Temperature sensor device, voltage detection device, and battery module

Abstract

A temperature sensor device (30) is provided with: a partial protector (300) that covers at least a part of a battery cell (100); a support body (310) held by the holding structure (302) of the partial protector (300); a temperature sensor element (320) supported by the support body (310); and a temperature sensor wire (330) that is routed via a routing structure (304) located at a position offset in a predetermined direction from the holding structure (302) of the partial protector (300), and that is electrically connected to the temperature sensor element (320). The support body (310) has: a lead-out section (314) that is led out from the holding structure (302); and a mounting part (316) which is located at a position shifted in the predetermined direction with respect to the lead-out part (314) and to which the temperature sensor element (320) is mounted.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a temperature sensor device, a voltage detection device, and a battery module. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, various temperature sensor devices for battery modules have been developed. A battery module has a plurality of battery cells. A temperature sensor device has a temperature sensor element that detects a temperature of a battery cell.

[0003] In Patent Literature 1, one example of a temperature sensor device is described. The temperature sensor device has a temperature detecting element and an element holder that holds the temperature detecting element. A pair of electric wires is drawn from an upper end portion of the temperature detecting element.

[0004] In Patent Literature 2, one example of a temperature sensor device is described. The temperature sensor device has a thermistor and a coil spring that presses the thermistor against a battery cell.

[0005] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0006] PATENT LITERATURE

[0007] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-171697

[0008] Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-045858 SUMMARY

[0009] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0010] In a temperature sensor device for a battery module, sometimes a temperature sensor element is supported by a support body held by a protector that covers at least a portion of a battery cell, and a temperature sensor wire that is electrically connected to the temperature sensor element is routed via the protector. In the routing of the temperature sensor wire, it is necessary to suppress wire breakage of the temperature sensor wire caused by bending of the temperature sensor wire, and damage to an internal element of the temperature sensor element caused by tensile load applied to the temperature sensor element via the temperature sensor wire.

[0011] One example of an object of the present application is to suppress damage to temperature sensor members such as the temperature sensor wire, the temperature sensor element, and the like, caused by the routing of the temperature sensor wire. Other objects of the present application become apparent from the description of the present specification.

[0012] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0013] One mode of the present application is as described below. [1]

[0015] A temperature sensor device includes a protector covering at least a portion of a battery cell; a support body held to a given first configuration of the protector; a temperature sensor element supported by the support body; and a temperature sensor wire electrically connected to the temperature sensor element and routed via a second configuration at a position offset from the first configuration of the protector in a given direction, the support body having a first portion leading from the first configuration and a second portion at a position offset from the first portion in the given direction, the temperature sensor element being mounted to the second portion. [2]

[0017] In the temperature sensor device of [1], the support body has a configuration that restricts twisting between the first portion and the second portion. [3]

[0019] In the temperature sensor device of [1] or [2], at least a portion of the temperature sensor wire between the temperature sensor element and the second configuration is at a position offset from a shortest path from the temperature sensor element to the second configuration. [4]

[0021] In the temperature sensor device of any one of [1] to [3], the second configuration has a first locking portion locking the temperature sensor wire at a given first position and a second locking portion locking the temperature sensor wire at a second position farther from the temperature sensor element than the first position, the second position being at a position offset from the first position toward an opposite side of the temperature sensor element. [5]

[0023] In the temperature sensor device of any one of [1] to [4], the temperature sensor device further includes a joint portion at least partially joining the support body and the temperature sensor wire to each other. [6]

[0025] A temperature sensor device includes a protector covering at least a portion of a battery cell; a support body held to the protector; a temperature sensor element supported by the support body; a temperature sensor wire electrically connected to the temperature sensor element and routed via the protector; and a joint portion at least partially joining the support body and the temperature sensor wire to each other. [7]

[0027] A voltage detection device includes the sensor device of any one of [1] to [6] and a voltage detection terminal held by the protector and detecting a voltage of the battery cell. [8]

[0029] A battery module comprising: [7] the voltage detection device; and the battery cell.

[0030] -Invention Effects-

[0031] According to the above-described method of the present invention, damage to the temperature sensor component caused by the arrangement of the temperature sensor wires can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery module involved in the implementation method.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a rear perspective view of the voltage detection device involved in the embodiment.

[0034] Figure 3 Is Figure 2 A rear perspective view of the temperature sensor device, located at the upper left end of the voltage detection device and surrounded by a single-dotted line.

