Battery module equipped with a temperature detection structure

Abstract

To provide a battery module including a temperature sensing structure that is capable of monitoring the temperature of all battery cells while simplifying the temperature sensing structure.SOLUTION: A battery module with a temperature sensing structure includes a plurality of battery cells, a housing and a temperature-sensing line. The housing includes a base and an upper cover. The base is combined with the upper cover and a notch is formed therebetween. The plurality of battery cells are fixed by the base and the upper cover. A part of an outer peripheral surface of each of the plurality of battery cells is exposed from the notch. The temperature-sensing line includes a pair of wires and an insulating layer separating the pair of wires. The temperature-sensing line contacts the outer peripheral surface of each of the battery cells exposed from the notch. When the temperature of at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells is increased to a predetermined temperature and heat is transmitted to the temperature-sensing line, the insulating layer is melted at the predetermined temperature to make the wires conduct with each other and generate a warning signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery device, particularly a battery module provided with a temperature detection structure.

Background Art

[0002] A battery system is composed of battery modules each including a plurality of battery cells, and is electrically connected to supply necessary electric power. Generally, many battery modules are provided with a temperature detection device for monitoring and protecting the battery module in order to prevent the battery module in the battery system from being damaged by excessive temperature.

[0003] Furthermore, since the number of battery cells in the battery module is large and it is difficult to monitor the temperature of each battery cell, in order to monitor the temperature of each battery cell, it is necessary to increase the number of temperature sensors and the number of signal lines.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the applicant of the present application has aimed to improve the above-mentioned conventional technology and make the best efforts to solve the above problems.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery module having a temperature detection structure with a simplified temperature detection structure and capable of monitoring the temperatures of all battery cells.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, a battery module provided with a temperature detection structure according to the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells, a housing, and a temperature sensing wire. The housing includes a base and an upper cover. The base and the upper cover are combined to form a notch therebetween. The plurality of battery cells are fixed by the base and the upper cover. A part of the outer edge surfaces of the plurality of battery cells is exposed in the notch. The temperature sensing wire includes a pair of wires and an insulating layer separating the pair of wires. When the temperature of at least one of the plurality of battery cells rises to a predetermined temperature and is transmitted to the temperature sensing wire, the insulating layer melts at the predetermined temperature, causing the wires to conduct with each other and generating a warning signal.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the battery module further includes a control group including a control board and an alarm electrically connected to the control board. One end of the wire of the temperature sensing wire is connected to the control board, and the warning signal is generated by the alarm.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the battery module further includes a plurality of bus bars electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells. The plurality of battery cells are arranged in a matrix. The plurality of bus bars include a plurality of first electrode plates and a plurality of second electrode plates. The plurality of first electrode plates and the plurality of second electrode plates are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the plurality of battery cells.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes a plurality of fixing structures for fixing the temperature sensing wire. The plurality of fixing structures include a lower fixing structure provided on the base and an upper fixing structure provided on the upper cover. The lower fixing structure extends from the base to the notch, and the upper fixing structure extends from the upper cover to the notch.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the lower fixing structure includes a lower arm portion extending from the base and a lower locking block located on the lower arm portion. The lower locking block is provided with a lower locking groove for locking the temperature sensing wire. The upper fixing structure includes an upper arm portion extending from the upper cover and an upper locking block located on the upper arm portion. The upper locking block is provided with an upper locking groove for locking the temperature sensing wire.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the lower fixing structure and the upper fixing structure are provided at corresponding positions of the base and the upper cover, and lock the upper and lower sides of the temperature sensing wire.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the lower fixing structure and the upper fixing structure are alternately provided on the base and the upper cover, and lock the upper and lower sides of the temperature sensing wire with a space therebetween.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper cover includes a cover plate, a pair of upper side plates, and an upper positioning plate. The cover plate is provided with a slot. The pair of upper side plates are located on opposite sides of the upper cover. The upper positioning plate is surrounded between the cover plate and the pair of upper side plates and is arranged corresponding to the outer shape of the plurality of battery cells. The base includes a bottom plate, a pair of lower side plates, and a lower positioning plate. The bottom plate is provided with a slot. The pair of lower side plates are located on opposite sides of the bottom plate. The lower positioning plate is surrounded between the bottom plate and the pair of lower side plates and is arranged corresponding to the outer shape of the plurality of battery cells.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of lower arc pieces are formed on the lower positioning plate corresponding to the positions of the respective battery cells. Lower slits are provided at the upper edges of the respective lower arc pieces. A plurality of upper arc pieces are formed on the upper positioning plate corresponding to the positions of the respective battery cells. Upper slits are provided at the upper edges of the respective upper arc pieces. When the base and the upper cover are combined, the cutout portions are formed by the respective lower slits and the respective upper slits.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensing wire further comprises a protective sleeve, the pair of wires are inserted into the protective sleeve, one end thereof protrudes from the protective sleeve, and the pair of wires are each covered with the insulating layer and are in contact with the protective sleeve through the insulating layer.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the insulating layer is made of a heat-sensitive polymer, and the wire is a copper wire.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the battery module further includes a plurality of fastening members, and the base and the upper cover are coupled via the plurality of fastening members.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of fastening holes are provided in the base at intervals, a plurality of through holes corresponding to the plurality of fastening holes are provided in the upper cover, and the plurality of fastening members pass through the plurality of through holes and are coupled to the plurality of fastening holes.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] Compared with the prior art, in the battery module according to the present invention, the battery cells are fixed by the base and the upper cover, the base and the upper cover are combined to form a notch, and a part of the outer edge surface of the battery cell is exposed in the notch. Further, the temperature sensing wire is disposed in the notch and is in contact with each battery cell. In this way, when the temperature of the battery cell rises to a predetermined temperature and is transmitted to the temperature sensing wire, the insulating layer melts at the predetermined temperature, so that the pair of wires are electrically connected to each other to generate a conduction signal on the control board, and further a warning signal is generated. Thereby, the user can know that the battery module is in a high temperature state and can take corresponding protective measures to protect the battery cells. Further, the present invention monitors all the battery cells with only one temperature sensing wire, and when the temperature of any one of the battery cells exceeds a predetermined temperature, a conduction signal is generated on the control board. Further, since it is not necessary to provide a plurality of signal lines in the temperature sensing wire, there is an effect of reducing the arrangement cost and space of the battery temperature detection device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] A detailed description and technical content of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the drawings are for reference and explanation purposes and do not limit the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of a battery module provided with a temperature detection structure according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a battery module 1 provided with a temperature detection structure according to the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells 10, a housing 20, and a temperature sensing wire 30. The housing 20 is used for placing the battery cells 10. The housing 20 includes a base 21 and an upper cover 22. After the base 21 and the upper cover 22 are combined, a notch 200 is formed between the base 21 and the upper cover 22. The temperature sensing wire 30 is disposed in the notch 200, and a part of the outer edge surface of the battery cell 10 is exposed in the notch 200. At the position of the notch 200, the temperature sensing wire 30 is in contact with the outer edge surface of the battery cell 10.

