Temperature Sensor Device and Battery Module

Abstract

To detect a different temperature change at multiple locations in a battery cell.SOLUTION: A temperature sensor device 40 includes multiple temperature sensors 420 attached to multiple locations on a battery cell 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature sensor device and a battery module.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, various temperature sensor devices attached to battery modules have been developed. For example, the temperature sensor device described in Patent Document 1 includes a thermistor element attached to a battery cell included in a battery module and another thermistor element attached to another battery cell included in the battery module.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a battery cell undergoes temperature control of heating or cooling, the temperature change of the battery cell may vary depending on the position of the battery cell. For example, as described in Patent Document 1, when only one temperature sensor is provided for one battery cell, it may be difficult to detect different temperature changes at multiple locations of the battery cell.

[0005] An example of the object of the present invention is to detect different temperature changes at multiple locations of a battery cell. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description herein.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is as follows. [1] A temperature sensor device including a plurality of temperature sensors attached to a plurality of locations of a battery cell. [2] The temperature sensor device according to [1], wherein temperature changes at a plurality of locations on the battery cell under predetermined conditions are different from each other. [3] The temperature sensor device according to [1] or [2], further comprising at least one other temperature sensor attached to at least one location on at least one other battery cell different from the battery cell. [4] The temperature sensor device according to [3], wherein temperature changes at the battery cell and the at least one other battery cell under predetermined conditions are different from each other. [5] The temperature sensor device according to any one of [1] to [4], further comprising a support body to which the plurality of temperature sensors are attached. [6] The temperature sensor device according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the plurality of temperature sensors are arranged on the side of the battery cell. [7] The battery cell, The temperature sensor device according to any one of [1] to [6], and A battery module comprising the same.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the above aspect of the present invention, different temperature changes at a plurality of locations on the battery cell can be detected.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module 1 according to an embodiment.

[0011] In each figure, for the purpose of explanation, arrows indicating the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are shown. The X direction is the front-rear direction of the battery module 1. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the tip side of the arrow indicating the X direction is the rear side of the battery module 1. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the base end side of the arrow indicating the X direction is 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 the left side of the battery module 1 when viewed from the front, and the right side of the battery module 1 when viewed from the rear. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the base end side of the arrow indicating the Y direction is the right side of the battery module 1 when viewed from the front, and the left side of the battery module 1 when viewed from the rear. 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 the upper side of the battery module 1. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the base end side of the arrow indicating the Z direction is the lower side of the battery module 1. Hereinafter, as necessary, the direction perpendicular to the X direction is referred to as the YZ plane direction. Hereinafter, as necessary, the direction perpendicular to the Y direction is referred to as the ZX plane direction. Hereinafter, as necessary, the direction perpendicular to the Z direction is referred to as the XY plane direction. Note that the relationship between each of the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction and each of the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the battery module 1 is not limited to the above-described example.

[0012] The battery module 1 includes a cell stack 10, a container 20, a front voltage detection device 30, and a rear voltage detection device 30'.

[0013] The cell stack 10 has a plurality of battery cells 100 and a plurality of compression pads 110. The plurality of battery cells 100 and the plurality of compression pads 110 are alternately arranged in the Y direction. Compression pads 110 are disposed on both sides in the Y direction of each battery cell 100. The plurality of battery cells 100 and the plurality of compression pads 110 are compressed in the Y direction by a right cover 230 and a left cover 240 described later. Thereby, displacement of the battery cells 100 in the ZX plane direction can be suppressed.

[0014] The longitudinal 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. A plurality of battery cells 100 are stacked in the Y direction. Note that the shape of each battery cell 100 is not limited to this example.

[0015] 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. The battery element includes a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes (not shown) alternately stacked in the Y direction, and a separator (not shown) positioned between the adjacent positive and negative electrodes in the Y direction. The exterior member 102 seals the battery element and an electrolytic solution (not shown). The positive electrode tab 104 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the battery element. The positive electrode tab 104 is drawn out from one of the sides on both sides of the exterior member 102 in the X direction. The negative electrode tab 106 is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the battery element. The negative electrode tab 106 is drawn out from the other of the sides on both sides of the exterior member 102 in the X direction. However, the structure of each battery cell 100 is not limited to this example.

