JP2014174092A - Temperature sensor and battery pack - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a temperature sensor capable of being precisely attached to an attachment part even while permitting unevenness of thickness of attachment parts such as an air duct or the like, and to provide a battery pack having the temperature sensor.SOLUTION: A temperature sensor 50 measures temperature by a thermistor 55 provided at a shank part 51 to be inserted into a through-hole 42 from a tip part 53. The shank part 51 includes: an umbrella part 52 extended in a direction being separated from the shank part 51, between a base end part 54 and the tip part 53, and being in contact with an outer edge part of the through-hole 42; and an elastic extension part 60 diverging from the tip part 53, and extended in a direction of the umbrella part 52 with elasticity given in a direction orthogonal to the shank part 51. The elastic extension part 60 has, at an extended end part, a latch part 60C separated from the umbrella part 52, for latching insertion of the shank part 51 into the through-hole 42. The latch part 60C has, on a reverse face of a surface facing the shank part 51, a contact surface 63 inclined in a direction of reducing a diameter from the tip part 53 to the base end part 54 of the shank part 51, and being in contact with a periphery of the through-hole 42.

Description

  The present invention relates to a temperature sensor used in a battery pack mounted on an automobile or the like, and a battery pack including the temperature sensor.

  A battery pack mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile usually has a reduced battery performance due to a temperature rise associated with charging and discharging. Therefore, in order to suppress the temperature rise and maintain the performance, cooling by air cooling or the like is generally performed, and in particular, a battery pack with a large calorific value that accommodates a large number of battery modules has high cooling. It is indispensable to install an air-cooling mechanism that has capacity. In such an air cooling mechanism, since the flow rate is adjusted by the temperature of air used for air cooling, a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of air is indispensable for proper cooling of the battery.

  On the other hand, in a battery pack that is mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile, that is, a battery pack that cannot avoid vibration associated with traveling or the like, it is not easy to properly maintain the attached state of the temperature sensor attached thereto. In view of this, various techniques for appropriately maintaining the mounting state of the temperature sensor have been proposed, and an example thereof is described in Patent Document 1.

  The temperature sensor described in Patent Literature 1 includes an attachment clamp that is inserted into and fixed to a through-hole of an attachment object, and a thermistor element that is embedded near the tip inside the attachment clamp. In addition, the mounting clamp includes an elastic locking portion provided to open obliquely rearward from the vicinity of the front end of the shaft portion penetrating the through hole, and a cap portion provided at a right angle to the shaft portion at the rear end of the shaft portion. With. Thus, the temperature sensor is fixed by sandwiching the attachment object between the elastic locking part and the cap part by inserting the vicinity of the tip of the shaft part and the elastic locking part into the through hole of the attachment object. Become so.

JP 2010-281787 A

  By the way, the battery pack cooling mechanism often measures the temperature of air with an air duct through which cooling air flows. In addition, this air duct is designed and manufactured only for the purpose of securing a passage through which an appropriate amount of air is circulated, and usually no higher accuracy is required. For this reason, in such an air duct, for example, the thickness of the outer wall that does not affect the air flow is allowed to vary. However, if the temperature sensor as described in Patent Document 1 is attached to the air duct having a variation in the thickness of the outer wall, the elastic locking is performed if the outer wall of the air duct is thicker than the assumed thickness. It becomes impossible to fix without inserting an outer wall between the part and the cap part. On the other hand, if the outer wall of the air duct is thinner than the assumed thickness, there is a possibility that a gap is formed between the elastic locking portion and the cap portion and rattling occurs. Of course, it is possible to manufacture an air duct with a small variation in the thickness of the outer wall, but if the quality for the application becomes excessive, the manufacturing efficiency decreases due to the deterioration of the yield, and the manufacturing cost increases. Is not realistic.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a temperature sensor capable of accurately mounting the mounting portion while allowing variation in the thickness of the mounting portion such as an air duct. And a battery pack including the temperature sensor.

  A temperature sensor that solves the above problem includes a shaft portion that is inserted into a through-hole formed in a battery pack, and a distal end portion of the shaft portion is inserted and disposed in the through-hole and a proximal end of the shaft portion A temperature sensor that is disposed outside the through-hole and measures a temperature with a temperature measurement unit provided in the shaft, wherein the shaft is between the base end and the tip A base end abutting portion extending in a direction away from the shaft portion and abutting on an outer edge portion of the through hole, and elasticity in a direction perpendicular to the shaft portion branched from the tip end portion. An elastic extension portion extending in the direction of the base end contact portion in the state, and the elastic extension portion is spaced apart from the base end contact portion at the extended end portion. A locking portion that locks the insertion of the portion into the through hole, and the locking portion includes the shaft on the back surface of the surface that faces the shaft portion. It is summarized as the contact surface that contacts the tip portion around the through-hole is inclined in the direction of reduced diameter toward the base end portion is formed.

