Battery device

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery device equipped with a battery cell having a sulfide-based electrolyte, which offers high accuracy in detecting hydrogen sulfide generated from the battery cell. [Solution] The battery device comprises a battery cell having a sulfide-based electrolyte, a substrate having a detection unit that reacts with hydrogen sulfide, and an insulating member interposed between a part of the substrate and the battery cell. Part or all of the detection unit is exposed in the space enclosed by the battery cell, the substrate, and the insulating member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery device including a battery cell having a sulfide-based electrolyte. In particular, it relates to a technique for detecting hydrogen sulfide generated from a battery cell.

Background Art

[0002] All-solid-state batteries are attracting attention as next-generation battery cells included in battery devices such as batteries. All-solid-state batteries have advantages such as high safety and long life compared to conventional batteries in which the electrolyte is liquid. In particular, all-solid-state batteries using sulfide-based electrolytes are expected to be used for vehicle batteries such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) because they have a large capacity and high output.

[0003] On the other hand, when a battery cell having a sulfide-based electrolyte is configured as a battery cell of an all-solid-state battery, there is a risk of generating hydrogen sulfide gas due to a failure. Hydrogen sulfide gas is toxic and corrodes surrounding metal parts. Therefore, in a battery device including a battery cell having a sulfide-based electrolyte, it is required to detect the generation of hydrogen sulfide.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a hydrogen sulfide sensor placed in a battery case detects the generation of hydrogen sulfide in a battery pack in which a battery cell having a sulfide-based electrolyte is housed in the battery case. In addition, there is the following Patent Document 2 as a document showing the technical level of this technical field.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0006] When hydrogen sulfide is generated from battery cells, it is desirable to detect the generation of hydrogen sulfide as quickly and reliably as possible. In configurations where the hydrogen sulfide sensor is placed inside the battery case, there is a risk of low detection accuracy, such as the inability to detect hydrogen sulfide generation until the concentration of hydrogen sulfide inside the battery case reaches a certain level. Thus, there is a need to improve the accuracy of hydrogen sulfide generation detection in battery devices.

[0007] This disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned issues. One of the purposes of this disclosure is to provide a battery device with high accuracy in detecting hydrogen sulfide. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a battery device. The battery device comprises a battery cell having a sulfide-based electrolyte, a substrate having a detection unit that reacts with hydrogen sulfide, and an insulating member interposed between a part of the substrate and the battery cell. Part or all of the detection unit is exposed in the space enclosed by the battery cell, the substrate, and the insulating member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The battery device according to this disclosure can detect the generation of hydrogen sulfide from a battery cell by a detection unit that reacts with hydrogen sulfide. In particular, according to this disclosure, an insulating member is interposed between a part of the substrate having the detection unit and the battery cell. The detection unit is exposed in the space surrounded by the battery cell, the substrate and the insulating member. That is, the detection unit is positioned to face the battery cell. This allows the detection unit to be placed near the battery cell while suppressing short circuits caused by contact between the substrate and the battery cell. Therefore, when hydrogen sulfide is generated from the battery cell, the hydrogen sulfide can be reacted with the detection unit quickly and reliably, even when the concentration of hydrogen sulfide is low. As a result, a battery device with high accuracy in detecting hydrogen sulfide can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a battery device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a battery device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the method for determining the generation of hydrogen sulfide using a monitoring circuit in a battery device. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the monitoring circuit. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a third modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a fourth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a fourth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a fifth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a fifth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a battery device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a battery device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a battery device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a battery device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a battery device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a battery device according to the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is simplified or omitted.

[0012] 1 First Embodiment 1.1 Configuration FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are schematic diagrams showing the configuration of a battery device 1 according to the first embodiment. The battery device 1 includes a battery cell 10, a substrate 20, an insulating member 30, and a monitoring circuit 100. (A) and (B) in FIG. 1 respectively show the battery device 1 when viewed from different directions. In the present embodiment, for the purpose of indicating three-dimensional directions, an X direction, a Y direction, and a Z direction are defined. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are directions orthogonal to each other. In the first embodiment, the X direction is the width direction with respect to the front surface of the battery cell 10. The Y direction is the depth direction with respect to the front surface of the battery cell 10. The Z direction is the vertical direction. (A) in FIG. 1 shows the battery device 1 when viewed from the Y direction, and (B) shows the battery device 1 when viewed from the Z direction. (B) in FIG. 1 can also be referred to as a top view of the battery device 1. FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the battery device 1 viewed from the X direction with respect to the cutting line A - A' shown in FIG. 1.

[0013] The battery cell 10 has a sulfide-based electrolyte. Typically, the battery cell 10 is an all-solid-state battery using a solid sulfide-based electrolyte. The form of the battery cell 10 is not particularly limited. For example, the form of the battery cell 10 may be a laminate type or a rectangular type.

[0014] The substrate 20 is a printed circuit board (PCB) having a pattern formed of metal. The substrate 20 may particularly be a flexible printed circuit (FPC). In the first embodiment, the substrate 20 is disposed on the upper surface of the battery cell 10 and extends in the X direction.