[0023] The battery module 1 further includes a control group 40. The control group 40 includes a control board 41 and an alarm 42 electrically connected to the control board 41. The control group 40 may be configured as a control system such as a battery management system (BMS). One end of the temperature sensing wire 30 is connected to the control board 41. The control board 41 can generate a warning signal to the alarm 42.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the temperature sensing wire according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2 together, the temperature sensing wire 30 includes a pair of wires 31, an insulating layer 32 separating the pair of wires 31, and a protective sleeve 33. The wire 31 may be a copper wire. The insulating layer 32 is composed of a heat-sensitive polymer that melts when heated in a certain temperature range, and the protective sleeve 33 is composed of an insulating material. The pair of wires 31 is inserted through the protective sleeve 33. In this embodiment, the pair of wires 31 are each covered with the insulating layer 32 and are in contact with the protective sleeve 33 through the insulating layer 32. Also, the pair of wires 31 are not in contact with each other by the two insulating layers 32.

[0025] Thus, when the temperature of the temperature sensing wire 30 is within the normal range, that is, when the pair of wires 31 are not in contact with each other due to the insulating layer 32, the pair of wires 31 do not conduct. The control board 41 is designed not to generate an alarm in the alarm device 42 when the pair of wires 31 are not conducting with each other. On the other hand, when the temperature of the temperature sensing wire 30 rises to a predetermined temperature, the insulating layer 32 melts at this predetermined temperature (for example, a temperature exceeding 88°C). When the insulating layer 32 melts, the pair of wires 31 become conductive with each other. At this time, the pair of wires 31 conduct with each other to generate a conduction signal, and when this conduction signal is transmitted to the control board 41, a warning signal is generated in the alarm device 42. Therefore, the user can know from this warning signal that the battery module 1 is in a high temperature state and can take corresponding protective measures.

