bus bar retainer includes: A seating groove having an open top corresponding to the first catching portion; and A hook having an open bottom corresponding to the second catching portion.

6. The rechargeable battery module according to claim 5, wherein, The first catching portion extends horizontally in the seating groove, and wherein the second catching portion extends in an inclined direction and is constrained below the hook.

7. The rechargeable battery module according to claim 5, wherein the second catching portion is configured to: In a first state, form a first angle by bending from the contact plate portion; and In a second state, form a second angle greater than the first angle when caught by the hook.

8. The rechargeable battery module according to claim 6, wherein, The second elastic portion of the elastic member has a curved shape that protrudes toward the contact plate portion in a free state, and is configured to provide an elastic force toward the contact plate portion in a state where it is coupled to the second catching portion constrained by the hook.

9. The rechargeable battery module according to claim 8, wherein, The elastic force provided by the second elastic portion to the contact plate portion through the second catching portion is highest at the center of the contact plate portion and decreases toward both ends.

10. The rechargeable battery module according to claim 7, wherein, In a free state, the first catching portion is configured to form an angle greater than the first angle by bending from the contact plate portion.

11. The rechargeable battery module according to claim 7, wherein, In a free state, a first elastic portion of the elastic member has a curved shape protruding toward the contact plate portion and is configured to provide an elastic force toward the contact plate portion in a state where it is coupled to the first catching portion in the seating groove.

12. The rechargeable battery module according to claim 11, wherein, The elastic force provided to the contact plate portion by the first elastic portion through the first catching portion is highest at the center of the contact plate portion and decreases toward both ends.

13. The rechargeable battery module according to claim 1, wherein the single cell contact portion includes: a contact plate portion that contacts at least one of the battery cells in the battery module; a pair of first catching portions that respectively extend from opposite sides in the width direction of the contact plate portion in a region of the contact plate portion away from the sensor connection portion, and the first catching portions are located on the bus bar holder; and a pair of second catching portions that respectively extend from opposite sides in the width direction of the contact plate portion in another region of the contact plate portion closer to the sensor connection portion, and the second catching portions are coupled below the bus bar holder.

14. The rechargeable battery module according to claim 13, wherein, The elastic member includes: a first elastic portion that is coupled to each of first through holes in the pair of first catching portions and is configured to apply an elastic force to the first catching portions; and a second elastic portion that is coupled to each of second through holes in the pair of second catching portions and is configured to apply an elastic force to the second catching portions.

15. The rechargeable battery module according to claim 13, wherein, At the same height on the contact plate portion: the pair of first catching portions form a first gap; and the pair of second catching portions form a second gap larger than the first gap.

Images