JP2012013564A - Mounting structure of temperature sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique that can properly detect the temperature of a side surface (a surface facing an adjacent battery cell) of a battery cell constituting a battery assembly.SOLUTION: A temperature detection member 3 is mounted in the battery assembly with a sensor holding section 11 for housing a temperature sensor element 2 positioned in a gap V between an object battery cell 9, the temperature of which is detected, and the adjacent battery cell 9 which is adjacent to the object battery cell 9. In the state of the sensor holding section 11 positioned in the gap V, an overhanging portion 12 engages the upper surface(s) of such battery cell(s) 9 to fixedly hang the sensor holding section 11 on the battery cell(s) 9. A biasing projection 13 elastically biases the sensor holding section 11 against the side surface of the object battery cell 9 while abutting on the adjacent battery cell 9.

Description

  The present invention relates to a temperature sensor mounting structure for mounting a temperature sensor to an assembled battery.

  In various devices that require a relatively high output voltage, such as hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles, assembled batteries are often used. The assembled battery is a battery in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged in a predetermined direction, and a high output voltage is obtained by electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells in series.

  By the way, a temperature sensor is attached to the assembled battery in order to detect the abnormality (overcharge, overdischarge, etc.).

  In the temperature sensor attached to the assembled battery, it is important that an attachment structure is provided so that the temperature sensor is reliably brought into contact with the battery cell. If the temperature sensor is not in proper contact with the battery cell and there is a minute gap between the temperature sensor and the battery cell, the temperature sensor cannot detect the exact temperature of the battery cell, and the battery This is because the detection may be delayed when the cell is abnormally heated.

  In view of such circumstances, various techniques have conventionally been proposed for an attachment structure that allows a temperature sensor to be appropriately brought into contact with a battery cell constituting an assembled battery.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, a temperature sensor is assembled to a “bus bar module” that is a member that is attached so as to cover an electrode-formed surface of the assembled battery, and a “bus bar module” that is assembled with the temperature sensor is attached to the assembled battery. Thus, a configuration is disclosed in which a temperature sensor is sandwiched between the upper surface of the battery cell constituting the assembled battery and the “bus bar module”. Patent Documents 2 and 3 also disclose a similar configuration.

  According to the configurations described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, the temperature sensor is sandwiched between a member attached to cover the electrode forming surface of the assembled battery, such as a “bus bar module”, and the electrode forming surface of the battery cell. And pressed against the upper surface of the battery cell. Therefore, the contact failure of the temperature sensor with respect to the battery cell and the positional deviation are less likely to occur.

JP 2009-277420 A JP 2009-176601 A JP 2008-304295 A

  By the way, in the battery pack, a plurality of battery cells are arranged close to each other along a predetermined direction. Therefore, in the battery cell constituting the assembled battery, the surface facing the adjacent battery cell (hereinafter referred to as “side surface” of the battery cell) is less likely to dissipate heat than the other surfaces. That is, in the battery cell which comprises an assembled battery, there exists a situation that a side surface tends to become high temperature rather than another surface.

  In order to quickly detect an abnormality in the assembled battery, it is effective to measure the temperature of a portion (that is, the side surface of the battery cell) that is particularly likely to be high in the assembled battery. In the configurations described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, since the temperature sensor is sandwiched between the member attached to cover the assembled battery and the electrode forming surface of the battery cell, the temperature sensor is connected to the electrode forming surface of the battery cell. Can only be contacted. Therefore, it is disadvantageous in terms of rapid abnormality detection.

  This invention is made in view of said subject, and makes it possible to make a temperature sensor detect appropriately the temperature of the side surface (surface which opposes an adjacent battery cell) which comprises an assembled battery. The purpose is to provide technology.

  A first aspect is a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of a target battery cell that is a specific battery cell, with respect to an assembled battery that includes a plurality of battery cells that are arranged with a gap in a state where side surfaces face each other. A temperature sensor mounting structure for mounting, wherein the sensor holding unit holds the temperature sensor and is inserted into a specific gap between the target battery cell and an adjacent battery cell adjacent to the target battery cell; The target battery cell and the adjacent battery are provided so as to project from the sensor holding part in a direction orthogonal to the direction of insertion into the specific gap, and the sensor holding part is inserted into the specific gap. Between the projecting portion hooked on the upper surface of at least one of the cells, the sensor holding portion inserted into the specific gap, and the side surface of the adjacent battery cell, The parts and a biasing portion that elastically biases in the direction of the side surface of the target cell.

