Power supply device and method for manufacturing same

Abstract

This power supply device is provided with a battery holder for holding a plurality of secondary battery cells, and a temperature detection part for detecting a cell temperature. The battery holder has an insertion hole for inserting the temperature detection part, and an injection hole, at a location different from the insertion hole, for injecting an adhesive for fixing the temperature detection part to at least one of the plurality of secondary battery cells. Thus, uncured adhesive can be injected via the separate injection hole in a state where the temperature detection part is inserted from the insertion hole, so that the freedom of the work of fixing the temperature detection part can be enhanced. Since the injection hole for injecting the adhesive is provided separately from the insertion hole for the temperature detection part, the freedom of the shape of the injection hole is increased, and the injection of the adhesive can be handled by an automatic machine, rather than being limited to manual work.

Description

Power supply device and method for manufacturing the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply device and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0002] Power supply devices that use a battery holder to hold multiple rechargeable secondary battery cells, such as lithium-ion secondary batteries, to power electrical equipment are commonly used (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such power supply devices monitor the status of the secondary battery cells to ensure stable, long-term use. Specifically, the device is configured to detect the cell temperatures of any or all of the multiple secondary battery cells held in the battery holder and collect the cell temperatures on a circuit board. Thermistors, thermocouples, and other devices are used to detect the cell temperatures. To secure the thermistors to the secondary battery cells, silicone rubber or other materials are typically filled and bonded to the exterior cans of the secondary battery cells. For this purpose, the battery holder has an opening for inserting the thermistor or injecting the silicone rubber.

[0003] When assembling such a power supply device, from the perspective of workability, the thermistor is first temporarily attached, and then the circuit board and other components are assembled, and the thermistor is then attached to the secondary battery cell. When attaching the thermistor, it was necessary to first apply uncured silicone rubber to the surface of the secondary battery cell exterior can, and then insert the thermistor. Therefore, before attaching the thermistor, the temporarily attached thermistor had to be temporarily removed from the opening, silicone rubber was filled in through the opening, and the thermistor was then reinserted and attached through the opening. This configuration presented a problem of poor workability.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-028007

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a power supply device and a manufacturing method thereof that enable the thermistor to be fixed efficiently.

[0006] A power supply device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a power supply device comprising a plurality of secondary battery cells, a battery holder that holds the plurality of secondary battery cells, and a temperature detection unit for detecting the cell temperature of at least one of the plurality of secondary battery cells, wherein the battery holder has an insertion hole for inserting the temperature detection unit and an injection hole at a location different from the insertion hole for injecting adhesive for fixing the temperature detection unit to at least one of the plurality of secondary battery cells.

[0007] Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a power supply device according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a power supply device including a plurality of secondary battery cells, a battery holder that holds the plurality of secondary battery cells, and a temperature detection unit for detecting the cell temperature of at least one of the plurality of secondary battery cells, the method including the steps of: preparing the battery holder with an insertion hole for inserting the temperature detection unit and an injection hole at a position different from the insertion hole for injecting an adhesive in an uncured state to fix the temperature detection unit to at least one of the plurality of secondary battery cells; inserting the temperature detection unit through the insertion hole and bringing it close to at least one of the plurality of secondary battery cells; injecting the uncured adhesive through the injection hole; and curing the adhesive to fix the temperature detection unit in a thermally coupled state to at least one of the plurality of secondary battery cells.

[0008] According to the power supply device and manufacturing method thereof of one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to inject uncured adhesive through a separate injection hole while the temperature detection unit is inserted through the insertion hole, thereby increasing the flexibility of the temperature detection unit fixing work. Furthermore, by providing an injection hole for injecting adhesive separate from the insertion hole for the temperature detection unit, the flexibility of the injection hole shape increases, making it possible to not only inject adhesive manually but also automatically.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a power supply device according to embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the power supply device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the power supply device of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of the power supply device of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the power supply device of FIG. 5 before adhesive is injected. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a power supply device according to a comparative example. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a power supply device according to embodiment 2. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a power supply device according to embodiment 3. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a power supply device according to embodiment 4. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a power supply device according to a modified example.

