JP6850172B2 - Sensor fixed structure - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sensor fixing structure in which a locking projection provided on a sensor is locked in a locking hole provided at a fixing destination of the sensor.

Conventionally, in an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, a battery module configured by connecting a plurality of cell cells side by side is used as a power source.
The state of such a battery module is detected by a thermistor or various sensors such as a current sensor.
Each sensor is fixed to a case that surrounds the battery module, or a fixing destination made of an insulating resin such as a protector that protects the sensor and the electric wire to be arranged and is arranged at a position surrounding the power supply.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes a power supply device in which a temperature sensor is fixed in a case made of an insulating resin that surrounds a battery module.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 11, the sensor fixing structure 300 for fixing the sensor 310 such as a temperature sensor to the fixing destination includes a detection unit 311 and a support unit 312 that supports the detection unit 311. The sensor wire W drawn from the support portion 312 is passed between the pair of leg portions 314 and 314 forming the end of the support portion 312 of the sensor 310, and the sensor 310 is fixed to the fixing destination 320 made of resin. With the tips of the pair of legs 314 and 314 facing the surface 322a, a pair of locking projections 315 and 315 protruding from both sides of the support portion 312 are erected on the fixed surface 322a. Some sensors 310 are fixed to the fixing destination 320 by being locked in the locking holes 323a formed in each of the pieces 323 and 323.

Such a sensor fixing structure 300 has a pair of legs in consideration of assembling property when locking the pair of locking protrusions 315 and 315 of the sensor 310 and the pair of locking holes 323a and 323a of the fixing destination 320. A gap between the pair of leg portions 314 and 314 and the fixed surface 322a in a state where the pair of locking protrusions 315 and 315 are in contact with the pair of locking holes 323a and 323a in the length direction of the portions 314 and 314. The dimensions are adjusted so that S is provided.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-60675

However, in the sensor fixing structure 300 of the prior art shown in FIG. 11, the pair of locking projections 315 and 315 of the sensor 310 and the pair of locking holes 323a and 323a of the fixing destination 320 are locked in a state where they are completely locked. By providing the gap S between the pair of leg portions 314 and 314 and the fixed surface 322a, the sensor electric wire W may be caught in the gap S and the sensor electric wire W may be damaged.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and a sensor is formed by engaging a sensor electric wire inserted between a pair of legs of a sensor facing a fixed surface between the fixed surface and the legs. It is an object of the present invention to provide a sensor fixing structure that can prevent the electric wire from being damaged.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the sensor fixing structure according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises a detection unit and a support portion that supports the detection unit. A state in which a sensor wire drawn from a support portion is passed between a pair of legs constituting the end portion, and the tip of the pair of legs is directed to a fixed surface of a fixing destination made of resin. Then, the sensor is locked by the pair of locking projections protruding from both sides of the support portion and the locking holes formed in each of the pair of locking pieces erected on the fixed surface. Is a sensor fixing structure fixed to the fixing destination, and the fixing destination is a die-cutting hole for forming the locking hole in the pair of locking pieces. Holes other than the holes continuous in the pulling direction are formed inside the pair of locking pieces, and in the sensor, the tips of the pair of legs are formed inside the pair of locking pieces. It is characterized in that it is fixed to the fixing destination in a state of being inserted into the die-cutting hole.

Further, in the sensor fixing structure according to claim 2 of the present invention, in the above invention, the die-cutting holes are provided in pairs corresponding to the pair of legs, and the pair of locking pieces are provided. The die-cutting hole formed inside the pair of legs is adjusted to have an opening size so as to be closed with the tip of the pair of legs inserted.

Further, in the sensor fixing structure according to claim 3 of the present invention, in the above invention, the pair of locking projections are directed from the front end side to the rear end side in the direction in which the sensor moves toward the fixed surface. The surface in contact with the pair of locking pieces has a curved surface shape or a tapered shape so that the thickness gradually increases, and the thickness is reduced while being locked in the pair of locking holes. The tip side is inserted into a hole continuous from the pair of locking holes in the die-cutting direction.

Further, the sensor fixing structure according to claim 4 of the present invention is a temperature sensor in which the sensor detects the temperature of the power source in the above invention, and the fixing destination surrounds the power source, or the power source. It is characterized in that it is an enclosure arrangement member arranged at a position surrounding.