  A battery pack for solving the above problems is a battery pack having a mechanism for circulating air for cooling a plurality of batteries through a duct, and is measured by a temperature sensor inserted in a through hole formed in the duct. The gist is to provide an air cooling device that adjusts the amount of air used for air cooling based on the temperature of the air in the duct, and the temperature sensor described above is used as the temperature sensor.

  According to such a configuration, the temperature sensor attached to the through hole has the inclination of the abutting surface that abuts the through hole continuously applies a force in the direction of the proximal end abutting portion. It can continue to be sandwiched between the end contact portion and the contact surface. As a result, even if the temperature sensor moves somewhat due to vibration or the like, the temperature sensor can be held at an appropriate position. As a result, rattling of the temperature sensor is suppressed.

  Moreover, since the contact surface is inclined, the range of the depth of the through hole that can apply a force in the direction of the proximal end contact portion, that is, the range of the thickness of the member in which the through hole is formed. It can be made wider and the degree of freedom of mounting can be improved. Therefore, the temperature sensor can be suitably attached to the through hole regardless of the depth of the through hole, that is, the thickness of the member.

  Furthermore, since the contact surface is inclined, the through hole can be sandwiched between the contact surface and the proximal end contact portion even when the length of the through hole varies depending on the location of the through hole. The degree of freedom in mounting the temperature sensor is high. In other words, if this temperature sensor is used, the conditions required for the through-hole formed in the member to which the temperature sensor is attached are relaxed, so that the degree of freedom in design, cost reduction, improvement in manufacturing efficiency, etc. It will be possible.

As a preferred configuration, the locking portion further includes a facing surface facing the inner edge portion of the through hole on the tip portion side of the contact surface.
According to such a configuration, when a pulling force is applied to the base end side and the temperature sensor moves to the base end side, the facing surface faces the inner edge which is the peripheral portion of the opening inside the mounting member of the through hole. In this case, the temperature sensor is prevented from coming out of the through hole.

As a preferred configuration, the base end contact portion is formed in an umbrella shape covering the through hole.
According to such a configuration, since the opening of the through hole is covered by the proximal end contact portion, air on the distal end side of the temperature sensor is prevented from leaking to the proximal end side of the temperature sensor through the through hole. Will come to be.

  As a preferred configuration, the through hole has a circular opening, and the contact surface is formed in an arc shape extending in a circumferential direction of the through hole, and the curvature of the arc of the contact surface is determined by the through hole. Less than circular curvature.

  According to such a configuration, the contact surface comes into contact with the through hole at both ends of the arc. Since the contact area is reduced, the force that the contact portion acts on the through hole is increased, and the contact surface can suitably apply a pressing force toward the proximal end portion to the through hole. That is, the position of the temperature sensor with respect to the through hole can be suitably maintained.

As a preferred configuration, the contact surface includes at least one step portion on a surface that contacts the periphery of the through hole.
According to such a configuration, if the thickness of the through hole is a thickness sandwiched between the step portion of the contact surface and the base end contact portion, the temperature sensor is locked by the step portion, and the temperature sensor The resistance to vibration of the mounting structure is improved.

As a preferred configuration, the step portion is formed by shortening the length of the arc in the proximal direction of the contact surface.
According to such a configuration, since both ends of the arc of the contact surface are in contact with the through hole, both ends of the arc shortened by shortening the arc come into contact with the through hole. That is, the end portion of the long arc protrudes from the inner edge portion of the through hole, and the step between the short arc and the long arc becomes a step portion that prevents the temperature sensor from moving in the proximal direction. Since such a step portion can be formed by shortening the length of the arc, it is easy to form on the contact surface. Therefore, it becomes easier to maintain the arrangement position of the temperature sensor.

  According to the battery sensor that solves the above-described problems and the battery pack including the temperature sensor, it is possible to achieve accurate attachment to the attachment portion while allowing variation in the thickness of the attachment portion such as an air duct. .

Sectional drawing which shows the schematic structure about one Embodiment of a temperature sensor and an example of a battery pack provided with this temperature sensor. Sectional drawing which shows sectional structure when the temperature sensor is arrange | positioned at the through-hole formed in the duct of the board thickness assumed. Sectional drawing which shows sectional structure when the temperature sensor is arrange | positioned at the through-hole formed in the duct thicker than the plate | board thickness assumed. The right front view which shows the structure of the front right side of the same temperature sensor. Sectional drawing which shows the cross-section in the 5-5 line | wire of FIG. 4 of the same temperature sensor. The side view which shows the enlarged side structure of the latching | locking part of the same temperature sensor. The top view which shows the expansion upper surface structure of the latching | locking part of the same temperature sensor.

An embodiment of a temperature sensor and an example of a battery pack including the temperature sensor will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, the battery pack 10 of this embodiment is used as a power unit that is a power source (power source) that supplies power to an electric motor serving as a power source or auxiliary power source of an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. The battery pack 10 includes a horizontally long bottomed box-shaped lower case 12 made of a metal material and having an opening at the top, and a horizontally long bottomed box-shaped upper case made of a metal material and having an opening at the bottom. 13 is provided with a storage case 11 in the form of a horizontally long box formed by overlapping the openings facing each other.