[0016] In an embodiment, a plurality of cell groups 100G are connected in series from the cell group 100G located at one end in the Y direction to the cell group 100G located at the other end in the Y direction. Each cell group 100G includes a plurality of battery cells 100 connected in parallel. In the embodiment, each cell group 100G includes two adjacent battery cells 100 in the Y direction. Two positive tabs 104 drawn from the two battery cells 100 included in each cell group 100G are directed toward the same side in the X direction. Two negative tabs 106 drawn from the two battery cells 100 included in each cell group 100G are directed toward the same side in the X direction. The positive tab 104 and the negative tab 106 drawn from one of the cell groups 100G adjacent in the Y direction and the positive tab 104 and the negative tab 106 drawn from the other of the cell groups 100G adjacent in the Y direction are directed to opposite sides in the X direction. Two cell groups 100G adjacent in the Y direction include a tab group 108 located in front of or behind the two cell groups 100G. The tab group 108 includes a positive tab 104 and a negative tab 106 joined to each other. The positive tab 104 and the negative tab 106 included in the tab group 108 are joined to each other, for example, by laser welding. As a result, a plurality of tab groups 108 located in front of the cell stack 10 and a plurality of tab groups 108 located behind the cell stack 10 are arranged alternately in the Y direction.

[0017] The configuration of the cell stack 10 is not limited to the above example. For example, each cell group 100G may include three or more battery cells 100 connected in parallel. Alternatively, a plurality of single battery cells 100 may be connected in series from the battery cell 100 located at one end in the Y direction to the battery cell 100 located at the other end in the Y direction.

[0018] The housing 20 has a front cover 210, a rear cover 220, a right cover 230, a left cover 240, a bottom cover 250, and an upper cover 260. Each cover is made of a metal such as aluminum, for example. The front cover 210 covers the front of the cell stack 10 and the front voltage detection device 30. The rear cover 220 covers the rear of the cell stack 10 and the rear voltage detection device 30'. When viewed from the front, the right cover 230 covers the right side of the cell stack 10. When viewed from the front, the left cover 240 covers the left side of the cell stack 10. The bottom cover 250 covers the bottom of the cell stack 10. A thermally conductive adhesive 252 is disposed between the upper surface of the bottom cover 250 and the lower end of the cell stack 10. Therefore, the heat generated from the cell stack 10 can be released downward of the battery module 1 through the thermally conductive adhesive 252. The upper cover 260 covers the upper part of the cell stack 10.

[0019] The front voltage detection device 30 has a holder 310, a plurality of voltage detection units 320, a plurality of voltage detection lines 322, a voltage detection connector 324, and a positive electrode bus bar 330.

[0020] The holder 310 is disposed in front of the cell stack 10. The holder 310 is provided with a plurality of openings 312. Each of the plurality of tab groups 108 located in front of the cell stack 10 is exposed forward through each of the plurality of openings 312. The holder 310 integrally holds the plurality of voltage detection units 320 and the plurality of voltage detection lines 322.

[0021] The plurality of voltage detection units 320 are attached to the holder 310. Each of the plurality of voltage detection units 320 is joined, for example, by laser welding to the front surface of each of the plurality of tab groups 108 located in front of the cell stack 10. The plurality of voltage detection units 320 are electrically connected to the voltage detection connector 324 via the plurality of voltage detection lines 322. The plurality of voltage detection lines 322 are routed through the holder 310. In the embodiment, by installing the holder 310 at an appropriate position with respect to the cell stack 10, each of the plurality of voltage detection units 320 can be arranged at an appropriate position with respect to each of the plurality of tab groups 108 located in front of the cell stack 10.

[0022] The positive electrode bus bar 330 is electrically connected to the positive electrode tab 104 drawn forward from the battery cell 100 located at the right end of the cell stack 10 when viewed from the front. The battery module 1 can be electrically connected to other battery modules (not shown) via the positive electrode bus bar 330.