  A 2nd aspect is the attachment structure of the temperature sensor which concerns on a 1st aspect, Comprising: The said urging | biasing part protrudes in the opposing surface facing the said adjacent battery cell in the said sensor holding part, and is flexible. It is a projection part which has property.

A third aspect is a temperature sensor mounting structure according to the second aspect, wherein the protrusion is obliquely oriented with respect to the facing surface from a fixed end fixed to the facing surface of the sensor holding portion. A base portion protruding from the intermediate portion, an intermediate bending portion formed by changing the direction of the facing surface from the root portion, and a tip portion continuing from the intermediate bending portion to a free end facing the facing surface When,
Is provided.

  A 4th aspect is the attachment structure of the temperature sensor which concerns on a 1st aspect, Comprising: The said urging | biasing part is a member independent so that isolation | separation with the said sensor holding part was possible.

  According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a temperature sensor mounting structure according to the fourth aspect, wherein the biasing portion and the sensor holding portion are fitted to each other so that the biasing portion is held by the sensor holding portion. A holding structure for holding the unit is provided.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the sensor holding portion that holds the temperature sensor is hooked to the battery cell by the overhanging portion while being inserted into the gap between the target battery cell and the adjacent battery cell, It is pressed against the target battery cell by the urging unit. According to this configuration, the sensor holding unit can be reliably brought into contact with the side surface of the target battery cell (the surface facing the adjacent battery cell), so that the temperature sensor appropriately detects the temperature of the side surface of the target battery cell. be able to.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the urging portion is a projecting portion having flexibility formed to protrude from the opposing surface of the sensor holding portion, it is easy to make the mounting structure compact, Even when the gap between the battery cells is narrow, it can be easily handled.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the urging portion is formed as an independent member separable from the sensor holding portion. Therefore, by providing a plurality of types of urging portions, the sensor holding portion can be shared and the battery It is possible to deal with cases where the gap between cells is narrow to wide. That is, a highly versatile mounting structure can be realized.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the holding structure is formed between the urging portion and the sensor holding portion, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the urging portion causes a positional shift with respect to the sensor holding portion. . Thus, the temperature sensor can be reliably brought into contact with the side surface of the target battery cell.

It is a figure which shows typically the temperature detection member attached to the assembled battery and the assembled battery. It is a perspective view of the temperature detection member which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a front view of the temperature detection member which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a side view of the temperature detection member which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the temperature detection member which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the state by which the temperature detection member which concerns on 1st Embodiment was attached to the assembled battery. It is a perspective view of the temperature detection member which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a side view of the temperature detection member which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view of a 2nd molded object. It is a top view of a 2nd molded object. It is a perspective view of the temperature detection member and 2nd molded object which concern on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the state by which the temperature detection member which concerns on 2nd Embodiment was attached to the assembled battery. It is a perspective view of the temperature detection member which concerns on a modification.

<I. First Embodiment>
<1. Overall overview>
Before specifically explaining the temperature sensor mounting structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention, an outline of the assembled battery and the temperature sensor attached thereto will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the assembled battery 900 and the temperature detection member 3 attached to the assembled battery 900. In FIG. 1, the Y direction is along the direction in which the plurality of battery cells 9 are arranged, and the X direction is along the direction in which the electrodes are arranged in each battery cell 9 (the width direction of the battery cells 9). The Z direction is attached with XYZ coordinates along the height direction of each battery cell 9.

<1-1. Battery pack 900>
The assembled battery 900 includes a plurality of battery cells 9 arranged in a line. In addition, in FIG. 1, the assembled battery 900 provided with the six battery cells 9 is illustrated, However, The number of the battery cells 9 with which the assembled battery 900 is provided is not restricted to this. The assembled battery 900 may include a plurality of sets of battery cells 9 arranged in a row.

  The plurality of battery cells 9 are arranged along a certain direction (Y direction) in a battery cell case (not shown). In each battery cell 9 arranged in the battery cell case, a surface (surface along the X direction) facing the adjacent battery cell 9 is hereinafter referred to as a “side surface” of the battery cell 9. That is, the plurality of battery cells 9 constituting the assembled battery 900 are arranged along the direction (Y direction) orthogonal to the side surfaces with the side surfaces parallel to each other in the battery cell case.

