JP2013171697A - Attachment structure of temperature sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique for enhancing the degree of freedom of design, in the attachment structure of a temperature sensor.SOLUTION: The attachment structure of a temperature sensor 10 for attaching the temperature sensor 10 to a battery module 11 having a plurality of unit cells 12 includes an object wall 15 of temperature detection by the temperature sensor 10 provided in at least one of the plurality of unit cells 12, an opposite wall 19 formed in a member different from the plurality of unit cells 12 to face the object wall 15 and forming a sensor insertion space 21 into which the temperature sensor 10 is inserted between the object wall 15, and an energization part 29 disposed between the object wall 15 and the opposite wall 19 in a state where the temperature sensor 10 is inserted into the sensor insertion space 21, and energizes the temperature sensor 10 from a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the temperature sensor 10 into the sensor insertion space 21 toward the object wall 15.

Description

  The present invention relates to a temperature sensor mounting structure for mounting a temperature sensor on a battery module.

  Conventionally, the thing of patent documents 1 is known as a battery module provided with a plurality of single cells. A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the unit cell is attached to the battery module.

  The plurality of single cells are arranged with a gap therebetween with the side surfaces facing each other. A temperature sensor is inserted into this gap. A protrusion having flexibility is formed on the temperature sensor. This projecting portion abuts against the wall surface of one unit cell and elastically deforms, whereby a resilient force is generated in the projecting portion. This elastic force urges the temperature sensor toward another unit cell located next to the one unit cell. Thereby, since a temperature sensor closely_contact | adheres to the wall surface of another cell, the temperature of a cell can be detected appropriately.

JP 2012-13564 A

  However, according to the above configuration, the temperature sensor can be attached only to the gaps of the plurality of single cells arranged with a gap. For this reason, there existed a problem that the freedom degree of the design about the attachment structure of a temperature sensor fell.

  The present invention has been completed based on the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of improving the degree of design freedom for the temperature sensor mounting structure.

  The present invention is a temperature sensor mounting structure in which a temperature sensor is attached to a battery module having a plurality of single cells, the temperature sensor being provided for at least one of the plurality of single cells and subject to temperature detection by the temperature sensor. And an opposing wall that is formed on a member different from the plurality of single cells, and that faces the target wall and forms a sensor insertion space between which the temperature sensor is inserted. In a state where the temperature sensor is inserted into the sensor insertion space, the temperature sensor is arranged between the target wall and the opposing wall, and intersects the direction in which the temperature sensor is inserted into the sensor insertion space. An urging unit that urges the temperature sensor toward the target wall.

  According to the present invention, the sensor insertion space can be formed at an arbitrary position by providing an opposing wall so as to face an arbitrarily set target wall. Thereby, the freedom degree of design can be raised about the attachment structure of a temperature sensor.

  As embodiments of the present invention, the following embodiments are preferable.

  It is preferable that a front stop portion is formed in front of the temperature sensor in the insertion direction so as to abut the temperature sensor and restrict the movement of the temperature sensor forward.

  According to the above aspect, since the temperature sensor is restricted from moving forward in the insertion direction, the relative position between the target wall and the temperature sensor is suppressed. Thereby, since the position shift of the temperature sensor with respect to the target wall is restricted, the accuracy of temperature measurement of the target wall can be improved.

  A locking portion is formed in the temperature sensor, and the counter wall is locked to be locked to the locking portion from the rear in the insertion direction, thereby restricting the movement of the temperature sensor to the rear. It is preferable that the part is formed.

  According to the above aspect, since the temperature sensor is restricted from moving backward in the insertion direction, the relative position between the target wall and the temperature sensor is suppressed. Thereby, since the position shift of the temperature sensor with respect to the target wall is restricted, the accuracy of temperature measurement of the target wall can be improved.

  It is preferable that the urging portion is formed integrally with the temperature sensor.

