Setting structure of temperature sensor and temperature sensor

Abstract

The setting structure of the temperature sensor has: a body to be measured support body, which has a setting portion, a guiding portion, and a body to be measured support portion for supporting the body to be measured; and a temperature sensor, which has a guided portion that engages with the guiding portion of the body to be measured support body. The temperature sensor is set in the setting portion of the body to be measured support body by engaging the guided portion with the guiding portion and moving relative to the body to be measured support body along the body to be measured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an arrangement structure of a temperature sensor and a temperature sensor. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-17638 discloses a temperature sensor provided on the upper part or side surface of a battery (battery cell) or the like in order to detect the temperature of a heat source such as a battery. The temperature sensor employs fitting based on a spring structure (arm part). Summary of the Invention

[0003] Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above-described arrangement structure of the temperature sensor, the space required for arranging the temperature sensor is large, and the options for the mounting position (arrangement method) of the temperature sensor are reduced.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement structure of a temperature sensor and a temperature sensor that can increase the degree of freedom of the arrangement method of the temperature sensor.

[0006] Technical Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] The arrangement structure of the temperature sensor according to the embodiment is the following arrangement structure of the temperature sensor, including: a body to be measured support having a setting portion, a guiding portion, and a body to be measured support portion for supporting the body to be measured; and a temperature sensor having a guided portion that engages with the guiding portion of the body to be measured support, and the temperature sensor is arranged in the setting portion of the body to be measured support by engaging the guided portion with the guiding portion and moving relative to the body to be measured support in a specified direction along a specified outer surface of the body to be measured.

[0008] In the arrangement structure of the temperature sensor according to the embodiment, it may be configured that a locking portion is provided on the body to be measured support, and a locked portion is provided on the temperature sensor. In order to arrange the temperature sensor in the setting portion of the body to be measured support, when the temperature sensor is moved relative to the body to be measured support in a specified direction, at the start stage and the middle stage of the movement, the locked portion is separated from the locking portion, and at the end of the movement, the locked portion is locked to the locking portion, so that the temperature sensor is arranged on the body to be measured support.

[0009] In the arrangement structure of the temperature sensor according to the embodiment, it may also be configured such that a plurality of the objects to be measured are provided, and the temperature sensor provided between two adjacent ones of the plurality of objects to be measured provided on the object to be measured support is configured to measure the temperatures of the two adjacent objects to be measured.

[0010] In the arrangement structure of the temperature sensor according to the embodiment, it may also be that the temperature sensor includes: a temperature sensor housing having a planar outer surface; a lead wire, a portion on the first end side which is one end in the length direction of the lead wire enters the temperature sensor housing, and at the portion on the first end side, a pair of core wires of the lead wire extend in parallel with the planar outer surface of the temperature sensor housing; a temperature detection element separated from the first end of the lead wire and provided in the temperature sensor housing; and a pair of connection conductors formed in an elongated rod shape and extending in the same direction as the pair of core wires of the lead wire in the temperature sensor housing, the pair of connection conductors connecting the pair of core wires of the lead wire to the temperature detection element respectively, and the pair of core wires, the connection conductors, and the temperature detection element at the portion on the first end side of the lead wire are arranged along the planar outer surface of the temperature sensor housing near the planar outer surface of the temperature sensor housing.

[0011] The temperature sensor according to the embodiment includes: a temperature sensor housing having a planar outer surface; a lead wire, a portion on the first end side which is one end in the length direction of the lead wire enters the temperature sensor housing, and at the portion on the first end side, a pair of core wires of the lead wire extend in parallel with the planar outer surface of the temperature sensor housing; a temperature detection element separated from the first end of the lead wire and provided in the temperature sensor housing; and a pair of connection conductors formed in an elongated rod shape and extending in the same direction as the pair of core wires of the lead wire in the temperature sensor housing, the pair of connection conductors connecting the pair of core wires of the lead wire to the temperature detection element respectively, and the pair of core wires, the connection conductors, and the temperature detection element at the portion on the first end side of the lead wire are arranged along the planar outer surface of the temperature sensor housing near the planar outer surface of the temperature sensor housing.

[0012] In the temperature sensor according to the embodiment, it may also be that when observed in the direction indicating the distance between the pair of connection conductors, the central axes of the pair of core wires at the portion on the first end side of the lead wire and the central axis of the connection conductor pass through the center of the temperature detection element.

[0013] Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the above structure, a temperature sensor setting structure and a temperature sensor that can increase the degree of freedom in setting the temperature sensor can be provided. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the temperature sensor setting structure of the present embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view showing the temperature sensor setting structure of the present embodiment (the temperature sensor setting structure excluding the temperature sensor).

[0017] Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view showing the temperature sensor setting structure of the present embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4A It is from Figure 1 View of the temperature sensor and its surroundings observed in the IV direction in.

[0019] Figure 4B Indicates Figure 4A Another way of.

[0020] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing the state before the temperature sensor is set on the measured object support in the temperature sensor setting structure of the present embodiment.

[0021] Figure 6A It is a cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view based on a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction) showing the state in which the temperature sensor is set on the measured object support in the temperature sensor setting structure of the present embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6B It is from Figure 6A The figure after removing the temperature sensor from the figure shown in.