  Separators (not shown) formed of resin or the like are disposed between adjacent battery cells 9 so that the side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 9 are not in close contact with each other when arranged in the battery cell case. They are arranged with a minute gap V. By forming the minute gap V between the adjacent battery cells 9, the heat dissipation of each battery cell 9 can be ensured to the minimum. In addition, although the width | variety (gap width D) along the sequence direction of the battery cell 9 of each gap | interval V is substantially constant (for example, about 3 mm (millimeter)), the dispersion | variation by a dimensional tolerance exists. .

  In the battery cell case, the plurality of battery cells 9 are arranged with their electrode formation surfaces (surfaces on which a pair of terminals (positive terminal 901 and negative terminal 902) are formed) facing upward. Further, the plurality of battery cells 9 are arranged such that the positive terminals 901 and the negative terminals 902 are alternately stacked. Therefore, in each of the two terminal rows 903 formed along the arrangement direction (Y direction) of the plurality of battery cells 9, the positive terminals 901 and the negative terminals 902 are alternately arranged.

  A connection plate 92 is attached to each terminal row 903. The connection plate 92 (so-called bus bar module) has a configuration in which a plurality of bus bars 922 are accommodated in a bus bar case 921 formed of an insulating material. The bus bar 922 is a plate-like member formed of a conductive material, and two or one through hole for inserting the terminal of the battery cell 9 is formed. Specifically, one through hole is formed in the bus bar 922 (9221) disposed at both ends of one connection plate 92, and two through holes are formed in the other bus bar 922 (9222). Yes. In a state where the connection plate 92 is attached to the terminal row 903, the terminals arranged in the terminal row 903 are inserted through the through holes formed in the bus bar 922 accommodated in the bus bar case 921. The adjacent positive terminal 901 and negative terminal 902 in the terminal row 903 are respectively inserted into the two through holes of the bus bar 9222 so that the adjacent positive terminal 901 and negative terminal 902 are electrically connected. Will be. On the other hand, a terminal located at the end of one terminal row 903 is inserted into one through hole of the bus bar 9221.

  Thus, by attaching the connection plate 92 to each terminal row 903, the plurality of battery cells 9 arranged in the battery cell case are electrically connected in series.

<1-2. Temperature detection member 3>
The temperature detection member 3 is a member that detects the temperature of an object that is in contact with the sensing surface. Among the plurality of battery cells 9 constituting the assembled battery 900, a specific battery cell 9 (hereinafter, “target battery cell 9t”). The temperature of the target battery cell 9t is detected. Specifically, the temperature detection member 3 contacts the side surface of the target battery cell 9t in a gap V between the target battery cell 9t and a battery cell 9 adjacent to the target battery cell 9t (hereinafter referred to as “adjacent battery cell 9n”). The temperature of the side surface of the target battery cell 9t is detected.

  Note that one or more temperature detection members 3 may be attached to the assembled battery 900. For example, the temperature detection member 3 may be attached to each of the predetermined number (for example, every ten) battery cells 9 along the arrangement direction of the battery cells 9.

<2. Temperature detection member 3>
The configuration of the temperature detection member 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the temperature detection member 3. FIG. 3 is a front view of the temperature detection member 3. FIG. 4 is a side view of the temperature detection member 3. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the temperature detection member 3 as viewed from the arrow K in FIG. 2 to 5, the X direction is along the width direction of the sensor holding unit 11, the Y direction is along the normal direction of the second side surface 112 of the sensor holding unit 11, and the Z direction is the sensor holding unit 11. XYZ coordinates along the long direction are attached.

  The temperature detection member 3 is a resin mold member in which the temperature sensor element 2 is embedded, and includes the temperature sensor element 2 and a molded body 1 that houses the temperature sensor element 2 therein.

<2-1. Temperature sensor element 2>
The temperature sensor element 2 is an element for temperature detection, and is composed of, for example, a thermistor. The conducting wire 101 connected to the temperature sensor element 2 is led to an external circuit (not shown) along the connection plate 92 (see FIG. 1) attached to the terminal row 903, and is connected to the circuit. As a result, a signal from the temperature sensor element 2 is input to an external circuit via the conducting wire 101.

<2-2. Molded body 1>
The molded body 1 is formed, for example, by in-mold molding of a resin material, and the temperature sensor element 2 is accommodated (resin molded) therein. The molded body 1 includes a sensor holding part 11, an overhang part 12, and a biasing protrusion 13.