  According to said aspect, compared with the case where an urging | biasing part is formed separately from a temperature sensor, a number of parts can be reduced.

  The urging portion is formed in a shape extending from the temperature sensor in a direction substantially parallel to the wall surface of the target wall, and formed in a shape folded from the tip of the base portion to the opposing wall side and elastically deformed. It is preferable to include a possible bending portion.

  According to said aspect, a temperature sensor can be reliably urged | biased toward an object wall with the elastic force which generate | occur | produces when a bending part elastically deforms. Thereby, the precision of the temperature measurement of an object wall can be improved.

  The temperature sensor includes a temperature detection element and an element holder for holding the temperature detection element, and the element holder has a bottomed element receiving hole in which the temperature detection element is accommodated. Preferably, the element housing hole is filled with a filler in a state where the temperature detecting element is housed.

Since the thermal conductivity of air is relatively small, if there is an air layer between the element holder and the temperature detection element, there is a concern that a temperature difference occurs between the element holder and the temperature detection element. Then, there is a possibility that the temperature of the target wall cannot be accurately detected.
According to the above aspect, the space between the element holder and the temperature detection element is filled with the filler. Thereby, an air layer can be prevented from existing between the element holder and the temperature detection element. As a result, the accuracy of temperature measurement of the target wall can be improved.

  It is preferable that the plurality of single cells are arranged at intervals with a separator interposed therebetween, and the opposing wall is formed on the separator.

  According to said aspect, compared with the case where an opposing wall is formed in a member separate from a separator, a number of parts can be reduced.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the freedom degree of design can be improved about the attachment structure of a temperature sensor.

FIG. 1 is a partially enlarged side view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged plan view showing the battery module. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged sectional view showing a state in which the temperature sensor is inserted into the sensor insertion space. FIG. 5 is a side view showing the temperature sensor. FIG. 6 is a front view showing the temperature sensor.

<Embodiment>
An attachment structure of a temperature sensor 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the mounting structure of the temperature sensor 10 is applied to the battery module 11. The battery module 11 is mounted on an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle (not shown) and serves as a power source for these. In the following description, the upper side (OZ direction) in FIG. 1 is the upper side, and the lower side is the lower side. Further, the right side (OY direction) in FIG. 1 is the right side, and the left side is the left side. Also, the lower side (OX direction) in FIG. 2 is the front and the upper side is the rear.

(Single cell 12)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery module 11 includes a plurality of single cells 12 arranged in a predetermined direction. In the present embodiment, the plurality of single cells 12 are arranged in the left-right direction. The unit cell 12 includes a case 13 that houses a power generation element (not shown). The case 13 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The case 13 has a flat shape. The wall portion constituting the case 13 has an upper surface located on the upper side, a lower surface located on the lower side, a long side surface formed on both left and right sides and a relatively wide area, and formed on both front and rear sides and having an area larger than that of the long side surface. Narrow short side. The single cells 12 are arranged in the left-right direction with the long side surfaces of the case 13 facing each other.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an electrode terminal 14 electrically connected to the power generation element protrudes upward from the upper surface of the case 13. The plurality of single cells 12 have electrode terminals 14 connected in series by a metal connection member (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the short side surface located at the front end portion of the wall portion of the unit cell 12 is the target wall 15 that is a target of temperature detection by the temperature sensor 10.

(Separator 16)
As shown in FIG. 2, each unit cell 12 is arranged at an interval by a separator 16 arranged between adjacent unit cells 12. The separator 16 is made of an insulating synthetic resin. The separator 16 includes a partition wall 17 that is arranged between the unit cells 12 and separates the unit cells 12, and an extending wall 18 that extends from the partition wall 17 in the left-right direction. The unit cell 12 is accommodated in a space surrounded by the partition wall 17 and the extension wall 18.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the portion near the upper end portion of the front end portion of the partition wall 17 of the separator 16 extends forward from the front end portion of the unit cell 12. A wall portion that extends leftward from the front end portion of the partition wall 17 and faces the target wall 15 of the unit cell 12 is an opposing wall 19.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a bottom wall 20 (an example of a front stop portion) that extends toward the extension wall 18 and continues to the extension wall 18 is formed at the lower end portion of the facing wall 19.