[0026] Note that since the temperature sensing wire 30 according to the present invention surrounds and contacts all the battery cells 10, when the temperature of any one of the battery cells 10 exceeds a predetermined temperature, the pair of wires 31 conduct and the alarm device 42 operates.

[0027] Note that the predetermined temperature can be set by selecting the material of the insulating layer 32 for the temperature sensing wire 30 according to the present invention, and this predetermined temperature is lower than the critical temperature of the battery cell 10. Therefore, before the temperature of any one of the battery cells 10 reaches the critical temperature, the insulating layer 32 melts and the pair of wires 31 generate a conduction signal. In this way, the temperature sensing wire 30 can cause the alarm device 42 to generate a warning signal by the generated conduction signal in the control board 41 before any one of the battery cells 10 reaches the critical temperature, and can notify the user to take appropriate measures to avoid damage to these battery cells 10 due to high temperature.

[0028] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the circled part of the battery module 1 equipped with the temperature detection structure according to the present invention in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the housing 20 includes a plurality of fixing structures 23 for fixing the temperature sensing wire 30. The fixing structure 23 includes a plurality of lower fixing structures 24 provided on the base 21 and a plurality of upper fixing structures 25 provided on the upper cover 22. The lower fixing structure 24 extends from the base 21 to the notch 200, and the upper fixing structure 25 extends from the upper cover 22 to the notch 200. The lower fixing structure 24 and the upper fixing structure 25 position the temperature sensing wire 30 in the notch 200. In the present embodiment, the lower fixing structure 24 and the upper fixing structure 25 are provided opposite to each other on the base 21 and the upper cover 22.

[0029] Referring to Figure 3, the lower fixing structure 24 includes a lower arm portion 241 extending upward from the base 21 and a lower locking block 242 located at the end of the lower arm portion 241. The lower locking block 242 is provided with a lower locking groove 240 for locking the temperature sensing wire 30. The upper fixing structure 25 includes an upper arm portion 251 extending from the upper cover 22 and an upper locking block 252 located at the end of the upper arm portion 251. The upper locking block 252 is provided with an upper locking groove 250 for locking the temperature sensing wire 30. The lower fixing structure 24 and the upper fixing structure 25 extend oppositely from the base 21 and the upper cover 22 respectively, and lock the lower side and the upper side of the temperature sensing wire 30.

[0030] Figure 4 is a partially enlarged view of the battery module having the temperature detection structure according to the present invention, showing another embodiment. Different from Figure 3, Figure 4 shows that the lower fixing structure 24 and the upper fixing structure 25 are provided alternately and lock the lower side and the upper side of the temperature sensing wire 30 respectively. Figure 5 shows that the lower fixing structure 24 and the upper fixing structure 25 are provided at corresponding positions on the side edges of the base 21 and the upper cover 22 so as to sandwich the temperature sensing wire 30. Thereby, the temperature sensing wire 30 is arranged on the notch 200 by the fixing structures 23 at different positions on the base 21 and the upper cover 22.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery module provided with a temperature detection structure according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the battery module 1 further includes a plurality of bus bars 12 electrically connected to the battery cells 10. The battery cells 10 may be cylindrical batteries with specifications such as 26650, 4680, 18650, etc., but are not limited thereto. The battery cells 10 are arranged in a matrix and are sandwiched and fixed between a base 21 and an upper cover 22.