[0023] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing the stacking manner of the measured object support and the battery unit in the temperature sensor setting structure of the present embodiment.

[0024] Figure 8 It is a view of the temperature sensor of the present embodiment observed from a specified direction (longitudinal direction).

[0025] Figure 9A It is a view of the internal structure of the temperature sensor of the present embodiment observed from a specified direction (lateral direction).

[0026] Figure 9B Indicates Figure 9AThe figure of the IXB-IXB cross-section in

[0027] Figure 9C is a view of the internal structure of another temperature sensor of the present embodiment as observed from a specified direction (lateral direction).

[0028] Figure 9D It shows Figure 9C the figure of the IXD-IXD cross-section in Detailed implementation mode

[0029] The installation structure 1 of the temperature sensor of the present embodiment uses a temperature sensor (thermistor) 3 to detect (measure, inspect) the temperature of the object to be measured (such as a battery unit) 5 serving as a heat source. As Figures 1 to 4B shown, the installation structure 1 of the temperature sensor is configured to include a temperature sensor 3 and an object-to-be-measured support (such as a battery unit support) 7.

[0030] Here, for the sake of convenience of explanation, a specified one direction is set as the longitudinal direction, a specified one direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction is set as the lateral direction, and a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction is set as the up-down direction. In addition, these directions are for the sake of convenience of explanation, so the up-down direction does not necessarily have to be consistent with the direction of gravity.

[0031] In addition, Figure 1 etc., three temperature sensors 3A, 3B, and 3C are shown, but the direction shown in Figures 4A to 9D is based on Figure 1 the direction of the temperature sensor 3A shown.

[0032] A setting portion (temperature sensor setting portion) 9, a guiding portion (temperature sensor guiding portion) 11, and a measured object supporting portion (battery unit setting portion) 13 are provided on the battery unit support 7. The battery unit setting portion 13 supports the battery unit 5. That is, the battery unit 5 is provided on the battery unit setting portion 13.

[0033] The temperature sensor 3 is configured to include a guided portion (temperature sensor guided portion) 15 that engages with the guiding portion 11 of the battery unit support 7. And the temperature sensor 3 is configured to move relative to the battery unit support 7 while engaging the guided portion 15 with the guiding portion 11, so as to set the temperature sensor 3 in the battery unit setting portion 13 of the battery unit support 7. After this setting, the temperature of the battery unit 5 is detected by the temperature sensor 3.

[0034] By linearly moving the temperature sensor 3 relative to the battery unit support 7 by a specified distance along the battery unit 5, the temperature sensor 3 is set on the battery unit support 7.

[0035] Further explanation: In the temperature sensor setting structure 1, when the temperature sensor 3 is set on the battery unit support 7, the moving direction of the temperature sensor 3 relative to the battery unit support 7 and the battery unit 5 is the specified direction as shown below. The specified direction is the direction parallel to or slightly inclined to a specified plane (planar outer surface) 17 of the battery unit 5.

[0036] For example, imagine a state where the battery unit 5 has been set on the battery unit support 7 and before the temperature sensor 3 is set on the battery unit support 7, the guided portion 15 of the temperature sensor 3 is engaged with the guiding portion 11 of the battery unit support 7. In this state, the temperature sensor 3 linearly moves a specified distance in a direction parallel to a plane 17 of the battery unit 5. Through this movement, the temperature sensor 3 is set on the battery unit support 7.

[0037] In addition, the setting of the temperature sensor 3 on the battery unit support 7 does not necessarily need to be carried out in the state where the battery unit 5 has been set on the battery unit support 7. The setting of the temperature sensor 3 on the battery unit support 7 can also be carried out in the state where the battery unit 5 is not set on the battery unit support 7. Moreover, the battery unit 5 can be set on the battery unit support 7 later.

[0038] That is, regardless of the setting order of the temperature sensor 3 and the battery unit 5 on the battery unit support 7, as long as the moving direction of the temperature sensor 3 is the above-specified direction after the settings of the temperature sensor 3 and the battery unit 5. As described above, the above-specified direction is the direction parallel to a specified plane 17 of the battery unit 5 or a direction slightly inclined to the plane 17.

[0039] Thus, by moving the temperature sensor 3 relative to the battery unit support 7 along the outer surface (surface) 17 of the battery unit 5, the temperature sensor 3 is set on the battery unit support 7.

[0040] Here, the temperature sensor setting structure 1 in which the battery unit 5 and the temperature sensor 3 are set on the battery unit support 7 is regarded as the "temperature sensor setting-complete structure". In the temperature sensor setting-complete structure 1, as Figure 4A shown, a plane 17 of the battery unit 5 and a specified planar outer surface (plane) 19 of the temperature sensor 3 are parallel to each other.

[0041] In the temperature sensor setting-complete structure 1, the two planes 17 and 19 are slightly separated from each other (refer to Figure 4B)。However, a heat-conductive substance 21 is filled between the two planes 17 and 19. Based on this, the heat conduction from the battery unit 5 to the temperature sensor 3 is not hindered, but rather occurs in a good state. It should be noted that as the heat-conductive substance 21, for example, a synthetic resin (such as a heat-conductive adhesive or double-sided tape) with a thermal conductivity in the range of 1 W / m·K to 20 W / m·K can be cited. Additionally, a metal or the like can also be used as the heat-conductive substance 21.