  The housing case 11 houses a battery stack 21 including a plurality of battery modules 20 inside the case. In addition, the storage case 11 includes a cooling structure as an air cooling device that uses outside air taken into the storage case 11 (battery pack 10) as cooling air for cooling the battery stack 21. The cooling structure includes an opening 30 formed in the housing case 11, an intake duct 32 disposed in the housing case 11 and connected to the opening 30, and a fan 40 that forcibly sucks outside air through the intake duct 32. And a supply duct 41 that guides the cooling air supplied from the fan 40 to the battery stack 21.

  The intake duct 32 is a duct made of a resin material and formed in a cylindrical shape, and is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the housing case 11 from the opening 30 of the housing case 11. The intake duct 32 has an air inlet 33 connected to the opening 30 and an air outlet 35 connected to the inlet of the fan 40.

  The fan 40 includes an electric fan (not shown) and a control device (not shown) that controls the rotational speed of the electric fan. The fan 40 forcibly sucks outside air through the intake duct 32 by the rotation of the electric fan, and supplies the sucked outside air to the supply duct 41 as air cooling air for cooling the battery stack 21. The control device that controls the rotation speed of the electric fan adjusts the amount of air supplied according to the temperature of the battery stack 21. That is, the control device monitors the temperature of the battery stack 21 and increases the air flow rate as the temperature increases, and adjusts the flow rate so as to decrease the air flow rate as the temperature decreases. Thereby, the fan 40 keeps the temperature of the battery stack 21 at an appropriate temperature. Moreover, the fan 40 can also suppress the wasteful rotation of the electric fan and suppress the consumption of electricity by appropriately adjusting the air flow rate so that the supply of air does not become excessive.

  The supply duct 41 is formed from a resin material and has an internal passage through which air flows. The supply duct 41 has an air inlet connected to the fan 40 and an air outlet connected to a cooling passage provided around the battery stack 21. Thereby, the supply duct 41 guides the air for cooling supplied from the fan 40 to the battery stack 21 and supplies the air to the circulation passage around the battery stack 21.

  A temperature sensor 50 is attached to the supply duct 41. The temperature sensor 50 measures the temperature in the supply duct 41, that is, the temperature of the cooling air flowing through the internal passage of the supply duct 41, and inputs the measured temperature to the control device of the fan 40. As a result, the control device for controlling the rotational speed of the electric fan increases the flow rate of the air when the temperature of the cooling air is high, in addition to the flow rate adjustment based on the temperature of the battery stack 21 described above. When the temperature of the air is low, the flow rate can be adjusted to reduce the air flow rate. As a result, the temperature of the battery stack 21 is maintained at an appropriate temperature, and the air flow is appropriately adjusted so that the supply of air does not become excessive, thereby suppressing unnecessary rotation of the electric fan and It will also be possible to reduce the consumption.

  The supply duct 41 can be molded from a resin material by a method such as injection molding, extrusion molding, hollow molding, vacuum molding, compression molding, or thermoforming, but has no influence on air flow, for example, an internal passage Variations are allowed in the thickness of the outer wall that divides the outside. In addition, the supply duct 41 has a complicated shape such as a wide outlet opening compared to the opening of the inlet, and it is necessary to avoid a deterioration in yield. The risk is high.

Next, the structure of the temperature sensor 50 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the supply duct 41 is formed with a cylindrical through hole 42 for attaching the temperature sensor 50. The through hole 42 is formed as a hole having a depth D in the outer wall that divides the internal passage of the supply duct 41 from the outside. In the through hole 42, one opening of the through hole 42 is formed in a circle on the outer surface side of the outer wall, and the other opening of the through hole 42 is formed in a circle on the inner surface side of the outer wall. The through hole 42 is formed, for example, at a position where the temperature sensor 50 is attached after the supply duct 41 is formed. On the other hand, since the thickness W of the outer wall is allowed to vary, it is inevitable that the depth D of the through hole 42 formed in the outer wall is also affected by the variation in the thickness W of the outer wall. . As shown in FIG. 2, when the value of the thickness W of the outer wall is “assumed value W1”, the value of the depth D of the through hole 42 corresponds to the “assumed value W1”. Depth D1 ". On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, when the value of the thickness W of the outer wall is “a value W2 that is thicker than expected”, the value of the depth D of the through-hole 42 also corresponds to the “value W2 that is thicker than expected”. It becomes “depth D2 deeper than expected”. Since the through hole 42 communicates the internal passage of the supply duct 41 with the outside, the air flowing through the internal passage can flow out to the outside if not sealed.