[0035] Figure 4 Is Figure 2 The right-side view of the temperature sensor device, located at the upper left end of the voltage detection device and surrounded by a single-dotted line, as viewed from the rear.

[0036] Figure 5 Is Figure 2 The left-hand view of the temperature sensor device, located roughly in the center below the voltage detection device and surrounded by a single-dotted line, viewed from the rear.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the temperature sensor device located at the bottom of the voltage detection device. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described using the accompanying drawings. In all the drawings, the same structural elements are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions are omitted where appropriate.

[0039] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery module 1 involved in the implementation method. Figure 2 This is a rear perspective view of the voltage detection device 20 according to the embodiment.

[0040] In the drawings, arrows indicating an X direction, a Y direction, and a Z direction are shown for the purpose of explanation. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the tip side of the arrow indicating the X direction is set as the rear side of the battery module 1, and the base side of the arrow indicating the X direction is set as the front side of the battery module 1. The Y direction is orthogonal to the X direction. The Y direction is the left-right direction of the battery module 1. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the tip side of the arrow indicating the Y direction is set as the left side of the battery module 1, and the base side of the arrow indicating the Y direction is set as the right side of the battery module 1. The Z direction is orthogonal to both the X direction and the Y direction. The Z direction is the up-down direction of the battery module 1. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the tip side of the arrow indicating the Z direction is set as the upper side of the battery module 1, and the base side of the arrow indicating the Z direction is set as the lower side of the battery module 1. Hereinafter, as necessary, the tip side and the base side of the arrow indicating the X direction are referred to as the +X side and the -X side, respectively, the tip side and the base side of the arrow indicating the Y direction are referred to as the +Y side and the -Y side, respectively, and the tip side and the base side of the arrow indicating the Z direction are referred to as the +Z side and the -Z side, respectively. Furthermore, the relationship of the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction with the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction of the battery module 1 is not limited to the above-described example.

[0041] The battery module 1 will be described with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2 .

[0042] The battery module 1 includes a cell stack 10, a voltage detection device 20, a plurality of temperature sensor devices 30, and a housing 40.

[0043] The cell stack 10 includes a plurality of battery cells 100. The plurality of battery cells 100 are stacked in the Y direction. The long side direction of each battery cell 100 is substantially parallel to the X direction. The short side direction of each battery cell 100 is substantially parallel to the Z direction. The thickness direction of each battery cell 100 is substantially parallel to the Y direction. The shape of each battery cell 100 is not limited to this example.

[0044] Each battery cell 100 includes a battery element not shown, an exterior member 102, a positive electrode tab 104, and a negative electrode tab 106. In one example, the battery element includes a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes not shown that are alternately stacked in the Y direction, and a separator not shown that is positioned between adjacent positive electrodes and negative electrodes in the Y direction. The exterior member 102 seals the battery element and an electrolyte not shown. The positive electrode tab 104 is electrically connected to the positive electrodes of the battery element. The positive electrode tab 104 is drawn out from one of the two sides of the exterior member 102 in the X direction. The negative electrode tab 106 is electrically connected to the negative electrodes of the battery element. The negative electrode tab 106 is drawn out from the other of the two sides of the exterior member 102 in the X direction. However, the configuration of each battery cell 100 is not limited to this example. ​

[0045] Each battery cell 100 can also be an all-solid-state battery. In an all-solid-state battery, a solid electrolyte layer is provided in a portion corresponding to a separator. An all-solid-state battery does not contain an electrolytic solution. Hereinafter, each battery cell 100 will be described as a battery cell containing an electrolytic solution, unless otherwise specified.

[0046] In the embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 100 are electrically connected through a combination of series connection and parallel connection. Specifically, cell groups each containing at least two battery cells 100 connected in parallel in the Y direction are stacked in the Y direction and connected in series. In front of the cell stack 10, positive electrode tabs 104 led out from the battery cells 100 of the cell group connected in parallel are electrically connected to negative electrode tabs 106 led out from the battery cells 100 of another cell group connected in parallel, and a tab connection portion 108 containing the positive electrode tabs 104 and the negative electrode tabs 106 is formed. The positive electrode tabs 104 and the negative electrode tabs 106 in the tab connection portion 108 are joined to each other, for example, by laser welding. A tab group is also formed in the rear of the cell stack 10. Thus, a plurality of cell groups are connected in series from the cell group on one end side in the Y direction of the cell stack 10 to the cell group on the other end side in the Y direction of the cell stack 10.