[0042] In the temperature sensor setting structure 1, it can also be a structure in which a specified one plane 17 of the battery unit 5 and a specified one plane 19 of the temperature sensor 3 are in contact with each other with a force (refer to Figure 4A ). In this case, it can be a structure in which the heat-conductive substance 21 is not provided.

[0043] A specified one plane 19 of the temperature sensor 3 that is parallel to a specified one plane 17 of the battery unit 5 in the temperature sensor setting structure 1 is preferably the following plane. That is, it is preferably a plane with high sensitivity that has the highest responsiveness to the perception of temperature in the temperature sensor 3. As such a plane, for example, the plane with the largest area among the multiple planes constituting the outer surface of the temperature sensor 3, that is, Figure 8 the plane near which the temperature detection element (thermistor element) 23 shown in etc. is located.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5 , Figure 6A , a locking portion 25 is provided on the upper side in the vertical direction of the battery unit support 7, and a locked portion 27 is provided on the upper side in the vertical direction of the temperature sensor 3.

[0045] In order to set the temperature sensor 3 in the setting portion 9 of the battery unit support 7, first, from the state where the temperature sensor 3 is separated from the battery unit support 7 (refer to Figure 6B ), the guided portion 15 is engaged with the guiding portion 11.

[0046] While performing this engagement, the temperature sensor 3 is moved relative to the battery unit support 7 (refer to the arrow in Figure 5 ). In the initial stage and the middle stage of this movement, the locked portion 27 is separated from the locking portion 25.

[0047] In the final stage of the above movement, the locked portion 27 is engaged with the locking portion 25. And at the end of the above movement, the locked portion 27 is locked to the locking portion 25. Thus, the temperature sensor 3 is integrally provided on the battery unit support 7.

[0048] The temperature sensor 3 includes a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped temperature sensor main body portion 29 and leads 31 extending from the temperature sensor main body portion 29. The battery unit 5 is configured to include a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped battery unit main body portion 33 and battery unit terminals 35 protruding from the battery unit main body portion 33.

[0049] In the installation structure 1 for the temperature sensor, as described above Figure 4B and the like, one plane 19 with a large area of the rectangular parallelepiped-shaped temperature sensor main body portion 29 is parallel to one plane 17 of the battery unit main body portion 33 with a small gap therebetween. Then, the temperature sensor 3 measures the temperature of the battery unit main body portion 33.

[0050] In addition, as can be understood from Figure 5 and the like, in the temperature sensor main body portion 29, the area of the rectangular outer surface orthogonal to the lateral direction is the largest. Next, the area of the rectangular outer surface orthogonal to the longitudinal direction is the second largest.

[0051] The battery unit support 7 is configured to include a flat plate-shaped portion 37. In the installation structure 1 for the temperature sensor, as Figure 2 and the like, the thickness direction of the flat plate-shaped portion 37 of the battery unit support 7 is orthogonal to one plane 17 of the battery unit main body portion 33.

[0052] As Figure 5 , Figure 6A shown, the temperature sensor installation portion 9 is formed by a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped recess (cutout) 39 formed in the flat plate-shaped portion 37 of the battery unit support 7. The recess 39 constituting the temperature sensor installation portion 9 penetrates the flat plate-shaped portion 37 of the battery unit support 7 in its thickness direction. When observed in the thickness direction of the flat plate-shaped portion 37 of the battery unit support 7, the recess 39 constituting the temperature sensor installation portion 9 is formed in a rectangular shape.

[0053] In the installation structure 1 for the temperature sensor, as Figure 3 , Figure 6A , Figure 7 shown, the temperature sensor main body portion 29 is exactly filled in the recess 39 constituting the temperature sensor installation portion 9 without a gap. In addition, when observed in the thickness direction of the flat plate-shaped portion 37 of the battery unit support 7, in the installation structure 1 for the temperature sensor, the leads 31 of the temperature sensor 3 extend from the end face (the end face of the temperature sensor main body portion 29) 38 of the flat plate-shaped portion 37 of the battery unit support 7.

[0054] When the temperature sensor 3 is disposed on the battery unit support 7, the moving direction of the temperature sensor 3 relative to the battery unit support 7 is the depth direction of the recess 39 that constitutes the temperature sensor setting portion 9. The depth direction of the recess 39 is Figure 6A in the up-and-down direction in

[0055] As Figure 4A , Figure 5 shown, when observed in the moving direction of the temperature sensor 3 relative to the battery unit support 7 when the temperature sensor 3 is disposed on the battery unit support 7, the temperature sensor guiding portion 11 is formed at Figure 4A both longitudinal ends of the recess 39 that constitutes the temperature sensor setting portion 9.

[0056] When observed in the above-described moving direction, the temperature sensor guiding portion 11 is constituted by a small rectangular convex portion 41 that protrudes from the flat portion 37 of the battery unit support 7 toward the recess 39 side that constitutes the temperature sensor setting portion 9. The convex portion 41 is located at the center of the flat portion 37 of the battery unit support 7 in the thickness direction ( Figure 4A the lateral direction) of

[0057] In addition, when observed in the above-described moving direction, the temperature sensor guided portion 15 is constituted by small rectangular recesses 43 formed at both ends of the temperature sensor main body portion 29. The recesses 43 are located at the center of the temperature sensor main body portion 29 in the thickness direction.

