Patent Publication Number: US-2015064504-A1

Title: Battery module having connecting tab

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0103291 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Aug. 29, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     The described technology relates generally to a battery module. More particularly, the described technology relates generally to a battery module having an improved structure of a connecting tab. 
     2. Description of the Related Technology 
     A rechargeable battery differs from a primary battery in that it can be repeatedly charged and discharged, while the latter is incapable of being recharged. 
     A low-capacity rechargeable battery is used in small electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptop computers, and camcorders, while a high-capacity rechargeable battery is widely used as a power source for driving a motor of a hybrid vehicle and the like. 
     In addition, a high-capacity battery module normally includes a plurality of rechargeable batteries connected in series, and a rechargeable battery may be formed in a cylindrical or a prismatic shape. 
     The battery module is installed with a protective circuit board which measures and controls voltage and current of each rechargeable battery. 
     The protective circuit board is installed with various circuit devices for measuring the current, voltage, and temperature of the rechargeable batteries, and a control circuit to prevent overcharge and overcurrent of the rechargeable battery. 
     To support the protective circuit board, a holder is required, resulting in increased weight and volume of the battery module, a complicated manufacturing process, and high manufacturing cost. 
     The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the described technology and therefore it may 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 OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE ASPECTS 
     Accordingly, the present invention has been made in an effort to solve the problem described above, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a battery module which can stably support a protective circuit board. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, a battery module includes a plurality of rechargeable batteries, a protective circuit board controlling charging and discharging of rechargeable batteries, and a connecting tab for combining the rechargeable batteries with the protective circuit board, and the connecting tab has a catching protrusion that is inserted into a hole of the protective circuit board and supports the protective circuit board formed in the connecting tab. 
     The connecting tab includes a bonding portion fixed to the rechargeable battery and a supporting portion protruding upward from the bonding portion, and a catching protrusion may be formed protruding at a lateral end of the supporting portion, and two catching protrusions, in the supporting portion, are disposed apart in a height direction of the supporting portion such that a lateral end of the protective circuit board can be inserted between these catching protrusions. 
     A bonding protrusion to be welded to the rechargeable battery may be formed in the bonding portion, and the connecting tab can electrically connect the neighboring rechargeable batteries. 
     A lower tab is installed at a lower part of the rechargeable battery, and the lower tab may include the bonding portion fixed to the rechargeable batteries and a signal line protruding upward from the bonding portion and being inserted in a hole of the protective circuit board. 
     The supporting portion may be formed with a protruding portion contacting with a bottom side of the protective circuit board and a curved portion curving in a direction from a frontal side of the supporting portion toward the bonding portion. 
     An embossed supporting portion fitted into the supporting portion and contacting with the bottom side of the protective circuit board may be formed in the supporting portion, and the supporting portion may have a concavo-convex portion with alternately arranged convex portions and recess portions. 
     The convex portion and the recess portion may be formed in a height direction of the supporting portion and further includes a case in which the rechargeable batteries are stored, and the case includes a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion such that a first fastener of a concavo-convex shape is formed in the first receiving portion and a second fastener fitted into the first fastener is formed in the second receiving portion. 
     A lower protrusion for supporting the rechargeable batteries from below may be formed in the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion, and a supporting protrusion for supporting the protective circuit board may be formed in the case. 
     A plurality of supporting protrusions are disposed apart in a height direction of the case such that an end portion of the protective circuit board can be inserted and installed between these supporting protrusions. 
     According to the present embodiment, since a catching protrusion is formed in the connecting tab, the protective circuit board can be stably supported by the connecting tab. 
     A support assembly device for a protection circuit board of a battery module having a plurality of batteries, the assembly comprising a connecting tab coupling the batteries to the protective circuit board; a catching protrusion formed on the connecting tab that is sized and positioned to be positioned within a hole in the protection circuit board to support the protection circuit board. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a battery module according to a first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a protective circuit board according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a first connecting member according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a connecting member and a protective circuit board combined together according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the battery module according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a first connecting tab according to a second exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a first connecting tab according to a third exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a first connecting tab according to a fourth exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a first connecting tab according to a fifth exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. 
     As those skilled in the art would realize, the described embodiments may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. 
     Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification and drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a battery module according to a first exemplary embodiment, and  FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a protective circuit board according to a first exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the battery module  101  according to the present exemplary embodiment comprises a plurality of rechargeable batteries  10 , a connecting member which electrically connects the rechargeable batteries  10 , and a protective circuit board  20  connected with rechargeable batteries  10 . 
     The rechargeable batteries  10 , according to the present exemplary embodiment, are formed in a cylindrical shape and include a case, an electrode assembly with a positive electrode and a negative electrode to be inserted in the case, a cap plate connected to a case opening, and a terminal protruding out of the case. 
     In the present exemplary embodiment, a cylindrical rechargeable battery is taken as an example, however it is not limited thereto, and it should be understood that a rechargeable battery may be formed as a square or in other shapes. 
     The rechargeable battery  10  is connected in series with its neighboring rechargeable battery through the connecting member. 
     The rechargeable battery  10  according to the present exemplary embodiment is formed of four rechargeable batteries coupled in series and electrically connected to each other. 
     However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the rechargeable battery may be formed in a 5S2P structure in which five rechargeable batteries connected in series are coupled in parallel. Therefore, the rechargeable batteries can be freely connected in series or in parallel. 
     The protective circuit board  20  is disposed above the rechargeable batteries  10 , and is installed with a plurality of protective circuit devices  21 . 
     In addition, holes  23 ,  24 , and  25  in which the connecting member is inserted are formed in the protective circuit board  20 . 
     A sensor  27  is also connected to the protective circuit board to measure temperature of the rechargeable batteries  10 . 
     An insulating tape for insulation is applied on a bottom side of the protective circuit board  20 . 
     The connecting member includes a first connecting tab  31  combining with one rechargeable battery, a second connecting tab  32  combining with another neighboring rechargeable battery, and a third connecting tab  34  connecting the rechargeable batteries in series. 
     The first connecting tab  31  includes a bonding portion  31   a  fixed to the rechargeable battery  10 , and a supporting portion  31   b  protruding upward from the bonding portion  31   a  and thereby combining with the protective circuit board  20 . 
     The bonding portion  31   a  is disposed in parallel with a top side of the rechargeable battery  10 , and a bonding protrusion to be welded to a terminal of the rechargeable battery  10  is formed in the bonding portion  31   a.    
     The supporting portion  31   b  bent in a vertical direction of the bonding portion  31   a  protrudes above the protective circuit board, and a catching protrusion is formed at a lateral side of the supporting portion  31   b.    
     The supporting portion  31   b  is inserted in the hole  23  formed in the protective circuit board  20 , and protrudes above the protective circuit board  20 . The supporting portion  31   b  protruding above the protective circuit board  20  operates as a negative terminal. 
     The second connecting tab  32  includes a bonding portion  32   a  fixed to the rechargeable battery  10 , and a supporting portion  32   b  protruding upward from the bonding portion  32   a  and thereby combining with the protective circuit board  20 . 
     The bonding portion  32   a  is disposed in parallel with the top side of the rechargeable battery  10 , and a bonding protrusion  32   c  to be welded to a terminal of the rechargeable battery  10  is formed in the bonding portion  32   a.    
     The supporting portion  32   b  bent in a vertical direction of the bonding portion  32   a  and thereby protruding above the protective circuit board  20  operates as a positive terminal. 
     The third connecting tab  34  includes a bonding portion  34   a  fixed to a rechargeable battery  10 , and a supporting portion  34   b  protruding above from the bonding portion  34   a  and thereby combining with the protective circuit board  20 . 
     The bonding portion  34   a  is formed in an elongated plate shape to connect two neighboring rechargeable batteries  10  in series, and a bonding protrusion  34   c  in the bonding portion  34   a  is formed down toward the rechargeable battery  10 . 
     The supporting portion  34   b  bent in a vertical direction of the bonding portion  34   a  protrudes above the protective circuit board, and a catching protrusion is formed outward at a lateral side of the supporting portion  34   b.    
     Further, the battery module  101  includes a first lower tab  35  and a second lower tab  36 . 
     The first lower tab  35  includes a bonding portion  35   a  fixed to the rechargeable batteries  10  and a signal line  35   b  protruding upward from the bonding portion  35   a.    
     The bonding portion  35   a  is formed in an elongated plate shape to connect two neighboring rechargeable batteries  10  in series, and a bonding protrusion  35   c  in the bonding portion  35   a  is formed up toward the rechargeable battery. 
