Battery module

Abstract

Provided is a battery module with which it is possible to measure the precise temperature of a battery pack. A battery module 1 according to the present disclosure comprises: batteries 10; a battery holder 20 that accommodates the batteries 10 and has an opening 22 through which portions of the batteries 10 are exposed; a temperature sensor 30 that is in contact with the portions of the batteries 10 exposed through the opening 22; a circuit board 40; a first elastic interposition member 50 that is interposed between the temperature sensor 30 and the circuit board 40; and a second elastic interposition member 60 that is interposed between the circuit board 40 and the battery holder 20 and surrounds the circumference of the opening 22. The first elastic interposition member 50 is held between the circuit board 40 and the temperature sensor 30, and the second elastic interposition member 60 is held between the circuit board 40 and the battery holder 20.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A technique is known in which the battery temperature is measured for a battery module including a battery pack in which a plurality of batteries are combined, and an abnormality in the battery is determined based on the measured battery temperature.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a power supply device for a vehicle that includes multiple batteries arranged in multiple vertical stages to power the vehicle, a battery holder that positions each battery in a fixed position, and a temperature sensor that is thermally coupled to the surface of the battery and detects the battery temperature, and that controls the battery current based on the battery temperature detected by the temperature sensor.The battery holder has a leakage prevention cover above the temperature sensor, and this leakage prevention cover allows electrolyte that leaks from the upper battery to flow outside the temperature sensor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-270122 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A common method for measuring the battery temperature of a battery pack is to apply an external voltage to a temperature sensor (for example, a thermistor) and detect the battery temperature based on a change in the temperature sensor (for example, a change in resistance value).

[0006] Depending on how the battery module is used, moisture may seep into the battery module from outside. If the moisture comes into contact with the temperature sensor, the resistance of the temperature sensor increases, making it difficult to accurately measure the temperature of the battery pack.

[0007] In addition, when measuring the battery temperature of a battery pack, a temperature sensor is brought into contact with the battery pack, but if the contact is insufficient, it becomes difficult to measure the temperature accurately. Furthermore, if the lead wires extending from the temperature sensor are close to a structure other than the battery pack (for example, a housing that houses the battery pack), heat is transferred from the structure, making it difficult to measure the battery pack temperature accurately.

[0008] Therefore, a main object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery module that enables accurate temperature measurement of a battery pack. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The battery module according to the present disclosure includes: Batteries and a battery holder that houses the battery and has an opening that exposes a portion of the battery; a temperature sensor in contact with a portion of the battery exposed through the opening; A circuit board; a first elastic intervening member interposed between the temperature sensor and the circuit board; a second elastic intervening member interposed between the circuit board and the battery holder and surrounding the periphery of the opening; Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The battery module of the present disclosure allows accurate temperature measurement of the battery pack. Specifically, the first elastic intervening member interposed between the temperature sensor and the circuit board improves the adhesion between the temperature sensor and the battery. Furthermore, the second elastic intervening member surrounding the periphery of the opening improves the waterproofing of the temperature sensor. This improves the accuracy of temperature measurement by the temperature sensor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1A]1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to a first embodiment, viewed from above. [Figure 1B] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to a first embodiment, viewed from the bottom side. [Figure 2A] 2 is a schematic perspective view of the battery module taken along line II-II in FIG. 1A, viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery module taken along line II-II in FIG. 1A. [Figure 2C] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a battery module according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the permeation mode of a liquid through a foam having closed cells and the permeation mode of a liquid through a foam having open cells. FIG. [Figure 4A] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to a second embodiment, viewed from above. [Figure 4B] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to a second embodiment, viewed from the bottom side. [Figure 4C] FIG. 10 is a schematic bottom view of a circuit board of a battery module according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5A] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an arrangement of second elastic intervening members in a battery module according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5B] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an arrangement of second elastic intervening members in a battery module according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below. While the description will be made with reference to drawings as needed, the various elements in the drawings are merely shown schematically and for illustrative purposes to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, and the appearance and dimensional ratios may differ from those of the actual product.