[0015] As shown in Figure 2, the insulating member 30 is interposed between a portion of the substrate 20 and the battery cell 10. The insulating member 30 is in contact with both the substrate 20 and the battery cell 10, electrically insulating them. The insulating member 30 is made of, for example, a resin material. In the first embodiment, the insulating member 30 is a member that covers the upper part of the battery cell 10, including the electrode terminals 11. For example, the insulating member 30 is the case for the busbar module of the battery cell 10. In Figure 1, to show the arrangement of the substrate 20, only the outer outline of the insulating member 30 is shown with a dashed line, and the rest of the insulating member 30 is shown as transparent.

[0016] The substrate 20 has a detection unit 21 that reacts to hydrogen sulfide. For example, the metal used to form the pattern on the substrate 20 is a metal that corrodes when it reacts with hydrogen sulfide (e.g., copper, silver). The detection unit 21 is formed when a part of the pattern on the substrate 20 is exposed on the surface of the substrate 20. This can be achieved by configuring the substrate 20 so that surface protection (e.g., solder resist, coverlay) or surface treatment (e.g., plating) is not applied to a part of the pattern. The detection unit 21 formed in this way detects the generation of hydrogen sulfide when the metal corrodes. However, the detection unit 21 may also be composed of electronic components such as a fuse that breaks when it reacts with hydrogen sulfide or a sensor that detects hydrogen sulfide.

[0017] In the battery device 1, the detection unit 21 is exposed in the space 40 surrounded by the battery cell 10, the substrate 20, and the insulating member 30. That is, as shown in Figure 2, the detection unit 21 is provided on the surface 20-S1 (hereinafter referred to as "first surface 20-S1") of the substrate 20 facing the space 40. The first surface 20-S1 can also be said to be the surface of the substrate 20 facing the battery cell 10. Note that in Figure 1(B), the detection unit 21 is shown to illustrate its arrangement on the substrate 20. In the example shown in Figure 1(B), the detection unit 21 is located between the two electrode terminals 11 of the battery cell 10. However, note that the detection unit 21 is typically not provided on the surface 20-S2 (hereinafter referred to as "second surface 20-S2") opposite to the first surface 20-S1.

[0018] In the first embodiment, the insulating member 30 is integrally formed to cover a portion of the first surface 20-S1, the side surface 20-L, and the second surface 20-S2 of the substrate 20, as shown in Figure 2. In other words, the insulating member 30 is integrally formed to surround the substrate 20. In particular, the space 40 is an opening in the insulating member 30. That is, the substrate 20 is arranged so that the detection unit 21 overlaps with the opening in the insulating member 30. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the thickness Td of the detection unit 21 is thinner than the thickness Ti of the insulating member 30 in the portion surrounding the space 40. If the detection unit 21 is formed by a portion of the pattern on the substrate 20, the thickness Td of the detection unit 21 is the thickness of the pattern on the substrate 20.

[0019] Furthermore, the substrate 20 is bonded to the insulating member 30 at the boundary 31 of the space 40. In the first embodiment, the boundary 31 of the space 40 can also be defined as the boundary of the opening in the insulating member 30. The adhesive used to bond the substrate 20 and the insulating member 30 may be selected as appropriate.

[0020] The monitoring circuit 100 is connected to the circuit board 20 and monitors the detection status of the detection unit 21. Based on the detection status of the detection unit 21, the monitoring circuit 100 determines whether or not hydrogen sulfide is being generated from the battery cell 10. The method by which the monitoring circuit 100 determines the generation of hydrogen sulfide will be described later.

[0021] In this way, the battery device 1 can detect the generation of hydrogen sulfide using the detection unit 21. Multiple battery devices 1 described above may be combined to form a battery stack. In such a battery stack, the monitoring circuit 100 may determine whether or not hydrogen sulfide is being generated for each of the multiple battery cells 10. All-solid-state batteries using sulfide-based electrolytes have high capacity and high output, making them suitable for batteries in vehicles such as BEVs and HEVs. Therefore, a battery stack configured in this way may be a battery specifically mounted in a vehicle.

[0022] 1.2 Detection of hydrogen sulfide generation using a monitoring circuit The following describes how the monitoring circuit 100 determines the generation of hydrogen sulfide. In particular, the case in which the detection unit 21 is formed by the pattern on the substrate 20 will be described. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating how the monitoring circuit 100 determines the generation of hydrogen sulfide.

[0023] The monitoring circuit 100 and the circuit board 20 are connected via a connector 110. The pattern 22 on the circuit board 20 forms a wiring that electrically connects the first node 401 and the second node 402. The wiring forms a single current path. In the monitoring circuit 100, the first node 401 is connected to a power supply with voltage Vcc (e.g., 5V) via a resistor 120, and the second node 402 is connected to ground GND at a reference potential (e.g., 0V).