[0047] The electrical connection of the plurality of battery cells 100 is not limited to the example described above. For example, a single battery cell 100 can be connected in series to constitute the cell stack 10.

[0048] The voltage detection device 20 detects the voltage of the plurality of battery cells 100. The voltage detection device 20 has a protector 200, a plurality of voltage detection terminals 210, a positive electrode bus bar 232, and a negative electrode bus bar 234.

[0049] The protector 200 covers the front portion of the cell stack 10. The protector 200 defines a plurality of openings 202. Each of the plurality of tab connection portions 108 is exposed toward the front via each of the plurality of openings 202. The protector 200 integrally holds the plurality of voltage detection terminals 210. Thus, by disposing the protector 200 at an appropriate position with respect to the cell stack 10, each of the plurality of voltage detection terminals 210 can be disposed at an appropriate position with respect to each of the plurality of tab connection portions 108.

[0050] The rear surface of each voltage detection terminal 210 is joined to the front surface of each tab connection 108 by a joining method such as laser welding. Therefore, each voltage detection terminal 210 and each tab connection 108 are electrically connected to each other. Thus, each voltage detection terminal 210 can detect the voltage of each tab connection 108. One end of a voltage detection line (not shown) such as a wire harness is electrically connected to each voltage detection terminal 210. Therefore, multiple voltage detection terminals 210 can be electrically connected to a connector (not shown) via multiple voltage detection lines.

[0051] The positive busbar 232 is disposed at the right end of the protector 200. The positive busbar 232 is electrically connected to the positive electrode tab 104 leading out from the group of cells located at the right end of the cell stack 10. The positive busbar 232 functions as an external terminal for electrically connecting the battery module 1 to other external devices such as battery modules.

[0052] The negative busbar 234 is disposed at the left end of the protector 200. The negative busbar 234 is electrically connected to the negative electrode tab 106 extending from the group of cells located at the left end of the cell stack 10. The negative busbar 234 functions as an external terminal for electrically connecting the battery module 1 to other external devices such as battery modules.

[0053] In this embodiment, the positive electrode tabs 104 at the ends of the series-connected multiple cell groups extend forward from the battery cells 100 of the cell group located on the right side of the cell stack 10, and the negative electrode tabs 106 at the ends of the series-connected multiple cell groups extend forward from the battery cells 100 of the cell group located on the left side of the cell stack 10. Therefore, both the positive electrode busbar 232 and the negative electrode busbar 234 are positioned in front of the battery cells 100. However, the configuration of the positive electrode tabs 104 and negative electrode tabs 106 at the ends of the series-connected multiple cell groups sometimes varies depending on the number of battery cells 100 included in the cell stack 10. For example, consider the following scenario: the positive electrode tab 104 at the end of a series-connected group of individual cells extends rearward from the cell 100 of the group located on the right side of the cell stack 10, and the negative electrode tab 106 at the end of the series-connected group of individual cells extends forward from the cell 100 of the group located on the left side of the cell stack 10. In this case, the positive electrode busbar 232 is positioned at the rear of the cell stack 10, and the negative electrode busbar 234 is positioned at the front of the cell stack 10.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, multiple temperature sensor devices 30 are disposed on the voltage detection device 20. Figure 2In the example shown, viewed from the rear of the voltage detection device 20, four temperature sensor devices 30 are provided at four locations: approximately the upper center, the upper left end, the lower center, and the lower left end. However, the configuration of multiple temperature sensor devices 30 is not limited to this example. Furthermore, the number of temperature sensor devices 30 provided in the voltage detection device 20 may also be only one.

[0055] The housing 40 has a front plate 410, a rear plate 420, a right plate 430, a left plate 440, a lower plate 450, and an upper plate 460. Each cover contains, for example, a metal such as aluminum. The front plate 410 covers the front of the cell stack 10 and the voltage detection device 20. The rear plate 420 covers the rear of the cell stack 10. The right plate 430 covers the right side of the cell stack 10. The left plate 440 covers the left side of the cell stack 10. The lower plate 450 covers the lower part of the cell stack 10. A thermally conductive adhesive 452 is disposed between the upper surface of the lower plate 450 and the lower end of the cell stack 10. Therefore, heat generated from the cell stack 10 can dissipate downwards towards the battery module 1 via the thermally conductive adhesive 452. The upper plate 460 covers the upper part of the cell stack 10.