[0058] In the temperature sensor setting structure 1 after the temperature sensor is set, a pair of convex portions 41 that constitute the temperature sensor guiding portion 11 are respectively inserted into a pair of recesses 43 that constitute the temperature sensor guided portion 15.

[0059] In addition, conversely, the temperature sensor guiding portion 11 may be constituted by a recess, the temperature sensor guided portion 15 may be constituted by a convex portion, and the temperature sensor guiding portion 11 and the temperature sensor guided portion 15 may be constituted by recesses and convex portions having other shapes such as triangles instead of rectangles.

[0060] As Figure 1 , Figure 4A etc. shown, a plurality of battery units 5 (5A, 5B) are arranged horizontally. The temperature sensor (for example, one temperature sensor) 3A is configured to measure the temperatures of two battery units 5 adjacent to each other horizontally. In addition, the temperature sensor 3A is disposed between two battery units 5 (5A, 5B) adjacent to each other horizontally among the plurality of battery units 5 disposed on the battery unit support 7.

[0061] Here, the relationship among two adjacent battery units 5 (5A, 5B), the flat portion 37 of the battery unit support 7, and the temperature sensor 3 will be described. The battery unit main body 33 is formed in a rectangular flat shape. The thickness directions of the battery unit main bodies 33 of two adjacent battery units 5 (5A, 5B) are aligned with each other. Two adjacent battery units 5 are separated by a predetermined distance in the thickness direction of these battery unit main bodies 33. When observing two adjacent battery units 5 (5A, 5B) in the thickness direction of the battery unit main body 33, the entire first battery unit main body 33 and the entire second battery unit main body 33 overlap each other.

[0062] The thickness direction of the flat portion 37 of the battery unit support 7 is aligned with the thickness direction of the battery unit main body 33. In addition, the flat portion 37 and the temperature sensor main body 29 provided in the concave portion 39 constituting the temperature sensor setting portion 9 are provided between two adjacent battery units 5 (5A, 5B). Then, the temperature of two adjacent battery units 5 (5A, 5B) is measured by the temperature sensor 3A.

[0063] As described above Figure 8 and so on, the temperature sensor 3 is configured to include a temperature sensor main body 29 and leads 31. The temperature sensor main body 29 is configured to include a temperature sensor housing 45, a temperature detection element 23, and a connection conductor 47.

[0064] The temperature sensor housing 45 has an outer surface (heat source surface; surface for receiving heat from the battery unit) 19 which is a predetermined one plane of the temperature sensor 3. The lead 31 is configured to include a pair of core wires 49 made of a conductor and sheaths 51 respectively covering the pair of core wires 49.

[0065] One end in the length direction of the lead 31, that is, the portion on the first end side, enters the temperature sensor housing 45. In addition, at the portion on the first end side that enters the temperature sensor housing 45, the pair of core wires 49 are parallel to each other (see Figure 9C and so on), and extend linearly in the vertical direction parallel to the plane 19 of the temperature sensor housing 45 for a predetermined length.

[0066] The temperature detection element 23 is separated from the first end of the lead 31 (core wire 49) in the extending direction of the pair of core wires 49 and is provided in the temperature sensor housing 45.

[0067] As Figure 9CAs shown, the connecting conductor 47 is formed into an elongated rod shape, and the value of its outer diameter is smaller than the value of the outer diameter of the core wire 49. The connecting conductor 47 extends linearly and in parallel with each other in the same direction as the core wire 49 of the lead wire 31 within the temperature sensor housing 45 for a specified length. In addition, the connecting conductors 47 are provided in pairs such that a pair of core wires 49 of the lead wire 31 are respectively connected to the temperature detection element 23.

[0068] In addition, in the temperature sensor 3, a pair of core wires 49, the connecting conductor 47, and the temperature detection element 23 at the portion on the first end side of the lead wire 31 are arranged in the vertical direction along the plane 19 of the temperature sensor housing 45 near the plane 19 of the temperature sensor housing 45.

[0069] In the temperature sensor 3, when observed in the direction indicating the distance between a pair of mutually parallel connecting conductors 47, it becomes Figure 9D the structure shown. In Figure 9D , the central axis of the core wire 49 at the portion on the first end side of the lead wire 31 coincides with the central axis of the connecting conductor 47 and passes through the center of the temperature detection element 23. That is, the central axis of the core wire 49 and the central axis of the connecting conductor 47 coincide with the central axis of the temperature detection element 23.

[0070] The direction indicating the distance between a pair of mutually parallel connecting conductors 47 refers to the direction in which a pair of mutually parallel connecting conductors 47 can be seen exactly overlapping each other. For example, it is also the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the connecting conductor 47. In Figure 9A , it corresponds to the longitudinal direction.

[0071] When observed in the direction orthogonal to the direction indicating the distance between a pair of mutually parallel connecting conductors 47 (for example, the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the connecting conductor 47, which is the lateral direction in Figure 9D ). Then, the center of the temperature detection element 23 is located between a pair of connecting conductors 47 and at the center of a pair of connecting conductors 47 (refer to Figure 9C ).