[0024] The monitoring circuit 100 includes a monitoring processing unit 130. The monitoring processing unit 130 is a computer that performs the process of monitoring voltage. In particular, the monitoring processing unit 130 may be a microcontroller. The monitoring processing unit 130 is configured to receive the potential between the resistor 120 and the first node 401 as input. For example, when the monitoring processing unit 130 is a microcontroller, the input port of the microcontroller is connected between the resistor 120 and the first node 401. The resistor 120 acts as a pull-up resistor for the monitoring processing unit 130. For example, the resistance value of the resistor 120 is about 10kΩ. Since the second node 402 is connected to ground GND, the monitoring processing unit 130 can detect the voltage between the first node 401 and the second node 402. Note that the voltage between the first node 401 and the second node can also be indirectly detected by measuring the voltage across the resistor 120. Therefore, the monitoring processing unit 130 may be configured to measure the voltage across the resistor 120.

[0025] The monitoring and processing unit 130 includes one or more processors 131 (hereinafter simply referred to as processor 131) and one or more storage devices 132 (hereinafter simply referred to as storage devices 132). The processor 131 executes various processes. The processor 131 is composed of, for example, a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), an integrated circuit, a conventional circuit, and one or more combinations thereof. The processor 131 can also be called processing circuitry. The storage device 132 stores various information necessary for the execution of processes by the processor 131. The storage device 132 is composed of, for example, a recording medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), SSD (Solid State Drive), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc. The storage device 132 stores computer programs that can be executed by the processor 131. The computer program consists of multiple instruction codes that describe the processes to be executed by the processor 131. The computer program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The functions of the monitoring processing unit 130 are realized through the cooperation of the processor 131, which executes the computer program, and the storage device 132.

[0026] Under normal conditions, that is, when no hydrogen sulfide is being generated from the battery cell 10, the path between the first node 401 and the second node 402 is simply a current path with no resistance. Therefore, the potential of the ground GND is input directly to the monitoring and processing unit 130. In other words, the monitoring and processing unit 130 acquires the reference potential as a detected value.

[0027] In the event of an abnormality, that is, when hydrogen sulfide is generated from the battery cell 10, the metal of the detection unit 21 corrodes in reaction with the generated hydrogen sulfide. As the metal corrodes and turns into sulfides, the resistance value of the detection unit 21 increases. Furthermore, the metal tends to move radially due to corrosion. The corroded metal also moves when vibrations are applied. For example, vibrations from the vehicle cause the corroded metal to move. As corrosion progresses in this way, the metal of the detection unit 21 gradually disappears and its cross-sectional area decreases. As a result, the resistance value of the detection unit 21 increases further. Ultimately, the metal of the detection unit 21 will break.

[0028] As the resistance of the detection unit 21 increases, the monitoring and processing unit 130 acquires the voltage division due to the resistance of the detection unit 21 as the detected value. In other words, as the resistance of the detection unit 21 increases, the detected value of the monitoring and processing unit 130 rises from the reference potential. Finally, when the detection unit 21 is disconnected, the power supply voltage Vcc is input directly to the monitoring and processing unit 130. That is, the monitoring and processing unit 130 acquires the power supply voltage Vcc as the detected value.

[0029] When the detection unit 21 is formed by the pattern 22 on the substrate 20 in this way, the detection state of the detection unit 21 appears as a voltage between the first node 401 and the second node 402. That is, when hydrogen sulfide is generated from the battery cell 10, the detected value of the monitoring and processing unit 130 changes from the reference potential to Vcc. Therefore, the monitoring and processing unit 130 can determine whether or not hydrogen sulfide is being generated from the battery cell 10 based on the change in the detected value (voltage between the first node 401 and the second node 402). For example, the monitoring and processing unit 130 determines that hydrogen sulfide is being generated from the battery cell 10 when the amount of change in the detected value from its initial value becomes greater than a threshold. Alternatively, the monitoring and processing unit 130 may use the detected value as is without calculating the amount of change in the detected value, and determine that hydrogen sulfide is being generated from the battery cell 10 when the detected value becomes greater than a threshold.

[0030] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the monitoring circuit 100 (more specifically, the monitoring processing unit 130). The processing flow shown in Figure 4 is executed repeatedly at predetermined processing cycles.

[0031] First, in step S110, the monitoring circuit 100 acquires the detected value. Next, in step S120, the monitoring circuit 100 calculates the amount of change from the initial value of the detected value. In the monitoring circuit 100 described above, the initial value of the detected value is the reference potential, and the amount of change from the initial value is the difference between the detected value and the reference potential. In particular, when the reference potential is 0V, the amount of change from the initial value matches the detected value. Next, in step S130, the monitoring circuit 100 determines whether the calculated amount of change is greater than a threshold.

[0032] If the fluctuation amount is below the threshold (step S130; No), the monitoring circuit 100 terminates the process, determining that no hydrogen sulfide is being generated. If the fluctuation amount is greater than the threshold (step S130; Yes), the monitoring circuit 100 determines that hydrogen sulfide is being generated from the battery cell (step S140). The monitoring circuit 100 may further execute a process to warn the user (e.g., vehicle driver) that hydrogen sulfide is being generated by display or sound.