[0023] The rear voltage detection device 30' is arranged behind the cell stack 10. The rear voltage detection device 30' has a holder and voltage detection lines held by the holder, in the same manner as the front voltage detection device 30. The rear voltage detection device 30' further has a negative electrode bus bar electrically connected to the negative electrode tab 106 drawn rearward from the battery cell 100 located at the left end of the cell stack 10 when viewed from the front.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view showing the temperature sensor device 40 according to the embodiment, together with some battery cells 100, the lower cover 250, and the front voltage detection device 30. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the lower left portion when the front voltage detection device 30 and the temperature sensor device 40 according to the embodiment are viewed from the rear. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the temperature sensor 420 shown in FIG. 3 together with the elastic member 440. FIG. 5 is a left side view showing the temperature sensor 420 shown in FIG. 3 together with the elastic member 440. In FIG. 4, the white circle with a black dot indicating the Z direction is the upper side of the battery module 1 from the back to the front of the paper surface, and the lower side of the battery module 1 from the front to the back of the paper surface. In FIG. 5, the white circle with an X indicating the Y direction is the side where the right side of the battery module 1 when viewed from the rear goes from the front to the back of the paper surface, and the left side of the battery module 1 when viewed from the rear is the side that goes from the back to the front of the paper surface.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, the temperature sensor device 40 will be described.

[0026] The battery module 1 includes the temperature sensor device 40. The temperature sensor device 40 has two support bodies 410 and a pair of temperature sensors 420. Each temperature sensor 420 is, for example, a thermistor.

[0027] When viewed from the rear, the support body 410 is located behind the left side portion of the holding body 310. The support body 410 includes a horizontally extending body 412 and a pair of vertically extending bodies 414. When viewed from the rear, the horizontally extending body 412 is located behind the lower left end portion of the holding body 310. The horizontally extending body 412 extends substantially parallel to the Y direction. The pair of vertically extending bodies 414 extend substantially parallel to the Z direction upward from both ends of the horizontally extending body 412 in the Y direction. When viewed from the rear, the left vertically extending body 414 is located behind the substantially left end of the holding body 310. When viewed from the rear, the right vertically extending body 414 is located behind the substantially central portion of the holding body 310.

[0028] When viewed from the rear, the pair of temperature sensors 420 on the left side are attached to the left end portion of the horizontally extending body 412 and the upper end portion of the vertically extending body 414 on the left side. The pair of temperature sensors 420 are opposed to each other substantially parallel to the Z direction. The pair of temperature sensors 420 protrude rearward from the support body 410. The pair of temperature sensors 420 detect the temperature of the battery cell 100 disposed at substantially the left end in the Y direction of the cell stack 10 when viewed from the rear. Specifically, the pair of temperature sensors 420 are disposed on the upper side and the lower side of the front end portion of the battery cell 100. Thereby, the pair of temperature sensors 420 detect the temperatures of the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the front end portion of the battery cell 100. In this case, compared with the case where the temperature sensor 420 is disposed between the battery cells 100 adjacent in the Y direction, the size of the battery module 1 in the Y direction can be reduced.

[0029] When viewed from the rear, the pair of temperature sensors 420 on the right side are attached to the right end portion of the horizontally extending body 412 and the upper end portion of the vertically extending body 414 on the right side. The pair of temperature sensors 420 are opposed to each other substantially parallel to the Z direction. The pair of temperature sensors 420 protrude rearward from the support body 410. The pair of temperature sensors 420 detect the temperature of the battery cell 100 disposed at substantially the center in the Y direction of the cell stack 10 when viewed from the rear. Specifically, the pair of temperature sensors 420 are disposed on the upper side and the lower side of the front end portion of the battery cell 100. Thereby, the pair of temperature sensors 420 detect the temperatures of the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the front end portion of the battery cell 100. In this case, compared with the case where the temperature sensor 420 is disposed between the battery cells 100 adjacent in the Y direction, the size of the battery module 1 in the Y direction can be reduced.