  A space formed between the target wall 15 of the unit cell 12 and the opposing wall 19 of the separator 16 serves as a sensor insertion space 21 into which the temperature sensor 10 is inserted. The sensor insertion space 21 is opened upward, and the temperature sensor 10 is inserted into the sensor insertion space 21 from above.

(Temperature sensor 10)
As shown in FIG. 3, the temperature sensor 10 includes a temperature detection element 22 and an element holder 23 that holds the temperature detection element 22. The temperature detection element 22 is composed of, for example, a thermistor. As the thermistor, a PTC thermistor or an NTC thermistor can be appropriately selected. The temperature detection element 22 is not limited to a thermistor, and any element can be appropriately selected as long as the temperature can be detected.

  A pair of electric wires 24 are led upward at the upper end of the temperature detection element 22. The electric wire 24 is connected to an external circuit (not shown), and a signal from the temperature detection element 22 is transmitted to the external circuit via the electric wire 24.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the element holder 23 is made of synthetic resin and has an elongated shape in the vertical direction. On the upper surface of the element holder 23, a bottomed element accommodating hole 25 for accommodating the temperature detecting element 22 is formed extending downward (see FIG. 3). The temperature detection element 22 is inserted into the element accommodation hole 25 from above.

  In the present embodiment, the vertical direction is the insertion direction of the temperature sensor 10. Specifically, the upper side (OZ direction) is the rear side in the insertion direction of the temperature sensor 10, and the lower side (O side in the OZ direction) is the front side in the insertion direction of the temperature sensor 10.

  The temperature detection element 22 is accommodated in the element accommodation hole 25 with the lower end portion of the temperature detection element 22 in contact with the bottom of the element accommodation hole 25 from above. In the state where the temperature detecting element 22 is accommodated in the element accommodating hole 25, the element accommodating hole 25 is filled with a filler 26. As the filler 26, a known synthetic resin material such as a silicone resin, a thermosetting resin, or a thermoplastic resin can be used.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the element holder 23 includes a base portion 27 extending in a direction substantially parallel to the wall surface of the target wall 15 of the unit cell 12 from approximately the center in the vertical direction, and a tip portion of the base portion 27. And a bent portion 28 which is formed in a shape folded on the opposing wall 19 side of the separator 16 and is elastically deformable. In the present embodiment, the base portion 27 extends rightward from the element holder 23, and is bent back leftward from the right end portion of the base portion 27 to form a bent portion 28. The bending portion 28 is elastically deformable in the front-rear direction (OX direction) with the distal end portion of the base portion 27 as a fulcrum.

  In the present embodiment, the base portion 27 and the flexure portion 28 serve as a biasing portion 29 that biases the element holder 23 toward the target wall 15. In the present embodiment, the urging portion 29 is formed integrally with the element holder 23.

  In a free state where no force is applied to the bending portion 28, the width dimension in the front-rear direction (OX direction) between the element holder 23 and the tip of the bending portion 28 is larger than the width dimension in the front-rear direction of the sensor insertion space 21. It is set to be.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the temperature sensor 10 is inserted into the sensor insertion space 21, the lower end portion of the temperature sensor 10 comes into contact with the bottom wall 20 from above (backward in the insertion direction of the temperature sensor 10). The temperature sensor 10 is restricted from moving downward (forward in the insertion direction of the temperature sensor 10).