[0033] Note that the processing flow shown in Figure 4 is just one example. The monitoring circuit 100 can also determine whether hydrogen sulfide is being generated from the battery cell 10 using other processing flows. For example, as described above, the monitoring circuit 100 may be configured to determine whether hydrogen sulfide is being generated from the battery cell 10 by using the detected value directly without calculating the amount of change in the detected value. In this case, the processing related to step S120 in the processing flow shown in Figure 4 is skipped. In step S130, it is determined whether the detected value is greater than the threshold. If the detected value is greater than the threshold, the monitoring circuit 100 can determine whether hydrogen sulfide is being generated from the battery cell 10. Alternatively, the monitoring circuit 100 can also determine whether hydrogen sulfide is being generated from the battery cell 10 by using the detected value of a part of pattern 22 that is different from that of the detection unit 21 and comparing that detected value with the detected value of the detection unit 21.

[0034] In this way, the monitoring circuit 100 can determine whether or not hydrogen sulfide is being generated from the battery cell 10 based on the detection state of the detection unit 21. Therefore, in the battery device 1, the monitoring circuit 100 and the circuit board 20 constitute a hydrogen sulfide detection device that detects hydrogen sulfide generated from the battery cell 10.

[0035] The monitoring circuit 100 described above was configured such that resistor 120 acts as a pull-up resistor for the monitoring processing unit 130. However, the monitoring circuit 100 can be configured in other ways. For example, the monitoring circuit 100 can be configured such that resistor 120 acts as a pull-down resistor for the monitoring processing unit 130. That is, the first node 401 may be directly connected to the power supply, and the second node 402 may be connected to ground GND via resistor 120. The monitoring processing unit 130 may then be configured to detect the voltage between the first node 401 and the second node 402. For example, the input port of the monitoring processing unit 130 may be connected between resistor 120 and the second node 402. When the monitoring circuit 100 is configured in this way, under normal conditions, the monitoring processing unit 130 acquires the power supply voltage Vcc as a detected value. When hydrogen sulfide is generated from the battery cell 10, the detected value of the monitoring processing unit 130 will change from Vcc to a reference potential. Therefore, the monitoring circuit 100 configured in this way can similarly determine whether or not hydrogen sulfide is being generated from the battery cell 10 based on the detection state of the detection unit 21. The processing flow of the process executed by the monitoring circuit 100 at this time may be the same as that shown in Figure 4. In this case, the initial value of the detected value is the power supply voltage Vcc, and the amount of change from the initial value is the difference between the detected value and Vcc. In addition, the monitoring circuit 100 can also be configured to monitor the detection state of the detection unit 21 by applying a bridge circuit or the like. When a bridge circuit is applied, contact resistance and the like can be reduced.

[0036] Furthermore, if the detection unit 21 is composed of an electronic component, the monitoring circuit 100 can monitor the detection state by measuring the state of the electronic component or by acquiring a signal from the electronic component. For example, if the detection unit 21 is a fuse, the monitoring circuit 100 is configured to measure the voltage across the fuse. This allows the monitoring circuit 100 to monitor whether or not the fuse is open. Alternatively, if the detection unit 21 is a sensor, the monitoring circuit 100 is configured to acquire a signal from the sensor indicating the detection state. In this way, even when the detection unit 21 is composed of an electronic component, the monitoring circuit 100 can determine whether or not hydrogen sulfide is being generated from the battery cell 10 based on the detection state of the detection unit 21.

[0037] 1.3 Effects As described above, the battery device 1 according to the first embodiment can detect the generation of hydrogen sulfide from the battery cell 10 by a detection unit 21 that reacts with hydrogen sulfide. In particular, according to the first embodiment, an insulating member 30 is interposed between a part of the substrate 20 having the detection unit 21 and the battery cell 10. The detection unit 21 is exposed in the space 40 surrounded by the battery cell 10, the substrate 20 and the insulating member 30. That is, the detection unit 21 is provided on the first surface 20-S1 of the substrate 20 facing the battery cell 10. This allows the detection unit 21 to be positioned near the battery cell 10 while suppressing contact and short circuit between the substrate 20 and the battery cell 10. Therefore, when hydrogen sulfide is generated from the battery cell 10, the hydrogen sulfide can be reacted with the detection unit 21 quickly and reliably, even when the concentration of hydrogen sulfide is low. Thus, according to the first embodiment, a battery device 1 with high hydrogen sulfide detection accuracy can be provided.

[0038] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the detection unit 21 may be formed by exposing a portion of the pattern 22 on the substrate 20 to the surface of the substrate 20. The pattern 22 on the substrate 20 can be formed to be extremely thin. For example, the pattern 22 can be formed to a thickness of about 50 μm. By forming the detection unit 21 with such a pattern 22, the thickness of the substrate 20 can be reduced, and the battery device 1 can be made smaller. As a result, the cost of the battery device 1 can be reduced. In addition, the detection unit 21 formed by the pattern 22 immediately reacts with hydrogen sulfide and corrodes. As a result, the detection accuracy of the battery device 1 can be improved.

[0039] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the insulating member 30 is integrally formed to cover a part of the first surface 20-S1, the side surface 20-L, and the second surface 20-S2 of the substrate 20. In particular, the space 40 is an opening in the insulating member 30. This suppresses the leakage of hydrogen sulfide generated from the battery cell 10 to the outside and makes it easier for the detection unit 21 to react with hydrogen sulfide. As a result, the detection accuracy of the battery device 1 can be improved. In addition, the protective performance of the substrate 20 can be improved.