[0030] The temperature of the battery cell 100 disposed substantially at the center in the Y direction of the cell stack 10 is less affected by the surrounding environment of the cell stack 10 as compared with the temperature of the battery cell 100 disposed at a position shifted in the Y direction from substantially the center in the Y direction of the cell stack 10. Therefore, under the predetermined conditions for charging each battery cell 100 and the like, and for increasing the temperature of each battery cell 100, the temperature of the battery cell 100 disposed substantially at the center in the Y direction of the cell stack 10 is more likely to rise and less likely to fall as compared with the temperature of the battery cell 100 disposed at a position shifted in the Y direction from substantially the center in the Y direction of the cell stack 10. For this reason, the temperature changes of the plurality of battery cells 100 included in the cell stack 10 under the said predetermined conditions are different from each other according to the position in the Y direction within the cell stack 10. In the embodiment, when viewed from the rear, the different temperature changes at substantially the left end and the center in the Y direction of the cell stack 10 can be detected by the pair of temperature sensors 420 on the left side and the pair of temperature sensors 420 on the right side. For this reason, the temperature of the cell stack 10 can be controlled according to the said temperature change.

[0031] In the embodiment, the thermally conductive adhesive 252 is disposed on the upper surface of the lower cover 250. Therefore, under the predetermined conditions for charging each battery cell 100 and the like, and for increasing the temperature of each battery cell 100, the temperature of the lower end portion in the Z direction of each battery cell 100 is more likely to be lower than the temperature of the upper end portion in the Z direction of each battery cell 100 due to the cooling effect of the thermally conductive adhesive 252. For this reason, the temperature changes of each battery cell 100 under the said predetermined conditions are different according to the position in the Z direction within each battery cell 100. In the embodiment, when viewed from the rear, the different temperature changes at the lower end portion and the upper end portion of the battery cell 100 located substantially at the left end in the Y direction of the cell stack 10 can be detected by the pair of temperature sensors 420 on the left side. Similarly, when viewed from the rear, the different temperature changes at the lower end portion and the upper end portion of the battery cell 100 located substantially at the center in the Y direction of the cell stack 10 can be detected by the pair of temperature sensors 420 on the right side. For this reason, the temperature of the cell stack 10 can be controlled according to the said temperature change.

[0032] The arrangement of the temperature sensors 420 is not limited to the arrangement according to the embodiment.

[0033] For example, temperature sensors 420 may be attached at three or more different positions in the Z direction of a single battery cell 100. For example, temperature sensors 420 may be attached at a substantially upper end portion, a substantially lower end portion, and a substantially central portion in the Z direction of the battery cell 100. Also in this example, different temperature changes at a plurality of positions in the Z direction of the battery cell 100 can be detected. Further, the temperature sensors 420 do not necessarily have to be provided at the upper end portion and the lower end portion in the Z direction of the battery cell 100. For example, the temperature sensors 420 may be attached at positions shifted downward from the upper end portion of the battery cell 100. Similarly, the temperature sensors 420 may be attached at positions shifted upward from the lower end portion of the battery cell 100. Also, only one temperature sensor 420 may be attached to one battery cell 100.

[0034] Also, temperature sensors 420 may be attached at three or more different positions in the Y direction of the cell stack 10. For example, temperature sensors 420 may be attached at a substantially left end, a substantially center, and a substantially right end in the Y direction of the cell stack 10. Also in this example, different temperature changes at a plurality of positions in the Y direction of the cell stack 10 can be detected. Further, when viewed from the rear, the temperature sensors 420 do not necessarily have to be provided at the substantially center and the substantially left end of the cell stack 10. For example, when viewed from the rear, the temperature sensors 420 may be attached at positions shifted to the right from the substantially left end of the cell stack 10. Similarly, when viewed from the rear, the temperature sensors 420 may be attached at positions shifted to the left or right from the substantially center of the cell stack 10.