[0056] Figure 3 Is Figure 2 The rear perspective view of the temperature sensor device 30, located at the upper left end of the voltage detection device 20, surrounded by a single-dot dashed line. Figure 4 Is Figure 2 The right-side view of the temperature sensor device 30, located at the upper left end of the voltage detection device 20 and surrounded by a single-dotted line, is shown from the rear. Figure 4 In the diagram, the white circle with an X to indicate the Y direction means that the +Y side is the side that faces inward from the front of the paper, and the -Y side is the side that faces inward from the back of the paper.

[0057] Reference Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 And refer to as needed Figure 2 The temperature sensor device 30, located at the upper left end of the voltage detection device 20 when viewed from the rear, will now be described. The temperature sensor device 30 includes a partial protector 300, a support 310, a temperature sensor element 320, and a pair of temperature sensor lines 330. The partial protector 300 includes a holding structure 302 and a routing structure 304. The support 310 includes a base end 312, a lead-out portion 314, a mounting portion 316, and a connecting portion 318.

[0058] Viewed from the rear, part of the protector 300 is the upper left portion of the protector 200 of the voltage detection device 20. That is, part of the protector 300 is an integral part of the protector 200. For example...Figure 3 As shown, the structure 302 and the arrangement structure 304 are positioned at a position offset from each other, approximately parallel to the Y direction. In the embodiment, as... Figure 2 As shown, not only the holding structure 302 and the arrangement structure 304 of the temperature sensor device 30 located at the upper left end of the voltage detection device 20 when viewed from the rear, but also the holding structures 302 and the arrangement structure 304 of other temperature sensor devices 30 are located at positions that are offset from each other and are approximately parallel to the Y direction.

[0059] The support 310 contains, for example, a resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The base end 312 is held in the partial protector 300 by a retaining structure 302. Specifically, the base end 312 is inserted through a through-hole defined by the retaining structure 302, approximately parallel to the Z-direction. However, the structure holding the base end 312 in the partial protector 300 is not limited to the through-hole. A lead-out portion 314 extends from the through-hole of the retaining structure 302. The lead-out portion 314 is bent rearward relative to the base end 312. Figure 3 As shown, the rear end of the lead-out portion 314 faces obliquely upward and rearward when no external force is applied to it. The lead-out portion 314 and the mounting portion 316 are connected to each other via a connecting portion 318. Viewed from the rear, the mounting portion 316 is located at a position offset to the right relative to the lead-out portion 314. That is, the lead-out portion 314 and the mounting portion 316 are located at a position offset from each other approximately parallel to the Y direction. The connecting portion 318 is located between the lead-out portion 314 and the mounting portion 316 in the Y direction.

[0060] Temperature sensor element 320 is mounted on the lower surface of mounting portion 316. Therefore, as Figure 4 As shown, by pressing the upper surfaces of the lead-out portion 314 and the mounting portion 316 downwards using the lower surface of the upper plate 460, the lower surface of the temperature sensor element 320 can be pressed against the upper end of the lower battery cell 100. Therefore, the temperature sensor element 320 can detect the temperature of the battery cell 100 while the lower surface of the temperature sensor element 320 is in contact with the upper end of the battery cell 100.

[0061] A pair of temperature sensor wires 330 extend downwards from the front end of the temperature sensor element 320. The pair of temperature sensor wires 330 and the temperature sensor element 320 are electrically connected to each other. Each temperature sensor wire 330 is, for example, a wire harness. Each temperature sensor wire 330 is arranged substantially parallel to the Z-direction via a routing configuration 304. Specifically, in Figure 3 In the example shown, the arrangement 304 includes a claw 304a. The claw 304a is located behind a pair of temperature sensor lines 330. Therefore, the claw 304a allows the pair of temperature sensor lines 330 to be guided approximately parallel to the Z direction.