<Sensor holding part 11>
The sensor holding unit 11 is a functional unit that holds the temperature sensor element 2 and is inserted into the gap V between the target battery cell 9 t and the adjacent battery cell 9. The sensor holding part 11 has a slightly tapered tip and is formed in a long flat plate shape. The temperature sensor element 2 is in the vicinity of the front end portion of the sensor holding unit 11 and a position (specifically, close to one side surface (the side surface on the -Y side in the example in the figure) (first side surface 111). In the thickness direction of the sensor holding unit 11, the temperature of the target object that is accommodated in the first side surface 111 is detected.

  That is, the first side surface 111 of the sensor holding unit 11 (that is, the side surface on the side where the temperature sensor element 2 is close to the inside) constitutes the sensing surface of the temperature detection member 3. The other side surface (second side surface) 112 constitutes a facing surface that faces the adjacent battery cell 9n in a state where the sensor holding portion 11 is inserted into the gap V.

<Overhang part 12>
The overhanging portion 12 is provided so as to protrude in the direction perpendicular to the side surfaces 111 and 112 with respect to the sensor holding portion 11, and the target battery cell 9 t and the adjacent battery cell 9 are in a state where the sensor holding portion 11 is inserted into the gap V. And caught on the upper surface (electrode formation surface) of at least one of the above. The overhanging portion 12 includes a first overhanging portion 121 that engages with the upper surface of the target battery cell 9t (contacts and stops moving), and a second overhanging portion 122 that engages with the upper surface of the adjacent battery cell 9n. Prepare.

  The first overhang portion 121 is formed near the upper end portion of the first side surface 111 and is locked to the upper surface of the target battery cell 9t in a state where the sensor holding portion 11 is inserted into the gap V. On the other hand, the 2nd overhang | projection part 122 is formed in the upper end part vicinity of the 2nd side 112, and latches to the upper surface of the adjacent battery cell 9n in the state in which the sensor holding part 11 was inserted in the clearance gap V.

<Biasing protrusion 13>
The biasing protrusion 13 is disposed in a gap (residual gap Vs) between the sensor holding part 11 inserted in the gap V and the side face of the adjacent battery cell 9n, and the sensor holding part 11 is placed on the side face of the target battery cell 9t. Elastically biased in the direction.

  Specifically, the biasing protrusion 13 is a flexible protrusion formed to protrude from the second side surface 112 (opposing surface) of the sensor holding portion 11.

  In this embodiment, the biasing protrusion 13 is formed in a bent shape. Specifically, from a fixed end fixed to the second side surface 112 of the sensor holding unit 11, a root portion 131 that protrudes obliquely with respect to the second side surface 112, and a root portion 131, are connected to the first side surface 112. The intermediate bending part 132 formed by changing the direction in the direction of the two side surfaces 112, and the front end part 133 connected to the free end facing the second side surface 112 from the intermediate bending part 132 are provided.

  2 to 5 show a state of the urging protrusion 13 in a natural state (a state where no external force is applied). However, the width obtained by adding the protrusion width Lo of the biasing protrusion 13 in the natural state and the thickness C of the sensor holding portion 11 (that is, the separation distance from the first side surface 111 to the apex of the biasing protrusion 13 in the natural state) (Hereinafter, simply referred to as “overall width”) Mo is defined to be larger than the gap width D of the assembled battery 900 (Mo> D).

  As described above, since the biasing protrusion 13 is a flexible protrusion, when an external force in a direction to push the protrusion is applied, the protrusion width is deformed so that the protrusion width becomes smaller than the natural state.

<3. Mounting structure of temperature detection member 3>
The mounting structure of the temperature detection member 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a side view of the temperature detecting member 3 attached to the assembled battery 900. 6 also has the same XYZ coordinates as in FIG.

  When attaching the temperature detection member 3, the sensor holding part 11 is inserted into the gap V between the target battery cell 9t and the adjacent battery cell 9n from above (that is, from the electrode forming surface side of the battery cell 9), and the overhanging part 12 is pushed to a position where it is caught on each upper surface (electrode forming surface) of the target battery cell 9t and the adjacent battery cell 9n. Specifically, the first overhanging portion 121 is locked to the upper surface of the target battery cell 9t, and the second overhanging portion 122 is pushed into a position where it is locked to the upper surface of the adjacent battery cell 9n.

  When the overhanging portion 12 is hooked on each upper surface of the target battery cell 9t and the adjacent battery cell 9n, the sensor holding portion 11 inserted in the gap V is hooked on the battery cell 9. This restricts the movement of the sensor holding unit 11 in the insertion direction. Therefore, the sensor holding part 11 is prevented from being displaced in the insertion direction, and the situation where the sensor holding part 11 slips into the gap V is also avoided.