In the sensor fixing structure according to claim 1 of the present invention, the pair of locking projections of the sensor are locked in the pair of locking holes of the fixing destination, thereby engaging the pair of legs of the sensor. Since the tip of the sensor is inserted into the die-cutting hole formed inside the pair of locking pieces, the sensor is located between the pair of legs and the fixing surface of the fixing destination. There is no gap for the wire to enter, and the sensor wire inserted between the pair of legs of the sensor facing the fixed surface is engaged between the fixed surface and the legs. It is possible to prevent the sensor electric wire from being damaged by the above.

In the sensor fixing structure according to claim 2 of the present invention, the die-cutting holes are provided in pairs corresponding to the pair of legs, and the die-cutting is formed inside the pair of locking pieces. Since the holes for the sensors are adjusted to have an opening size such that the tips of the pair of legs are closed with the tips inserted, the pair of locking projections of the sensor are the pair of the fixing destinations. By being locked in the locking hole of the above, it is possible to close substantially the entire hole for die cutting formed inside the pair of locking pieces.

In the sensor fixing structure according to claim 3 of the present invention, the thickness of the pair of locking projections gradually increases from the front end side to the rear end side in the direction in which the sensor moves toward the fixed surface. The surface in contact with the pair of locking pieces has a curved surface shape or a tapered shape, and the tip side having a reduced thickness is engaged with the pair in a state of being locked in the pair of locking holes. Since the sensor is inserted into a hole continuous from the stop hole in the die-cutting direction, the pair of locking projections of the sensor are locked to the pair of locking holes of the fixing destination, whereby the pair It is possible to close the holes continuous from the pair of locking holes in the die-cutting direction by the locking projections of the above.

The sensor fixing structure according to claim 4 of the present invention is a temperature sensor in which the sensor detects the temperature of a power source, and the fixing destination is arranged in a case surrounding the power source or at a position surrounding the power source. Since it is an enclosure arrangement member, the power supply can be surrounded by reducing the number of openings connected to the outside by closing the die-cutting hole formed at the fixing destination, so that the temperature of the power supply can be measured accurately. At the same time, when the power supply is cooled inside the enclosure, it is possible to prevent the cold air inside the enclosure from escaping to the outside.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a power supply unit incorporating a sensor fixing structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state before fixing the temperature sensor of the sensor fixing structure according to the embodiment of the invention to the protector to be fixed. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sensor fixing structure before fixing the temperature sensor to the protector as viewed from a direction different from that of FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view of the sensor fixing structure in which the temperature sensor is fixed to the protector. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a sensor fixing structure in which the temperature sensor is fixed to the protector. 6A is a front view of the temperature sensor, and FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the temperature sensor. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the periphery of the fixed surface of the protector to which the temperature sensor is fixed. 8A and 8B are a perspective view of the sensor fixing structure of the modified example 1, and FIG. 8B is a front view of the sensor fixing structure. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the sensor fixing structure of the modified example 2 before fixing the temperature sensor to the protector to be fixed, as viewed from different directions. FIG. 10 is a view of the sensor fixing portion of the protector shown in FIG. 9 as viewed from the fixed surface side. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a problem of the prior art.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the sensor fixing structure according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a power supply unit 200 incorporating the sensor fixing structure 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state before fixing the temperature sensor 10 of the sensor fixing structure 1 according to the embodiment of the invention to the protector 20 to be fixed. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sensor fixing structure 1 before fixing the temperature sensor 10 to the protector 20 as viewed from a direction different from that of FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view of the sensor fixing structure 1 in a state where the temperature sensor 10 is fixed to the protector 20. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the sensor fixing structure 1 in a state where the temperature sensor 10 is fixed to the protector 20. 6A and 6B are a front view of the temperature sensor 10 and FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the temperature sensor 10. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the periphery of the fixed surface 22a of the protector 20 to which the temperature sensor 10 is fixed.
In the sensor fixing structure 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensor 10 incorporated in the power supply unit 200 of an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle and detecting the temperature of the battery module 100 used as a power source is the temperature sensor 10. The purpose is to fix the protector 20 made of resin that protects the sensor electric wire W as a fixing destination.

The battery module 100 is configured as a power source having a predetermined capacity by connecting a plurality of single batteries (not shown) side by side.
A plurality of cells of the battery module 100 are housed in the case 110 shown in FIG.

The case 110 is formed with a plurality of openings 110a for inserting and arranging the plurality of temperature sensors 10 from the outside of the case 110 toward the inside of the case 110.

The plurality of temperature sensors 10 are attached to the case 110 together with the protector 20 in a state of being fixed to the protector 20, so that the temperature inside the case 110 in which the battery module 100 is housed is detected through the opening 110a. ..
The temperature sensor 10 includes a detection unit 11 and a support unit 12 that supports the detection unit 11.