     The signal line  35   b  is formed elongated in a height direction of the rechargeable battery  10  such that it is inserted in a hole  28  of the protective circuit board  20  and is connected with the protective circuit board  20 . 
     The second lower tab  36 , like the first connecting tab  35 , includes a bonding portion  36   a  fixed to rechargeable batteries  10  and a signal line  36   b  protruding upward from the bonding portion  36   a.    
     The bonding portion  36   a  is formed in an elongated plate shape to connect two neighboring rechargeable batteries  10  in series, and a bonding protrusion  36   c  in the bonding portion  36   a  is formed up toward the rechargeable battery  10 . 
     The signal line  36   b  is formed elongated in a height direction of the rechargeable battery  10  such that it is inserted in a hole  26  of the protective circuit board  20  and is connected with the protective circuit board  20 . 
     The first lower tab  35  and the second lower tab  36  not only connect the rechargeable batteries in series, but also transmit state information about voltage and current of the rechargeable battery  10  to the protective circuit board  20  by combining with the protective circuit board  20 . 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a second connecting member according to the first exemplary embodiment, and  FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the protective circuit board combined with the connecting member according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , the first connecting tab  31  includes the bonding portion  31   a  fixed to the rechargeable battery  10 , and the supporting portion  31   b  protruding upward from the bonding portion  31   a  and thereby combining with the protective circuit board  20 . 
     The bonding portion  31   a  is disposed in parallel with the top side of the rechargeable battery  10  such that two bonding branches  31   aa  and  31   ab  are formed in the bonding portion  31   a.    
     The bonding branches  31   aa  and  31   ab  are integrally formed with the bonding portion  31   a,  and are respectively disposed apart. 
     A bonding protrusion  31   e  to be welded to the terminal of the rechargeable battery  10  is formed at each bonding branch  31   aa  and  31   ab.    
     In addition, a plurality of holes  31   f  may be formed in the bonding portion  31   a.    
     The supporting portion  31   b  bent in a vertical direction of the bonding portion  31   a  protrudes upward from the bonding portion  31   a,  and catching protrusions  31   c  and  31   d  are formed protruding at a lateral side of the supporting portion  31   b.    
     The supporting portion  31   b  is inserted in the hole  24  of the protective circuit board  20 , and protrudes above the protective circuit board  20 . 
     These catching protrusions  31   c  and  31   d  are formed protruding from both lateral sides of the supporting portion such that two catching protrusions are disposed apart at one lateral side of the supporting portion. 
     The protective circuit board  20  is inserted and fixed between an upper catching protrusion  31   d  and a lower catching protrusion  31   c.    
     The upper catching protrusion  31   d  passes through the hole  23 , and is disposed above the hole  23  so as to support the protective circuit board  20  from above. 
     The lower catching protrusion  31   c  supports the protective circuit  20  from below the hole  23 . 
     As a result, the protective circuit board  20  can be stably fixed by the upper catching protrusion  31   d  and the lower catching protrusion  31   c.    
     Since a catching protrusion is also created in the second connecting tab  32  and in the third connecting tab  34 , the supporting portion  31   b  in the second connecting tab  32  is inserted in the hole  24  such that the protective circuit board  20  is supported both from above and from below. 
     As described above, once the catching protrusion forming the connecting member is created in the first connecting tab  31 , in the second connecting tab  32 , and in the third connecting tab  34 , the connecting member can stably support the protective circuit board  20  without an extra holder. 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the battery module according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the battery module  101  according to the exemplary embodiment further includes a case  130  in which the rechargeable batteries are stored. 
     The case  130  includes a first receiving portion  110  and a second receiving portion  120  which is detachable from the first one, and is provided with a space in which the rechargeable batteries  10  are stored by combining the first receiving portion  110  with the second receiving portion  120 . 
     A first upper fastener  117  is formed at a top side  110   c  of the first receiving portion  110  so as to be combined with the second receiving portion  120 , and is disposed at an edge portion of the first receiving portion in a direction from the first receiving portion  110  toward the second receiving portion  120 . 
     A second upper fastener  127  is also formed at a top side  120   c  of the second receiving portion  120  so as to be combined with the first receiving portion  110 , and is disposed at an edge portion of the second receiving portion  120  in a direction from the second receiving portion  120  toward the first receiving portion  110 . 
     The first upper fastener  117  formed in the first receiving portion  110  is created in a concavo-convex shape, as is the second upper fastener  127  formed in the second receiving portion  120 . 