[0040] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the thickness Td of the detection unit 21 is thinner than the thickness Ti of the insulating member 30 surrounding the space 40. This prevents contact between the substrate 20 and the battery cell 10 even when the detection unit 21 reacts with hydrogen sulfide and its volume increases. As a result, the insulation performance of the battery device 1 can be improved.

[0041] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the substrate 20 is bonded to the insulating member 30 at the boundary 31 of the space 40. This makes it easier to retain hydrogen sulfide generated from the battery cell 10 in the space 40. As a result, the detection accuracy of the battery device 1 can be further improved.

[0042] 1.4 Variations The battery device 1 according to the first embodiment can be modified in various ways. Several modifications of the battery device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

[0043] 1.4.1 First Variation In the first modified example, the insulating member 30 is further interposed between a part of the detection unit 21 and the battery cell 10. In other words, the detection unit 21 includes a portion exposed to the space 40 (hereinafter referred to as the "first detection unit") and the remaining portion (hereinafter referred to as the "second detection unit"). The insulating member 30 is then interposed between the second detection unit and the battery cell 10.

[0044] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the first modified example. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 2. In the example shown in Figure 5, the detection unit 21 includes a first detection unit 21-1 and a second detection unit 21-2. The insulating member 30 is interposed between the second detection unit 21-2 and the battery cell 10. If the insulating member 30 is integrally formed, it can be seen that the insulating member 30 has multiple openings that expose the first detection unit 21-1 to the space 40. However, the insulating member 30 interposed between the second detection unit 21-2 and the battery cell 10 may be separate members.

[0045] According to the first modified example, the insulating member 30 is interposed between a part of the detection unit 21 and the battery cell 10. This improves the insulation of the battery device 1. Furthermore, if the detection unit 21 is formed by the pattern 22 of the substrate 20, the strength of the detection unit 21 can be improved.

[0046] 1.4.2 Second Variation In the second modified example, the insulating member 30 is interposed between at least the portion of the first surface 20-S1 of the substrate 20 other than the detection portion 21 and the battery cell 10. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the second modified example. Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 2. In the example shown in Figure 6, compared to the case shown in Figure 2, it can be seen that the insulating member 30 is interposed between the portion of the first surface 20-S1 of the substrate 20 other than the detection portion 21 and the battery cell 10. That is, the portion of the first surface 20-S1 of the substrate 20 other than the detection portion 21 is not exposed to the space 40.

[0047] According to the second modified example, the insulating member 30 is interposed between at least the portion of the first surface 20-S1 of the substrate 20 other than the detection unit 21 and the battery cell 10. This makes it possible to improve the insulation of the battery device 1 while ensuring the detection accuracy of the battery device 1.

[0048] 1.4.3 Third Variation In the third modified example, the substrate 20 has a recess on the first surface 20-S1. Furthermore, the detection unit 21 is provided in the recess. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the third modified example. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 2. In the example shown in Figure 7, compared to the case shown in Figure 2, the substrate 20 has a recess 23. The detection unit 21 is provided in the recess 23.

[0049] According to the third modification, the presence of a recess 23 in the substrate 20 further suppresses contact between the substrate 20 and the battery cell 10. This improves the insulation of the battery device 1. Furthermore, hydrogen sulfide generated from the battery cell 10 is more likely to accumulate in the recess 23. Therefore, by providing the detection unit 21 in the recess 23, the detection accuracy of the battery device 1 can be further improved.

[0050] 1.4.4 Fourth Variation In the fourth modification, the detection unit 21 is provided so as to face the sealing portion of the battery cell 10. Figures 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams showing an example of the fourth modification. Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of the configuration of the battery device 1, similar to Figure 1. Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view taken from the X direction with respect to the cutting line A-A' shown in Figure 8.

[0051] Figure 8(A) shows the sealing portion 12 of the battery cell 10. The sealing portion 12 seals the upper edge of the battery cell 10. In the example shown in Figure 8(B), the detection unit 21 is positioned on the edge of the battery cell 10. That is, as shown in Figure 9, the detection unit 21 is provided so as to face the sealing portion 12 of the battery cell 10.

[0052] The most likely location for hydrogen sulfide generation in the battery cell 10 is the sealing portion 12 of the battery cell 10. This is because the sealing portion 12 tends to have lower resistance to scratches than other parts. Therefore, according to the fourth modification, the detection accuracy of the battery device 1 can be further improved by positioning the detection unit 212 opposite the sealing portion 12.

[0053] 1.4.5 Fifth Variation In the fifth modification, the insulating member 30 is formed to surround the sealing portion 12 of the battery cell 10. Figures 10 and 11 are schematic diagrams showing an example of the fifth modification. Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of the configuration of the battery device 1, similar to Figure 1. Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view taken from the X direction with respect to the cutting line A-A' shown in Figure 10, and a cross-sectional view taken from the X direction with respect to the cutting line B-B'.