[0035] In the embodiment, the temperature sensor 420 is attached to the front end portion of the battery cell 100. Therefore, the temperature sensor 420 can be provided relatively close to the support 410. Under predetermined conditions for temperature rise of each battery cell 100 such as charging of each battery cell 100, the temperatures at both ends in the X direction of each battery cell 100 are more likely to rise and less likely to fall compared to the temperature at the substantially central portion in the X direction of each battery cell 100. Also, under high input / output conditions such as rapid charging of the battery cell 100, the temperatures at both ends in the X direction of each battery cell 100 tend to be higher compared to the temperature at the substantially central portion in the X direction of each battery cell 100. In the embodiment, the temperature sensor 420 is provided at a location where the temperature of the battery cell 100 is likely to be relatively high under these conditions. Therefore, the temperature sensor 420 can be arranged at a desirable position from the viewpoint of controlling the battery cell 100. However, the temperature sensor 420 may be attached at a location behind the front end portion of the battery cell 100. For example, the temperature sensor 420 may be attached at the substantially center in the X direction of the battery cell 100. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 420 may be attached to the rear end portion of the battery cell 100. In this example, for instance, the temperature sensor 420 may be attached to the rear voltage detection device 30' shown in FIG. 1.

[0036] The factors for the different temperature changes at a plurality of locations in the Z direction of each battery cell 100 under the above-described predetermined conditions are not limited to the influence of cooling by the thermally conductive adhesive 252. That is, the temperature changes at a plurality of locations in the Z direction of each battery cell 100 under the predetermined conditions are different from each other, for example, by arranging temperature adjusting members such as heaters, coolers, and radiators on one of the upper and lower sides of each battery cell 100 and not arranging temperature adjusting members on the other of the upper and lower sides of each battery cell 100.

[0037] With reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the temperature sensor 420 attached to the lower left portion of the support 410 as viewed from the rear will be described. The configuration of the temperature sensor 420 described with reference to FIG. 3 is similarly applicable to the temperature sensor 420 attached to other portions of the support 410.

[0038] The temperature sensor 420 is attached to the holding body 310 and the support body 410 by the support plate 430 and the fixture 432. The support plate 430 is, for example, a plastic plate. However, the material of the support plate 430 is not limited to this example. The support plate 430 includes a protrusion 430a and a front end portion 430b. The protrusion 430a protrudes toward the rear of the support body 410. The temperature sensor 420 is attached to the upper surface of the protrusion 430a, for example, via an adhesive. Thus, the temperature sensor 420 is supported by the protrusion 430a. The front end portion 430b is bent upward with respect to the protrusion 430a. The front end portion 430b is attached to the rear surface of the horizontally extending body 412 by the fixture 432. Thus, the position of the temperature sensor 420 in the XY plane direction can be fixed. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the fixture 432 is a rivet. However, the fixture 432 may be a fixture different from a rivet, such as a screw. The fixture 432 is inserted through the horizontally extending body 412 and the holding body 310 from behind the front end portion 430b. The fixture 432 is made of an electrically insulating material such as resin, for example. Therefore, the fixture 432 has insulation properties. In this example, even if the metal portion of the exterior material 102 contacts the fixture 432, a short circuit between the exterior material 102 and the fixture 432 can be suppressed. However, the fixture 432 may be made of a conductive material such as metal, for example.

[0039] One end of the temperature sensor wire 422 is connected to the front end portion of the temperature sensor 420. The temperature sensor wire 422 is routed through the support body 410. Thus, the temperature sensor wire 422 is held by the support body 410. The other end of the temperature sensor wire 422 is electrically connected to the temperature sensor connector 424 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0040] Figures 6 and 7 are diagrams for explaining a method of attaching the front voltage detection device 30 and the temperature sensor device 40 to the cell stack 10. Figure 8 is a view of the structure between the battery cell 100 and the lower cover 250 in the state shown in Figure 7, seen from the rear. In Figure 8, the white circle with a black dot indicating the X direction is the rear side of the battery module 1 from the back to the front of the paper surface, and the front side of the battery module 1 from the front to the back of the paper surface.

[0041] The front voltage detection device 30 and the temperature sensor device 40 are attached to the cell stack 10 as follows.

[0042] First, the temperature sensor device 40 is attached to the rear surface of the front voltage detection device 30. Specifically, the front surface of the support 410 is mechanically joined to the rear surface of the holder 310, for example, by snap fit.