  In addition, the sensor holding unit 11 has the side surface 111 (sensing surface) of the side surfaces 111 and 112 on the side where the temperature sensor element 2 is located close to the side surface of the target battery cell 9t, and the other side. The side surface 112 (opposing surface) is inserted into the gap V in a posture with the side surface of the adjacent battery cell 9n facing.

  As described above, the protrusion width Lo of the biasing protrusion 13 in the natural state is defined such that the overall width Mo in the natural state is larger than the gap width D of the assembled battery 900 (Mo> D). For this reason, in the state where the sensor holding part 11 is inserted into the gap V, the urging protrusion 13 formed on the second side surface 112 (opposing surface) has a protruding end (intermediate bending part 132) at the adjacent battery cell 9n. Further, the protrusion width is deformed so as to be smaller than the natural state.

  Therefore, in this state, the urging protrusion 13 generates an elastic force F that attempts to return to the natural state (to increase the protrusion width). In other words, the biasing protrusion 13 is elastically biased so as to press the first side surface 111 (sensing surface) of the sensor holding portion 11 against the side surface of the target battery cell 9t while abutting the adjacent battery cell 9n. Yes. Thereby, the sensing surface of the sensor holding part 11 is reliably brought into contact with the target battery cell 9t.

<4. Effect>
According to the first embodiment, the sensor holding part 11 that holds the temperature sensor element 2 is hooked on the battery cell 9 by the overhanging part 12 in the state of being inserted into the gap V, and the urging protrusion. 13 is pressed against the target battery cell 9t. Therefore, the first side surface 111 (sensing surface) of the sensor holding unit 11 can be reliably brought into contact with the side surface of the target battery cell 9t. Thereby, the temperature sensor element 2 can appropriately detect the temperature of the side surface of the target battery cell 9t. In particular, since the temperature of the side surface rather than the upper surface of the battery cell 9 can be detected, the abnormality of the battery cell 9 can be detected quickly. That is, in the situation where a plurality of battery cells 9 are arranged along a predetermined direction as in the assembled battery 900, the side surface of the battery cell 9 that is the surface facing the adjacent battery cell 9 becomes particularly hot. As is easy, when the temperature of the side surface of the battery cell 9 is detected by the temperature sensor element 2, when the battery cell 9 starts to rise in temperature, this can be detected at an early stage.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the biasing protrusion 13 elastically biases the sensor holding portion 11 against the target battery cell 9t while contacting the adjacent battery cell 9n. Even when there is a variation in the gap width D, the variation can be absorbed by the biasing protrusion 13 and the sensor holding part 11 can always be appropriately pressed against the target battery cell 9t.

  Furthermore, the battery cell 9 generally tends to become hot as it gets closer to the center of the battery cell 9. According to the above embodiment, the temperature detection member 3 is assembled into the assembled battery 900 by inserting the sensor holding part 11 into the gap V. Therefore, if the length of the sensor holding part 11 in the longitudinal direction is long, the temperature sensor element 2 can detect the temperature near the center of the battery cell 9.

  Further, since the biasing protrusion 13 is formed integrally with the sensor holding portion 11, if the protrusion width of the biasing protrusion 13 is formed small, it is easy to reduce the overall width Mo of the temperature detecting member 3. is there. That is, it is easy to make the temperature detection member 3 compact, and it is easy to deal with the assembled battery 900 having the narrow gap V.

<II. Second Embodiment>
A temperature sensor mounting structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The outline of the assembled battery and the temperature detection member 3a attached thereto is the same as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1).

<1. Temperature detection member 3a>
The configuration of the temperature detection member 3a will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the temperature detection member 3a. FIG. 8 is a side view of the temperature detection member 3a. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the second molded body 1b which is a configuration relating to the attachment of the temperature detection member 3a. FIG. 10 is a top view of the second molded body 1b. 7 and 8, the X direction is along the width direction of the sensor holding unit 11, the Y direction is along the normal direction of the second side surface 112 of the sensor holding unit 11, and the Z direction is the sensor holding unit 11. XYZ coordinates along the long direction are attached. 9 and 10, the X direction is along the main surface 141 of the tubular portion 14, the Y direction is along the tubular width direction of the tubular portion 14, and the Z direction is along the height direction of the tubular portion 14. XYZ coordinates are attached. In the following description, the description which is not different from the first embodiment is omitted, and the same reference numerals are given.