The detection unit 11 has a built-in thermistor (not shown), and the sensor electric wire W is connected to the thermistor.

The support portion 12 includes a body portion 13 that is a portion connected to the detection portion 11, and a pair of leg portions 14 that form an end portion of the support portion 12.

A pair of locking projections 15 and 15 are projected on both sides of the body portion 13.
Each of the locking projections 15 and 15 is a surface that comes into contact with the locking piece 23 so that the thickness gradually increases from the front end side to the rear end side in the direction in which the temperature sensor 10 moves toward the fixed surface 22a described later. 15a has a curved surface shape.
The surface 15a of each of the locking projections 15 and 15 in contact with the locking piece 23 may have a tapered shape.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the pair of leg portions 14, 14 are formed in an arch shape so that the sensor electric wire W drawn out from the body portion 13 is passed between them.

Further, the pair of legs 14 and 14 have the tips of the legs 14 and 14 in a state where the pair of locking projections 15 and 15 are locked in the pair of locking holes 23a and 23a described later of the protector 20. The lengths of 14a and 14a are adjusted so as to be inserted into the holes 23a and 23a for die cutting.

The protector 20 is a mold molded product made of resin.
The protector 20 includes a sensor fixing portion 21 that is a portion to which the temperature sensor 10 is fixed, and an electric wire protecting portion 26 that is a portion that protects the sensor electric wire W, and has a locking structure (not shown). , It is fixed to the case 110.
That is, the protector 20 is an enclosure arrangement member arranged at a position surrounding the battery module 100 as a power source.

The sensor fixing portion 21 includes a fixing plate portion 22 having a fixing surface 22a to which the temperature sensor 10 is fixed, and a pair of locking pieces 23, 23 erected on the fixing surface 22a.

The pair of locking pieces 23, 23 are formed with locking holes 23a to which the pair of locking projections 15, 15 of the temperature sensor 10 are locked.
Each of the locking pieces 23, 23 can be elastically bent toward the outward end side.

Further, the sensor fixing portion 21 is formed with a die-cutting hole 24 for forming a locking hole 23a in each of the pair of locking pieces 23, 23.

The holes 24 for die-cutting have holes other than the holes 24b (hereinafter, referred to as "locking hole continuous holes") continuous from the locking holes 23a in the die-cutting direction inside the pair of locking pieces 23, 23. It is formed.
In addition, in the prior art shown in FIG. 11, among the holes for die-cutting required for molding the locking hole in the molding using the die, the holes other than the holes continuous from the locking hole in the die-cutting direction are used. Hole (indicated by reference numeral 324a in the figure) is formed on the outside of the pair of locking pieces.
In this embodiment, the die-cutting holes 24 are provided in pairs corresponding to the pair of legs 14, 14 and are formed inside the pair of locking pieces 23, 23. The opening size of 24a (hereinafter referred to as "inner hole") is adjusted so that the tips 14a and 14a of the pair of legs 14 and 14 are closed with the tips 14a and 14a inserted.
More specifically, the cross section of each leg 14 has a rectangular shape, and the inner hole 24a has a rectangular shape slightly larger than the cross section of the leg 14.

Hereinafter, the procedure for assembling the sensor fixing structure 1 will be described.
First, the sensor electric wire W drawn out from the support portion 12 is passed between the pair of leg portions 14 and 14 of the temperature sensor 10, and the tips of the pair of leg portions 14 and 14 are directed to the fixed surface 22a of the protector 20. In this state, bring the temperature sensor 10 closer to the fixed surface 22a.

When the temperature sensor 10 is brought closer to the fixed surface 22a, the pair of locking projections 15 and 15 of the temperature sensor 10 start contacting the pair of locking pieces 23 and 23 of the protector 20.
Here, since the thickness of the pair of locking projections 15 and 15 on the tip side in the direction in which the temperature sensor 10 moves is reduced, the pair of locking projections 15 and 15 easily enter the inside of the pair of locking pieces 23 and 23.
In the temperature sensor 10, the pair of locking projections 15 and 15 pushes the protruding end side of the pair of locking pieces 23 and 23 outward, and the pair of locking projections 15 and 15 form a pair of locking holes 23a. , 23a is moved toward the fixed surface 22a until the locking is completed.

In this way, the pair of locking projections 15 and 15 are locked to the pair of locking pieces 23 and 23, and the assembly of the sensor fixing structure 1 is completed.
When the assembly of the sensor fixing structure 1 is completed, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the tips 14a and 14a of the pair of legs 14 and 14 are inserted into the inner holes 24a and 24a. , There is no gap S between the pair of legs 14 and 14 and the fixed surface 22a of the protector 20 for the sensor electric wire W to enter.