     These upper fasteners  117  and  127  are mutually fitted so as to support the first receiving portion  110  and the second receiving portion  120 . 
     On the other hand, a first lower fastener  116  is formed at a bottom side  110   b  in the first receiving portion  110  so as to be combined with the second receiving portion  120 , and a second lower fastener  126  is also formed at a bottom side  120   b  in the second receiving portion so as to be combined with the first lower fastener  116 . 
     The first lower fastener  116  is formed in a concavo-convex shape, as is the second upper fastener  126 . 
     These lower fasteners  116  and  126  are mutually fitted to support the first receiving portion  110  and the second receiving portion  120 . 
     In addition, lower protrusions  112  and  122  for supporting the rechargeable batteries  10  from below are formed in the first receiving portion  110  and the second receiving portion  120 . 
     The lower protrusions  112  and  122  are formed protruding inward respectively from an inner circumferential surface of the first receiving portion  110  and the second receiving portion  120 . 
     The bottom sides of the rechargeable batteries  10  contact and are supported by the lower protrusions  112  and  122 . 
     A supporting protrusion  115  for supporting the protective circuit board  20  is formed in the first receiving portion  110 , and protrudes inward from an inner circumferential surface  110   a  of the first receiving portion  110 . 
     Two supporting protrusions  115  are disposed apart while protruding in a height direction of the first receiving portion, and an edge portion of the protective circuit board  20  is inserted between them. 
     Supporting protrusions  125  are formed to support the protective circuit board  20  such that they protrude inward from an inner circumferential surface  120   a  of the second receiving portion. 
     Two supporting protrusions  125  are disposed apart while protruding in a height direction of the second receiving portion, and an edge portion of the protective circuit board  20  is inserted between them. 
     As described above, once these supporting protrusions  115  and  125  are formed in the first receiving portion  110  and the second receiving portion  120 , an extra holder is not required because the protective circuit board  20  can be stably supported by the case  130  along with the connecting member. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a first connecting tab according to a second exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a first connecting tab  40  includes a bonding portion  41  fixed to a rechargeable battery  10 , and a supporting portion  42  protruding upward from the bonding portion  41  and thereby combining with the protective circuit board  20 . 
     In a battery module according to the present exemplary embodiment, since a connecting member includes, as described above in the first exemplary embodiment, a first connecting tab  40 , a second connecting tab, and a third connecting tab, and all the connecting tabs are the same in their structure, the description of the second and third connecting tabs is replaced with that of the first connecting tab  40  throughout this document. 
     A bonding portion  41   a  is disposed in parallel with a top side of the rechargeable battery  10  such that two bonding branches  41   a  and  41   b  are formed in the bonding portion  41 . 
     The bonding branches  41   a  and  41   b  are integrally formed with the bonding portion  41 , and are respectively disposed apart. 
     A bonding protrusion  47  to be welded to a terminal of the rechargeable battery  10  is formed at each bonding branch  41   a  and  41   b.    
     In addition, a plurality of holes  48  may be formed in the bonding portion  41 . 
     The supporting portion  42  which is bent in a vertical direction of the bonding portion  41  protrudes upward from the bonding portion  41 , and catching protrusions  43  and  45  are formed protruding at a lateral side of the supporting portion  42 . 
     The supporting portion  42  is inserted in a hole  23  formed in the protective circuit board  20 , and protrudes above the protective circuit board  20 . 
     These catching protrusions  43  and  45  are formed protruding from both lateral sides of the supporting portion  42  such that the two catching protrusions  43  and  45  are disposed apart at one lateral side of the supporting portion. 
     The protective circuit board  20  is inserted and fixed between the upper catching protrusion  43  and the lower catching protrusion  45 . 
     The upper catching protrusion  43  passes through the hole  23 , and is disposed above the hole  23  so as to support the protective circuit board  20  from above. 
     The lower catching protrusion  45  supports the protective circuit board  20  from below the hole  23 . As a result, the protective circuit board  20  can be stably fixed by the upper catching protrusion  43  and the lower catching protrusion  45 . 
     On the other hand, a protruding portion  46  for supporting the protective circuit board  20  from below is formed in the supporting portion  42 . 
     The protruding portion  46  protrudes in a direction from a frontal side of the support portion  42  formed of a plate shape toward the bonding portion  41 , and contacts a bottom side of the protective circuit board. 