[0010] The embodiments of the present disclosure may be specified by the following configurations and features.

[0011] In another aspect of the power supply device of the present disclosure, in the above aspect, the injection hole is open at a position that communicates with a portion that secures the temperature detection unit to at least one of the plurality of secondary battery cells. With this configuration, even if the temperature detection unit is first inserted through the insertion hole and uncured adhesive is later injected through another injection hole, the adhesive can be reliably applied to the securing position between the temperature detection unit and the secondary battery cell, eliminating the need to apply adhesive beforehand before inserting the temperature detection unit and improving the efficiency of the assembly work.

[0012] In another aspect of the power supply device according to the present disclosure, in any of the above aspects, the battery holder has a pocket formed by recessing a portion of a surface that contacts at least one surface of the plurality of secondary battery cells, and the pocket is in communication with the insertion hole and the injection hole. With this configuration, by filling the pocket with uncured adhesive, the tip of the temperature detection unit inserted into the pocket can be reliably adhered to the surface of the secondary battery cell.

[0013] In addition, in the power supply device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, in any of the above aspects, a narrowed region is formed in the communication passage that communicates from the insertion hole to the pocket. With this configuration, by inserting the temperature detection unit from the insertion hole through the narrowed region into the pocket, the temperature detection unit inserted in the pocket can be stably maintained.

[0014] In addition, the power supply device according to another aspect of the present disclosure is any of the above-described aspects, further including a circuit board for connecting the temperature detector, the temperature detector being extended from the circuit board. With this configuration, the temperature detector extended from the circuit board can be efficiently fixed to the corresponding secondary battery cell.

[0015] In a power supply device according to still another aspect of the present disclosure, in any of the above aspects, the injection hole is opened on a first surface of the battery holder, and the insertion hole is opened on a second surface of the battery holder different from the first surface. With this configuration, the insertion hole for the temperature detector and the injection hole for injecting adhesive are provided on different surfaces of the battery holder, making it easier to insert the temperature detector and inject the adhesive.

[0016] In a power supply device according to still another aspect of the present disclosure, in any of the above aspects, the circuit board is placed on the top surface of the battery holder, the insertion hole is open on the top surface of the battery holder, and the injection hole is open on the side surface of the battery holder. With this configuration, the temperature detection unit can be easily inserted from the top surface of the battery holder where the circuit board is located, while the adhesive can be easily injected from the side surface.

[0017] Furthermore, in the power supply device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, in addition to any one of the above aspects, a plurality of the temperature detection units are provided.

[0018] Furthermore, in the power supply device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, in any of the above aspects, the secondary battery cells are cylindrical cells.

[0019] Furthermore, in the power supply device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, in any of the above aspects, the temperature detection unit is fixed to a side surface of an outer can of the cylindrical secondary battery cell.

[0020] Furthermore, in the power supply device according to any one of the above aspects, the adhesive material is silicone rubber.

[0021] Furthermore, in the power supply device according to any one of the above aspects, the temperature detection unit is a thermistor.

[0022] Furthermore, in the power supply device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the above aspects, the temperature detection section is a chip thermistor mounted on a flexible substrate.

[0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely examples for embodying the technical concepts of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the following. Furthermore, this specification does not in any way specify the components set forth in the claims to be those of the embodiments. The dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions, etc. of components described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, and are merely illustrative examples, unless otherwise specified. The size and positional relationships of components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity. Furthermore, in the following description, the same names and symbols indicate components that are identical or of the same quality, and detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, the elements constituting the present disclosure may be configured with the same components, such that multiple elements are shared by one component, or conversely, the functions of one component may be shared by multiple components.