[0072] When observed from the direction orthogonal to the direction indicating the distance between a pair of mutually parallel connecting conductors 47, the central axis of the connecting conductor 47 is separated from the central axis of the core wire 49 of the lead wire 31 (refer to Figure 9C ).

[0073] When observed from the direction orthogonal to the direction indicating the distance between a pair of mutually parallel connecting conductors 47, in the direction indicating the distance between a pair of mutually parallel connecting conductors 47, a pair of connecting conductors 47 are arranged inside a pair of core wires 49 (refer to Figure 9C ).

[0074] The temperature detection element 23 is formed, for example, in a shape of a rotating ellipsoid (prolate spheroid). The shape of a rotating ellipsoid is a three-dimensional shape represented by the locus of an ellipse when the ellipse is rotated 180° about its major axis. Here, the major axis becomes the central axis of the temperature detection element 23.

[0075] As Figure 6A , Figure 8 and so on, the temperature sensor housing 45 is formed, for example, in a rectangular bucket shape from a synthetic resin having a high thermal conductivity. The outer surface of the temperature sensor housing 45 becomes the outer surface of the temperature sensor main body 29 except for the opening of the concave portion (inside) 53 of the bucket. The temperature detection element 23 and the connection conductor 47 are arranged in the concave portion 53 of the bucket of the temperature sensor housing 45, and the portion on the first end side, which is one end in the length direction of the lead wire 31, enters the concave portion 53.

[0076] In the direction from the opening of the concave portion 53 of the temperature sensor housing 45 toward the bottom ( Figure 8 the direction from right to left and the direction from the upper side to the lower side in the vertical direction), a pair of core wires 49 of the lead wire 31, the connection conductor 47, and the temperature detection element 23 are arranged in sequence. The lead wire 31 extends from the opening of the concave portion 53 of the temperature sensor housing 45. In addition, the extending directions of the core wire 49 and the connection conductor 47 are the same as the direction from the opening of the concave portion 53 of the temperature sensor housing 45 toward the bottom.

[0077] The concave portion 53 of the temperature sensor housing 45 is filled with an insulating material 55 such as a resin having a high thermal conductivity. That is, the space between the inner wall of the temperature sensor housing 45 and the lead wire 31, the connection conductor 47, and the temperature detection element 23 is filled with an insulating material 55 such as a resin.

[0078] Here, the setting structure 1 of the temperature sensor will be described in further detail.

[0079] As described above, the battery unit main body 33 of the battery unit 5 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape (cuboid shape), and the thickness direction is horizontal. The value of the dimension in the vertical direction of the battery unit main body 33 is larger than the value of the dimension in the horizontal direction of the battery unit main body 33. The value of the dimension in the longitudinal direction of the battery unit main body 33 is larger than the value of the dimension in the vertical direction of the battery unit main body 33. The battery unit terminal 35 protrudes from the upper surface of the battery unit main body 33.

[0080] As the plane 17 of the battery unit 5 that sandwiches the heat-conductive substance 21 and is disposed in parallel to the specified plane 19 of the temperature sensor 3, five rectangular planar outer surfaces of the battery unit main body 33 can be cited. The five rectangular planar outer surfaces are the planes among the six rectangular planes of the cuboid-shaped battery unit main body 33 except for the plane where the battery unit terminal 35 protrudes. Alternatively, it may be configured such that the upper surface where the battery unit terminal 35 protrudes faces the specified plane 19 of the temperature sensor 3.

[0081] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the battery unit support 7 is formed by joining a plurality of sections 57. Each section 57 is formed in substantially the same shape as each other. The section 57 is configured to include a first portion 59, a second portion 61, a third portion 63, and a fourth portion 65.

[0082] The first portion 59 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape with the thickness direction being horizontal. The second portion 61 is formed in a quadrangular prism shape (a rectangular flat plate shape with a narrow width), and the third portion 63 is formed in the same shape as the second portion 61.

[0083] The second portion 61 is joined to the first portion 59 at one longitudinal end (the first end) of the first portion 59, and the third portion 63 is joined to the first portion 59 at the other longitudinal end (the second end) of the first portion 59. The second portion 61 and the third portion 63 are joined to the first portion 59 over the entire length in the vertical direction. Additionally, when viewed in the vertical direction, the first portion 59, the second portion 61, and the third portion 63 appear in an "I" shape or an "H" shape.

[0084] The fourth portion 65 is provided at the lower end of the first portion 59, and the temperature sensor setting portion 9 is formed by the fourth portion 65.

[0085] In addition, a temperature sensor setting portion 9 is formed in the first portion 59. A temperature sensor setting portion 9 is also formed in the second portion 61 or the third portion 63. Further, a temperature sensor 3A is provided in the first portion 59, a temperature sensor 3B is provided in the second portion 61, and a temperature sensor 3C is provided in the fourth portion 65.

[0086] The temperature sensor 3A is provided in the first portion 59 of one section 57. The temperature sensor 3B is provided in the second portion 61 of two adjacent sections 57. In other words, by joining and assembling two adjacent sections 57 to each other, a setting portion 9 for setting the temperature sensor 3B is formed. Similarly to the temperature sensor 3B, the temperature sensor 3C is also provided in the fourth portion 65 of two adjacent sections 57.