[0054] Figure 10(A) shows the sealing portion 12 of the battery cell 10. The sealing portion 12 seals the upper edge of the battery cell 10. In the example shown in Figure 10(A), the sealing portion 12 is covered by the outer casing (dashed line) of the insulating member 30. In the example shown in Figure 10(B), the detection unit 21 is positioned outside the electrode terminals 11 of the battery cell 10, compared to the case shown in Figure 1(B). As shown in Figure 11, the insulating member 30 is formed to surround the sealing portion 12.

[0055] As described above, the sealing portion 12 of the battery cell 10 is highly likely to be a site of hydrogen sulfide generation in the battery cell 10. Therefore, according to the fifth modification, since the insulating member 30 is formed to surround the sealing portion 12, the hydrogen sulfide gas generated from the battery cell 10 can be contained within the insulating member 30. As a result, leakage of hydrogen sulfide from the battery device 1 can be suppressed. In addition, since the generated hydrogen sulfide can be kept near the detection unit 21, the detection accuracy of the battery device 1 can be further improved. Note that in the fifth modification, the shape of the insulating member 30 shown in Figure 11 is just an example. The insulating member 30 only needs to be formed to surround the sealing portion 12, and its shape can be suitably selected.

[0056] 1.4.6 Others The above-described modifications can be combined as appropriate. For example, the third and fourth modifications may be combined. In this case, the detection unit 21 is provided in the recess 23 of the substrate 20 and is positioned opposite the sealing portion 12 of the battery cell 10.

[0057] 2. Second Embodiment The second embodiment will be described below. However, the following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and explanations of content that overlaps with the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0058] Figures 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams showing the configuration of a battery device 1 according to the second embodiment. The battery device 1 comprises a plurality of battery cells 10 constituting a battery stack, a substrate 20, and an insulating member 30. Figures 12(A) and (B) show the battery device 1 viewed from different directions, respectively. In the second embodiment, the X direction is the width direction of the battery stack. The Y direction is the depth direction of the battery stack. The Z direction is the vertical direction. Figure 12(A) shows the battery device 1 viewed from the X direction, and (B) shows it viewed from the Z direction. Figure 12(B) can also be called a top view of the battery device 1. Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view taken from the Y direction with respect to the cutting line C-C' shown in Figure 12.

[0059] In the second embodiment, the substrate 20 is positioned on the upper surface of a plurality of battery cells 10 and extends in the Y direction. The insulating member 30 is present at both ends of the substrate 20 and is interposed between a portion of the substrate 20 and the battery cells 10. The detection unit 21 of the substrate 20 is exposed in the space 40 enclosed by the battery cells 10, the substrate 20, and the insulating member 30. In other words, the detection unit 21 is provided on the first surface 20-S1 of the substrate 20, similar to the first embodiment. In the example shown in (B) in Figure 12, the detection unit 21 is positioned to extend in the Y direction between the two electrode terminals 11 of each battery cell 10. Furthermore, the battery device 1 may also include a monitoring circuit 100 connected to the substrate 20 and monitoring the detection state of the detection unit 21, similar to the first embodiment.

[0060] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, the electrode terminals 11 of the battery cell 10 are located within the space 40 and are not in contact with the substrate 20. In other words, the thickness Ti of the insulating member 30 is greater than the length of the electrode terminals 11.

[0061] 2.2 Effects The battery device 1 according to the second embodiment, like the first embodiment, can detect the generation of hydrogen sulfide from the battery cell 10 by a detection unit 21 that reacts with hydrogen sulfide. Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, like the first embodiment, an insulating member 30 is interposed between a part of the substrate 20 having the detection unit 21 and the battery cell 10. The detection unit 21 is exposed in the space 40 surrounded by the battery cell 10, the substrate 20 and the insulating member 30. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, like the first embodiment, a battery device 1 with high accuracy in detecting hydrogen sulfide can be provided.

[0062] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the electrode terminals 11 of the battery cell 10 are located within the space 40 and do not come into contact with the substrate 20. Generally, in the battery cell 10, the sealing at the joint of the electrode terminals 11 is weak. Therefore, the area around the electrode terminals 11 is highly likely to be a source of hydrogen sulfide generation. Accordingly, by configuring it in this way, it is possible to suppress short circuits with the substrate 20 while keeping the hydrogen sulfide generated from the area around the electrode terminals 11 within the space 40. As a result, the detection accuracy of the battery device 1 can be improved.

[0063] 2.3 Variations As a modified example, the insulating member 30 may be integrally formed to cover a portion of the first surface 20-S1, the side surface 20-L, and the second surface 20-S2 of the substrate 20, similar to the first embodiment. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a modified example. Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 13. In the example shown in Figure 14, the insulating member 30 is integrally formed to cover a portion of the first surface 20-S1, the side surface 20-L, and the second surface 20-S2 of the substrate 20. In other words, the insulating member 30 is integrally formed to surround the substrate 20. In particular, the space 40 is an opening in the insulating member 30. According to the modified example, the detection accuracy of the battery device 1 can be improved. Furthermore, the protective performance of the substrate 20 can be improved.