[0013] Various numerical ranges mentioned in this specification are intended to include the lower and upper limit numerical values ​​themselves, unless otherwise specified, such as "less than" or "more than / greater than." For example, a numerical range such as 1 to 10 can be interpreted as including the lower limit of "1" and the upper limit of "10." Furthermore, terms such as "about" and "approximately" mean that the range may include a variation of a few percent, for example, ±10%.

[0014] As used herein, the term "plan view" refers to the state when an object (e.g., a battery module) is placed and viewed from directly above in the thickness (height) direction, and is synonymous with a plan view. For example, the term "plan view" refers to the state when viewed along the negative direction of the "Z axis" shown in FIG. 1. Unless otherwise specified, the term "side view" refers to the state when an object (e.g., a battery module) is placed and viewed from the side perpendicular to the thickness (height) direction, and is synonymous with a side view. For example, the term "side view" refers to the state when viewed along the negative (or positive) direction of the "Y axis" shown in FIG. 1. Unless otherwise specified, the term "front view" refers to the state when an object (e.g., a battery module) is placed and viewed from the front perpendicular to the thickness (height) direction, and is synonymous with a front view. For example, the term "front view" refers to the state when viewed along the positive direction of the "X axis" shown in FIG. 1. The "positive direction" mentioned above refers to the directions of the X-, Y-, and Z-axis arrows shown in the drawings, and the "negative direction" refers to the direction opposite to the directions of the X-, Y-, and Z-axis arrows shown in the drawings. The X-, Y-, and Z-axes are perpendicular to each other.

[0015] -First embodiment of the battery module of the present disclosure- A first embodiment of a battery module 1 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. The battery module 1 according to the present disclosure includes a battery 10, a battery holder 20 that houses the battery 10 and has an opening 22 that exposes a portion of the battery 10, a temperature sensor 30 that contacts a portion of the battery 10, a circuit board 40, a first elastic interposing member 50 that is interposed between the temperature sensor 30 and the circuit board 40, and a second elastic interposing member 60 that surrounds the periphery of the opening 22. The first elastic interposing member 50 is sandwiched between the circuit board 40 and the temperature sensor 30, and the second elastic interposing member 60 is sandwiched between the circuit board 40 and the battery holder 20. The battery module 1 according to the present disclosure includes the first elastic interposing member 50 and the second elastic interposing member 60, which improves the waterproofing of the temperature sensor 30 and the adhesion between the temperature sensor 30 and the battery 10. This improves the temperature measurement accuracy of the temperature sensor 30. The components of the first embodiment of the battery module 1 of the present disclosure will be specifically described below.

[0016] ·battery The battery 10 is intended to be a chemical battery that converts mainly chemical energy into direct current power through a chemical reaction. The battery 10 used in the battery module 1 of this embodiment is intended to be a cylindrical battery as shown in Figures 1A and 1B. The shape of the battery 10 may be a shape other than a cylindrical shape (for example, an elliptical cylinder, a rectangular column, a polygonal column, etc.).

[0017] The metal can may be exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the battery 10 from the viewpoint of contacting the temperature sensor 30 described later to measure the resistance value. When the metal can is exposed, the thermal resistance is lower and the battery temperature can be detected with higher accuracy compared to when the battery is covered with a film. Note that the battery module 1 of the present disclosure includes the second elastic intervening member 60 described later, which makes it difficult for moisture to penetrate into the battery module 1. Therefore, although the metal can may be exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the battery 10, the outer peripheral surface of the battery 10, excluding the portion that comes into contact with the temperature sensor 30, may be covered with a film or the like.

[0018] Battery holder The battery holder 20 has a housing portion 21 that houses the battery 10. The battery holder 20 is capable of mounting a circuit board 40. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, screw fixing portions 23 for fixing the circuit board 40 may be provided at the four corners of the battery holder 20. The circuit board 40 can be fixed to the battery holder 20 via the screw fixing portions 23.