<1-1. Temperature detection member 3a>
The temperature detection member 3a is a resin mold member in which the temperature sensor element 2 is embedded, and includes the temperature sensor element 2 and a first molded body 1a that houses the temperature sensor element 2 therein.

  The configuration of the temperature sensor element 2 is as described in the first embodiment.

  Although the 1st molded object 1a is substantially the same as the molded object 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment, it is different in the point which is not provided with the protrusion 13 for urging | biasing. That is, the first molded body 1a is formed, for example, by in-mold molding of a resin material, and the temperature sensor element 2 is accommodated (resin molded) therein. The first molded body 1 a includes a sensor holding part 11 and an overhang part 12. Each structure of the sensor holding | maintenance part 11 and the overhang | projection part 12 is as having mentioned above.

<1-2. Second Molded Body 1b>
The second molded body 1b is formed, for example, by in-mold molding of a resin material. The second molded body 1 b includes a tubular portion 14 and an extending portion 15.

<Cylindrical part 14>
The cylindrical part 14 is disposed in a gap (residual gap Vs) between the sensor holding part 11 of the temperature detection member 3a inserted in the gap V and the side surface of the adjacent battery cell 9n, and the sensor holding part 11 is used as the target battery. Elastically biased toward the side surface of the cell 9t.

  The cylindrical portion 14 is formed in a flat cylindrical shape crushed in one direction (Y direction), and includes a main surface 141 and a bent side surface 142 that face each other.

  9 and 10 show the state of the cylindrical portion 14 in a natural state (a state where no external force is applied). The tube width of the tubular portion 14 in the natural state (the tube width in the direction perpendicular to the main surface 141 (Y direction), hereinafter simply referred to as “tube width”) No is larger than the remaining gap width Ds. It is defined (No> Ds). However, as shown in FIG. 12, the “remaining gap width Ds” means that the temperature detection member 3a is inserted into the gap V between the target battery cell 9t and the adjacent battery cell 9n, and the temperature detection member is placed on the side surface of the target battery cell 9t. The width of the gap (residual gap Vs) formed between the side surface of the adjacent battery cell 9n and the temperature detection member 3a in the state in which the sensor holding part 11 of 3a is in contact with the battery cell 9 in the arrangement direction. .

  As described above, the cylindrical portion 14 is formed in a flat cylindrical shape by a flexible member, so that when an external force in a direction to narrow the cylindrical width is applied, the cylindrical width is smaller than the natural state. Deform.

<Extension part 15>
The extension portion 15 functions as a knob for holding the second molded body 1b when the operator inserts the second molded body 1b into the remaining gap Vs. The extending portion 15 is erected on one side surface 142 of the tubular portion 14 in a posture parallel to the main surface 141 of the tubular portion 14.

  Note that an extension portion 151 may be formed at the end of the extension portion 15. The projecting portion 151 is provided so as to project in a direction perpendicular to the side surface of the extending portion 15, and in the state where the second molded body 1 b is inserted into the remaining gap Vs, the target battery cell 9 t and the adjacent battery cell 9. At least one of the vertical surfaces (a surface perpendicular to the side surface of the battery cell 9 and the electrode formation surface). By forming the overhang portion 151, the insertion depth of the second molded body 1 b with respect to the vertical surface of the battery cell 9 can be regulated.

<2. Mounting structure of temperature detection member 3a>
The attachment structure of the temperature detection member 3a will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the temperature detection member 3a and the second molded body 1b. Here, the temperature detection member 3a and the second molded body 1b are shown in a positional relationship in a state where they are attached to the assembled battery 900. FIG. 12 is a side view of the temperature detection member 3a and the second molded body 1b attached to the assembled battery 900. 11 and 12 also have the same XYZ coordinates as in FIG.

  When attaching the temperature detection member 3a, first, the sensor holding part 11 of the temperature detection member 3a is inserted from above into the gap V between the target battery cell 9t and the adjacent battery cell 9n, and the overhang part 12 is connected to the target battery cell. 9t and the adjacent battery cell 9n are pushed in until they are hooked on the respective upper surfaces (electrode forming surfaces).

  As described above, the overhanging portion 12 is hooked on each upper surface of the target battery cell 9t and the adjacent battery cell 9n, whereby the sensor holding portion 11 inserted in the gap V is hooked on the battery cell 9. This restricts the movement of the sensor holding unit 11 in the insertion direction.

  In addition, the sensor holding unit 11 has the side surface 111 (sensing surface) of the side surfaces 111 and 112 on the side where the temperature sensor element 2 is located close to the side surface of the target battery cell 9t, and the other side. The side surface 112 (opposing surface) is inserted into the gap V in a posture with the side surface of the adjacent battery cell 9n facing.

