Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack (1) comprises: a battery (100); a temperature measuring member (temperature sensor 501) that measures the temperature of the battery (100); a support member (504) that supports the temperature sensor (501); and a holding member (311) that holds the support member (504). The support member (504) includes: a main body portion (504P) to which the temperature sensor (501) is attached; a pressing portion (504Q) that presses the temperature sensor (501) toward the battery (100) while being in contact with the holding member (311); and a regulating portion (first regulating portion 504R and second regulating portion 504S) that comes into contact with the holding member (311) at a position farther from the battery (100) than the main body portion (504P), thereby regulating the relative position between the holding member (311) and the support member (504). The regulating portion regulates the relative position between the holding member (311) and the support member (504) in two mutually different directions that intersect the direction in which the pressing portion (504Q) presses the temperature sensor (501).

Description

battery pack

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A battery pack equipped with a temperature measuring member for measuring the temperature of the battery has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-140054

[0004] In battery packs, there is a demand for improving the reliability of battery temperature measurement by temperature measurement members.

[0005] The battery pack includes a battery, a temperature measurement element in contact with the battery to measure the temperature of the battery, a support element in contact with the temperature measurement element and supporting the temperature measurement element, and a holding element that holds the support element. The support element includes a main body to which the temperature measurement element is attached, a pressing element connected to the main body and configured to be elastically deformable and pressing the temperature measurement element toward the battery while in contact with the holding element, and a restricting element connected to the main body and contacting the holding element at a position farther from the battery than the main body, thereby restricting the relative position of the holding element and the support element. The restricting element restricts the relative position of the holding element and the support element in two different directions that intersect the direction in which the pressing element presses the temperature measurement element.

[0006] A battery pack can be obtained that improves the reliability of battery temperature measurement by the temperature measurement member.

[0007] 1 is a perspective view showing a battery pack 1 of an embodiment. 1 is a perspective view showing region 2, which is a main part of the battery pack 1 of FIG. 1. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing region 3A-3B of the battery pack 1 of FIG. 2. 3 is a perspective view showing region 4 of the battery pack 1 of FIG. 2. 4 is a perspective view showing region 5A-5B of the battery pack 1 of FIG. 4. 5 is a perspective view showing region 6A-6B of the battery pack 1 of FIG. 4. 6 is a perspective view showing region 7A-7B of the battery pack 1 of FIG. 4. 7 is a top view showing the battery pack 1 of FIG. 7. 8 is a perspective view showing a part of the battery pack 1 of FIG. 4, exploded. 9 is a top view showing the battery pack 1 of FIG. 1, with the holding member 311 removed. 10 is a perspective view showing a part of the components of the holding unit 200, with respect to a plurality of batteries 100 and a holding unit 200, exploded in the width direction Y and the stacking direction X. 12 is a perspective view showing the battery 100 and the holding unit 200 in a state where the first side plate 231, the second side plate 232, and the fastening bolts 241 are removed from FIG. 11 and the components of the battery 100 and the holding unit 200 are disassembled in the stacking direction X. A perspective view showing a bus bar unit 300, a voltage detection unit 400, and a temperature measurement unit 500. A perspective view showing a main part of a battery pack according to a first modified example of the embodiment. A perspective view showing a main part of a battery pack according to a second modified example of the embodiment. A perspective view showing a main part of a battery pack according to a third modified example of the embodiment. A perspective view showing a main part of a battery pack according to a fourth modified example of the embodiment. A perspective view showing a main part of a battery pack according to a fifth modified example of the embodiment. A perspective view showing a main part of a battery pack according to a sixth modified example of the embodiment.

