Rechargeable battery pack and method for manufacturing same

摘要

A rechargeable battery pack (20) having a plurality of rechargeable cells (30) that form a cell cluster (32). Binders (62) formed of electrically insulating material are secured over the top and bottom of the cells. Each binder is formed with a set of openings (64) that exposed the base (52) of each cell which serves as its negative terminal and its head (54), which serves as its positive terminal. The binders are further shaped so that the perimeter sections that define the openings extend around the cell lips (56) integral with the bases (52) that surround the heads (54). Conductive straps (70) extend between the openings over the binders to electrically connect the cells together. Thus, the binders, in addition to securing the cells together, insulate the straps from the underlying cell lips. This insulating function prevents the straps from shorting out the cells to which they are connected. Insulating tape (60) secured around the side walls (56) of the cells prevent the cells from shorting out upon contact.