[0019] The storage section 21 has a space for storing the battery 10. This space extends along the positive direction of the X-axis to store the battery 10. Furthermore, a plurality of such spaces are provided adjacent to each other along the positive direction of the Y-axis, and each space can store a battery 10. Therefore, the battery holder 20 can store multiple batteries 10. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the battery holder 20 has five storage sections 21 along the positive direction of the Y-axis, and can store five batteries 10. Note that the number of storage sections 21 is not limited to five and may be two or more.

[0020] The battery holder 20 has an opening 22 that exposes a portion of the battery 10. The opening 22 may be provided opposite a circuit board 40, which will be described later. More specifically, the opening 22 is for receiving a temperature sensor 30 and a first elastic intervening member 50, which will be described later.

[0021] The opening 22 is preferably located near the center of the battery holder 20. In this specification, "near the center" of the battery holder 20 means that the center of the opening 22 is located within 10% of the length of the battery holder 20 in the positive Y-axis direction from the center of the battery holder 20 in the positive Y-axis direction, and within 10% of the length of the battery holder 20 in the positive X-axis direction from the center of the battery holder 20 in the positive X-axis direction. Figure 1 shows an example in which one opening 22 is located near the center of the battery holder 20.

[0022] The reason for providing an opening near the center of the battery holder 20 will be explained. In the battery holder 20, heat tends to build up more easily in the housing section 21 that houses the inner battery 10 than in the housing section 21 that houses the outer battery 10. More specifically, heat tends to build up more easily in the housing section 21 near the center in the positive direction of the Y axis. Similarly, heat tends to build up more easily in the housing section 21 near the center in the positive direction of the X axis. Therefore, by providing an opening 22 near the center of the battery holder 20 where heat tends to build up, it is possible to measure the temperature in positions within the battery holder 20 that are particularly likely to become hot, and to appropriately determine whether there is an abnormality in the battery 10.

[0023] Temperature sensor The temperature sensor 30 comes into contact with the portion of the battery 10 exposed through the opening 22, and measures the temperature at the contact point. An example of the temperature sensor 30 is a thermistor, the resistance of which changes depending on the temperature.

[0024] In one preferred embodiment of the temperature sensor 30, the temperature sensor 30 may have a sensor body 31 and a lead 32 electrically connected to the sensor body 31. The sensor body 31 is a structure that can cause a change in the resistance value of the sensor body 31 by contacting the sensor body 31 with an object whose temperature is to be measured. The lead 32 is a structure through which a current flows, generated from the sensor body 31 whose resistance value changes depending on the temperature of the object whose temperature is to be measured.

[0025] In one preferred embodiment of the temperature sensor 30, the sensor body 31 and leads 32 may be positioned at a distance from the battery holder 20. As used herein, "positioned at a distance from the battery holder" means that the sensor body 31 and leads 32 are not in contact with the battery holder 20, as shown in FIG. 2C. More specifically, it means that there is a gap between the sensor body 31 and leads 32 and the battery holder 20. Positioning the temperature sensor 30 so that it is not in contact with the battery holder 20 prevents the temperature sensor 30 from detecting the temperature of the battery holder 20, enabling more accurate battery temperature measurement.

[0026] The temperature sensor 30 used in the present disclosure may be a non-waterproof thermistor. Generally, waterproof thermistors have at least the sensor body 31 coated for waterproofing, and the coating has a high thermal resistance, which tends to result in low sensor sensitivity. Therefore, to perform highly accurate temperature measurements, it is preferable to use a non-waterproof thermistor that is not coated for waterproofing and is less affected by the thermal resistance of the coating. The battery module of the present disclosure can employ a non-waterproof thermistor with high sensor sensitivity because the second elastic intervening member 60, which will be described in detail later, makes it more difficult for moisture to enter the battery module 1.

