Battery module

Abstract

To secure a temperature sensor to a battery cell in a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A temperature sensor device 40 comprises a temperature sensor 420 and an elastic member 440. The elastic member 440 is positioned between the temperature sensor 420 and a lower cover 250 that presses the temperature sensor 420 toward a battery cell 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

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 temperature sensor and a biasing portion that biases the temperature sensor toward the battery module. The biasing portion has a flexing portion. Due to the elastic deformation of the flexing portion, the biasing portion biases the temperature sensor toward the battery module.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, in the temperature sensor device described in Patent Document 1, a flexing portion is required for a configuration that fixes the temperature sensor to the battery module. However, when a flexing portion is provided, it may be difficult to simplify the configuration of the temperature sensor device.

[0005] An example of the object of the present invention is to fix a temperature sensor to a battery cell with a simple configuration. 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, An elastic member positioned between the temperature sensor and a pressing body that presses the temperature sensor toward a battery cell, A temperature sensor device equipped with the following features. [2] The temperature sensor device according to [1], wherein the temperature sensor is flexible. [3] The temperature sensor device according to [1] or [2], further comprising a support plate for supporting the temperature sensor. [4] The temperature sensor device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the temperature sensor is shielded from heat by the pressing body. [5] A temperature sensor device according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the temperature sensor is positioned to the side of the battery cell. [6] The aforementioned battery cell, A temperature sensor device described in any one of [1] to [5], A battery module equipped with the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensor can be fixed to the battery cell with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a rear perspective view showing the temperature sensor device according to the embodiment, along with some battery cells, a lower cover, and a front voltage detection device. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged view of the lower left portion of the front voltage detection device and temperature sensor device according to the embodiment, as seen from the rear. [Figure 4] This is a plan view showing the temperature sensor shown in Figure 3 together with the elastic member. [Figure 5] This is a left side view showing the temperature sensor shown in Figure 3 together with the elastic member. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates a method for attaching a forward voltage detection device and a temperature sensor device to a cell stack. [Figure 7]This diagram illustrates a method for attaching a forward voltage detection device and a temperature sensor device to a cell stack. [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows the structure between the battery cell and the lower cover, viewed from the rear. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted where appropriate.

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

[0011] Each diagram shows arrows indicating the X, Y, and Z directions for explanatory purposes. The X direction is the front-to-back direction of the battery module 1. Unless otherwise specified, the tip of the arrow indicating the X direction is considered the rear of the battery module 1. Unless otherwise specified, the base of the arrow indicating the X direction is considered the front of the battery module 1. The Y direction is perpendicular to the X direction. The Y direction is the left-to-right direction of the battery module 1. Unless otherwise specified, the tip of the arrow indicating the Y direction is considered the left side of the battery module 1 when viewed from the front, and the right side when viewed from the rear. Unless otherwise specified, the base of the arrow indicating the Y direction is considered the right side of the battery module 1 when viewed from the front, and the left side when viewed from the rear. The Z direction is perpendicular to both the X and Y directions. The Z direction is the up-to-down direction of the battery module 1. Unless otherwise specified, the tip of the arrow indicating the Z direction is considered the top side of the battery module 1. Hereafter, unless otherwise specified, the base end of the arrow indicating the Z direction will be considered the lower side of the battery module 1. Hereafter, the direction perpendicular to the X direction will be referred to as the YZ plane direction, as needed. Hereafter, the direction perpendicular to the Y direction will be referred to as the ZX plane direction, as needed. Hereafter, the direction perpendicular to the Z direction will be referred to as the XY plane direction, as needed. Note that the relationship between the X, Y, and Z directions and the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-and-down directions of the battery module 1 is not limited to the examples given above.