[0024] The power supply device of the present disclosure can be used as a driving power source for assisted bicycles, electric carts for home delivery and golf courses, electric scooters, self-propelled robots for home delivery, construction machinery, hybrid cars, electric cars, and other vehicles. It can also be used as a power source for portable electrical devices such as radios, electric cleaners, and power tools. Below, a power supply device for an assisted bicycle will be described as one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] 1 and 2 show a power supply device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The power supply device 100 shown in these figures includes a battery block 10, a circuit board 40, and a temperature detection unit 50. The battery block 10 is composed of multiple secondary battery cells 1, a battery holder 20, and lead plates 30.

[0026] (Secondary Battery Cell 1) Each secondary battery cell 1 extends in one direction and has a pair of end faces that intersect in the extension direction. In the example shown in FIG. 2 and other figures, a cylindrical cell using a cylindrical outer can is used. However, the shape of the secondary battery cell is not limited to this, and a laminated battery or a prismatic battery may also be used. Each secondary battery cell 1 has a pair of opposing first and second cell end faces 1a and 1b, and a cell side face 1c that joins the first and second cell end faces 1a and 1b.

[0027] Any known secondary battery, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a nickel-cadmium battery, can be used as the secondary battery cell 1. The external shape of the secondary battery cell 1 is a cylinder with the outer can extended in the length direction, as shown in Figure 2.

[0028] (Battery Holder 20) The battery holder 20 holds multiple rechargeable battery cells 1 to form a battery block 10. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the battery block 10 is box-shaped. However, the external shape of the battery block 10 is not limited to this and can be any shape. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the battery holder 20 is divided into two parts, and a pair of split holders 21 sandwich and hold the rechargeable battery cells 1 from both sides to form the battery block 10. However, the split direction and number of the battery holders 20 that make up the battery block 10 are not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 2. Any configuration can be used, such as three or more splits or splits into upper and lower parts. In the example shown in FIG. 2, each split holder 21 is composed of a holder tube portion 22 and a holder plate portion 23.

[0029] (Holder tubular portion 22) The holder tubular portion 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape to accommodate multiple rechargeable battery cells 1. The holder tubular portion 22 separates and compartmentalizes each of the rechargeable battery cells 1. In the example shown in Fig. 2 etc., the holder tubular portion 22 is formed in a block shape with 21 holder tubular portions 22 connected in a matrix shape in cross section so as to hold 21 rechargeable battery cells 1 stacked in 3 rows and 7 columns. However, the multiple holder tubular portions may also be arranged in an offset or staggered pattern, with the centers of adjacent rows or columns shifted.

[0030] Each holder tube portion 22 is formed to a length that is approximately half the length of the rechargeable battery cell 1 in the longitudinal direction. A holder plate portion 23 is connected to one end face of each holder tube portion 22. The holder plate portion 23 has a circular opening so that the end face of the rechargeable battery cell 1 inserted into the holder tube portion 22 is exposed. The edge of the circular opening of the holder plate portion 23 is connected to the holder tube portion 22. Preferably, the holder tube portion 22 and the holder plate portion 23 are formed integrally. Such a divided holder 21 is made of a thermoplastic resin, such as polycarbonate, polypropylene, polybutylene terephthalate, modified polyphenylene ether, ABS, or PPS.

[0031] Furthermore, the cell end faces of the secondary battery cells 1 exposed through the circular openings of the holder plate portion 23 are each connected to lead plates 30. For this reason, the holder plate portion 23 has walls 25 formed on its surface that position the lead plates 30.

[0032] (Lead Plates 30) The lead plates 30 connect multiple secondary battery cells 1 housed in the battery holder 20 in series or parallel. Each lead plate 30 shown in Figure 2 has a lead connection surface 31 that connects to an end face of the secondary battery cell 1, and a lead connection piece 32 that protrudes from one end of the lead connection surface 31 and connects to the circuit board 40.