[0062] In the embodiment, the position in the Y direction of the lead-out portion 314 is aligned with the position in the Y direction of the holding structure 302 in the Y direction, and the position in the Y direction of the mounting portion 316 is aligned with the position in the Y direction of the routing structure 304 in the Y direction. The case where the temperature sensor element 320 is mounted to the lead-out portion 314 assuming that the support body 310 does not have the mounting portion 316 and the connection portion 318 is studied. In this case, the position in the Y direction of the routing structure 304 and the position in the Y direction of the portion of the temperature sensor element 320 where each temperature sensor line 330 is led out are offset from each other in the Y direction. Therefore, in order to avoid interference of the support body 310 and each temperature sensor line 330, each temperature sensor line 330 is sometimes bent with a relatively large curvature between the temperature sensor element 320 and the routing structure 304. In the case where each temperature sensor line 330 is bent with a relatively large curvature, a relatively large load is sometimes applied to the temperature sensor line 330 between the temperature sensor element 320 and the routing structure 304. In the case where a relatively large load is applied to each temperature sensor line 330 between the temperature sensor element 320 and the routing structure 304, it is sometimes difficult to suppress disconnection of each temperature sensor line 330 between the temperature sensor element 320 and the routing structure 304. In contrast, in the embodiment, the position in the Y direction of the routing structure 304 and the position in the Y direction of the portion of the temperature sensor element 320 where each temperature sensor line 330 is led out are aligned in the Y direction. Therefore, compared with the above case, it is possible to alleviate the load applied to each temperature sensor line 330 between the temperature sensor element 320 and the routing structure 304. Therefore, in the embodiment, compared with the above case, it is possible to suppress disconnection of each temperature sensor line 330 between the temperature sensor element 320 and the routing structure 304.

[0063] In this embodiment, slits are provided at the front and rear portions of the connecting portion 318 in the support 310. These slits function as markers indicating the position where the temperature sensor element 320 is mounted in the mounting portion 316. For example, the edge of the temperature sensor element 320 on the -Y side can be aligned with the edge of the slit on the +Y side. Furthermore, the length of the connecting portion 318 in the X direction is relatively long. For example, when the lead-out portion 314, the mounting portion 316, and the connecting portion 318 are arranged approximately parallel to the X direction, the length of the connecting portion 318 in the X direction can be set to 60% or more of the length of the mounting portion 316 in the X direction. Therefore, the connecting portion 318 becomes a structure that restricts torsion between the lead-out portion 314 and the connecting portion 318. For example, in this embodiment, compared to the case where the length of the connecting portion 318 in the X direction is relatively short, even if the mounting portion 316 and the temperature sensor element 320 are pressed down by the battery cell 100 facing downwards from the upper plate 460, the twisting of the mounting portion 316 relative to the lead-out portion 314 can be suppressed. Therefore, in this embodiment, compared to the case described above, when the mounting portion 316 and the temperature sensor element 320 are pressed down by the upper plate 460 facing downwards, the temperature sensor element 320 can be easily positioned at the desired location.

[0064] The slits at the front and rear of the connecting part 318 may not be provided at all. Alternatively, the slit may be provided only at one of the front and rear sides of the connecting part 318.

[0065] In the implementation method, such as Figure 4 As shown, at least a portion of the temperature sensor line 330 between the front end of the temperature sensor element 320 and the upper end of the arrangement structure 304 is located at a position offset towards the -X side from the shortest path from the front end of the temperature sensor element 320 to the upper end of the arrangement structure 304. Figure 4 In the example shown, the shortest path from the front end of the temperature sensor element 320 to the upper end of the layout structure 304 is a path extending approximately parallel to the Z direction from the front end of the temperature sensor element 320 to the upper end of the layout structure 304. Assuming that the temperature sensor line 330 passes through this shortest path, sometimes near the front end of the temperature sensor element 320, the temperature sensor line 330 bends with a relatively large curvature. Conversely, in Figure 4 In the example shown, compared to the case where the temperature sensor line 330 follows the shortest path described above, the curvature of the temperature sensor line 330 between the front end of the temperature sensor element 320 and the upper end of the arrangement structure 304 can be reduced. Therefore, in Figure 4 In the example shown, compared to the case where the temperature sensor line 330 follows the shortest path described above, the breakage of the temperature sensor line 330 can be suppressed.

[0066] Using Figure 3 And Figure 4 The matters explained for the temperature sensor device 30 located at the upper left end portion of the voltage detection device 20 viewed from the rear can also be applied to the temperature sensor device 30 located at other portions of the voltage detection device 20.