In this embodiment, by attaching the protector 20 to which the plurality of temperature sensors 10 are fixed to the case 110, each temperature sensor 10 is fixedly arranged at the position of each opening 110a in which the temperature inside the case 110 can be detected. Will be done.
In this way, the protector 20 becomes an enclosure arrangement member arranged at a position surrounding the battery module 100 as a power source, and each temperature sensor 10 attached to the case 110 has a pair of legs 14 in the inner holes 24a and 24a. By inserting the tip portions 14a, 14a of 14, the inner holes 24a, 24a are closed, so that the opening 110a of the case 110 is closed.

In the sensor fixing structure 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the pair of locking projections 15 and 15 of the temperature sensor 10 are locked to the pair of locking holes 23a and 23a of the protector 20 to be fixed. Since the tips 14a, 14a of the pair of legs 14, 14 of the temperature sensor 10 are inserted into the die-cutting holes 24a, 24a formed inside the pair of locking pieces 23, 23, the pair There is no gap S between the legs 14 and 14 of the sensor 10 and the fixed surface 22a for the sensor electric wire W to enter, and the sensor 10 is inserted between the pair of legs 14 and 14 of the temperature sensor 10 toward the fixed surface 22a. It is possible to prevent the sensor electric wire W from being damaged by the sensor electric wire W being caught between the fixed surface 22a and the legs 14, 14.

Further, in the sensor fixing structure 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, holes 24 for die cutting are provided in pairs corresponding to the pair of legs 14 and 14, and the inside of the pair of locking pieces 23 and 23. Since the holes 24a and 24a for die-cutting formed in the above are adjusted to have an opening size such that the tips 14a and 14a of the pair of legs 14 and 14 are closed with the tips 14a and 14a inserted, the temperature sensor 10 has an opening size. A die-cutting hole 24a formed inside the pair of locking pieces 23, 23 by locking the pair of locking projections 15, 15 into the pair of locking holes 23a, 23a of the protector 20. It can block almost the entire 24a.

Further, the sensor fixing structure 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is a temperature sensor in which the temperature sensor 10 detects the temperature of the battery module 100 as a power source, and the position where the protector 20 to be fixed surrounds the battery module 100. Since it is an enclosure arrangement member arranged in, the temperature of the power supply can be increased because the hole 25 for die cutting formed in the protector 20 is closed, so that the opening connected to the outside can be reduced and the power supply can be surrounded. In addition to being able to measure accurately, when the power supply is cooled inside the enclosure, it is possible to prevent the cold air inside the enclosure from escaping to the outside.
(Modification example 1)

Next, a modification 1 of the sensor fixing structure 1 of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
8A and 8B are a perspective view of the sensor fixing structure 2 of the modified example 1, and FIG. 8B is a front view of the sensor fixing structure 2.
The sensor fixing structure 2 of the modified example 1 is an embodiment in that a pair of locking projections 16 and 16 close the locking hole continuous holes 24b and 24b among the holes 24 for die cutting. It is different from the sensor fixing structure of.
The other configurations are the same as those in the embodiment, and the same components as those in the embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

The pair of locking projections 16 and 16 come into contact with the pair of locking pieces 23 and 23 so that the thickness gradually increases from the front end side to the rear end side in the direction in which the temperature sensor 10 moves toward the fixed surface 22a. The surface 16a to be formed has a curved surface shape or a tapered shape.

The pair of locking projections 16 and 16 are locked in the pair of locking holes 23a and 23a so that the tip side having a reduced thickness is inserted into the pair of locking hole continuous holes 24b and 24b. It has become.
More specifically, the pair of locking projections 16 and 16 are positioned so that the tip side is inserted into the pair of locking hole continuous holes 24b and 24b in a state of being locked by the pair of locking holes 23a and 23a. The thickness is adjusted to be small so that it can be inserted into the hole.

The pair of locking projections 16 and 16 are preferably adjusted to have a thickness so that the portion inserted into the hole can completely close the hole as much as possible.
Therefore, the pair of locking projections 16 and 16 may be adjusted so that the cross section of the portion located at the entrance of the hole is substantially equal to the opening of the entrance of the hole.