[0027] Circuit board The circuit board 40 functions as a control circuit for controlling the power of the battery 10. The circuit board 40 has an outer surface 41 exposed to the outside and an inner surface 42 facing the battery holder 20. The circuit board 40 is positioned so as to cover the opening 22 of the battery holder 20. One example of a method for attaching the circuit board 40 to the battery holder 20 is fastening with screws. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, screw fastening portions 23 are formed at the corners of the battery holder 20, and the circuit board 40 and battery holder 20 are attached using these screw fastening portions 23. Note that methods other than fastening with screws may also be used to attach the circuit board 40 to the battery holder 20.

[0028] On the inner surface 42 of the circuit board 40, there are provided a first elastic intervening member 50 arranged to correspond to the opening 22 of the battery holder 20, a second elastic intervening member 60 surrounding the first elastic intervening member 50, and a temperature sensor 30 arranged in the area surrounded by the second elastic intervening member 60. The sensor main body 31 of the temperature sensor 30 is attached to the first elastic intervening member 50.

[0029] First elastic intervening member The first elastic interposing member 50 is interposed between the temperature sensor 30 and the circuit board 40. The first elastic interposing member 50 is sandwiched between the circuit board 40 and the temperature sensor 30. Note that the term "elastic interposing member" used in this specification refers to a member that is deformable by an external force and is sandwiched between two structures. More specifically, the elastic interposing member used in this specification is provided on the circuit board, and therefore is intended to be interposed between the circuit board and another structure.

[0030] Since the battery module 1 of the present disclosure is provided with the first elastic intervening member 50, when the circuit board 40 is attached to the battery holder 20, an external force is applied to the first elastic intervening member 50 in the negative direction of the Z axis, causing the first elastic intervening member 50 to compress and deform. This allows the sensor body 31 of the temperature sensor 30 attached to the first elastic intervening member 50 to be in close contact with the battery 10.

[0031] As a preferred embodiment of the first elastic intervening member 50, the first elastic intervening member 50 is preferably made of a flame-retardant resin material, more preferably a flame-retardant foam of PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), polyolefin, or polyurethane.

[0032] The foam of the first elastic interposing member 50 is preferably an open-cell foam. In this specification, "open-cell foam" refers to a structure in which each cell is connected to the other cells. The first elastic interposing member 50 is preferably an open-cell foam. Alternatively, as a preferred embodiment, the first elastic interposing member 50 may be a semi-closed or semi-open-cell foam, as described below. "Open-cell foam" generally has excellent energy absorption properties. Therefore, even if a load such as an external impact is applied to the battery module of the present disclosure, the open-cell foam can absorb the energy of the external impact. This protects the sensor body 31 of the temperature sensor 30 attached to the first elastic interposing member 50 and improves the accuracy of temperature measurement.

[0033] In one preferred embodiment of the first elastic intervening member 50, the first elastic intervening member 50 may be harder than the second elastic intervening member 60. By making the first elastic intervening member 50 relatively hard, the sensor body 31 of the temperature sensor 30 can be fixed in a predetermined position.

[0034] As a more specific index of the hardness of the first elastic intervening member 50, the first elastic intervening member 50 has a 50% compression hardness of 3 to 10 N / cm 2 70% compression hardness is 7-20N / cm 2 The compression hardness referred to in this specification is a value measured based on JIS K 6400-2 D method. Specifically, the load value is intended to be the load value when the measurement object is placed flat, a circular pressure plate with a diameter of 200 mm is placed on it, the plate is pressed down to a distance of 75% of the original thickness of the measurement object, then returned to its original position, and pressed down again to a distance of 25% of the original thickness, and the plate is left standing for 20 seconds. If the compression hardness is within the above numerical range, it is possible to more effectively bring the sensor main body 31 into close contact with the battery 10 and fix the sensor main body 31 in a predetermined position.

[0035] In addition, it is also possible to adjust the clearance (spacing) between the battery holder 20 and the circuit board 40 by adjusting the compression hardness of the relatively hard first elastic interposing member 50 within the above range or by adjusting the thickness of the first elastic interposing member 50.