     A part of the protruding portion  46  contacting the bottom side of the protective circuit board is formed in a flat plane shape. 
     Protruding portions and catching protrusions of the same structure, as in the first connecting tab, are formed in the second and third connecting tabs. 
     As a result, an extra holder is not required because the protective circuit board is stably supported by the connecting member including the protruding portion and the catching protrusion. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the first connecting tab according to a third exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a first connecting tab  50  includes a bonding portion  51  fixed to a rechargeable battery  10 , and a supporting portion  52  protruding upward from the bonding portion  51  and thereby combining with the protective circuit board  20 . 
     In a battery module according to the present exemplary embodiment, since a connecting member includes, as described above in the first exemplary embodiment, the first connecting tab  50 , the second connecting tab, and the third connecting tab, and all the connecting tabs are the same in their structure, the description of the second and third connecting tabs is replaced with that of the first connecting tab  50  throughout this document. 
     The bonding portion  51  is disposed in parallel with a top side of the rechargeable battery  10  such that two bonding branches  51   a  and  51   b  are formed in the bonding portion  51 . 
     The bonding branches  51   a  and  51   b  are integrally formed with the bonding portion  51 , and are respectively disposed apart. 
     A bonding protrusion  57  to be welded to a terminal of the rechargeable battery  10  is formed at each bonding branch of  51   a  and  51   b.    
     In addition, a plurality of holes  58  may be formed in the bonding portion  51 . 
     The supporting portion  52  which is bent in a vertical direction of the bonding portion  51  protrudes upward from the bonding portion  51 , and catching protrusions  53  and  55  are formed protruding at a lateral side of the supporting portion  52 . 
     The supporting portion  52  is inserted in a hole  23  formed in the protective circuit board  20 , and protrudes above the protective circuit board  20 . 
     These catching protrusions  53  and  55  are formed protruding from both lateral sides of the supporting portion  52  such that the two catching protrusions  53  and  55  are disposed apart at one lateral side of the supporting portion  52 . 
     The protective circuit board  20  is inserted and fixed between the upper catching protrusion  53  and the lower catching protrusion  55 . 
     The upper catching protrusion  53  passes through the hole  23  and is disposed above the hole  23  so as to support the protective circuit board  20  from above. 
     The lower catching protrusion  55  supports the protective circuit board  20  from below the hole  23 . 
     As a result, the protective circuit board  20  can be stably fixed by the upper catching protrusion  53  and the lower catching protrusion  55 . 
     On the other hand, a curved portion  56  for buffering vibration and impact is formed in the supporting portion  52 . 
     The curved portion  56  is disposed below the catching protrusion  55 , and is provided with a curved surface in a direction from a frontal side of the supporting portion  52  toward the bonding portion  51 . 
     The curved portion  56  has an elastic feature such that it can buffer vibration and impact between the protective circuit board  20  and the bonding portion  51 . 
     Protruding portions and catching protrusions of the same structure as in the first connecting tab are formed in the second and third connecting tabs. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a first connecting tab according to a fourth exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a first connecting tab  60  includes a bonding portion  61  fixed to a rechargeable battery  10 , and a supporting portion  62  protruding upward from the bonding portion  61  and thereby combining with the protective circuit board. 
     In a battery module according to the present exemplary embodiment, since a connecting member includes, as described above in the first exemplary embodiment, a connecting tab  60 , a second connecting tab, and a third connecting tab, and all the connecting tabs are the same in their structure, the description of the second and third connecting tabs is replaced with that of the first connecting tab  60  throughout this document. 
     The bonding portion  61  is disposed in parallel with a top side of the rechargeable battery  10  such that two bonding branches  61   a  and  61   b  are formed in the bonding portion  61 . 
     The bonding branches  61   a  and  61   b  are integrally formed with the bonding portion  61 , and are respectively disposed apart. 
     A bonding protrusion  67  to be welded to a terminal of the rechargeable battery  10  is formed at each bonding branch  61   a  and  61   b.    
     In addition, a plurality of holes  68  may be formed in the bonding portion  61 . 
     The supporting portion  62 , which is bent in a vertical direction of the bonding portion  61 , protrudes upward from the bonding portion  61 , and catching protrusions  63  and  65  are formed protruding at a lateral side of the supporting portion  62 . 
     The supporting portion  62  is inserted in a hole  23  formed in the protective circuit board  20 , and protrudes above the protective circuit board  20 . 