[0067] Figure 5 is a left side view of the temperature sensor device 30 of the region β surrounded by a single-dot chain line located at the substantially central portion of the voltage detection device 20 viewed from the rear in Figure 2 In Figure 5 , the white circle with a black dot indicating the Y direction indicates that the +Y side is the side toward the front from the inner side of the paper, and the -Y side is the side toward the inner side from the front of the paper. Figure 5 illustrates the temperature sensor device 30 in a state in which the temperature sensor wire corresponding to the pair of temperature sensor wires 330 illustrated in Figure 3 and Figure 4 is removed.

[0068] The temperature sensor device 30 located at the substantially central portion of the voltage detection device 20 viewed from the rear is explained with reference to Figure 5 , and as necessary, with reference to Figure 2 .

[0069] As illustrated in Figure 5 , the arrangement structure 304 includes a lower locking portion 304b and an upper locking portion 304c. The lower locking portion 304b locks the temperature sensor wire 330 at a position in the vicinity of the temperature sensor element 320. The lower locking portion 304b becomes a hook structure that is open toward the front. Thus, the temperature sensor wire 330 can be made to enter the hook structure of the lower locking portion 304b from the front of the lower locking portion 304b, and the temperature sensor wire 330 can be locked to the lower locking portion 304b. The upper locking portion 304c locks the temperature sensor wire 330 at a position farther from the temperature sensor element 320 than the position of the lower locking portion 304b. The upper locking portion 304c also becomes a hook structure that is open toward the front, like the lower locking portion 304b.

[0070] In the example illustrated in Figure 5 , the Z-directional position of the upper locking portion 304c is offset to the +Z side with respect to the Z-directional position of the lower locking portion 304b. Further, the X-directional position of the upper locking portion 304c is offset toward the -X side with respect to the X-directional position of the lower locking portion 304b. In other words, the X-directional position of the upper locking portion 304c is located on the opposite side of the side on which the temperature sensor element 320 is located with respect to the X-directional position of the lower locking portion 304b. The X-directional position of the upper locking portion 304c is assumed to be shifted from the X-directional position of the lower locking portion 304b by a distance of 2 mm in the example illustrated in Figure 5The case where the position of the lower locking portion 304b is offset to the +X side and the position of the lower locking portion 304b in the X direction is aligned with the position of the upper locking portion 304c in the X direction is studied. In this case, the temperature sensor wire 330 is sometimes bent with a large curvature from the front end portion of the temperature sensor element 320 via the lower locking portion 304b to the upper locking portion 304c. In contrast, in the embodiment, the curvature of the bend of the temperature sensor wire 330 from the front end portion of the temperature sensor element 320 via the lower locking portion 304b to the upper locking portion 304c can be reduced compared to the above case. Therefore, in the embodiment, the disconnection of the temperature sensor wire 330 can be suppressed compared to the above case.

[0071] The position of the lower locking portion 304b and the position of the upper locking portion 304c are not limited to Figure 5 the example shown. For example, the position of the lower locking portion 304b can also not be in the vicinity of the temperature sensor element 320 as long as the position of the lower locking portion 304b is closer to the position of the temperature sensor element 320 than the position of the upper locking portion 304c.

[0072] The temperature sensor element 320 is used Figure 5 The matters described with respect to the temperature sensor device 30 located in the substantially central portion of the voltage detection device 20 viewed from the rear can also be applied to the temperature sensor device 30 located in other portions of the voltage detection device 20.

[0073] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the temperature sensor device 30 located in the lower portion of the voltage detection device 20. In Figure 6 , the white circle with black dots in the Y direction indicates that the +Y side is the side toward the front from the inner side of the paper, and the -Y side is the side toward the inner side from the front of the paper.

[0074] The temperature sensor device 30 located in the lower portion of the voltage detection device 20 is described with reference to Figure 6 . The matters described using Figure 6 can also be applied to the temperature sensor device 30 located in the upper portion of the voltage detection device 20.

[0075] The temperature sensor element 320 includes a thermistor 322, a thermowell 324, and a sealing body 326. The temperature sensor wire 330 includes an inner conductor 332 and a covering body 334. The thermistor 322 and the thermowell 324 are sealed by the sealing body 326. An end portion of the +X side of the thermowell 324 is electrically connected to the thermistor 322. The inner conductor 332 is covered by the covering body 334 except for an end portion of the +X side of the inner conductor 332. The end portion of the +X side of the inner conductor 332 is exposed from the covering body 334. The end portion of the +X side of the inner conductor 332 enters the sealing body 326. The other end portion of the -X side of the thermowell 324 and the end portion of the +X side of the inner conductor 332 are electrically connected to each other via a connection conductor 340 between the other end portion of the -X side of the thermowell 324 and the end portion of the +X side of the inner conductor 332.