[0032] The bus bar 12 includes a plurality of first electrode pieces 121 and a plurality of second electrode pieces 122. Taking the electrical connection of cylindrical batteries as an example, the first electrode piece 121 and the second electrode piece 122 are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the battery cell 10. The first electrode piece 121 is positioned by the upper cover 22 and is electrically connected to the electrode above the battery cell 10. The second electrode piece 122 is positioned by the base 21 and is electrically connected to the electrode below the battery cell 10.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 6, the upper cover 22 includes a cover plate 221, a pair of upper side plates 222, and an upper positioning plate 223. A plurality of slots 2210 are provided in the cover plate 221. The pair of upper side plates 222 are located on opposite sides of the upper cover 22. The upper positioning plate 223 is located between the cover plate 221 and the pair of upper side plates 222 and is provided corresponding to the outer shape of the battery cell 10. The first electrode piece 121 is in contact with and electrically connected to the electrode above the battery cell 10 and is fitted into the slot 2210. The base 21 includes a bottom plate 211, a pair of lower side plates 212, and a lower positioning plate 213. A plurality of slots 2110 are provided in the bottom plate 211. The pair of lower side plates 212 are located on opposite sides of the bottom plate 211. The lower positioning plate 213 is located between the bottom plate 211 and the pair of lower side plates 212 and is provided corresponding to the outer shape of the battery cell 10. The second electrode piece 122 is in contact with and electrically connected to the electrode below the battery cell 10, and the second electrode piece 122 is fitted into the slot 2110.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 6, after the base 21 and the upper cover 22 are combined, a notch 200 is formed between the base 21 and the upper cover 22. The notch 200 is formed between the upper edge of the lower positioning plate 213 and the lower edge of the upper positioning plate 223. A plurality of upper arc pieces 2231 are formed on the upper positioning plate 223 corresponding to the positions of the respective battery cells 10, and upper slits 2230 are formed at the lower edges of the respective upper arc pieces 2231. A plurality of lower arc pieces 2131 are formed on the lower positioning plate 213 corresponding to the positions of the respective battery cells 10, and lower slits 2130 are provided at the upper edges of the lower arc pieces 2131. After the base 21 and the upper cover 22 are combined, a notch 200 is formed between the lower slit 2130 and the upper slit 2230. A part of the outer edge surface of the battery cell 10 is exposed in the notch 200. Therefore, the temperature sensing wire 30 is in contact with the outer edge surface of each battery cell 10 exposed in the notch 200. Also, the wire 31 of the temperature sensing wire 30 is connected to the control board 41 described above.

[0035] A pair of output terminals 123 are provided on the second electrode piece 122 of the present invention. The plurality of battery cells 10 output power via the pair of output terminals 123.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged exploded perspective view showing a battery module provided with the temperature detection structure according to the present invention, and shows the circled portion on the left side of FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7, the plurality of battery cells 10 are housed in the housing 20. The housing 20 is composed of a base 21 and an upper cover 22 combined with each other. The bus bar 12 includes a plurality of first electrode pieces 121 and a plurality of second electrode pieces 122 arranged on both opposite sides of the housing 20. The cover plate 221 is provided with a plurality of slots 2210 so that the first electrode piece 121 is in electrical contact with the electrode above the battery cell 10, and the first electrode piece 121 is fitted into the slots 2210. The second electrode piece 122 is in electrical contact with the electrode below the battery cell 10 and is fitted into the slots 2110.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged exploded perspective view showing a battery module provided with a temperature detection structure according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the bus bar 12 includes a plurality of first electrode pieces 121 and a plurality of second electrode pieces 122. The first electrode pieces 121 are disposed on the upper cover 22, and the second electrode pieces 122 are disposed on the base 21. The temperature sensing wire 30 is disposed in the notch 200 and surrounds the battery cell 10. Note that the temperature sensing wire 30 is in contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of the respective battery cells 10 exposed in the notch 200.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a housing according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, the fixing structure 23 of the housing 20 includes a plurality of lower fixing structures 24 provided on the base 21 and a plurality of upper fixing structures 25 provided on the upper cover 22. The plurality of lower fixing structures 24 are arranged at intervals on the outer peripheral edge of the base 21, and the plurality of upper fixing structures 25 are arranged at intervals on the outer peripheral edge of the upper cover 22. Further, the battery module 1 further includes a plurality of fastening members 50, and each fastening member 50 is a screw, but is not limited thereto. Further, a plurality of fastening holes 210 are provided at intervals on the base 21, and a plurality of through holes 220 corresponding to the plurality of fastening holes 210 are provided on the upper cover 22. The plurality of fastening members 50 respectively pass through the plurality of through holes 220 and are coupled to the plurality of fastening holes 210. Thereby, the base 21 and the upper cover 22 are coupled by the fastening members 50 to form the housing 20.

[0039] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the scope thereof, and the spirit satisfying the claims of the present invention and similar modifications thereof should be included in the scope of the present invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0040] 1 Battery module 10 Battery cell 12 Bus bar 121 First electrode piece 122 Second electrode piece 123 Output terminal 20 Housing 200 Notch 21 Base 210 Fastening Hole 211 Bottom Plate 2110 Slot 212 Lower Side Plate 213 Lower Positioning Plate 2130 Lower Slit 2131 Lower Arc Piece 22 Upper Cover 220 Perforation 221 Cover Plate 2210 Slot 222 Upper Side Plate 223 Upper Positioning Plate 2230 Upper Slit 2231 Upper Arc Piece 23 Fixing Structure 24 Lower Fixing Structure 240 Lower Locking Groove 241 Lower Arm Part 242 Lower Locking Block 25 Upper Fixing Structure 250 Upper Locking Groove 251 Upper Arm Part 252 Upper Locking Block 30 Temperature Sensing Wire 31 Wire 32 Insulation Layer 33 Protection Sleeve 40 Control Group 41 Control Board 42 Alarm 50 Fastening Member