[0036] Second elastic intervening member The second elastic intervening member 60 surrounds the periphery of the opening 22 provided in the battery holder 20. The second elastic intervening member 60 is sandwiched between the circuit board 40 and the battery holder 20.

[0037] In the battery module 1 of the present disclosure, when the circuit board 40 is attached to the battery holder 20, an external force is applied to the second elastic intervening member 60 in the negative Z-axis direction, compressing and deforming the second elastic intervening member 60. The compressive deformation of the second elastic intervening member 60 seals the periphery of the opening 22 of the battery holder 20, preventing moisture from entering the temperature sensor 30 inside the opening 22 and improving waterproofing.

[0038] As a preferred embodiment of the second elastic interposing member 60, the second elastic interposing member 60 is preferably made of a flame-retardant resin material. More preferably, the second elastic interposing member 60 is made of a flame-retardant foam of PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), polyolefin, or polyurethane. The material of the second elastic interposing member 60 may be the same as the material of the first elastic interposing member 50, or a different material may be used.

[0039] The foam of the second elastic intervening member 60 may be a foam having closed cells or a foam having both closed and open cells. As used herein, "a foam having closed cells" refers to a structure in which individual cells are not connected to each other. Furthermore, as used herein, "a foam having both closed and open cells" refers to a structure in which individual cells are not connected to each other and a structure in which individual cells are connected to each other. Alternatively, even if multiple cells are connected, the individual cells can be separated by compressive deformation of the foam, resulting in a structure similar to "a foam having closed cells." Note that "a foam having both closed and open cells" as used herein is synonymous with so-called semi-closed semi-open cell foam. Furthermore, "a foam having closed cells" as used herein is synonymous with so-called closed cell foam.

[0040] Here, the moisture penetration patterns of "closed-cell foams" and "open-cell foams" are explained with reference to FIG. 3 . In the "open-cell foam" shown in FIG. 3 , each cell is connected to the other cells, allowing moisture to propagate between the cells. In other words, the structure allows moisture to propagate easily within the foam, making it difficult to prevent moisture penetration. On the other hand, in the "closed-cell foam" shown in FIG. 3 , each cell is not connected, making moisture less likely to propagate between the cells. Therefore, the "closed-cell foam" can be said to have a structure that is more moisture-resistant than the "open-cell foam." Furthermore, even in the semi-closed-cell foam described above, each cell is separated from the other cells by compressive deformation, resulting in a structure similar to the "closed-cell foam." Therefore, the "semi-closed-cell foam" can be said to have a structure that prevents moisture penetration.

[0041] In the battery module 1 of the present disclosure, a "foam having closed cells" or a "semi-closed cell, semi-open-cell foam" is provided around the opening 22 as the second elastic intervening member 60. This reduces the intrusion of moisture into the battery module 1 through the opening 22. In other words, by surrounding the opening with a closed cell foam or semi-closed cell, semi-open-cell foam that becomes waterproof when compressed, it is possible to prevent water from infiltrating into the opening.

[0042] In this specification, the term "foam" refers to a "foam with open cells," a "foam with closed cells," or a "semi-closed cell foam." The methods for distinguishing between these are described below. The methods are: (1) dropping water onto the surface of a foam and immediately checking whether or not the water has penetrated to the rear surface of the foam; and (2) dropping water onto the surface of the foam, compressing and deforming the foam from both the front and rear surfaces, and checking whether or not the water has penetrated to the rear surface of the foam.

[0043] The term "open-cell foam" refers to (1) a foam in which, when water is dropped onto the surface, the water immediately penetrates and can be seen to penetrate to the back side of the foam, and (2) a foam in which, when water is dropped onto the surface and then compressed, the water can be seen to penetrate to the back side of the foam.