  The temperature sensor 50 includes a shaft portion 51 that is inserted into the through hole 42, an umbrella portion 52 that extends from the shaft portion 51 in a direction away from the shaft portion 51, and a portion of the shaft portion 51 that is more distal than the umbrella portion 52. A distal end portion 53, and a proximal end portion 54 that is a proximal end portion of the shaft portion 51 relative to the umbrella portion 52.

  The shaft portion 51 is formed from a resin material. The shaft portion 51 is formed as a columnar shaft having a thickness that can be inserted into the through hole 42, and has a central axis C in the extending direction of the shaft. In the present embodiment, when the temperature sensor 50 is inserted and disposed in the through hole 42, the length direction of the shaft portion 51 and the central axis C are along the through direction of the through hole 42.

  The umbrella portion 52 is a flat plate-shaped portion made of resin that extends from the shaft portion 51 in a direction away from the central axis C. When viewed from the direction of the central axis C, the umbrella portion 52 has a size that covers the opening portion of the through hole 42 formed on the outer surface side of the outer wall of the supply duct 41. That is, in the umbrella portion 52, the range covered by the tip portion (outer edge portion) extending in the direction away from the central axis C from the shaft portion 51 is larger than the opening portion of the through hole 42 on the outer surface side of the outer wall. It is formed as follows. Thereby, the umbrella part 52 can seal the opening part of the through-hole 42 now. The umbrella portion 52 preferably has a so-called umbrella shape in which the outer edge portion is closer to the tip portion 53 side than the portion connected to the shaft portion 51.

  The distal end portion 53 is a portion disposed in the internal passage of the supply duct 41 when the temperature sensor 50 is attached to the supply duct 41, and the proximal end portion 54 is supplied when the temperature sensor 50 is attached to the supply duct 41. It is a part arranged outside the duct 41.

  That is, when the temperature sensor 50 is inserted into the through hole 42 from the distal end portion 53, the insertion position in the through hole 42 is maintained at a position where the umbrella portion 52 contacts the outer surface side of the outer wall as the outer edge portion of the through hole 42. The

  In the shaft part 51, a thermistor 55 as a temperature measuring part is disposed at the end part of the tip part 53. In the shaft portion 51, wiring 56 connected to the thermistor 55 is disposed from the distal end portion 53 to the proximal end portion 54 therein. The thermistor 55 may use a known configuration other than the thermistor 55, such as one using a thermocouple, as long as the temperature can be measured. The shaft portion 51 extends the wiring 56 of the temperature sensor 50 from the end of the base end portion 54 to the outside, and connects the extended wiring 56 to the control device of the fan 40. That is, the control device for the fan 40 can adjust the flow rate of the cooling air based on the temperature obtained from the temperature sensor 50.

  The shaft portion 51 includes elastic extending portions 60 that branch from the tip portion 53 and extend in the direction of the umbrella portion 52 at positions that are symmetric with respect to the central axis C of the shaft portion 51. That is, the shaft portion 51 includes two elastic extension portions 60.

  The elastic extension portion 60 is made of a resin material, and has a branch portion 60A that is a portion branched from the tip portion 53 of the shaft portion 51, and an arm that extends from the branch portion 60A toward the outer edge portion of the umbrella portion 52. 60B and the latching | locking part 60C provided in the front-end | tip of the arm part 60B. In the present embodiment, the elastic extension portion 60 is integrally formed with the shaft portion 51 with the same material as the shaft portion 51.

  The arm portion 60B is configured such that the distance to the central axis C in the vicinity of the locking portion 60C is longer than the distance to the central axis C in the vicinity of the branch portion 60A. That is, the arm portion 60 </ b> B is configured such that the distance from the central axis C increases as it goes from the distal end portion 53 toward the proximal end portion 54. The arm portion 60B has a predetermined length between the branch portion 60A and the locking portion 60C, and has elasticity in a direction that intersects the length direction. Therefore, when a force in the direction toward the central axis C is applied to the locking portion 60C, the arm portion 60B is elastically deformed so as to bend in the direction toward the central axis C, and the locking portion 60C is directed toward the central axis C. To move to.

  Further, when the temperature sensor 50 is viewed from the direction of the central axis C, the two elastic extending portions 60 that branch off from the shaft portion 51 spread out, and the width of the two arm portions 60B is close to the branch portion 60A. The width (diameter) of the opening of the through hole 42 is narrower in the vicinity of the locking portion 60C. When the temperature sensor 50 is inserted into the through-hole 42, the elastic extension portion 60 is elastically deformed by the two arm portions 60B coming into contact with the opening of the through-hole 42 and being pressed in the direction toward the central axis C. The reaction force accompanying the elastic deformation is applied in the direction away from the central axis C. That is, when the temperature sensor 50 is inserted from the distal end portion 53 into the through hole 42, the branch portion 60A of the elastic extension portion 60 passes through the through hole 42, but in the middle of being inserted, the shaft portion 51 of the arm portion 60B. The back surface of the surface facing the contact with the through hole 42. The arm portion 60B is inserted while being elastically deformed by applying a pressing force in the direction of the central axis C from the through hole 42. When the locking portion 60C reaches the through hole 42, the through hole of the locking portion 60C is inserted. The portion in contact with the periphery including the opening portion and the inner peripheral surface of 42 applies a force in the direction away from the central axis C to the periphery of the through hole 42.