[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 arranged on both sides of each battery cell 100 in the Y direction. 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, the displacement of the battery cell 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. The 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) located between the adjacent positive and negative electrodes in the Y direction. The exterior member 102 seals the battery element and an electrolyte (not shown). The positive electrode tab 104 is electrically connected to the positive 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 this embodiment, multiple cell groups 100G are connected in series from one cell group 100G located at one end in the Y direction to the other cell group 100G located at the other end in the Y direction. Each cell group 100G includes multiple battery cells 100 connected in parallel. In this embodiment, each cell group 100G includes two adjacent battery cells 100 in the Y direction. Two positive electrode tabs 104 drawn from the two battery cells 100 included in each cell group 100G are oriented toward the same side in the X direction. Two negative electrode tabs 106 drawn from the two battery cells 100 included in each cell group 100G are oriented toward the same side in the X direction. The positive electrode tabs 104 and negative electrode tabs 106 drawn from one of the adjacent cell groups 100G in the Y direction and the positive electrode tabs 104 and negative electrode tabs 106 drawn from the other adjacent cell group 100G in the Y direction are oriented toward opposite sides in the X direction. Two adjacent cell groups 100G 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 electrode tab 104 and a negative electrode tab 106 that are joined together. The positive electrode tab 104 and the negative electrode tab 106 included in the tab group 108 are joined together, for example, by laser welding. As a result, the multiple tab groups 108 located in front of the cell stack 10 and the multiple 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 examples described above. For example, each cell group 100G may include three or more battery cells 100 connected in parallel. Alternatively, multiple single battery cells 100 may be connected in series from a battery cell 100 located at one end in the Y direction to a 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 lower cover 250, and an upper cover 260. Each cover is made of a metal such as aluminum. 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'. Viewed from the front, the right cover 230 covers the right side of the cell stack 10. Viewed from the front, the left cover 240 covers the left side of the cell stack 10. The lower cover 250 covers the bottom of the cell stack 10. A thermally conductive adhesive 252 is placed between the top surface of the lower cover 250 and the bottom end of the cell stack 10. This allows heat generated from the cell stack 10 to dissipate downwards through the thermally conductive adhesive 252 towards the battery module 1. The upper cover 260 covers the top of the cell stack 10.

[0019] The forward voltage detection device 30 includes 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 terminal busbar 330.

[0020] The holder 310 is positioned 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 a plurality of voltage detection units 320 and a plurality of voltage detection lines 322.

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

[0022] The positive electrode busbar 330 is electrically connected to a positive electrode tab 104 that extends forward from a battery cell 100 located at the right end of the cell stack 10 when viewed from the front. The battery module 1 is electrically connectable to other battery modules (not shown) via the positive electrode busbar 330.

[0023] The rear voltage detection device 30' is located at the rear of the cell stack 10. Similar to the front voltage detection device 30', the rear voltage detection device 30' includes a holder and a voltage detection line held by the holder. The rear voltage detection device 30' further includes a negative electrode busbar electrically connected to a negative electrode tab 106 that is drawn out towards the rear from a battery cell 100 located at the left end of the cell stack 10 when viewed from the front.

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

[0025] The temperature sensor device 40 will be described with reference to Figure 2.

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

[0027] Viewed from the rear, the support 410 is located behind the left side of the holder 310. The support 410 includes a transversely extending body 412 and a pair of longitudinally extending bodies 414. Viewed from the rear, the transversely extending body 412 is located behind the lower left end of the holder 310. The transversely extending body 412 extends substantially parallel to the Y direction. The pair of longitudinally extending bodies 414 extend substantially parallel to the Z direction upward from both ends of the transversely extending body 412 in the Y direction. Viewed from the rear, the left longitudinally extending body 414 is located behind the substantially left end of the holder 310. Viewed from the rear, the right longitudinally extending body 414 is located behind the substantially central part of the holder 310.

[0028] Viewed from the rear, the pair of temperature sensors 420 on the left are attached to the left end of the horizontally extending body 412 and the upper end of the left vertically extending body 414. The pair of temperature sensors 420 are positioned facing each other substantially parallel to the Z direction. The pair of temperature sensors 420 protrude rearward from the support body 410. Viewed from the rear, the pair of temperature sensors 420 detect the temperature of the battery cell 100 located substantially at the left end in the Y direction of the cell stack 10. Specifically, the pair of temperature sensors 420 are positioned on the upper and lower sides of the front end of the battery cell 100. As a result, the pair of temperature sensors 420 detect the temperature of the upper and lower ends of the front end of the battery cell 100. In this case, the size of the battery module 1 in the Y direction can be reduced compared to the case where the temperature sensors 420 are positioned between adjacent battery cells 100 in the Y direction.