Claims

1. The battery includes a plurality of battery cells, a housing, and a temperature sensing wire; the housing includes a base and an upper cover, the base and the upper cover are combined to form a cutout portion therebetween, the plurality of battery cells are fixed by the base and the upper cover, and outer peripheral surfaces of a portion of the plurality of battery cells are exposed in the cutout portion; the temperature sensing line includes a pair of wires and an insulating layer separating the pair of wires, and is in contact with an outer edge surface of each of the battery cells exposed in the cutout portion; When a temperature of at least one of the plurality of battery cells rises to a predetermined temperature and is transmitted to the temperature sensing wire, the insulating layer melts at the predetermined temperature, causing the wires to become conductive with each other, and a warning signal is generated; the housing includes a plurality of fixing structures for fixing the temperature sensing wire, the plurality of fixing structures including a lower fixing structure provided on the base and an upper fixing structure provided on the upper cover, the lower fixing structure extending from the base to the notch portion, and the upper fixing structure extending from the upper cover to the notch portion; a lower locking block disposed on the lower arm portion, the lower locking block having a lower locking groove for locking the temperature sensing wire; and an upper locking structure comprising an upper arm portion extending from the upper cover and an upper locking block disposed on the upper arm portion, the upper locking block having an upper locking groove for locking the temperature sensing wire.A battery module with a temperature detection structure,

2. a control group including a control board and an alarm electrically connected to the control board; 2. The battery module with a temperature detection structure according to claim 1, wherein one end of the pair of wires is connected to the control board, and the warning signal is generated by the alarm.

3. a plurality of bus bars electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells; 2. A battery module with a temperature detection structure according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of battery cells are arranged in a matrix, the plurality of bus bars include a plurality of first electrode pieces and a plurality of second electrode pieces, and the plurality of first electrode pieces and the plurality of second electrode pieces are respectively arranged on opposing sides of the plurality of battery cells.

4. The battery module with a temperature detection structure according to claim 1 , wherein the lower fixing structure and the upper fixing structure are provided opposite to each other on the base and the upper cover, and engage the temperature sensing wire.

5. The battery module with a temperature detection structure according to claim 1 , wherein the lower fixing structure and the upper fixing structure are alternately provided on the base and the upper cover, and engage the temperature sensing wire at intervals.

6. the upper cover includes a cover plate, a pair of upper plates, and an upper positioning plate, the cover plate being provided with a slot, the pair of upper plates being located on opposing sides of the upper cover, the upper positioning plate being surrounded by the cover plate and the pair of upper plates and being disposed in correspondence with the outer shape of the plurality of battery cells; 2. A battery module with a temperature detection structure as described in claim 1, wherein the base comprises a bottom plate, a pair of lower plates, and a lower positioning plate, the bottom plate having a slot, the pair of lower plates being located on opposing sides of the bottom plate, and the lower positioning plate being surrounded between the bottom plate and the pair of lower plates and positioned to correspond to the outer shape of the multiple battery cells.

7. 7. A battery module with a temperature detection structure as described in claim 6, wherein the lower positioning plate is formed with a plurality of lower arc pieces corresponding to the positions of each of the battery cells, and a lower slit is provided on the upper edge of each of the lower arc pieces, the upper positioning plate is formed with a plurality of upper arc pieces corresponding to the positions of each of the battery cells, and an upper slit is provided on the lower edge of each of the upper arc pieces, and the base and the upper cover are combined to form the cutout portion by each of the lower slits and each of the upper slits.

8. 2. A battery module with a temperature detection structure as described in claim 1, wherein the temperature sensing line further includes a protective sleeve, the pair of wires are inserted into the protective sleeve, the pair of wires are each coated with the insulating layer, and contact the protective sleeve via the insulating layer.

9. The battery module with a temperature detection structure according to claim 1 , wherein the insulating layer is made of a heat-sensitive polymer and the wire is a copper wire.

10. The battery module with a temperature detection structure according to claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of fastening members, wherein the base and the upper cover are coupled together via the plurality of fastening members.

11. 11. A battery module with a temperature detection structure as described in claim 10, wherein the base is provided with a plurality of fastening holes spaced apart from one another, the upper cover is provided with a plurality of perforations corresponding to the plurality of fastening holes, and the plurality of fastening members are respectively coupled to the plurality of fastening holes by passing through the plurality of perforations.

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