[0064] As further variations, the first to fifth variations described in the first embodiment can also be applied to the second embodiment as appropriate.

[0065] 3. Third Embodiment The third embodiment will be described below. However, the following description will focus on the differences from the first and second embodiments, and explanations of content that overlaps with the first and second embodiments will be omitted as appropriate.

[0066] Figures 15 and 16 are schematic diagrams showing the configuration of a battery device 1 according to the third embodiment. The battery device 1 comprises a plurality of battery cells 10 constituting a battery stack, a substrate 20, and an insulating member 30. Figures 15(A) and (B) show the battery device 1 viewed from different directions. In the third embodiment, the X direction is the width direction of the battery stack. The Y direction is the depth direction of the battery stack. The Z direction is the vertical direction. Figure 15(A) shows the battery device 1 viewed from the X direction, and (B) shows it viewed from the Z direction. Figure 15(B) can also be called a top view of the battery device 1. Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional view taken from the Y direction with respect to the cutting line D-D' shown in Figure 15.

[0067] In the third embodiment, the electrode terminals 11 of each battery cell 10 are lateral terminals. The substrate 20 is arranged on the electrode terminal 11 side of the plurality of battery cells 10 and extends in the Y direction. The insulating member 30 is present at both ends of the substrate 20 and is interposed between a part of the substrate 20 and the battery cell 10. The detection unit 21 of the substrate 20 is exposed in the space 40 enclosed by the battery cell 10, the substrate 20 and the insulating member 30. In other words, the detection unit 21 is provided on the first surface 20-S1 of the substrate 20, similar to the first embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 15 (A), the detection unit 21 is arranged to extend in the Y direction, closer to the lower of the two electrode terminals 11. Furthermore, the battery device 1 may also include a monitoring circuit 100 connected to the substrate 20 and monitoring the detection state of the detection unit 21, similar to the first embodiment.

[0068] As shown in Figure 16, in the third embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the electrode terminals 11 of the battery cell 10 are located within the space 40 and are not in contact with the substrate 20. In other words, the thickness Ti of the insulating member 30 is greater than the length of the electrode terminals 11. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the detection unit 21 is located closer to the lower of the two electrode terminals 11.

[0069] 3.2 Effects The battery device 1 according to the third embodiment, like the first embodiment, can detect the generation of hydrogen sulfide from the battery cell 10 by a detection unit 21 that reacts with hydrogen sulfide. Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, like the first embodiment, an insulating member 30 is interposed between a part of the substrate 20 having the detection unit 21 and the battery cell 10. The detection unit 21 is exposed in the space 40 surrounded by the battery cell 10, the substrate 20 and the insulating member 30. Therefore, according to the third embodiment, like the first embodiment, a battery device 1 with high accuracy in detecting hydrogen sulfide can be provided.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the electrode terminals 11 of the battery cell 10 are located within the space 40 and do not come into contact with the substrate 20. This prevents short circuits with the substrate 20 while keeping hydrogen sulfide generated near the electrode terminals 11 within the space 40. As a result, the detection accuracy of the battery device 1 can be improved.

[0071] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, the detection unit 21 is located closer to the lower of the two electrode terminals 11. In the third embodiment, the electrode terminals 11 of the battery cell 10 are lateral terminals. Therefore, hydrogen sulfide generated near the electrode terminals 11 tends to spread downwards. Thus, this configuration makes it easier for the detection unit 21 to react with hydrogen sulfide. As a result, the detection accuracy of the battery device 1 can be improved.

[0072] 3.3 Variant Examples As a modification, the insulating member 30 may be integrally formed to cover a portion of the first surface 20-S1, the side surface 20-L, and the second surface 20-S2 of the substrate 20, similar to the first embodiment. In other words, the insulating member 30 may be integrally formed to surround the substrate 20. According to this modification, the detection accuracy of the battery device 1 can be improved. Furthermore, the protective performance of the substrate 20 can be improved.

[0073] As further variations, the first to fifth variations described in the first embodiment can be applied to the third embodiment as appropriate.

[0074] 4. Fourth Embodiment The fourth embodiment will be described below. However, the following description will focus on the differences from the first and second embodiments, and explanations of content that overlaps with the first and second embodiments will be omitted as appropriate.

[0075] Figures 17 and 18 are schematic diagrams showing the configuration of a battery device 1 according to the fourth embodiment. The battery device 1 comprises a plurality of battery cells 10 constituting a battery stack, a plurality of substrates 20, and a plurality of insulating members 30. The plurality of battery cells 10 are arranged in two rows of three to form a battery stack. Figures 17(A) and (B) show the battery device 1 viewed from different directions. In the fourth embodiment, the X direction is the direction in which the rows of battery cells 10 are arranged. The Y direction is the direction in which the battery cells 10 are arranged in rows. The Z direction is the vertical direction. Figure 17(A) shows the battery device 1 viewed from the Y direction, and (B) shows it viewed from the Z direction. Figure 17(B) can also be called a top view of the battery device 1. Figure 18 shows a cross-sectional view taken from the X direction with respect to the cutting line E-E' shown in Figure 17. Furthermore, the cross-sectional view seen from the Y direction with respect to the cutting line F-F' shown in Figure 17 is the same as the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 18.