  A locking portion 30 that protrudes forward is formed at the front end of the bending portion 28. In a state where the temperature sensor 10 is inserted into the sensor insertion space 21 and the lower end portion of the temperature sensor 10 is in contact with the bottom wall 20 from above (backward in the insertion direction of the temperature sensor 10), A locked portion 31 is formed that engages with the locking portion 30 from above (backward in the insertion direction of the temperature sensor 10). In the present embodiment, the locked portion 31 has a hole shape penetrating the opposing wall 19 in the front-rear direction. The upper edge portion of the locked portion 31 having a hole shape is engaged with the locking portion 30 from above (backward in the insertion direction of the temperature sensor 10). This restricts the temperature sensor 10 from moving upward (backward in the insertion direction of the temperature sensor 10).

  On the upper surface of the locking portion 30, a locking surface 32 that stands up from the front surface of the bending portion 28 is formed. The above-described locked portion 31 is engaged with the locking surface 32 from above (backward in the insertion direction of the temperature sensor 10).

  Further, a sensor side taper surface 33 is formed in a portion near the lower end of the locking portion 30 so as to taper downward. On the other hand, at the position near the upper end portion of the inner surface of the opposing wall 19, an opposing wall-side tapered surface 34 that is inclined forward as it goes upward is formed. When the temperature sensor 10 is inserted into the sensor insertion space 21, the sensor side taper surface 33 comes into contact with the opposing wall side taper surface 34.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the front surface of the distal end of the bending portion 28 is in contact with the inner surface of the opposing wall 19 in a state where the temperature sensor 10 is housed in the sensor housing space. When the tip of the bending portion 28 comes into contact with the inner surface of the opposing wall 19, the bending portion 28 is bent and deformed rearward (O side in the OX direction). As a result, a resilient force toward the rear (O side in the OX direction) is generated in the bending portion 28. With this elastic force, the element holder 23 is pressed backward (in the direction indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 3) and pressed against the target wall 15 of the unit cell 12.

(Installation process)
Then, an example of the attachment process of the temperature sensor 10 to the battery module 11 is demonstrated. First, the separator 16 and the cell 12 are assembled. Next, the separator 16 and the unit cell 12 assembled are arranged in such a manner that the long side surfaces of the unit cell 12 face each other, and these are arranged.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the temperature sensor 10 is inserted into the sensor insertion space 21 from above (backward in the insertion direction of the temperature sensor 10). After the lower end portion of the temperature sensor 10 is inserted into the sensor insertion space 21, the bending portion 28 is inserted into the sensor insertion space 21 from above (backward with respect to the insertion direction of the temperature sensor 10).

  When the temperature sensor 10 is further inserted, the sensor side taper surface 33 comes into contact with the opposing wall side taper surface 34 from above (backward in the insertion direction of the temperature sensor 10). Then, the bending portion 28 is elastically deformed backward. When the temperature sensor 10 is further moved downward (forward in the insertion direction of the temperature sensor 10), the bending portion 28 is restored and deformed, and the locking portion 30 is locked with the locked portion 31 of the opposing wall 19. When the locked portion 31 comes into contact with the locking surface 32 of the locking portion 30 from above (backward in the insertion direction of the temperature sensor 10), the temperature sensor 10 moves upward (backward in the insertion direction of the temperature sensor 10). ) Is restricted. Further, the temperature sensor 10 moves downward (forward in the insertion direction of the temperature sensor 10) by the lower end of the temperature sensor 10 coming into contact with the bottom wall 20 from above (backward in the insertion direction of the temperature sensor 10). Is regulated. As described above, the temperature sensor 10 according to the present embodiment is restricted from moving in the insertion direction (OZ direction) into the sensor insertion space 21 while being attached to the battery module 11. .

  In a state where the temperature sensor 10 is attached to the battery module 11, the tip of the bending portion 28 formed in the urging portion 29 is in contact with the inner surface of the opposing wall 19 from the rear (O side in the OX direction). . Thereby, a resilient force is generated in the bending portion 28, and the temperature sensor 10 is urged rearward (O side in the OX direction) by this resilient force. As a result, the temperature sensor 10 is pressed against the target wall 15 of the unit cell 12 from the front (X side in the OX direction).