[0033] Each lead plate 30 is made of a metal plate such as nickel that has excellent conductivity. In the example of Figure 2, three rechargeable battery cells 1 connected in parallel are connected in series in seven stages (7 series x 3 parallel). However, the number of series and parallel rechargeable battery cells is not limited to this example and can be designed appropriately according to the specifications required for the battery pack.

[0034] (Circuit Board 40) A circuit board 40 is placed on the top surface of the battery block 10. The battery block 10 is connected to the circuit board 40 via lead plates 30. The circuit board 40 is equipped with a charge / discharge circuit that charges and discharges the rechargeable battery cells 1, and a protection circuit that monitors the voltage and temperature of the rechargeable battery cells 1 and cuts off the current in the event of an abnormality. The circuit board 40 is made of a glass epoxy board or the like. If necessary, a board holder that houses the circuit board may be provided and fixed to the battery module. Such a board holder is made of an insulating material such as resin.

[0035] (Temperature detection unit 50) The temperature detection unit 50 is a component for detecting the cell temperature of at least one of the multiple secondary battery cells 1. A thermistor, a thermocouple, or a chip thermistor mounted on a flexible substrate can be used as the temperature detection unit 50. In the example shown in Figure 2, a thermistor is used as the temperature detection unit 50.

[0036] The tip of the temperature detection unit 50 is fixed to the cell side surface 1c of the outer can of the cylindrical secondary battery cell 1. The rear end of the temperature detection unit 50 is connected to the circuit board 40. In the example of Fig. 2, one temperature detection unit 50 detects the temperature of one secondary battery cell 1. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and multiple temperature detection units 50 may be used to detect the temperatures of multiple secondary battery cells.

[0037] (Insertion Hole 24) The battery holder 20 also has an insertion hole 24 for inserting the temperature detection unit 50. In the examples shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6, the insertion hole 24 is located on the top surface of the battery holder 20. This allows the temperature detection unit 50, which is pulled out from the circuit board 40, to come into contact with the surface of the secondary battery cell 1 within a short distance.

[0038] (Injection Hole 26) The battery holder 20 also has an injection hole 26 in a different location from the insertion hole 24. The injection hole 26 is used to inject uncured adhesive 60, which secures the temperature detection unit 50 to the rechargeable battery cell 1. The adhesive 60 is supplied, for example, from a supply nozzle. In this case, the supply nozzle is inserted into the injection hole 26 to inject the adhesive 60. The adhesive 60 is made of an insulating and thermally conductive material, such as silicone rubber.

[0039] In this way, convenience during assembly of the power supply device is improved by opening the insertion hole 24 for inserting the temperature detection unit 50 and the injection hole 26 for injecting the adhesive 60 at different positions on the battery holder 20. Specifically, while the temperature detection unit 50 is inserted through the insertion hole 24, uncured adhesive 60 can be injected through the separate injection hole 26, which increases the flexibility of the temperature detection unit 50 fixing operation.

[0040] FIG. 7 shows a power supply device 700 according to a comparative example. As shown in this figure, during assembly of the power supply device 700, it is common to inject an adhesive, such as silicone rubber, into the insertion hole 724 for inserting a temperature detection unit 750, such as a thermistor, to secure the temperature detection unit 750. In other words, the insertion hole 724 for the temperature detection unit 750 also serves as an injection hole for injecting adhesive. In this case, if the temperature detection unit 750 is inserted first and then adhesive is injected, the adhesive may adhere to areas where it is not needed, resulting in a situation where the adhesive does not reach the area where the temperature detection unit 750 comes into contact with the secondary battery cell 1. To avoid this situation, it was necessary to apply adhesive beforehand and then insert the temperature detection unit 750. However, during the assembly process of the power supply device 700, the temperature detection unit 750, pulled out from the circuit board 740, is inserted into the insertion hole 724 and temporarily fixed in place to prevent unintentional damage to the temperature detection unit 750 during assembly. Then, once the assembly work had progressed to a certain extent, the procedure was to pull out the temperature detection unit 750 from the insertion hole 724, inject adhesive into this insertion hole 724, and then reinsert and fix the temperature detection unit 750 through the insertion hole 724. This method is not only inefficient, but also places a bending load on the thermistor that constitutes the temperature detection unit 750 when it is inserted or pulled out, raising concerns about durability and the like.