  4 and 5 together, the locking portion 60C includes a contact surface 63 formed on the back surface of the surface facing the shaft portion 51 so as to recede in a direction approaching the shaft portion 51. Since the contact surface 63 is recessed in a direction approaching the central axis C with respect to the rear surface of the surface facing the central axis C of the arm portion 60B, the rear surface of the surface facing the central axis C of the arm portion 60B. A step surface is formed on the step, and a facing surface 62 facing the direction in which the arm portion 60B extends is formed. A first boundary 62 </ b> C is provided between the facing surface 62 and the contact surface 63.

  Further referring also to FIG. 6, the contact surface 63 extends in a direction in which the arm portion 60 </ b> B extends from the first boundary portion 62 </ b> C, and the central axis C is further at the tip portion than the contact surface 63. Projections 64 are formed in the direction toward the. That is, a step 63 </ b> A is formed between the protrusion 64 recessed from the contact surface 63, and a second boundary 63 </ b> C is provided between the step 63 </ b> A and the contact surface 63.

  When the depth D of the through hole 42 is shallow and the outer edge portion of the through hole 42 enters between the step 63A and the umbrella portion 52, the protrusion 64 stops the elastic deformation portion 60 from returning to elastic deformation. Maintain elastic deformation.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the abutment surface 63 penetrates at the insertion position where the umbrella portion 52 abuts against the outer edge portion of the through hole 42 when the depth D of the through hole 42 has changed within an assumed range. The hole 42 is formed so that a part thereof is disposed inside. That is, the first boundary 62C is disposed at a position that does not enter the through hole 42 at the insertion position, and the second boundary 63C is disposed at a position that enters the through hole 42 at the insertion position. The In other words, the contact surface 63 is such that the distance between the first boundary portion 62C and the umbrella portion 52 is longer than the depth D of the through hole 42, and between the second boundary portion 63C and the umbrella portion 52. Is formed in the locking portion 60 </ b> C so as to be shorter than the depth D of the through hole 42.