[0044] The term "closed-cell foam" refers to (1) a foam that, when water is dropped onto the surface, does not show any water penetration to the backside of the foam, and (2) a foam that, when water is dropped onto the surface and then compressed, does not show any water penetration to the backside of the foam.

[0045] The term "semi-closed, semi-open foam" refers to a foam that (1) immediately penetrates when water is dropped onto the surface, and the penetration of water can be confirmed on the back side of the foam, but (2) when water is dropped onto the surface of the foam and then compressed, the penetration of water cannot be confirmed on the back side of the foam.

[0046] In addition to these determination methods, the determination may also be made by observing the cross section of the foam with a microscope or the like.

[0047] In one preferred embodiment of the second elastic interposing member 60, the second elastic interposing member 60 may be softer than the first elastic interposing member 50. By making the second elastic interposing member 60 relatively soft, the second elastic interposing member 60 is more easily compressively deformed, and can conform to the irregularities on the surface of the battery holder 20 and the surface of the circuit board 40, further improving waterproofing.

[0048] As a more specific index of the hardness of the second elastic intervening member 60, the second elastic intervening member 60 has a 50% compression hardness of 0.2 to 1.0 N / cm 2 and 70% compression hardness is 1 to 3 N / cm 2 If the compression hardness is within the above numerical range, the second elastic intervening member 60 can be more effectively made compressively deformable, and the compressively deformed second elastic intervening member 60 can reduce the intrusion of moisture into the battery module 1 through the opening 22.

[0049] As described above, with the battery module of the present disclosure, the first elastic intervening member 50 interposed between the temperature sensor 30 and the circuit board 40 can improve the adhesion between the temperature sensor 30 and the battery 10. Furthermore, the second elastic intervening member 60 surrounding the periphery of the opening 22 can improve the waterproofing of the temperature sensor 30. This can improve the accuracy of temperature measurement by the temperature sensor 30.

[0050] -Second embodiment of the battery module of the present disclosure- A second embodiment of the battery module of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. The second embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment in the configuration of the second elastic intervening member 60 and the configuration of the opening 22. The other configurations are basically the same as those of the above-described embodiment. The different configurations will be described below.

[0051] Battery holder The battery holder 20 of the second embodiment accommodates multiple batteries 10 and has multiple openings 22 that expose a portion of each battery 10. In the example shown in Fig. 4A, five openings 22 are provided corresponding to all five accommodation sections 21. In other words, the five openings 22 are provided adjacent to one another along the direction in which the batteries 10 are arranged (positive direction of the Y axis).

[0052] Circuit board In the second embodiment, first elastic intervening members 50 are provided on the inner surface 42 of the circuit board 40 so as to correspond to the plurality of openings 22 of the battery holder 20, second elastic intervening members 60 surround all of the first elastic intervening members 50, and a plurality of temperature sensors 30 are provided corresponding to each of the first elastic intervening members 50. The sensor main body 31 of each temperature sensor 30 is attached to the respective first elastic intervening member 50.

[0053] First elastic intervening member The first elastic intervening members 50 of the second embodiment are provided to correspond to the multiple openings 22 of the battery holder 20. More specifically, they are provided along the direction in which the batteries 10 are arranged (positive direction of the Y axis) to correspond to the multiple openings 22. In the example shown in FIG. 4B , five openings 22 are provided to correspond to all five housing sections 21. The sensor main body 31 of the temperature sensor 30 described above is attached to each first elastic intervening member 50.

[0054] Second elastic intervening member The second elastic intervening member 60 of the second embodiment has fastening regions 43 for screw fastening at positions corresponding to the four corners of the circuit board 40. In other words, as shown in Fig. 4C, the second elastic intervening member 60 has a frame shape with fastening regions 43 at the four corners. Note that the term "frame shape" as used herein refers to the shape of a frame that surrounds at least all of the openings 22 of the battery holder 20.