     These catching protrusions  63  and  65  are formed protruding from both lateral sides of the supporting portion  62  such that the two catching protrusions  63  and  65  are disposed apart at one lateral side in a height direction of the supporting portion. 
     The protective circuit board  20  is inserted and fixed between the upper catching protrusion  63  and the lower catching protrusion  65 . 
     The upper catching protrusion  63  passes through the hole  23  and is disposed above the hole  23  so as to support the protective circuit board  20  from above. 
     The lower catching protrusion  65  supports the protective circuit board  20  from below the hole  23 . 
     As a result, the protective circuit board  20  can be stably fixed by the upper catching protrusion  63  and the lower catching protrusion  65 . 
     On the other hand, an embossed supporting protrusion  66  contacting a bottom side of the protective circuit board is formed in the supporting portion  62 . 
     The embossed supporting protrusion  66  is fitted into a hole of the supporting portion  62 , and protrudes from the supporting portion  62  so as to support the protective circuit board  20  from below. 
     The embossed supporting protrusion  66  which is made of a polymer material is detachable from the supporting portion  62 . 
     Embossed supporting protrusions of the same structure as in the first connecting tab are formed in the second and third connecting tabs. 
     There may be more than two embossed supporting protrusions at each connecting tab. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a first connecting tab according to a fifth exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a first connecting tab  70  includes a bonding portion  71  fixed to a rechargeable battery  10 , and a supporting portion  72  protruding upward from the bonding portion  71  and thereby combining with a protective circuit board  20 . 
     In a battery module according to the present exemplary embodiment, since a connecting member includes, as described above in the first exemplary embodiment, a first connecting tab  70 , a second connecting tab, and a third connecting tab, and all the connecting tabs are the same in their structure, the description of the second and third connecting tabs is replaced with that of the first connecting tab  70  throughout this document. 
     The bonding portion  71  is disposed in parallel with a top side of the rechargeable battery  10  such that two bonding branches  71   a  and  71   b  are formed in the bonding portion  71 . 
     The bonding branches  71   a  and  71   b  are integrally formed with the bonding portion  71 , and are respectively disposed apart. 
     A bonding protrusion  77  to be welded to a terminal of the rechargeable battery  10  is formed at each bonding branch  71   a  and  71   b.    
     In addition, a plurality of holes  78  may be formed in the bonding portion  71 . 
     The supporting portion  72  which is bent in a vertical direction of the bonding portion  71  protrudes upward from the bonding portion  71 , and catching protrusions  73  and  75  are formed protruding at a lateral side of the supporting portion  72 . 
     The supporting portion  72  is inserted in a hole  23  formed in the protective circuit board  20 , and protrudes above the protective circuit board  20 . 
     These catching protrusions  73  and  75  are formed protruding from both lateral sides of the supporting portion  72  such that the two catching protrusions  73  and  75  are disposed apart at one lateral side in a height direction of the supporting portion  72 . 
     The protective circuit board  20  is inserted and fixed between the upper catching protrusion  73  and the lower catching protrusion  75 . 
     The upper catching protrusion  73  passes through the hole  23 , and is disposed above the hole  23  so as to support the protective circuit board  20  from above. The lower catching protrusion  75  supports the protective circuit board  20  from below the hole  23 . 
     As a result, the protective circuit board  20  can be stably fixed by the upper catching protrusion  73  and the lower catching protrusion  75 . On the other hand, a concavo-convex portion  74  is formed in the supporting portion  72 . 
     The concavo-convex portion  74  includes a convex portion  74   a  and a recess portion  74   b  such that the convex portion  74   a  and the recess portion  74   b  are alternately arranged. 
     The supporting portion  72  is made in a plate shape with a thickness, a height, and a width, and the convex portion  74   a  and the recess portion  74   b  are formed extending in a height direction of the supporting portion. 
     In addition, a plurality of the recess portions  74   b  and convex portions  74   a  are alternately arranged along a width direction of the supporting portion  72 . 
     Concavo-convex portions of the same structure, as in the first connecting tab, are formed in the second and third connecting tabs. Like the exemplary embodiment, when the concavo-convex portion  74  is formed in the supporting portion  72 , it strengthens the rigidity of the supporting portion  72  such that the protective circuit board  20  can be more stably supported. 
     While this disclosure has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be practical exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not 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.