  When the temperature sensor 50 is in the insertion position, the abutting surface 63 is inclined in the direction of reducing the diameter from the distal end portion 53 of the shaft portion 51 toward the proximal end portion 54, that is, around the through hole 42, that is, the through hole 42. Abuts on the inner opening of the outer wall. In other words, the contact surface 63 contacts the periphery of the through hole 42 so that the normal of the surface is in a direction intersecting the outer wall surface.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the contact surface 63 is closer to the second boundary 63 </ b> C than the distance 62 </ b> D from the first boundary 62 </ b> C to the central axis C in a state where the contact surface 63 is in contact with the periphery of the through hole 42. The distance 63D to the central axis C is formed to be shorter. Therefore, when viewed from the central axis C, the contact surface 63 is in contact with the periphery of the through hole 42 so as to be inclined toward the base end portion 54. The inclination of the contact surface 63 causes the elastic force of the elastic extension portion 60 to return in a direction away from the central axis C, and the periphery of the contacted through hole 42 toward the base end portion 54. Press. Further, the reaction force of the force pressing in the direction of the base end portion 54 pushes down the temperature sensor 50 in the direction of the tip end portion 53. This pushing-down force further acts as a force for bringing the umbrella portion 52 into contact with the outer edge portion of the through hole 42, so that the gap between the umbrella portion 52 and the outer edge portion of the through hole 42 is narrowed or eliminated. become. Therefore, even if the position of the temperature sensor 50 is moved in the direction of the base end 54 so that the position of the temperature sensor 50 is removed from the insertion position due to vibration applied to the battery pack, the contact surface 63 of the locking portion 60C remains around the through hole 42. The surface is pressed in the direction of the base end portion 54, and the position of the temperature sensor 50 is returned to the insertion position by the reaction force. That is, the attachment position in the through hole 42 of the temperature sensor 50 is suitably maintained.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the first boundary portion 62 </ b> C is provided in an arc shape extending in the direction along the circumferential direction of the through hole 42 on the tip end portion 53 side of the contact surface 63. Further, the second boundary portion 63 </ b> C is provided in an arc shape extending in the direction along the circumferential direction of the through hole 42 on the proximal end portion 54 side of the contact surface 63. The first boundary portion 62C is formed as an arc having a radius 62R, and the second boundary portion 63C is formed as an arc having a radius 63R. The radius 62R and the radius 63R are both longer than the distances 62D and 63D to the central axis C. In the present embodiment, since the central axis of the through hole 42 and the central axis C of the temperature sensor 50 disposed in the through hole 42 are overlapped, the through hole 42 is centered on the central axis C. It is also an opening having a radius 42R. That is, the radius 62R of the first boundary portion 62C and the radius 63R of the second boundary portion 63C are both longer than the radius 42R of the opening of the through hole 42.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the curvature of the first boundary portion 62C and the second boundary portion 63C is smaller than the curvature of the radius 42R of the opening of the through hole 42. In other words, the curvature of the opening radius 42R of the through hole 42 is larger than the curvature of the first boundary portion 62C and the second boundary portion 63C. When the arc-shaped first boundary portion 62C and the second boundary portion 63C having a small curvature are brought into contact with the inside of the circle with a large curvature, that is, the inner surface of the through hole 42, the first boundary portion 62C and the second boundary portion 62C The part 63C abuts both ends of the arc against the inner surface of the through hole 42. On the other hand, the first boundary portion 62C and the second boundary portion 63C are not in contact with the inner surface of the through hole 42 because the central portion of the arc is located inside the inner surface of the through hole 42. That is, the contact surface 63 normally makes point contact with the inner surface of the through hole 42 at two points, and friction at the contact position is reduced. That is, when the temperature sensor 50 moved from the insertion position is returned to the proper mounting position, the force loss due to the friction of the contact surface contacting the contact surface 63 and the inner surface of the through hole 42 can be reduced. Will be able to return quickly.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the contact surface 63 is formed to have a larger curvature of the second boundary portion 63 </ b> C than the first boundary portion 62 </ b> C. That is, when the arc center of the first boundary portion 62C is connected to this center of the second boundary portion 63C, a center line 60D that is inclined toward the base end portion 54 with respect to the central axis C is obtained. Thus, the contact surface 63 has a shape that is narrowed down from the first boundary portion 62C to the second boundary portion 63C, that is, a shape that is so-called reduced in diameter. In such a case, if the length of the arc of the first boundary portion 62C and the length of the arc of the second boundary portion 63C are the same, the linear distance between both ends of the arc of the first boundary portion 62C Instead, the linear distance between both ends of the arc of the second boundary portion 63C becomes shorter. That is, the abutment surface 63 that abuts the inner surface of the through hole 42 by an elastic force is easy to slide, that is, to move, easily on the inner surface of the through hole 42 from the first boundary portion 62C to the second boundary portion 63C. Such a structure also acts to assist the force of pulling back the temperature sensor 50 in the direction of the distal end portion 53, so that even if the position of the temperature sensor 50 is changed, the temperature sensor 50 is quickly returned to an appropriate mounting position.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 7, the contact surface 63 is a step portion between the first boundary portion 62 </ b> C and the second boundary portion 63 </ b> C that shortens the arc length of the contact surface 63. 65, and a slope 63e is provided between the stepped portion 65 and the first boundary portion 62C. The slope 63e is formed in such a manner that the arc length of the contact surface 63 gradually decreases from the first boundary portion 62C to the second boundary portion 63C. That is, the contact surface 63 is made to slide easily from the first boundary portion 62C to the second boundary portion 63C with respect to the through hole 42. The step portion 65 is formed in such a manner that both ends of the arc are cut so that the length of the arc is shortened, and the arc length of the contact surface 63 is shortened by the cut length.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the stepped portion 65 includes a locking surface 65 a that is parallel to the facing surface 62. As described above, since the curvature of the arc of the contact surface 63 is larger than that of the opening of the through hole 42, the end of the contact surface 63 contacts the periphery of the through hole 42. Therefore, the periphery of the through hole 42 is moved and fitted into a short arc portion of the contact surface 63. That is, since the locking surface 65a of the stepped portion 65 formed on the upper surface of the long arc portion comes into contact with the inner edge portion that is the edge of the opening portion of the through hole 42 on the inner side of the outer wall, the temperature sensor 50 penetrates. When trying to move in the direction through the hole 42, the locking surface 65 a comes into contact with the inner edge portion of the through hole 42 and opposes the movement in the direction through which the locking surface 65 a comes out. By forming the step portion 65 in this way, a step portion that can sandwich the through hole 42 between the first boundary portion 62C and the second boundary portion 63C of the contact surface 63 is easily formed. Can do. By creating such a locking surface 65a at a position corresponding to the standard thickness of the supply duct 41, the insertion position of the temperature sensor 50 attached to the supply duct 41 is more suitably maintained at the locking surface 65a. The possibility that it can be increased is increased. That is, the temperature sensor 50 is locked by the step portion 65, and the resistance to vibration of the mounting structure of the temperature sensor 50 is improved.

  Therefore, it is possible to provide the temperature sensor 50 that can be accurately attached to the attachment portion while allowing variation in the thickness of the attachment portion such as the supply duct 41, and the battery pack 10 including the temperature sensor 50. .