[0055] The fastening region 43 of this embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 5A and 5B. If the circuit board 40 were not provided with a fastening region and the screws were fastened inside the second elastic intervening member 60 (i.e., inside the frame) as shown in Figure 5B, the second elastic intervening member 60 would be subjected to stress during screw fastening. To reduce this stress during screw fastening, the circuit board 40 and battery holder 20 would need to be enlarged. However, in this embodiment, the circuit board 40 and battery holder 20 can be fastened together with screws using the fastening region 43 provided outside the second elastic intervening member 60 (i.e., outside the frame) as shown in Figure 5A. This allows the circuit board 40 and battery holder 20 to be made smaller than the example shown in Figure 5B.

[0056] -Third embodiment of the battery module of the present disclosure- A third embodiment of the battery module of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 6A and 6B. The third embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments in that a third elastic interposing member 70 is provided in the battery module. The other configurations are basically the same as those of the above-described embodiments. The different configurations will be described below.

[0057] Third elastic intervening member The battery module 1 of the third embodiment includes a third elastic interposing member 70 that is interposed between the leads 32 and the circuit board 40 and separates the portions of the leads 32 other than the connection portions with the circuit board 40 from the circuit board 40. In this specification, "separating the portions of the leads 32 other than the connection portions with the circuit board 40 from the circuit board 40" means that the leads 32 are not in contact with the circuit board 40 except for the ends of the leads 32 that are in contact with the circuit board 40.

[0058] The third elastic interposing member 70 may be made of a heat insulating material to reduce heat conduction to the leads 32. In other words, a resin material with low thermal conductivity may be used. For example, like the first elastic interposing member 50 and the second elastic interposing member 60, a flame-retardant foam of PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), polyolefin, or polyurethane may be used. Note that heat insulating resins other than the above materials may also be used. Furthermore, a material different from that of the first elastic interposing member 50 and the second elastic interposing member 60 may also be used.

[0059] The third elastic intervening member 70 may be disposed in a region between the first elastic intervening member 50 and the second elastic intervening member 60. The third elastic intervening member 70 may be provided on the side of the first elastic intervening member 50 in the direction in which the leads 32 of the temperature sensor 30 extend. Specifically, in the examples of Figures 6A and 6B, the third elastic intervening member 70 may be provided on the X-axis (negative direction) side of the first elastic intervening member.

[0060] According to the battery module 1 of the third embodiment, the third elastic interposing member 70 is interposed between the leads 32 and the circuit board 40, separating the lead 32 from the circuit board 40 except for the connection portion thereof. This keeps the temperature of the lead 32 relatively lower than that of the battery, which is a heat-generating body, and further reduces the transfer of heat from the circuit board 40 or the battery holder 20, which have a large heat capacity and thermal conductivity, to the temperature sensor 30. This enables more accurate measurement of the battery temperature. Note that, in this embodiment, the first elastic interposing member 50 and the third elastic interposing member 70 are described as separate members, but the first elastic interposing member 50 may also have the function and configuration of the third elastic interposing member 70.

[0061] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not intended to be limiting. Therefore, the technical scope of the present disclosure should not be interpreted solely by the above-described embodiments, but should be defined based on the claims. The technical scope of the present disclosure also includes all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims.