The sensor fixing structure 2 of the modified example 1 has the same effect as that of the embodiment, and the pair of locking projections 16 and 16 move the temperature sensor 10 toward the fixed surface 22a from the front end side to the rear end side. The surfaces 16a and 16a that come into contact with the pair of locking pieces 23 and 23 have a curved shape so that the thickness gradually increases toward the side, and the surfaces 16a and 16a are locked in the pair of locking holes 23a and 23a. Since the tip side having a reduced thickness is inserted into the pair of locking hole continuous holes 24b, 24b, the pair of locking projections 16 and 16 of the temperature sensor 10 are the pair of locking holes 23a of the protector 20. By being locked to the 23a, the pair of locking hole continuous holes 24b, 24b can be closed by the pair of locking projections 16, 16.
(Modification 2)

Next, a modification 2 of the sensor fixing structure 1 of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the sensor fixing structure 3 of the modified example 2 before fixing the temperature sensor 10 to the protector 20 to be fixed, as viewed from different directions. FIG. 10 is a view of the sensor fixing portion 21 of the protector 20 shown in FIG. 9 as viewed from the fixing surface 22a side.
The sensor fixing structure 3 of the modification 2 is different from the sensor fixing structure 1 of the embodiment in that the holes 25 for die cutting are connected to one.
The other configurations are the same as those in the embodiment, and the same components as those in the embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

In the die-cutting hole 25, a pair of locking hole continuous holes 24b, 24b and a pair of inner holes 24a, 24a are connected between the pair of inner holes 24a, 24a by a die-cutting hole. It is connected to one by.

The sensor fixing structure 3 of the modification 2 has the same effect as that of the first embodiment, and can combine the die pieces for die cutting corresponding to the holes for die cutting.

The sensor fixing structure according to the examples 1 and 2 of the present invention exemplifies that the sensor is a thermistor, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other sensors may be used. For example, a current sensor may be used.

Further, the sensor fixing structure according to the embodiment of the present invention and the modified examples 1 and 2 exemplifies the sensor fixed to the protector, but the fixing destination of the sensor is not limited to this, and the sensor is erected on a fixed surface. Any other fixing destination may be used as long as it is an individual fixing destination made of a resin in which a locking hole is formed in each of the pair of locking pieces. For example, the case in which the battery module is housed may be fixed.

The invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described above based on the above-mentioned examples of the invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned examples of the invention and does not deviate from the gist thereof. Can be changed in various ways.

1, 2, 3 Sensor fixed structure 10 Temperature sensor (sensor)
11 Detection part 12 Support part 13 Body part 14 Leg part 14a Tip part 15, 16 Locking protrusions 15a, 16a Surface 20 Protector (fixing destination, enclosure arrangement member)
21 Sensor fixing part 22 Fixing plate part 22a Fixing surface 23 Locking piece 23a Locking holes 24, 25 Holes for die cutting 24a Inner hole (hole for die cutting)
24b Locking hole continuous hole (hole for die cutting)
26 Wire protection unit 200 Power supply unit 100 Battery module (power supply)
110 Case 110a Aperture W Sensor wire

Claims (4)

A sensor wire drawn from the support portion is passed between a pair of legs constituting the end portion of the support portion of the sensor having the detection portion and the support portion that supports the detection portion, and the sensor wire is passed through the pair of legs. With the tip of the pair of legs facing the fixed surface of the fixing destination made of resin, a pair of locking projections protruding from both sides of the support portion were erected on the fixed surface. A sensor fixing structure in which the sensor is fixed to the fixing destination by being locked in a locking hole formed in each of the pair of locking pieces.
The fixing destination is
Of the holes for die-cutting for forming the locking holes in the pair of locking pieces, holes other than the holes continuous from the locking holes in the die-cutting direction are inside the pair of locking pieces. Has been formed and
The sensor is
A sensor fixing structure characterized in that the tips of the pair of legs are fixed to the fixing destination in a state of being inserted into the holes for die cutting formed inside the pair of locking pieces. The holes for die cutting
A pair of holes corresponding to the pair of legs and formed inside the pair of locking pieces is closed with the tip of the pair of legs inserted. The sensor fixing structure according to claim 1, wherein the sensor fixing structure is adjusted to have an opening size that allows it to come off. The pair of locking protrusions
The surface in contact with the pair of locking pieces has a curved surface shape or a tapered shape so that the thickness gradually increases from the front end side to the rear end side in the direction in which the sensor moves toward the fixed surface. It is characterized in that, in a state of being locked in the pair of locking holes, the tip side having a reduced thickness is inserted into a hole continuous from the pair of locking holes in the die-cutting direction. The sensor fixing structure according to claim 2. The sensor is
It is a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the power supply.
The fixing destination is
The sensor fixing structure according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a case surrounding the power supply or an enclosure arrangement member arranged at a position surrounding the power supply.

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