[0029] Viewed from the rear, the pair of temperature sensors 420 on the right side are attached to the right end of the horizontally extending body 412 and the upper end of the right vertically extending body 414. The pair of temperature sensors 420 are positioned facing each other substantially parallel to the Z direction. The pair of temperature sensors 420 protrude rearward from the support body 410. Viewed from the rear, the pair of temperature sensors 420 detect the temperature of the battery cell 100, which is located substantially in the center of the cell stack 10 in the Y direction. Specifically, the pair of temperature sensors 420 are positioned on the upper and lower sides of the front end of the battery cell 100. As a result, the pair of temperature sensors 420 detect the temperature of the upper and lower ends of the front end of the battery cell 100. In this case, the size of the battery module 1 in the Y direction can be reduced compared to the case where the temperature sensors 420 are positioned between adjacent battery cells 100 in the Y direction.

[0030] The temperature of a battery cell 100 positioned approximately in the center of the cell stack 10 in the Y direction is less affected by the surrounding environment of the cell stack 10 compared to the temperature of a battery cell 100 positioned at a location offset in the Y direction from the approximate center of the cell stack 10. Therefore, under predetermined conditions for heating each battery cell 100, such as charging, the temperature of the battery cell 100 positioned approximately in the center of the cell stack 10 in the Y direction is more likely to rise and less likely to fall compared to the temperature of a battery cell 100 positioned at a location offset in the Y direction from the approximate center of the cell stack 10. As a result, the temperature changes of the multiple battery cells 100 contained in the cell stack 10 under these predetermined conditions differ from each other depending on their position in the Y direction within the cell stack 10. In this embodiment, when viewed from the rear, a pair of temperature sensors 420 on the left and a pair of temperature sensors 420 on the right can detect different temperature changes at the approximate left end and approximate center of the cell stack 10 in the Y direction. Therefore, the temperature of the cell stack 10 can be controlled according to these temperature changes.

[0031] In this embodiment, a thermally conductive adhesive 252 is placed on the upper surface of the lower cover 250. Therefore, under predetermined conditions of heating each battery cell 100, such as charging, the temperature at the lower end of each battery cell 100 in the Z direction tends to be lower than the temperature at the upper end of each battery cell 100 in the Z direction due to the cooling effect of the thermally conductive adhesive 252. For this reason, the temperature change of each battery cell 100 under these predetermined conditions differs depending on its position in the Z direction within each battery cell 100. In this embodiment, when viewed from the rear, a pair of temperature sensors 420 on the left side can detect different temperature changes at the lower and upper ends of the battery cell 100 located approximately at the left end in the Y direction of the cell stack 10. Similarly, when viewed from the rear, a pair of temperature sensors 420 on the right side can detect different temperature changes at the lower and upper ends of the battery cell 100 located approximately in the center in the Y direction of the cell stack 10. Therefore, the temperature of the cell stack 10 can be controlled according to these temperature changes.

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

[0033] For example, temperature sensors 420 may be attached to three or more different locations in the Z direction of a single battery cell 100. For example, temperature sensors 420 may be attached to the approximate upper end, approximate lower end, and approximate center of the battery cell 100 in the Z direction. In this example as well, different temperature changes at multiple locations in the Z direction of the battery cell 100 can be detected. Furthermore, the temperature sensors 420 do not have to be provided at the upper and lower ends of the battery cell 100 in the Z direction. For example, the temperature sensor 420 may be attached to a location offset downward from the upper end of the battery cell 100. Similarly, the temperature sensor 420 may be attached to a location offset upward from the lower end of the battery cell 100. Also, only one temperature sensor 420 may be attached to a single battery cell 100.

[0034] Furthermore, temperature sensors 420 may be attached to three or more different locations in the Y direction of the cell stack 10. For example, temperature sensors 420 may be attached to approximately the left end, approximately the center, and approximately the right end of the cell stack 10 in the Y direction. In this example as well, different temperature changes at multiple locations in the Y direction of the cell stack 10 can be detected. Also, when viewed from the rear, the temperature sensors 420 do not have to be located approximately in the center and approximately the left end of the cell stack 10. For example, when viewed from the rear, the temperature sensors 420 may be attached to a location shifted to the right from approximately the left end of the cell stack 10. Similarly, when viewed from the rear, the temperature sensors 420 may be attached to a location shifted to the left or right from approximately the center of the cell stack 10.