As described above, according to the temperature sensor and the battery pack of the present embodiment, the effects listed below can be obtained.
(1) In the temperature sensor 50 attached to the through hole 42, the inclination of the contact surface 63 that contacts the through hole 42 continues to apply a force in the direction of the umbrella portion 52 (base end contact portion). The through hole 42 can continue to be sandwiched between the umbrella portion 52 (base end contact portion) and the contact surface 63. As a result, even if the temperature sensor 50 moves somewhat due to vibration or the like, the temperature sensor 50 can be held at an appropriate position. As a result, rattling of the temperature sensor 50 is suppressed.

  Further, since the contact surface 63 is inclined, a range of the depth D of the through hole 42 that can apply a force in the direction of the umbrella portion 52 (base end contact portion), that is, the through hole 42 is formed. The range of the thickness W of the outer wall of the supply duct 41 is widened, and the degree of freedom of attachment can be improved. Therefore, the temperature sensor 50 can be suitably attached to the through hole 42 regardless of the depth D of the through hole 42, that is, the thickness W of the outer wall.

  (2) When the pulling force is applied to the base end portion 54 side and the temperature sensor 50 moves to the base end portion 54 side, the facing surface 62 faces the inner edge portion that is the peripheral portion of the opening inside the outer wall of the through hole 42. Therefore, the temperature sensor 50 is prevented from coming out of the through hole 42.

  (3) Since the opening of the through hole 42 is covered with the umbrella portion 52 (base end contact portion), air or the like on the distal end portion 53 side of the temperature sensor 50 passes through the through hole 42 and the base end portion 54 of the temperature sensor 50. Leaking to the side is suppressed.

  (4) Since the curvature of the arc of the contact surface 63 is smaller than the curvature of the through hole 42, the contact surface 63 comes into contact with the through hole 42 at both ends of the arc. Since the abutting area is reduced, the force of the abutting portion acting on the through hole 42 is increased, and the abutting surface 63 can suitably apply a pressing force to the through hole 42 in the direction toward the base end portion 54. That is, the position of the temperature sensor 50 with respect to the through hole 42 can be suitably maintained.

  (5) If the thickness of the through hole 42 is a thickness sandwiched between the stepped portion 65 of the contact surface 63 and the umbrella portion 52 (base end contact portion), the temperature sensor 50 is locked by the stepped portion 65. As a result, the resistance to vibration of the mounting structure of the temperature sensor 50 is improved.

  (6) Since both ends of the arc of the contact surface 63 are in contact with the through hole 42, both ends of the arc (stepped portion 65) shortened by shortening the arc are in contact with the through hole 42. become. That is, the end portion of the long arc is projected to the inner edge portion of the through hole 42, and the step (the locking surface 65 a of the step portion 65) between the short arc and the long arc is directed toward the proximal end of the temperature sensor 50. It becomes the level | step-difference part 65 which prevents this movement. Since the step portion 65 can be formed by shortening the length of the arc, it can be easily formed on the contact surface. Therefore, it is easier to maintain the insertion position, which is the arrangement position of the temperature sensor 50.

(Other embodiments)
In addition, the said embodiment can also be implemented with the following aspects.
-In above-mentioned embodiment, the shape of the opening part of the through-hole 42 illustrated about the case where it is circular. However, the shape of the opening of the through hole is not limited to this, and may be a polygonal shape such as a triangle or a quadrangle, an elliptical shape, or other shapes. In any shape of the opening, the insertion position of the temperature sensor can be maintained if the engaging portion of the elastic extending portion abuts on the peripheral surface of the through hole with an elastic force. Thereby, the application range of a temperature sensor can be expanded.

  -In above-mentioned embodiment, it illustrated about the case where the depth D of the through-hole 42 is the same with respect to the two elastic extension parts 60. FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the depth of the through hole may be different for each of the two elastic extension portions. That is, since the contact surface is inclined, the through hole is sandwiched between the contact surface of the elastic extension portion and the umbrella portion even when the depth of each through hole is different for each portion. Therefore, the degree of freedom for mounting the temperature sensor is high. In other words, if this temperature sensor is used, the conditions required for the through-hole formed in the member to which the temperature sensor is attached are relaxed, so that the degree of freedom in design, cost reduction, improvement in manufacturing efficiency, etc. It will be possible.

  In the above-described embodiment, the thermistor 55 is illustrated as being provided at the end of the tip portion 53 of the shaft portion 51. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the thermistor is a position where the temperature to be measured is transmitted. It can be provided at any position of the shaft portion. As a result, the degree of freedom in designing the temperature sensor can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the umbrella portion 52 covers the opening of the through hole 42 is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the opening of the through hole may not be covered by the umbrella portion. As a result, the degree of freedom in designing the temperature sensor can be improved.

  In the above-described embodiment, the elastic extension portion 60 is illustrated as being integrally formed with the shaft portion 51 with the same material as the shaft portion 51. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the elastic extension portion may be a separate member attached to the shaft portion. The elastic extension portion may be formed of a material different from that of the shaft portion. Furthermore, if the elastic extension portion and the shaft portion are separate members, it is easy to form the elastic extension portion from a material different from that of the shaft portion. As a result, the degree of freedom in designing the temperature sensor can be improved.