[0041] In contrast, in the power supply device 100 according to the first embodiment, the injection hole 26 for injecting adhesive is provided in addition to the insertion hole 24 for the temperature detection unit 50, thereby improving the injection of the adhesive 60. Furthermore, the insertion of the temperature detection unit 50 and the injection of the adhesive 60 can be easily performed.

[0042] In particular, it is preferable that injection hole 26 be opened at a position that communicates with the part where temperature detection unit 50 comes into contact with secondary battery cell 1. This allows temperature detection unit 50 to be inserted through insertion hole 24 without applying adhesive beforehand, and adhesive 60 to be injected with its tip in contact with the surface of secondary battery cell 1, ensuring that adhesive 60 is supplied reliably to the contact part as shown in Figure 5, thereby establishing a thermally bonded connection and improving reliability.

[0043] The injection hole 26 may also be provided with a guide to smoothly guide the uncured adhesive injected through the injection hole 26 into the battery holder 20. For example, as in the modified power supply unit 500 shown in Figure 11 , a groove 29 is preferably formed to connect the injection hole 26 to the interior of the battery holder 20, and the adhesive is guided along the groove 29 to the location inside the battery holder 20 where the temperature detector 50 is fixed. Note that for the sake of explanation, the secondary battery cells and temperature detector are not shown in the example of Figure 11 .

[0044] (Pocket 27) The battery holder 20 may also have a pocket 27 in a portion of the holder tube that holds the rechargeable battery cell 1 and that contacts the temperature detection unit 50. The pocket 27 is formed by recessing a portion of the inner surface of the holder tube to form a space between the surface of the rechargeable battery cell 1 and the holder tube. In the example shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5, the pocket 27 is recessed. The pocket 27 also includes a guide path for the adhesive 60 formed by a groove 29, as shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 4, which connects the pocket 27 to the insertion hole 24 and the injection hole 26. The tip of the temperature detection unit 50 inserted through the insertion hole 24 is positioned within the pocket 27. This configuration makes it easier for uncured adhesive 60 to accumulate in the pocket 27, allowing the tip of the temperature detection unit 50 inserted into the pocket 27 to be reliably adhered and fixed to the side surface of the rechargeable battery cell 1.

[0045] (Narrowed Region 28) A narrowed region 28 may also be formed in the communication passage that connects the insertion hole 24 to the pocket 27. With this configuration, the temperature detection unit 50 can be inserted from the insertion hole 24 through the narrowed region 28 into the pocket 27, and the temperature detection unit 50, with its tip free before being fixed with adhesive, can be stably held in the inserted state within the pocket 27 as shown in Figure 5. As a result, when adhesive 60 is injected into the pocket 27, it is easier to ensure that the temperature detection surface of the temperature detection unit 50 is fixed in place while properly contacting the side surface of the secondary battery cell 1.

[0046] The injection hole 26 and the insertion hole 24 may be opened on different sides of the battery holder 20. In the examples shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6, the insertion hole 24 is opened on the top side of the battery holder 20. On the other hand, the injection hole 26 is opened on the side of the battery holder 20. This makes it easier to insert the temperature detection unit 50 from the top side of the battery holder 20 where the circuit board 40 is located, while it makes it easier to inject the uncured adhesive 60 by injecting it from the side.