[0043] Next, as shown in Figure 6, the front voltage detection device 30 to which the temperature sensor device 40 is attached is installed in front of the cell stack 10. As a result, each of the plurality of voltage detection units 320 shown in Figure 1 is disposed in front of each of the plurality of tab groups 108 shown in Figure 1 located in front of the cell stack 10. In this state, each voltage detection unit 320 and each tab group 108 can be joined, for example, by laser welding. Also, in the state shown in Figure 6, by installing the front voltage detection device 30 at an appropriate position with respect to the cell stack 10, the plurality of temperature sensors 420 shown in Figure 2 can be integrally disposed at appropriate positions with respect to the cell stack 10. Therefore, in the embodiment, the workability for attaching the temperature sensor 420 to the battery cell 100 can be improved as compared with the case where the attachment of the front voltage detection device 30 and the attachment of the temperature sensor device 40 are performed separately.

[0044] The temperature sensor 420 and the support plate 430 are flexible. Specifically, the temperature sensor 420 is flexible between the front end portion and the rear end portion of the temperature sensor 420. Similarly, the support plate 430 is flexible between the front end portion and the rear end portion of the protruding portion 430a. Therefore, the temperature sensor 420 and the support plate 430 can be easily attached along the battery cell 100. Further, the temperature sensor 420 and the support plate 430 can be easily made to follow the positional variation of the battery cell 100. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a part of the upper surface of the temperature sensor 420 is in contact with the lower front end portion of the battery cell 100. Accordingly, when viewed from the Y direction, the temperature sensor 420 and the support plate 430 are bent downward.

[0045] Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the lower cover 250 is attached to the front voltage detection device 30. Specifically, the protrusion 314 provided at the lower end portion of the holder 310 penetrates the front end portion of the lower cover 250 in the Z direction, whereby the lower cover 250 is attached to the holder 310. However, the structure for attaching the lower cover 250 to the holder 310 is not limited to this example. In a state where the lower cover 250 is attached to the holder 310, the lower cover 250 is disposed below the cell laminate 10 via the thermally conductive adhesive 252 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, when viewed from the front, two elastic members 440 are disposed at two locations on the right front end portion of the upper surface of the lower cover 250. In the embodiment, the elastic member 440 is a sponge. However, the elastic member 440 may be an elastic member different from the sponge, such as a leaf spring. The elastic member 440 is attached to the upper surface of the lower cover 250 via an adhesive, for example. The two elastic members 440 overlap with the two temperature sensors 420 attached to the lower portion of the support 410 in the Z direction in a state where the lower cover 250 is attached to the holder 310. Therefore, in a state where the lower cover 250 is attached to the holder 310, as shown in FIG. 8, the temperature sensor 420 and the support plate 430 are disposed between the lower end portion of the battery cell 100 and the upper surface of the lower cover 250 in the Z direction.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the lower cover 250 presses the temperature sensor 420 and the support plate 430 upward via the elastic member 440. That is, the lower cover 250 serves as a pressing body that presses the temperature sensor 420 and the support plate 430 upward via the elastic member 440. As a result, the temperature sensor 420 and the support plate 430 are in a state substantially parallel along the X direction as shown in FIG. 8 from the deflected state shown in FIG. 7. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 8, the elastic member 440 is compressed in the Z direction by the lower cover 250 and the support plate 430. Therefore, in a state where the lower cover 250 is attached to the holder 310, the support plate 430 and the temperature sensor 420 are biased toward the lower end of the battery cell 100 by the elastic member 440. For this reason, the temperature sensor 420 can be fixed to the lower end of the battery cell 100 with a simple configuration.

[0047] An elastic member corresponding to the elastic member 440 may also be disposed between the lower surface of the upper cover 260 and the upper surface of the temperature sensor 420 attached to the upper portion of the support 410 in the same manner as the example shown in FIG. 8. In this structure, the temperature sensor 420 can be biased toward the upper end of the battery cell 100 by the elastic member. Therefore, the temperature sensor 420 can be fixed to the upper end of the battery cell 100 with a simple configuration.