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

[0036] The factors causing the temperature changes at multiple locations in the Z direction of each battery cell 100 to differ under the predetermined conditions described above are not limited to the effect of cooling by the thermally conductive adhesive 252. That is, the temperature changes at multiple locations in the Z direction of each battery cell 100 under the predetermined conditions will differ from one another, for example, by placing a temperature control member such as a heater, cooler, or heat sink above or below each battery cell 100, and not placing a temperature control member above or below the other battery cell 100.

[0037] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, a 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 Figure 3 is similarly applicable to temperature sensors 420 attached to other parts of the support 410.

[0038] The temperature sensor 420 is attached to the holder 310 and the support body 410 by a support plate 430 and a mounting 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 projection 430a and a front end 430b. The projection 430a protrudes toward the rear of the support body 410. The temperature sensor 420 is attached to the upper surface of the projection 430a, for example, via adhesive. In this way, the temperature sensor 420 is supported by the projection 430a. The front end 430b is bent upward relative to the projection 430a. The front end 430b is attached to the rear surface of the transversely extending body 412 by a mounting fixture 432. In this way, the position of the temperature sensor 420 in the XY plane can be fixed. In the example shown in Figure 3, the mounting fixture 432 is a rivet. However, the mounting fixture 432 may be a different type of mounting fixture than a rivet, such as a screw. The mounting fixture 432 is inserted from behind the front end portion 430b into the laterally extending body 412 and the retaining body 310. The mounting fixture 432 is made of an electrically insulating material such as resin. Therefore, the mounting fixture 432 has insulating properties. In this example, even if the metal portion of the exterior material 102 comes into contact with the mounting fixture 432, a short circuit between the exterior material 102 and the mounting fixture 432 can be suppressed. However, the mounting fixture 432 may be made of a conductive material such as metal.

[0039] One end of a temperature sensor wire 422 is connected to the front end of the temperature sensor 420. The temperature sensor wire 422 is routed via a support 410. Therefore, the temperature sensor wire 422 is held by the support 410. The other end of the temperature sensor wire 422 is electrically connected to the temperature sensor connector 424 shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0040] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate how to attach the front voltage detection device 30 and the temperature sensor device 40 to the cell stack 10. Figure 8 is a rear view of the structure between the battery cell 100 and the lower cover 250 in the state shown in Figure 7. In Figure 8, the white circle with a black dot indicating the X direction indicates the rear side of the battery module 1 when viewed from the back of the page towards the front, and the front side of the battery module 1 when viewed from the front of the page towards the back.

[0041] The forward 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 body 410 is mechanically joined to the rear surface of the holder body 310, for example, by a 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. This positions each of the multiple voltage detection units 320 shown in Figure 1 in front of each of the multiple tab groups 108 shown in Figure 1, which are located in front of the cell stack 10. In this state, each voltage detection unit 320 and each tab group 108 can be joined together, for example, by laser welding. Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 6, by installing the front voltage detection device 30 at an appropriate position relative to the cell stack 10, the multiple temperature sensors 420 shown in Figure 2 can be integrally arranged at an appropriate position relative to the cell stack 10. For this reason, in this embodiment, compared to the case where the installation of the front voltage detection device 30 and the installation of the temperature sensor device 40 are performed separately, the workability for attaching the temperature sensors 420 to the battery cells 100 can be improved.

[0044] The temperature sensor 420 and the support plate 430 are flexible. Specifically, the temperature sensor 420 is flexible between its front and rear ends. Similarly, the support plate 430 is flexible between its front and rear ends. Therefore, the temperature sensor 420 and the support plate 430 can be easily mounted along the battery cell 100. Furthermore, the temperature sensor 420 and the support plate 430 can be easily made to conform to variations in the position of the battery cell 100. In the example shown in Figure 6, a portion of the upper surface of the temperature sensor 420 is in contact with the front lower end of the battery cell 100. As a result, when viewed from the Y direction, the temperature sensor 420 and the support plate 430 are bent downward.