[0087] The respective segments 57 are assembled in such a manner that the thickness directions of the first portions 59 of the respective segments 57 are identical, the ends of the second portions 61 of the respective segments 57 are joined to each other, and the ends of the third portions 63 of the respective segments 57 are joined to each other. By this assembly, a rectangular plate-shaped battery cell accommodation space 67 for accommodating one battery cell 5 is formed using two adjacent segments 57.

[0088] The upper and lower ends of the battery cell accommodation space 67 are open. In addition, since the entire upper end of the battery cell accommodation space 67 is open, the battery cell 5 can be accommodated in the battery cell accommodation space 67 from the opening at the upper end of the battery cell accommodation space 67. Further, the battery cell 5 provided in the battery cell accommodation space 67 can be taken out from the opening at the upper end of the battery cell accommodation space 67.

[0089] A part of the opening at the lower end of the battery cell accommodation space 67 is blocked by a fourth portion 65. Thereby, the fourth portion 65 also functions as a stopper (a stopper for preventing, for example, the dropping of the battery cell 5) for the battery cell 5 provided in the battery cell accommodation space 67.

[0090] In a state where the battery cell 5 is provided in the battery cell accommodation space 67, a part of the inner wall of the battery cell accommodation space 67 and a part of the outer surface of the battery cell main body portion 33 are in contact with each other. Thereby, the battery cell 5 and the battery cell support 7 are integrated.

[0091] Further, by assembling and joining n segments 57, n - 1 battery cell accommodation spaces 67 are formed.

[0092] As Figure 7 shown, the first portion 59 of the segment 57 having a large area is composed of a rectangular flat plate-shaped portion (cooling plate) 69 made of a metal having a higher thermal conductivity and a rectangular flat plate-shaped portion 71 made of a synthetic resin. Cooling of the battery cell 5 is mainly performed via the rectangular flat plate-shaped portion 69 made of a metal. In addition, a temperature sensor setting portion 9 of the first portion 59 is formed in the rectangular flat plate-shaped portion 71 made of a synthetic resin. The second portion 61 and the third portion 63 of the segment 57 may be configured in the same manner as the first portion 59.

[0093] As Figure 7 shown, the rectangular flat plate-shaped portion 69 made of a metal having a high thermal conductivity and the rectangular flat plate-shaped portion 71 made of a synthetic resin are joined to each other by fitting a convex portion 73 of the rectangular flat plate-shaped portion 69 made of a metal into a concave portion 75 of the rectangular flat plate-shaped portion 71 made of a synthetic resin.

[0094] The convex portion 73 of the rectangular flat plate portion 69 made of metal is formed in the same manner as the convex portion 41 of the temperature sensor guide portion 11, and is provided at the end of the rectangular flat plate portion 69 made of metal. The concave portion 75 of the rectangular flat plate portion 71 made of synthetic resin is formed in the same manner as the concave portion 43 of the temperature sensor guided portion 15, and is provided at the end of the rectangular flat plate portion 71 made of synthetic resin.

[0095] As Figure 5 , Figure 6A shown, the locked portion 27 of the temperature sensor 3 is composed of a pair of convex portions 77 and concave portions 79 provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction (width direction) of the temperature sensor housing 45. The convex portion 77 is adjacent to the concave portion 43 constituting the temperature sensor guided portion 15 in the vertical direction (the insertion direction into the temperature sensor setting portion 9 when the temperature sensor 3 is set). In addition, the convex portion 77 is located at the end on the lead 31 side in the vertical direction.

[0096] The concave portion 79 is adjacent to the convex portion 77 in the vertical direction and is located on the side closer to the lead 31 than the convex portion 77. In addition, if the convex portion 77 is not provided, the concave portion 43 constituting the temperature sensor guided portion 15 is connected to the concave portion 79, and a form in which a concave portion is continuously provided in the temperature sensor housing 45 over the entire length in the vertical direction is formed.

[0097] As Figure 5 , Figure 6A , Figure 6B shown, the locking portion 25 of the battery unit support 7 is composed of a pair of convex portions 81 provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction (width direction) of the rectangular parallelepiped-shaped concave portion 39 constituting the temperature sensor setting portion 9. That is, the convex portion 41 constituting the temperature sensor guide portion 11 is not provided at the portion on the opening side of the rectangular parallelepiped-shaped concave portion 39 constituting the temperature sensor setting portion 9, and the convex portion 81 is provided separately from the convex portion 41 at the portion where the convex portion 41 is not provided.

[0098] In the final stage when the temperature sensor 3 is set on the battery unit support 7, the convex portion 77 abuts against the convex portion 81. For example, the convex portions 77 and 81 are elastically deformed. When the setting of the temperature sensor 3 on the battery unit support 7 is completed, as Figure 6A , Figure 6B shown, the convex portions 77 and 81 are restored, and the convex portion 77 is sandwiched between the convex portion 41 and the convex portion 81. Thus, the locked portion 27 is locked to the locking portion 25, and a structure for preventing the temperature sensor 3 from falling off the battery unit support 7 is formed.

[0099] A convex portion 83 identical to the convex portion 41 of the temperature sensor guide portion 11 is provided at the bottom of the rectangular parallelepiped-shaped concave portion 39 of the temperature sensor setting portion 9. A concave portion 85 similar to the concave portion 43 of the temperature sensor guided portion 15 is provided at the front end portion (the portion opposite to the lead 31) of the temperature sensor housing 45. And, in a state where the temperature sensor 3 is provided on the battery unit support 7, the convex portion 83 is fitted into the concave portion 85.