[0048] From the description of the embodiment, the elastic member 440 can be positioned between the temperature sensor 420 and a pressing body such as the lower cover 250 and the upper cover 260 that presses the temperature sensor 420 toward the battery cell 100. When the elastic member 440 is positioned between the temperature sensor 420 and the pressing body, the temperature sensor 420 can be biased toward the cell laminate 10 by the elastic member 440. Thereby, the temperature sensor 420 can be fixed to the battery cell 100 with a simple configuration.

[0049] In the example shown in FIG. 8, the temperature sensor 420 may be thermally insulated from the lower cover 250 by the support plate 430 and the elastic member 440. For example, the support plate 430 and the elastic member 440 may be made of a heat-insulating material. In this example, even if a temperature gradient occurs between the battery cell 100 and the lower cover 250, the temperature sensor 420 can accurately detect the temperature of the battery cell 100 regardless of the temperature of the lower cover 250. The temperature gradient between the battery cell 100 and the lower cover 250 occurs, for example, when the temperature of the battery cell 100 is generated by charging the battery cell 100 while the lower cover 250 is being cooled.

[0050] In the example shown in FIG. 8, the exterior material 102 has a sealing side 102a. The sealing side 102a is drawn out from between the lower right surface 100a of the battery cell 100 and the lower left surface 100b of the battery cell 100, and is folded back below the lower right surface 100a. The temperature sensor 420 is preferably pressed toward the battery cell 100 without passing through the sealing side 102a. That is, it is desirable that the temperature sensor 420 is in contact with the lower left surface 100b of the battery cell 100. When the temperature sensor 420 is in contact with the lower left surface 100b of the battery cell 100, even if an air layer exists between the lower right surface 100a of the battery cell 100 and the sealing side 102a, the temperature sensor 420 can accurately detect the temperature of the battery cell 100. Further, when the temperature sensor 420 has flexibility, it is possible to make it easier for the temperature sensor 420 to contact the lower left surface 100b of the battery cell 100.

[0051] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, but these are examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than the above can also be adopted.

[0052] For example, in the embodiment, the temperature sensor device 40 has a plurality of temperature sensors 420. However, the number of temperature sensors 420 provided in the temperature sensor device 40 may be only one.

[0053] Also, in the embodiment, the temperature sensor 420 is attached to the front voltage detection device 30 via the support 410. However, the temperature sensor 420 may be directly attached to the front voltage detection device 30 without going through the support 410.

Explanation of Signs

[0054] 1 Battery module 10 Cell stack 20 Container 30 Front voltage detection device 30´ Rear voltage detection device 40 Temperature sensor device 100 Battery cell 100a Right lower surface 100b Left lower surface 100G Cell group 102 Exterior material 102a Sealing side 104 Positive electrode tab 106 Negative electrode tab 108 Tab group 110 Compression pad 210 Front cover 220 Rear cover 230 Right cover 240 Left cover 250 Bottom cover 252 Thermally conductive adhesive 260 Top cover 310 Holder 312 Opening 314 Protrusion 320 Voltage detection section 322 Voltage detection line 324 Voltage detection connector 330 Positive electrode bus bar 410 Support 412 Horizontally extending body 414 Vertically extending body 420 Temperature sensor 422 Temperature sensor line 424 Temperature sensor connector 430 Support plate 430a Protruding portion 430b front end part 432 fixture 440 elastic member

Claims

1. A support, a plurality of temperature sensors attached to the support, and the plurality of temperature sensors are arranged at a plurality of locations of a battery cell, a temperature sensor device.

2. The temperature sensor device according to Claim 1, wherein temperature changes under predetermined conditions at the plurality of locations of the battery cell are different from each other.

3. The temperature sensor device further includes another temperature sensor attached to the support, and the other temperature sensor is arranged at at least one location of another battery cell different from the battery cell, the temperature sensor device according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The temperature sensor device according to Claim 3, wherein temperature changes under predetermined conditions in the battery cell and the other battery cell are different from each other.

5. The battery cell has a tab located on the first direction side of the battery cell, and the plurality of temperature sensors are arranged on both sides located on opposite sides in a direction perpendicular to the first direction of the battery cell, the temperature sensor device according to Claim 1 or 2.

6. the battery cell, and the temperature sensor device according to Claim 1 or 2, a battery module comprising.

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