  When the temperature detection member 3a is inserted into the gap V, the second molded body 1b is then placed laterally (residual gap Vs) between the temperature detection member 3a and the side surface of the adjacent battery cell 9n (residual gap Vs). Is inserted from the vertical surface side, and is pushed to a position where one main surface 141 of the cylindrical portion 14 contacts the second side surface 112 (opposing surface) of the sensor holding portion 11. In this state, the insertion depth of the second molded body 1b may be regulated by the overhanging portion 151 being locked to the vertical surface of the battery cell 9.

  As described above, the tube width No of the tubular portion 14 in the natural state is defined to be larger than the remaining gap width Ds (No> Ds). For this reason, in the state in which the sensor holding part 11 of the temperature detection member 3a is inserted into the remaining gap Vs, the cylindrical part 14 of the second molded body 1b has the second side surface 112 of the sensor holding part 11 on one main surface 141. (The opposing surface) and the other main surface 141 are in contact with the side surface of the adjacent battery cell 9n. Further, in this state, the cylindrical portion 14 is deformed so that its cylinder width is smaller than that in the natural state.

  Accordingly, in this state, an elastic force F is generated in the cylindrical portion 14 so as to return to the natural state (to increase the cylinder width). That is, the cylindrical portion 14 is elastic so as to press the first side surface 111 (sensing surface) of the sensor holding portion 11 of the temperature detection member 3a against the side surface of the target battery cell 9t while contacting the adjacent battery cell 9n. Energized. Thereby, the sensing surface of the sensor holding part 11 is reliably brought into contact with the target battery cell 9t.

<3. Effect>
According to the second embodiment, the sensor holding portion 11 that holds the temperature sensor element 2 is hooked on the battery cell 9 by the overhanging portion 12 and inserted into the gap V, and the cylindrical portion 14. Is pressed against the target battery cell 9t. Therefore, the first side surface 111 (sensing surface) of the sensor holding unit 11 can be reliably brought into contact with the side surface of the target battery cell 9t. Thereby, the temperature sensor element 2 can appropriately detect the temperature of the side surface of the target battery cell 9t. In particular, since the temperature of the side surface rather than the upper surface of the battery cell 9 can be detected, the abnormality of the battery cell 9 can be detected quickly.

  Further, according to the second embodiment, the cylindrical portion 14 elastically biases the sensor holding portion 11 with respect to the target battery cell 9t while contacting the adjacent battery cell 9n. Even when there is a variation in the width D, the variation can be absorbed by the cylindrical portion 14 and the sensor holding portion 11 can be always pressed properly against the target battery cell 9t.

  Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, if the length of the sensor holding part 11 in the longitudinal direction is formed long, the temperature sensor element 2 can detect the temperature near the center of the battery cell 9.

  Moreover, since the cylindrical part 14 is formed as a member that is separable from the sensor holding part 11, the temperature detection member 3 a is prepared by preparing the second molded body 1 b having various cylindrical widths of the cylindrical part 14. It is possible to cope with a case where the gap V between the battery cells 9 is relatively narrow to wide. That is, a highly versatile mounting structure can be realized.

<III. Modification>
In each of the above embodiments, the temperature detection member 3 (or the temperature detection member 3a) is inserted into the gap V from above. Here, the temperature detection member 3 (or the temperature detection member 3 a) may be inserted directly into the gap V by the operator, or may be inserted into the gap V via the connection plate 92.

  The latter embodiment will be specifically described. For example, when the temperature detection member 3 is inserted into the gap V through the connection plate 92, the temperature detection member 3 is attached in advance to a predetermined position on the back surface of the connection plate 92. Specifically, the temperature detection member 3 is attached to a predetermined position on the back surface of the connection plate 92 in a posture such that the temperature detection member 3 is erected vertically with respect to the back surface. And the temperature detection member 3 is inserted in the clearance gap V by attaching the connection plate 92 to which the temperature detection member 3 was attached to the electrode formation surface of the assembled battery 900. The same applies to the case where the temperature detection member 3a is inserted into the gap V through the connection plate 92.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the temperature detection member 3 (or the temperature detection member 3a) includes the overhanging portion 12 that is hooked on each upper surface (electrode formation surface) of the target battery cell 9t and the adjacent battery cell 9n. However, the overhanging portion 12 may be configured to be locked only on the upper surface of the target battery cell 9t (or only on the upper surface of the adjacent battery cell 9n). That is, the overhanging portion 12 may include only one of the first overhanging portion 121 and the second overhanging portion 122.