(Function, effect)
Then, the effect | action and effect of this embodiment are demonstrated. According to the present embodiment, the temperature sensor 10 is pressed against the target wall 15 by the urging unit 29. Thereby, the temperature of the cell 12 can be detected appropriately.

  Moreover, according to this embodiment, the opposing wall 19 is formed in the separator 16 which is a member different from the unit cell 12. Thereby, an arbitrary wall portion of the unit cell 12 can be set as the target wall 15, and the opposing wall 19 can be formed at a position facing the target wall 15. Thereby, the sensor insertion space 21 can be formed at an arbitrary position corresponding to the arbitrarily set target wall 15. As a result, the degree of freedom in designing the mounting structure of the temperature sensor 10 can be increased.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the bottom wall 20 that restricts the forward movement of the temperature sensor 10 by contacting the temperature sensor 10 is formed in front of the temperature sensor 10 in the insertion direction. Thereby, since the temperature sensor 10 is restricted from moving forward in the insertion direction, the relative position between the target wall 15 and the temperature sensor 10 is suppressed. As a result, since the positional deviation of the temperature sensor 10 with respect to the target wall 15 is restricted, the accuracy of temperature measurement of the target wall 15 can be improved.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the temperature sensor 10 is formed with the locking portion 30, and is locked to the opposing wall 19 from the rear in the insertion direction with the locking portion 30, so that the rear side of the temperature sensor 10. A locked portion 31 that restricts the movement to is formed. Thereby, since the temperature sensor 10 is restricted from moving backward in the insertion direction, the relative position between the target wall 15 and the temperature sensor 10 is suppressed from shifting. Thereby, since the position shift of the temperature sensor 10 with respect to the target wall 15 is regulated, the accuracy of temperature measurement of the target wall 15 can be improved.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the urging portion 29 includes the base portion 27 extending from the temperature sensor 10 in a direction substantially parallel to the wall surface of the target wall 15, and the distal end of the base portion 27 toward the opposing wall 19. And a bent portion 28 that is formed in a folded shape and is elastically deformable. Thereby, the temperature sensor 10 can be reliably urged | biased toward the target wall 15 with the elastic force which generate | occur | produces when the bending part 28 elastically deforms. As a result, the accuracy of temperature measurement of the target wall 15 can be improved.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the temperature sensor 10 includes the temperature detection element 22 and the element holder 23 that holds the temperature detection element 22, and the temperature detection element 22 is accommodated in the element holder 23. The bottomed element housing hole 25 is formed, and the inside of the element housing hole 25 is filled with a filler 26 in a state where the temperature detecting element 22 is housed. Since the thermal conductivity of air is relatively small, if an air layer exists between the element holder 23 and the temperature detection element 22, a temperature difference may occur between the element holder 23 and the temperature detection element 22. Concerned. Then, there is a possibility that the temperature of the target wall 15 cannot be detected accurately. According to this embodiment, the space between the element holder 23 and the temperature detection element 22 is filled with the filler 26. Thereby, an air layer can be prevented from existing between the element holder 23 and the temperature detection element 22. As a result, the accuracy of temperature measurement of the target wall 15 can be improved.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the urging unit 29 is formed integrally with the temperature sensor 10. Thereby, compared with the case where the urging | biasing part 29 is formed separately from the temperature sensor 10, a number of parts can be reduced.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the plurality of single cells 12 are arranged at intervals via the separator 16, and the opposing wall 19 is formed on the separator 16. Thereby, compared with the case where the opposing wall 19 is formed in the member separate from the separator 16, the number of parts can be reduced.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  (1) In the present embodiment, the target wall 15 is a wall portion that does not face the adjacent unit cell 12 among the wall portions of the unit cell 12, but is not limited to this, and the upper wall of the unit cell 12 is The opposing wall 19 may be formed as the target wall 15 facing the upper wall, or the opposing wall 19 may be formed facing the lower wall with the lower wall of the unit cell 12 as the target wall 15. Further, by forming the opposing wall 19 between the adjacent unit cells 12, the long side surface facing the adjacent unit cell 12 may be used as the target wall 15.