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. To facilitate understanding of each embodiment, the size and proportions of components may be exaggerated in each drawing. The same components are denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing. In each drawing, the stacking direction X, width direction Y, and height direction Z of the battery pack 1 are indicated by arrows. However, in each drawing, the stacking direction X, width direction Y, and height direction Z of the battery pack 1 indicate the relative positional relationship within the same drawing. That is, when the battery pack 1 is rotated 180 degrees and placed with the top and bottom sides reversed, or when the battery pack 1 is rotated 90 degrees and placed with the top side facing sideward, the stacking direction X, width direction Y, and height direction Z of the battery pack 1 change. One direction X1 is a direction along the stacking direction X of the battery pack 1, centered on the insertion portion 311d of the holding member 311 and the support member 504. The other direction Y1 is a direction along the width direction Y of the battery pack 1, centered on the insertion portion 311d of the holding member 311 and the support member 504. The extension direction Z1 is a direction away from the battery 100 based on the holding member 311, and is a direction along the height direction Z of the battery pack 1. In each drawing, the threads on the outer peripheral surface of the fastening bolt and the grooves on the inner peripheral surface of the insert nut are not shown. When describing the configuration of an embodiment using the top, bottom, left, and right of the drawings, the orientation of the drawings refers to the orientation of the reference symbols attached to the drawings.

[0009] (Configuration of Battery Pack 1 of the Embodiment) The configuration of the battery pack 1 of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 19. FIG.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery pack 1 of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing region 2, which is a main part of the battery pack 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing region 3A-3B of the battery pack 1 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing region 4 of the battery pack 1 of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing region 5A-5B of the battery pack 1 of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing region 6A-6B of the battery pack 1 of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing region 7A-7B of the battery pack 1 of FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is a top view showing the battery pack 1 of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a part of the battery pack 1 of FIG. 4, exploded.

[0011] Fig. 10 is a top view of the battery pack 1 of Fig. 1 with the holding member 311 removed. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a plurality of batteries 100 and a holding unit 200, with some of the components of the holding unit 200 exploded in the width direction Y and the stacking direction X. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the battery pack 100 and the holding unit 200 with the first side plate 231, the second side plate 232, and the fastening bolts 241 removed from Fig. 11 and with the components of the batteries 100 and the holding unit 200 exploded in the stacking direction X. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing the bus bar unit 300, the voltage detection unit 400, and the temperature measurement unit 500.

[0012] Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a main part of a battery pack according to a first modified example of the embodiment. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a main part of a battery pack according to a second modified example of the embodiment. Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a main part of a battery pack according to a third modified example of the embodiment. Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing a main part of a battery pack according to a fourth modified example of the embodiment. Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing a main part of a battery pack according to a fifth modified example of the embodiment. Fig. 19 is a perspective view showing a main part of a battery pack according to a sixth modified example of the embodiment.

[0013] The battery pack 1 is configured as, for example, a power source for operating a motor for running a vehicle. The battery pack 1 may also be configured as, for example, a power source for operating electrical equipment mounted on the vehicle.

[0014] 1, the battery pack 1 includes a plurality of batteries 100, a holding unit 200 that holds the plurality of batteries 100, and a bus bar unit 300 that electrically connects the plurality of batteries 100. The battery pack 1 also includes a voltage detection unit 400 that detects the voltage of the batteries 100, and a temperature measurement unit 500 that measures the temperature of the batteries 100. The components included in the battery pack 1 will be described below.

[0015] (Configuration of Battery 100) The batteries 100 shown in Figs. 1 and 10 to 12 are stacked in the stacking direction X via holding units 200. As shown in Fig. 11, for example, 20 batteries 100 are stacked. The batteries 100 are configured, for example, by lithium ion secondary batteries. The batteries 100 include a current collector and an electrolyte. As shown in Fig. 12, the battery 100 includes a container 101, a lid 102, a positive electrode terminal 103, a negative electrode terminal 104, and a safety valve 105. The components included in the battery 100 will be described below.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 12 , the battery 100 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. A positive electrode terminal 103 and a negative electrode terminal 104 are provided on an upper surface 100a of the battery 100 along the stacking direction X. The upper surface 100a corresponds to the upper surface of the battery 100 in FIG. 12 . The upper surface 100a is formed in a rectangular shape. The length of the upper surface 100a along the width direction Y of the battery 100 is longer than the length of the upper surface 100a along the stacking direction X of the battery 100. The upper surface 100a faces the busbar unit 300 shown in FIG. 1 . Two side surfaces 100b along the stacking direction X of the battery 100 face each other perpendicularly to the upper surface 100a. The side surfaces 100b are formed in a rectangular shape. The length of the side surfaces 100b along the height direction Z of the battery 100 is longer than the length of the side surfaces 100b along the stacking direction X of the battery 100. Two main surfaces 100 c of the battery 100 that face each other in the stacking direction X are in contact with the cell spacers 202 and the like of the holding unit 200 .