  Further, the biasing protrusion 13 according to the first embodiment may be formed near the center of the second side surface 112 (opposing surface) of the sensor holding unit 11 or may be formed near the tip. Further, the second molded body 1b according to the second embodiment may be inserted at a position where the cylindrical portion 14 abuts near the center of the side surface 112 (opposing surface) of the sensor holding portion 11. Alternatively, it may be inserted at a position where it abuts near the tip of the side surface 112 (opposing surface). If the configuration functioning as the urging portion (the urging protrusion 13 or the cylindrical portion 14) is arranged near the tip of the opposing surface, the vicinity of the tip of the sensing surface (that is, the vicinity where the temperature sensor element 2 is arranged) ) Can be reliably pressed against the target battery cell 9t.

  Further, although the biasing protrusion 13 according to the first embodiment has a bent shape, the shape of the biasing protrusion 13 is not limited to this, and the width of the protrusion is changed according to an external force. Any shape that can be deformed is acceptable. For example, it may be a curved shape. Similarly, the shape of the tubular portion 14 according to the second embodiment is not limited to a flat tubular shape, and may be any shape that can be deformed so as to change its width according to an external force.

  In the second embodiment, in the state where the second molded body 1b is inserted between the temperature detecting member 3a and the adjacent battery cell 9n, the sensor holding portion 11 of the temperature detecting member 3a and the second molded body 1b. It is good also as a structure provided with the holding | maintenance structure which hold | maintains the cylindrical part 14 in the sensor holding | maintenance part 11 when those part fits between the cylindrical parts 14 of this.

  Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the holding structure is configured to engage the cylindrical portion 14 of the second molded body 1b (FIG. 9) with the second side surface 112 (opposing surface) of the temperature detection member 3a. This can be realized by forming the recess 113 for the purpose. In other words, when the second molded body 1b is inserted into the remaining gap Vs, the cylindrical portion 14 of the second molded body 1b is fitted into the recess 113 to be held between the sensor holding portion 11 and the cylindrical portion 14. A structure can be formed. By forming such a holding structure, it is possible to prevent a situation where the position of the second molded body 1b is regulated with respect to the temperature detection member 3a and the second molded body 1b slides down. As a result, the sensor holding part 11 can be reliably brought into contact with the side surface of the target battery cell 9t.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Molded body 1a 1st molded body 1b 2nd molded body 2 Temperature sensor element 3, 3a Temperature detection member 9 Battery cell 11 Sensor holding part 12 Overhang | projection part 13 Energizing protrusion 14 Cylindrical part 900 Assembling battery

Claims (5)

A temperature sensor for attaching a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of a target battery cell, which is a specific battery cell, to an assembled battery including a plurality of battery cells arranged with a gap in a state where the side surfaces face each other. Mounting structure,
A sensor holding unit that holds the temperature sensor and is inserted into a specific gap between the target battery cell and the adjacent battery cell that is adjacent to the target battery cell;
With respect to the sensor holding part, the target battery cell and the adjacent battery cell are provided so as to protrude in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction into the specific gap, and the sensor holding part is inserted into the specific gap. And an overhanging portion that catches on the upper surface of at least one of
An urging portion that is arranged between the sensor holding portion inserted in the specific gap and the side surface of the adjacent battery cell, and elastically urges the sensor holding portion toward the side surface of the target battery cell;
A temperature sensor mounting structure comprising: The temperature sensor mounting structure according to claim 1,
A temperature sensor mounting structure in which the urging portion is a protruding portion having flexibility, which is formed to protrude from an opposing surface of the sensor holding portion facing the adjacent battery cell. The temperature sensor mounting structure according to claim 2,
The protrusion is
From the fixed end fixed to the facing surface of the sensor holding portion, a root portion formed to protrude obliquely with respect to the facing surface;
An intermediate bend formed by turning from the root to the direction of the facing surface;
A tip portion that continues from the intermediate bent portion to a free end facing the facing surface;
A temperature sensor mounting structure comprising: The temperature sensor mounting structure according to claim 1,
A temperature sensor mounting structure in which the urging portion is a member that is separable from the sensor holding portion. The temperature sensor mounting structure according to claim 4,
The urging portion and the sensor holding portion are temperature sensor mounting structures provided with a holding structure for holding the urging portion on the sensor holding portion by fitting a part of them.

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