  (2) The temperature sensors 10 may be attached to all the unit cells 12, or the temperature sensors 10 may be attached to the unit cells 12 every predetermined number.

  (3) It is good also as a structure which attaches two or more several temperature sensors 10 to the single cell 12. FIG.

  (4) The bottom wall 20 may be omitted.

  (5) The locked portion 31 may be formed on a member different from the facing wall 19. For example, a pair of locking claws extending upward from the bottom wall 20 is formed as the locked portion 31, and the locking claw locks the temperature sensor 10 from above to prevent the temperature sensor 10 from coming off. It is good also as a structure to regulate.

  (6) The urging unit 29 may be a separate member from the temperature sensor 10.

  (7) The urging portion 29 may be formed to extend from the temperature sensor 10 toward the facing wall 19.

  (8) The temperature detection element 22 may be exposed to the outside of the element holder 23, and the temperature detection element 22 may be in direct contact with the target wall 15.

  (9) The element holder 23 may be formed by molding the temperature detection element 22 with a synthetic resin.

  (10) It is good also as a structure which forms the opposing wall 19 in the box member which accommodates the several cell 12. FIG. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which forms the opposing wall 19 in the frame member formed so that the circumference | surroundings of the several cell 12 may be enclosed. Thus, the opposing wall 19 can be formed in an arbitrary member as necessary.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Temperature sensor 11 ... Battery module 12 ... Single cell 15 ... Target wall 16 ... Separator 19 ... Opposite wall 20 ... Bottom wall (front stop part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 ... Sensor insertion space 22 ... Temperature detection element 23 ... Element holder 25 ... Element accommodation hole 26 ... Filler 27 ... Base part 28 ... Deflection part 29 ... Energizing part 30 ... Locking part 31 ... Locked part

Claims (7)

A temperature sensor mounting structure for mounting a temperature sensor on a battery module having a plurality of single cells,
A target wall provided in at least one single cell among the plurality of single cells and subjected to temperature detection by the temperature sensor;
An opposing wall that is formed on a member different from the plurality of unit cells and that forms a sensor insertion space that faces the target wall and in which the temperature sensor is inserted between the target wall;
In a state where the temperature sensor is inserted into the sensor insertion space, the temperature sensor is disposed between the target wall and the opposing wall, and the temperature sensor is inserted from the direction intersecting the insertion direction of the temperature sensor into the sensor insertion space. A biasing portion that biases the temperature sensor toward the target wall;
Mounting structure of temperature sensor with   The temperature sensor mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein a front stop portion is formed in front of the temperature sensor in an insertion direction so as to restrict forward movement of the temperature sensor by contacting the temperature sensor.   A locking portion is formed in the temperature sensor, and the counter wall is locked to be locked to the locking portion from the rear in the insertion direction, thereby restricting the movement of the temperature sensor to the rear. The temperature sensor mounting structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a portion is formed.   The temperature sensor mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the biasing portion is formed integrally with the temperature sensor.   The urging portion is formed in a shape extending from the temperature sensor in a direction substantially parallel to the wall surface of the target wall, and formed in a shape folded from the tip of the base portion to the opposing wall side and elastically deformed. The temperature sensor mounting structure according to claim 4, further comprising a flexible portion. The temperature sensor includes a temperature detection element and an element holder for holding the temperature detection element,
The element holder is formed with a bottomed element accommodating hole for accommodating the temperature detecting element therein, and a filler is accommodated in the element accommodating hole in a state where the temperature detecting element is accommodated. The temperature sensor mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is filled.   The temperature sensor formed in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6 with which the said several cell is arranged in the space | interval through the separator, and the said opposing wall is formed in the said separator. Mounting structure.

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