[0076] The upper surface of the support body 310 and the lower surface of the sealing body 326 are joined to each other via an adhesive 350. The adhesive 350 is not only between the upper surface of the support body 310 and the lower surface of the sealing body 326 but also between the upper surface of the support body 310 and the lower surface of the covering body 334. Therefore, the upper surface of the support body 310 and the lower surface of the covering body 334 are also joined to each other via the adhesive 350. The case where the adhesive 350 is not between the upper surface of the support body 310 and the lower surface of the covering body 334 is assumed to be investigated. In this case, in the arrangement of the temperature sensor wire 330, it is sometimes difficult to suppress damage to the internal elements of the sealing body 326 in the temperature sensor element 320 due to the tensile load applied to the temperature sensor element 320 via the temperature sensor wire 330. In contrast, in the embodiment, it is possible to make it difficult for the tensile load via the temperature sensor wire 330 to be applied to the temperature sensor element 320 compared to the above case. Therefore, in the embodiment, it is possible to suppress damage to the internal elements of the sealing body 326 in the temperature sensor element 320 compared to the above case.

[0077] The joining portion that joins the support body 310 and the temperature sensor wire 330 to each other is not limited to the adhesive 350. For example, a fixing member that fixes the support body 310 and the temperature sensor wire 330 to each other can be used instead of the adhesive 350 as the joining portion.

[0078] The above describes the embodiment of the application with reference to the drawings, but these are examples of the application, and various structures other than the above can also be employed.

[0079] This application claims priority based on Japanese Application No. 2023-047776 filed on March 24, 2023, and the entire disclosure thereof is incorporated herein.

[0080] -Explanation of Reference Numerals-

[0081] 1: battery module, 10: cell stack, 20: voltage detection device, 30: temperature sensor device, 40: housing, 100: battery cell, 102: outer member, 104: positive tab, 106: negative tab, 108: tab connecting portion, 200: protector, 202: opening, 210: voltage detection terminal, 232: positive busbar, 234: negative busbar, 300: partial protector, 302: holding structure, 304: arrangement structure, 304a: claw, 304b: lower locking portion, 304c: upper locking portion, 310: support body, 312: base end portion, 314: lead-out portion, 316: mounting portion, 318: connecting portion, 320: temperature sensor element, 322: thermistor, 324: Dumet wire, 326: sealing body, 330: temperature sensor wire, 332: inner conductor, 334: covering body, 340: connecting conductor, 350: adhesive, 410: front plate, 420: rear plate, 430: right plate, 440: left plate, 450: lower plate, 452: thermally conductive adhesive, 460: upper plate.

Claims

1. A temperature sensor device, characterized by Possessing: a protector covering at least a part of a battery cell; a support body held in a given first configuration of the protector; a temperature sensor element supported by the support body; and a temperature sensor wire electrically connected to the temperature sensor element and routed via a second configuration at a position offset in a given direction from the first configuration of the protector, the support body has a first portion leading from the first configuration and a second portion at a position offset in the given direction from the first portion, on which the temperature sensor element is mounted.

2. The temperature sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the support body has a configuration that restricts twisting between the first portion and the second portion.

3. The temperature sensor device according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the temperature sensor wire between the temperature sensor element and the second configuration is at a position offset from a shortest path from the temperature sensor element to the second configuration.

4. The temperature sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the second configuration has a first locking portion that locks the temperature sensor wire at a given first position and a second locking portion that locks the temperature sensor wire at a second position farther from the temperature sensor element than the first position, the second position is at a position offset in the opposite direction from the side on which the temperature sensor element is located, relative to the first position.

5. The temperature sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor device further possesses an engaging portion that at least partially engages the support body and the temperature sensor wire with each other.

6. A temperature sensor device, characterized by Possessing: a protector covering at least a part of a battery cell; a support body held in the protector; a temperature sensor element supported by the support body; a temperature sensor wire electrically connected to the temperature sensor element and routed via the protector; and an engaging portion that at least partially engages the support body and the temperature sensor wire with each other. Possessing:

7. A voltage detection device, characterized by, the sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and a voltage detection terminal held by the protector that detects the voltage of the battery cell.

8. A battery module possessing: the voltage detection device according to claim 7; and the battery cell. ​

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