[0047] [Embodiment 2] However, the present disclosure does not limit the positions of the injection hole 26 and the insertion hole 24 to being opened on different surfaces of the battery holder 20; the injection hole 26 and the insertion hole 24 may be opened on the same surface. For example, in the example of a power supply device 200 according to embodiment 2 shown in Figure 8, the injection hole 26B and the insertion hole 24 are both opened at a distance from each other on the top surface of the battery holder 20. Note that in each embodiment from embodiment 2 onwards, components similar to those in the power supply device according to embodiment 1 described above will be designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0048] [Embodiment 3] In the above example, the injection hole 26 is opened in only one specific location. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The location of the injection hole may be changed, or the injection hole may be opened in multiple locations instead of one location. For example, in the example of the power supply device 300 according to embodiment 3 shown in FIG. 9, the location of the injection hole 26 can be changed from 26a shown in FIG. 1 to any location, such as 26b, 26c, 26d, 26e, or 26f. The number of injection holes 26 is also not limited to one, and may be two or more. For example, two or more of the above-mentioned locations 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 26e, and 26f may be opened. By opening injection holes 26 in multiple locations, injection holes 26 without supply nozzles can be used as air vents, thereby promoting the smooth introduction of the highly viscous adhesive 60 into the battery holder 20. Alternatively, it is possible to insert a supply nozzle into each injection hole 26 and inject adhesive 60 from multiple locations, making it easier to more reliably fix the temperature detection unit 50. In particular, when multiple temperature detection units 50 are provided, the amount of adhesive 60 to be supplied increases, making this configuration effective as it allows a large amount of adhesive 60 to be introduced in a short period of time.

[0049] [Fourth Embodiment] Furthermore, in an example in which multiple injection holes are provided, the holes do not necessarily have to be provided on the same side of the battery holder; they may be provided on different sides. In the power supply device 100 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and other figures, the injection hole 26 is provided on the front side of the battery holder 20, more specifically, on the cell side surface 1c of the cylindrical secondary battery cell 1, as shown in FIG. 2. In contrast, in the power supply device 400 of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 10, in addition to the injection hole 26a on the front side of the battery holder 20 shown in FIG. 3 and other figures, an injection hole 26g is provided on the side surface adjacent to the front side, i.e., on the cell end surface of the secondary battery cell 1. An injection hole may also be provided on the back side of the battery holder. In particular, when supplying adhesive 60 along the length of the battery holder 20, providing injection holes 26 in a direction penetrating the battery holder 20 can avoid the risk of the adhesive 60 shorting out midway along the length, contributing to improved reliability.

[0050] In the above examples, the power supply device is attached to a driving device, such as an assisted bicycle, to supply power to the driving device. Furthermore, when the remaining capacity of the power supply device becomes low or when the power supply device deteriorates over time, the power supply device can be replaced to continue using the driving device. However, this disclosure is not limited to replaceable power supply devices that primarily house secondary battery cells, but can also be applied to configurations in which secondary battery cells are housed within the housing of the driving device. In this disclosure, a power supply device that houses secondary battery cells within a housing such as a case is sufficient, and a power supply device that incorporates secondary battery cells for driving within the housing of the driving device itself is also referred to as a power supply device. In other words, this disclosure is not limited to replaceable power supply devices, but can also be applied to electrical devices that incorporate secondary battery cells.

[0051] [Manufacturing Method of Power Supply Unit] Next, a method for assembling the power supply unit will be described. First, a battery holder 20 is prepared, with separate openings for the insertion hole 24 and the injection hole 26. Next, the temperature detection unit 50 is inserted through the insertion hole 24 and brought into close proximity with the surface of the secondary battery cell 1. Preferably, the temperature detection surface of the temperature detection unit 50 is brought into contact with the surface of the outer can.

[0052] In this state, uncured adhesive 60 is injected through injection hole 26. The adhesive 60 is then cured to thermally bond the temperature detection unit 50 to the surface of the secondary battery cell 1. In this way, while the temperature detection unit 50 is inserted through insertion hole 24, uncured adhesive 60 can be injected through another injection hole 26, increasing the flexibility of the temperature detection unit 50 fixing operation.