[0062] The battery module of the present disclosure includes the following aspects. <1> Batteries and a battery holder that houses the battery and has an opening that exposes a portion of the battery; a temperature sensor in contact with a portion of the battery exposed through the opening; A circuit board; a first elastic intervening member interposed between the temperature sensor and the circuit board; a second elastic intervening member interposed between the circuit board and the battery holder and surrounding the periphery of the opening; Equipped with Battery module. <2> the first elastic intervening member is a foam having open cells; <1> The battery module according to claim 1. <3> the first elastic intervening member is sandwiched between the circuit board and the temperature sensor; <1> or <2> The battery module according to claim 1. <4> the second elastic intervening member is sandwiched between the circuit board and the battery holder; <1> ~ <3> The battery module according to any one of the preceding items. <5> the second elastic intervening member is a foam having closed cells or a foam having both closed cells and open cells; <1> ~ <4> The battery module according to any one of the preceding items. <6> The first elastic intervening member is harder than the second elastic intervening member. <1> ~ <5> The battery module according to any one of the preceding items. <7> The first elastic intervening member has a 50% compression hardness of 3 to 10 N / cm 2 70% compression hardness is 7-20N / cm 2 and The second elastic intervening member has a 50% compression hardness of 0.2 to 1.0 N / cm 2 and 70% compression hardness is 1 to 3 N / cm 2 That is, <6> The battery module according to claim 1. <8> the temperature sensor has a sensor body and a lead connecting the sensor body to the circuit board, the sensor body and the leads are disposed at positions spaced apart from the battery holder; <1> ~ <7> The battery module according to any one of the preceding items. <9> a third elastic intervening member interposed between the lead and the circuit board, for separating a portion of the lead other than a portion connected to the circuit board from the circuit board; <8> The battery module according to claim 1. <10> Multiple batteries and a plurality of temperature sensors in contact with a portion of each of the batteries; A circuit board; a battery holder that houses a plurality of the batteries and has a plurality of openings that expose a portion of each of the batteries; a plurality of first elastic intervening members that apply pressure to the respective temperature sensors; a second elastic intervening member that is provided to surround all of the openings and that suppresses water from entering all of the openings, Each of the first elastic intervening members is sandwiched between the circuit board and each of the temperature sensors, The second elastic intervening member is sandwiched between the circuit board and the battery holder. [Industrial Applicability]

[0063] The present disclosure can be used in a battery module that allows accurate temperature measurement of a battery pack. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1 Battery Module 10 batteries 20 Battery holder 21 Storage unit 22 Aperture 23 Screw fixing part 30 Temperature Sensor 31 Sensor body 32 leads 40 Circuit Board 41 Exterior 42 Inner 43 Fastening area 50 First elastic intervening member 60 Second elastic intervening member 70 Third elastic intervening member

Claims

1. Batteries and a battery holder that houses the battery and has an opening that exposes a portion of the battery; a temperature sensor in contact with a portion of the battery exposed through the opening; A circuit board; a first elastic intervening member interposed between the temperature sensor and the circuit board; a second elastic intervening member interposed between the circuit board and the battery holder and surrounding the periphery of the opening; Equipped with Battery module.

2. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the first elastic intervening member is a foam having open cells.

3. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the first elastic intervening member is sandwiched between the circuit board and the temperature sensor.

4. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the second elastic intervening member is sandwiched between the circuit board and the battery holder.

5. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the second elastic intervening member is a foam having closed cells or a foam having both closed cells and open cells.

6. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the first elastic intervening member is harder than the second elastic intervening member.

7. The first elastic intervening member has a 50% compression hardness of 3 to 10 N / cm ２ and 70% compression hardness is 7 to 20 N / cm ２ and The second elastic intervening member has a 50% compression hardness of 0.2 to 1.0 N / cm ２ and 70% compression hardness is 1 to 3 N / cm ２ The battery module according to claim 6 ,

8. the temperature sensor has a sensor body and a lead connecting the sensor body to the circuit board, The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor body and the leads are disposed at positions spaced apart from the battery holder.

9. 9. The battery module according to claim 8, further comprising a third elastic intervening member interposed between the lead and the circuit board, for separating a portion of the lead other than a connection portion with the circuit board from the circuit board.

10. Multiple batteries and a plurality of temperature sensors in contact with a portion of each of the batteries; A circuit board; a battery holder that houses a plurality of the batteries and has a plurality of openings that expose a portion of each of the batteries; a plurality of first elastic intervening members that apply pressure to the respective temperature sensors; a second elastic intervening member that is provided to surround all of the openings and that suppresses water from entering all of the openings, Each of the first elastic intervening members is sandwiched between the circuit board and each of the temperature sensors, The second elastic intervening member is sandwiched between the circuit board and the battery holder.

Images