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

[0046] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the lower cover 250 presses the temperature sensor 420 and the support plate 430 upward via the elastic member 440. In other words, the lower cover 250 acts 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 change from a bent state as shown in Figure 7 to a state that is substantially parallel to the X direction as shown in Figure 8. Therefore, as shown in Figure 8, the elastic member 440 is compressed in the Z direction by the lower cover 250 and the support plate 430. Consequently, when 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. Therefore, 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 placed between the lower surface of the upper cover 260 and the upper surface of the temperature sensor 420 attached to the upper part of the support 410, similar to the example shown in Figure 8. In this structure, the elastic member can bias the temperature sensor 420 toward the upper end of the battery cell 100. Therefore, the temperature sensor 420 can be fixed to the upper end of the battery cell 100 with a simple configuration.

[0048] As described in the embodiment, the elastic member 440 can be positioned between the temperature sensor 420 and pressing bodies such as the lower cover 250 and upper cover 260 that press 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 elastic member 440 can bias the temperature sensor 420 toward the cell stack 10. This allows the temperature sensor 420 to be fixed to the battery cell 100 with a simple configuration.

[0049] In the example shown in Figure 8, the temperature sensor 420 may be shielded from heat 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-shielding 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. A temperature gradient between the battery cell 100 and the lower cover 250 occurs, for example, when the battery cell 100 is heated due to charging, while the lower cover 250 is being cooled.

[0050] In the example shown in Figure 8, the exterior material 102 has a sealing edge 102a. The sealing edge 102a is drawn out from between the right lower surface 100a and the left lower surface 100b of the battery cell 100, and is folded back below the right lower surface 100a. It is preferable that the temperature sensor 420 is pressed toward the battery cell 100 without passing through the sealing edge 102a. That is, it is preferable that the temperature sensor 420 is in contact with the left lower surface 100b of the battery cell 100. When the temperature sensor 420 is in contact with the left lower surface 100b of the battery cell 100, the temperature of the battery cell 100 can be accurately detected by the temperature sensor 420 even if an air layer exists between the right lower surface 100a and the sealing edge 102a of the battery cell 100. Furthermore, if the temperature sensor 420 is flexible, it can be made easier to bring the temperature sensor 420 into contact with the left lower surface 100b of the battery cell 100.

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

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

[0053] In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 420 is attached to the forward voltage detection device 30 via the support 410. However, the temperature sensor 420 may be attached directly to the forward voltage detection device 30 without the support 410. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 1 Battery Module 10-cell stack 20 containment units 30. Forward voltage detection device 30' Rear voltage detection device 40 Temperature sensor device 100 battery cells 100a Bottom right side 100b Bottom left side 100G cell group 102 Exterior materials 102a Sealing side 104 Positive Tab 106 Negative Electrode Tab 108 tab groups 110 Compression Pads 210 Front cover 220 Rear Cover 230 Right-side cover 240 Left cover 250 Lower cover 252 Thermally conductive adhesives 260 Upper cover 310 Holding body 312 Aperture 314 Protrusion 320 Voltage detection unit 322 Voltage detection line 324 Voltage detection connector 330 Positive Busbar 410 Support 412 Lateral extension body 414 Longitudinal body 420 Temperature Sensor 422 Temperature sensor wire 424 Temperature Sensor Connector 430 Support plate 430a Protrusion 430b front end 432 Mounting hardware 440 Elastic members

Claims

1. A battery cell and A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the aforementioned battery cell, A support plate for the temperature sensor, An elastic member for biasing the temperature sensor and the support plate toward the battery cell, A pressing body for pressing the temperature sensor and the support plate toward the battery cell via the elastic member, Equipped with, The support plate is located between the temperature sensor and the elastic member. The elastic member is located between the support plate and the pressing body. A battery module in which, starting from a state in which the temperature sensor is positioned between the battery cell and the support plate without the pressing body being positioned, the pressing body is positioned so that the temperature sensor is positioned between the battery cell and the support plate, and the elastic member is positioned between the support plate and the pressing body, thereby the pressing body presses the temperature sensor and the support plate toward the battery cell via the elastic member, and the elastic member biases the temperature sensor and the support plate toward the battery cell.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor and the support plate are attached to each other.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member and the pressing body are attached to each other.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the pressing body covers at least a portion of the battery cell.

Images