[0100] Here, the assembly sequence of the temperature sensor setting structure 1 will be described.

[0101] First, a plurality of sections 57 are assembled to obtain the battery unit support 7. Next, the battery unit 5 is provided on the battery unit support 7. Then, the temperature sensor 3 is provided on the battery unit support 7.

[0102] In addition, in the above steps, the process of providing the battery unit 5 on the battery unit support 7 and the process of providing the temperature sensor 3 on the battery unit support 7 can be swapped.

[0103] In Figure 1 , the temperature sensor 3A detects the temperatures of the battery unit 5A and the battery unit 5B. The temperature sensor 3B detects the temperature of the battery unit 5A. The temperature sensor 3C detects the temperature of the battery unit 5A.

[0104] The temperature sensor setting structure 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has a battery unit support 7, which includes a setting portion 9, a guide portion 11, and a battery unit setting portion 13 for supporting the battery unit 5. In the temperature sensor setting structure 1, a guided portion 15 that engages with the guide portion 11 of the battery unit 5 is provided. The guided portion 15 is engaged with the guide portion 11 and moves along the battery unit 5 relative to the battery unit support 7. Through this movement, the temperature sensor 3 is provided in the setting portion 9 of the battery unit support 7.

[0105] Thus, the temperature sensor setting structure 1 adopts a fitting structure of the battery unit support 7 using a guide rail and the temperature sensor 3. Furthermore, the degree of freedom in setting the temperature sensor 3 can be increased. That is, by using the guide rail as the fitting structure, the setting space of the temperature sensor 3 becomes smaller. Moreover, between the battery units 5 (5A, 5B) where it was not possible to set (mount) in the past and on the lower surface of the battery unit 5, the temperature sensors 3 (3A, 3C) can also be mounted.

[0106] That is, the degree of freedom of the mounting position of the temperature sensor 3 increases, and the temperature sensor 3 can be mounted at a position where it could not be mounted in the existing shape. In addition, since the installation space for the temperature sensor 3 becomes smaller, it is also possible to cope with the miniaturization of the battery unit 5. That is, even if the battery unit 5 becomes smaller, since the installation space for the temperature sensor 3 becomes smaller, the temperature sensor 3 can be installed in the reduced-sized battery unit 5.

[0107] Next, a comparative example will be described. The temperature sensor installation structure according to the comparative example is installed on the measured part in such a way that the free end of the locking arm extending from the sensor body of the temperature sensor bears the pressing load toward the measured part side. Moreover, it is structured to ensure the close contact state between the temperature measurement surface at the front end of the sensor body and the measured part by the elastic restoring force of the locking arm. In addition, in the temperature sensor according to the comparative example, the locking arm is provided on the flexible member that is extendably provided on the sensor body in a manner that allows elastic displacement.

[0108] Therefore, in the temperature sensor installation structure according to the comparative example, the space required to install the temperature sensor is large, and the options for the mounting position (installation method) of the temperature sensor are reduced.

[0109] In the temperature sensor installation structure 1 according to the embodiment, when the temperature sensor 3 is moved relative to the battery unit support 7, the locked portion 27 is separated from the locking portion 25 at the start and middle stages of the movement. In addition, it is configured that the locked portion 27 is locked to the locking portion 25 at the end of the movement. Thereby, the movement of the temperature sensor 3 relative to the battery unit support 7 can be smoothly performed, and the installation of the temperature sensor 3 on the battery unit support 7 is facilitated.

[0110] In addition, in the temperature sensor installation structure 1, the temperature sensor 3A is arranged between two adjacent battery units 5 (5A, 5B), and the temperatures of these two battery units 5 (5A, 5B) are measured together. Thereby, the number of temperature sensors 3 can be reduced, and the simplification of the structure can be achieved.

[0111] In the temperature sensor 3, a pair of core wires 49, a connection conductor 47, and a temperature detection element 23 at the portion on the first end side of the lead wire 31 are arranged along the plane 19 of the temperature sensor housing 45 near the plane 19 of the temperature sensor housing 45, so that the temperature measurement performance is improved.

[0112] That is, in the temperature sensor 3, heat accumulates in the plane 19 of the temperature sensor housing 45, and the concentrated heat is immediately transferred to the temperature detection element 23. Therefore, the responsiveness of the temperature detection to temperature rise is improved. In addition, in the temperature sensor 3, the plane 19 of the temperature sensor housing 45 can withstand the radiant heat from the battery unit 5, and based on this, the responsiveness of the temperature detection to temperature rise is also improved.

[0113] The position of the temperature detection element of the temperature sensor related to the comparative example is far from the heat source. Therefore, in order to meet the temperature measurement performance, a heat collecting plate is required, the number of components increases, and the cost rises.

[0114] In contrast, in the temperature sensor 3 according to the embodiment, even without a heat collecting plate, the temperature measurement performance can be improved by being configured as described above.