  -In above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the two elastic extension parts 60 were provided in the axial part 51 was illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the shaft portion may be provided with three or more elastic extension portions, or conversely, only one elastic extension portion may be provided. As a result, the degree of freedom in designing the temperature sensor can be improved.

  -In above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the some elastic extension part 60 was provided symmetrically on both sides of the axial part 51 was illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the plurality of elastic extending portions may not be provided symmetrically across the shaft portion as long as the temperature sensor can be attached to the through hole. As a result, the degree of freedom in designing the temperature sensor can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the temperature sensor 50 is attached to the supply duct 41 is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the temperature sensor may be attached to a portion other than the supply duct 41, such as an intake duct, a fan, or the periphery of the battery stack, as long as the temperature sensor is disposed in the through hole. As a result, the application range of the temperature sensor can be expanded, and the degree of freedom in design as a battery pack can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the supply duct 41 is formed of a resin material is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the supply duct may be formed of a material other than resin, a metal-based material, a fiber-based material, or the like as long as cooling air can be circulated. As a result, the application range of the temperature sensor can be expanded, and the degree of freedom in designing the battery pack can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, the case where only one temperature sensor 50 is attached has been illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of temperature sensors may be attached. Thereby, the flow rate of air for cooling the battery module can be adjusted more appropriately.

  In the above embodiment, the type of battery is not mentioned, but the battery may be a nickel hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a secondary battery (storage battery) such as a lithium ion battery, or a primary battery. May be. That is, the temperature sensor can be applied to cooling these batteries.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the battery pack is used in an automobile is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the battery pack may be used as a moving body other than an automobile or a power source fixedly installed as long as it is required as a power source. Moreover, you may use as power supplies other than a motor. Thereby, the application range of a battery pack can be expanded.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Battery pack, 11 ... Storage case, 12 ... Lower case, 13 ... Upper case, 20 ... Battery module, 21 ... Battery stack, 30 ... Opening part, 32 ... Intake duct, 33 ... Inlet, 35 ... Outlet, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 40 ... Fan, 41 ... Supply duct, 42 ... Through-hole, 42R ... Radius, 50 ... Temperature sensor, 51 ... Shaft part, 52 ... Umbrella part, 53 ... Tip part, 54 ... Base end part, 55 ... Thermistor, 56 ... Wiring, 60 ... elastic extension, 60A ... branch, 60B ... arm, 60C ... locking part, 60D ... center line, 62 ... opposite surface, 62C ... first boundary, 62D ... distance, 62R ... radius 63 ... Contact surface, 63A ... Step, 63C ... Second boundary, 63D ... Distance, 63e ... Slope, 63R ... Radius, 64 ... Projection, 65 ... Step, 65a ... Locking surface, C ... Center Axis, D ... depth.

Claims (7)

A shaft portion that is inserted into a through-hole formed in the battery pack, wherein a distal end portion of the shaft portion is inserted and disposed in the through-hole, and a proximal end portion of the shaft portion is disposed outside the through-hole; A temperature sensor that measures the temperature at a temperature measuring unit provided in the shaft part,
The shaft portion extends between the base end portion and the distal end portion in a direction away from the shaft portion and branches from the distal end portion, and a proximal end contact portion that contacts the outer edge portion of the through hole. And an elastic extension portion extending in the direction of the base end contact portion in a state where elasticity in a direction orthogonal to the shaft portion is provided,
The elastic extension part has a locking part that is spaced from the base end contact part at the extended end part and locks the insertion of the shaft part into the through hole,
The abutment portion is in contact with the back surface of the surface facing the shaft portion so as to incline in a direction of reducing the diameter from the distal end portion to the proximal end portion of the shaft portion and contact the periphery of the through hole. A temperature sensor characterized in that a surface is formed. The temperature sensor according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion further includes a facing surface facing the inner edge portion of the through hole on the tip end side of the contact surface. The temperature sensor according to claim 1, wherein the base end contact portion is formed in an umbrella shape covering the through hole. The through hole has a circular opening;
The contact surface is formed in an arc shape extending in the circumferential direction of the through hole,
The temperature sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an arc curvature of the contact surface is smaller than a circular curvature of the through hole. The temperature sensor according to claim 4, wherein the contact surface includes at least one step portion on a surface that is in contact with the periphery of the through hole. The temperature sensor according to claim 5, wherein the stepped portion is formed by shortening a length of an arc in the proximal direction of the contact surface. A battery pack having a mechanism for circulating air for cooling a plurality of batteries through a duct,
An air cooling device for adjusting the amount of air used for air cooling based on the temperature of the air in the duct measured by a temperature sensor inserted in a through hole formed in the duct;
The battery pack characterized by using the temperature sensor as described in any one of Claims 1-6 as said temperature sensor.

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