[0076] In the fourth embodiment, each of the multiple insulating members 30 is arranged to cover the upper surface of each battery cell 10. Each of the multiple substrates 20 is arranged to bridge adjacent battery cells 10. Therefore, each insulating member 30 is interposed between a part of each substrate 20 and the battery cell 10.

[0077] The detection unit 21 of the substrate 20 is provided on the first surface 20-S1 of the substrate 20 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 20. In particular, as shown in Figures 17 and 18, in the fourth embodiment, the substrate 20 is arranged such that the detection unit 21 is located between adjacent battery cells 10. Therefore, the detection unit 21 is exposed in the space 40 surrounded by the battery cells 10, the substrate 20, and the insulating member 30. Furthermore, the battery device 1 may include a monitoring circuit 100 that is connected to each substrate 20 and monitors the detection state of the detection unit 21 of each substrate 20.

[0078] 4.2 Effects The battery device 1 according to the fourth embodiment, like the first embodiment, can detect the generation of hydrogen sulfide from the battery cell 10 by a detection unit 21 that reacts with hydrogen sulfide. Furthermore, according to the fourth embodiment, like the first embodiment, an insulating member 30 is interposed between a part of the substrate 20 having the detection unit 21 and the battery cell 10. The detection unit 21 is exposed in the space 40 surrounded by the battery cell 10, the substrate 20 and the insulating member 30. Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, like the first embodiment, a battery device 1 with high hydrogen sulfide detection accuracy can be provided.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the fourth embodiment, the substrate 20 is arranged such that the detection unit 21 is located between adjacent battery cells 10. In the battery device 1 according to the fourth embodiment, hydrogen sulfide generated from the battery cells 10 is likely to remain between adjacent battery cells 10. Therefore, this configuration makes it easier for the detection unit 21 to react with hydrogen sulfide. As a result, the detection accuracy of the battery device 1 can be improved. In addition, contact between the detection unit 21 and the battery cells 10 can be suppressed, preventing short circuits. As a result, the insulation of the battery device 1 can be improved.

[0080] In the fourth embodiment, adjacent battery cells 10 may be bonded together with an adhesive or the like. If there is a gap between adjacent battery cells 10, the battery device 1 described above can be configured by providing a detection unit 21 according to the gap. Furthermore, as a modification, the first to fifth modifications described in the first embodiment can be appropriately applied to the fourth embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1 Battery device 10 battery cells 11 Electrode terminal 12 Sealing part 20 circuit boards 20-S1 1st surface 20-S2 2nd surface 20-L side 21 Detection unit 21-1 First detection unit 21-2 Second detection unit 22 patterns 23 Recess 30 Insulating material 40 space 100 Supervisory circuit 401 Node 1 402 Node 2

Claims

1. A battery cell having a sulfide-based electrolyte, A substrate having a detection unit that reacts to hydrogen sulfide, An insulating member interposed between a part of the substrate and the battery cell, Equipped with, A part or all of the detection unit is exposed in the space enclosed by the battery cell, the substrate, and the insulating member. battery device.

2. A battery device according to claim 1, The pattern on the substrate is formed of a metal that corrodes in reaction with hydrogen sulfide. The detection unit is formed by a portion of the pattern being exposed on the surface of the substrate. battery device.

3. The battery device according to claim 2, Equipped with additional monitoring circuits, The aforementioned pattern is electrically connected between the first node and the second node. The monitoring circuit determines whether or not hydrogen sulfide is being generated from the battery cell based on the change in voltage between the first node and the second node. battery device.

4. A battery device according to claim 1, The detection unit includes a first detection unit exposed to the space and a second detection unit other than the first detection unit. The insulating member is interposed between the second detection unit and the battery cell. battery device.

5. A battery device according to claim 1, The insulating member is interposed between at least the portion of the first surface of the substrate facing the space other than the detection portion and the battery cell. battery device.

6. A battery device according to claim 1, The substrate has a first surface facing the space, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a side surface between the first surface and the second surface. The insulating member is integrally formed to cover a portion of the first surface, the side surface, and the second surface of the substrate. battery device.

7. A battery device according to claim 1, The insulating member has an opening, The space is the opening of the insulating member. battery device.

8. A battery device according to claim 1, The substrate is bonded to the insulating member at the boundary of the space. battery device.

9. A battery device according to claim 1, The substrate has a recess on the first surface facing the space, The detection unit is further provided in the recess. battery device.

10. A battery device according to claim 1, The thickness of the detection unit is thinner than the thickness of the insulating material surrounding the space. battery device.

11. A battery device according to claim 1, The electrode terminals of the battery cell are located within the space and do not come into contact with the substrate. battery device.

12. A battery device according to claim 1, The insulating member is formed to surround the sealing portion of the battery cell. battery device.

13. A battery device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The detection unit is provided so as to face the sealing portion of the battery cell. battery device.

14. A battery device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The substrate is arranged such that the detection unit is located between adjacent battery cells. battery device.

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