[0115] In addition, in the temperature sensor 3, as Figure 9C 、 Figure 9D shown, the temperature detection element 23 and the core wire 49 of the lead 31 are connected in parallel. Therefore, as Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B shown, compared with the case where the temperature detection element 23 and the core wire 49 of the lead 31 are connected overlappingly, the temperature sensor 3 can be made thinner and lighter.

[0116] That is, Figure 9D shown, the value of the dimension H1 is smaller than the value of the dimension H2 Figure 9B shown. Thus, Figure 9C 、 Figure 9D shown, the temperature sensor 3 is thinner and lighter than Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B shown, and the temperature measurement performance is improved.

[0117] In addition, in the temperature sensor 3, a heat collecting plate such as that of the temperature sensor related to the comparative example is not required, so the number of components can be reduced, and cost reduction can be achieved. Moreover, since the temperature sensor 3 is made thinner and lighter, it can also be used in places where the mounting space is limited.

[0118] When observing the temperature sensor 3 Figure 9C 、 Figure 9D shown in the direction of the distance between a pair of connecting conductors 47 that are parallel to each other, the central axis of the core wire 49 at the first end side of the lead 31 coincides with the central axis of the connecting conductor 47. In addition, when observing the temperature sensor 3 Figure 9C 、 Figure 9D shown in the direction of the distance between a pair of connecting conductors 47 that are parallel to each other, the central axis of the connecting conductor 47 passes through the center of the temperature detection element 23. Thus, further thinning and lightening of the temperature sensor 3 can be achieved.

[0119] Here, the temperature sensor 3 shown in Figure 9A and Figure 9B will be described in detail.

[0120] When observing the temperature sensor 3 shown in Figure 9A and Figure 9B in a direction orthogonal to the direction indicating the distance between a pair of mutually parallel connection conductors 47. Then, as shown in Figure 9B the central axes of a pair of core wires 49 respectively coincide with the central axes of a pair of connection conductors 47.

[0121] In the temperature sensor 3 shown in Figure 9A the center of the temperature detection element 23 is located between a pair of connection conductors 47 and at the center of a pair of connection conductors 47. When observing the temperature sensor 3 shown in Figure 9A and Figure 9B in the direction of the distance between a pair of mutually parallel connection conductors 47, as shown in Figure 9B the central axis of the connection conductor 47 passes through the center of the temperature detection element 23. Additionally, in the temperature sensor 3 shown in Figure 9B the central axis of the connection conductor 47 is separated from the central axis of the core wire 49.

[0122] Furthermore, in the installation structure 1 of the temperature sensor, any one of the temperature sensors 3 shown in Figure 9A and Figure 9B the temperature sensor 3 shown in Figure 9C and Figure 9D and Figure 8 can be adopted. However, it is preferable to adopt the temperature sensor 3 shown in Figure 9C and Figure 9D as the temperature sensor 3A such as shown in Figure 1 etc., and adopt the temperature sensors 3 shown in Figure 9A and Figure 9B and Figure 8 as the temperature sensors 3B and 3C such as shown in Figure 1 etc.

[0123] In the temperature sensors 3B and 3C, for example, Figure 8 the upper surface (the surface on the side of the temperature detection element 23) of the temperature sensor housing 45 of the temperature sensor 3 shown in

[0124] is located on the side of the battery unit 5, and the lower surface of the temperature sensor housing 45 is located on the side opposite to the battery unit 5. The above describes the present embodiment, but the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present embodiment.

Claims

1. A setting structure of a temperature sensor, characterized in that, it includes: a measured object support body having a setting portion, a guiding portion, and a measured object support portion for supporting the measured object; and a temperature sensor having a guided portion that engages with the guiding portion of the measured object support body. The temperature sensor is arranged in the setting portion of the measured object support body by engaging the guided portion with the guiding portion and moving relative to the measured object support body in a specified direction along a specified outer surface of the measured object, where a plurality of the measured objects are provided, and the temperature sensor arranged between two adjacent measured objects among the plurality of measured objects arranged in the measured object support body is configured to measure the temperatures of the two adjacent measured objects.

2. The setting structure of the temperature sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, a locking portion is provided on the measured object support body, a locked portion is provided on the temperature sensor, in order to arrange the temperature sensor in the setting portion of the measured object support body, when the temperature sensor is moved relative to the measured object support body in a specified direction, at the start stage and the middle stage of the movement, the locked portion is separated from the locking portion, and at the end of the movement, the locked portion is locked to the locking portion so that the temperature sensor is arranged on the measured object support body.

3. The setting structure of the temperature sensor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, the temperature sensor has: a temperature sensor housing having a planar outer surface; a lead wire, a portion of the first end side of the lead wire as the length direction enters the temperature sensor housing, and at the first end side portion, a pair of core wires of the lead wire extend in parallel with the planar outer surface of the temperature sensor housing; a temperature detection element, the temperature detection element is separated from the first end of the lead wire and arranged in the temperature sensor housing; and a pair of connection conductors, the pair of connection conductors are formed in an elongated rod shape and extend in the same direction as the pair of core wires of the lead wire in the temperature sensor housing. The pair of connection conductors connect the pair of core wires of the lead wire to the temperature detection element respectively, the pair of core wires, the connection conductors, and the temperature detection element at the first end side portion of the lead wire are arranged along the planar outer surface of the temperature sensor housing near the planar outer surface of the temperature sensor housing.

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