[0053] The power supply device according to the present disclosure can be suitably used as a driving power source for assisted bicycles, self-propelled delivery robots, electric carts for delivery and golf courses, electric scooters, construction machinery, hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and other vehicles. It can also be used as a power source for portable electrical devices such as radios, electric cleaners, and power tools. It can also be used as a cooling mechanism for electrical devices with built-in heating elements, and can be used as a stationary power storage device, for example, a power supply device for home, business, or factory use, or as a backup power source for servers.

[0054] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100, 200, 300, 400, 500... Power supply device 1... Secondary battery cell 1a... First cell end face 1b... Second cell end face 1c... Cell side face 10... Battery block 20... Battery holder 21... Divided holder 22... Holder cylindrical portion 23... Holder plate portion 24... Insertion hole 25... Wall portion 26, 26B, 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 26e, 26f, 26g... Injection hole 27... Pocket 28... Narrowed area 29... Groove 30... Lead plate 31... Lead connection surface 32... Lead connection piece 40... Circuit board 50... Temperature detection portion 60... Adhesive 700... Power supply device 724... Insertion hole 740... Circuit board 750... Temperature detection portion

Claims

1. A power supply device comprising: a plurality of secondary battery cells; a battery holder for holding the plurality of secondary battery cells; and a temperature detection unit for detecting the cell temperature of at least one of the plurality of secondary battery cells, wherein the battery holder has an insertion hole for inserting the temperature detection unit, and an injection hole at a position different from the insertion hole, for injecting adhesive for fixing the temperature detection unit to at least one of the plurality of secondary battery cells.

2. A power supply device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the injection hole is opened at a position communicating with a portion where the temperature detection section is fixed to at least one of the plurality of secondary battery cells.

3. A power supply device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery holder has a pocket formed by recessing a portion of the surface that contacts at least one surface of the plurality of secondary battery cells, and the pocket is in communication with the insertion hole and the injection hole.

4. A power supply device according to claim 3, wherein a narrowed area is formed in a communication passage that communicates from said insertion hole to said pocket.

5. A power supply device according to claim 1, further comprising a circuit board for connecting said temperature detection unit, said temperature detection unit being pulled out from said circuit board.

6. A power supply device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the injection hole is opened on a first surface of the battery holder, and the insertion hole is opened on a second surface of the battery holder which is different from the first surface.

7. A power supply device according to claim 1, further comprising a circuit board for connecting said temperature detection unit, said temperature detection unit protruding from said circuit board towards said insertion hole.

8. A power supply device as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the circuit board is placed on the upper surface of the battery holder, the insertion hole is open on the upper surface side of the battery holder, and the injection hole is open on the side surface side of the battery holder.

9. A power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a plurality of said temperature detection units.

10. A power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the secondary battery cells are cylindrical cells.

11. A power supply device according to claim 10, wherein the temperature detection unit is fixed to a side surface of an exterior can of the cylindrical secondary battery cell.

12. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the adhesive is silicone rubber.

13. A power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the temperature detection section is a thermistor.

14. A power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the temperature detection section is a chip thermistor mounted on a flexible substrate.

15. A method for manufacturing a power supply device including: a plurality of secondary battery cells; a battery holder for holding the plurality of secondary battery cells; and a temperature detection unit for detecting a cell temperature of at least one of the plurality of secondary battery cells, the method including the steps of: preparing the battery holder having an insertion hole for inserting the temperature detection unit; and an injection hole at a position different from the insertion hole for injecting an adhesive in an uncured state for fixing the temperature detection unit to at least one of the plurality of secondary battery cells; inserting the temperature detection unit through the insertion hole and bringing it into close proximity to at least one of the plurality of secondary battery cells; injecting uncured adhesive through the injection hole; and curing the adhesive to fix the temperature detection unit in a thermally coupled state to at least one of the plurality of secondary battery cells.

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