[0017] The current collector of the battery 100 corresponds to a charge / discharge element between which electric power is input and output. The current collector of the battery 100 is configured by winding or stacking a positive electrode and a negative electrode with a separator interposed therebetween. The container 101 contains the current collector and an electrolyte. The lid 102, together with the container 101, seals the current collector and the electrolyte. The lid 102 is joined to the container 101. The positive electrode terminal 103 and the negative electrode terminal 104 relay the input and output of electric power between the current collector and the electrical device. The positive electrode terminal 103 and the negative electrode terminal 104 are attached to the lid 102. The positive electrode terminal 103 of one battery 100 and the negative electrode terminal 104 of the other battery 100, which are adjacent along the stacking direction X, face each other in the stacking direction X, as shown in FIG. 12 . The safety valve 105 ruptures toward the outside of the battery 100 when the internal pressure of the battery 100 exceeds a predetermined value. The safety valve 105 is also called a split valve. The safety valve 105 is provided in the lid 102, for example.

[0018] (Configuration of holding unit 200) As shown in Figures 1 and 10 to 12, the holding unit 200 holds multiple batteries 100. As shown in Figure 12, the holding unit 200 includes a first end spacer 201, a cell spacer 202, and a second end spacer 203. The holding unit 200 also includes a first end block 211, a second end block 212, an insulating member 221, and an insert nut 222. As shown in Figure 11, the holding unit 200 also includes a first side plate 231, a second side plate 232, and a fastening bolt 241. The components included in the holding unit 200 will be described below.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 12 , the first end spacer 201 is provided between the first end block 211 and the battery 100. The first end spacer 201 contacts the first battery 100 located at one end of the 20 stacked batteries 100. This battery 100 corresponds to the battery 100 located at the left end in FIG. 10 . The first end spacer 201 insulates the first end block 211 from the battery 100. The first end spacer 201 covers each side surface of the first end block 211 and the battery 100 along the width direction Y. The first end spacer 201 covers a portion of the side surface 100b of the battery 100 along the stacking direction X. The thickness of the first end spacer 201 along the stacking direction X is sufficiently thinner than the thickness of the battery 100 along the stacking direction X. The first end spacer 201 is formed of an insulating material.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 12 , the cell spacers 202 are provided between adjacent batteries 100. The cell spacers 202 hold and insulate the adjacent batteries 100. The cell spacers 202 cover the main surfaces 100c of the adjacent batteries 100 along the width direction Y and a portion of the side surfaces 100b of the adjacent batteries 100 along the stacking direction X. The thickness of the cell spacers 202 along the stacking direction X is sufficiently thinner than the thickness of the batteries 100 along the stacking direction X. The cell spacers 202 are made of an insulating material.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 12 , the second end spacer 203 is provided between the battery 100 and the second end block 212. The second end spacer 203 contacts the twentieth battery 100 located at the other end of the 20 stacked batteries 100. This battery 100 corresponds to the battery 100 located at the right end in FIG. 10 . The second end spacer 203 insulates the battery 100 from the second end block 212. The second end spacer 203 covers each side surface of the second end block 212 and the battery 100 along the width direction Y. The second end spacer 203 covers a portion of the side surface 100b of the battery 100 along the stacking direction X. The thickness of the second end spacer 203 along the stacking direction X is sufficiently thinner than the thickness of the batteries 100 along the stacking direction X. The second end spacer 203 is formed of an insulating material.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 12 , the first end block 211 is stacked with the first battery 100 located at one end of the 20 stacked batteries 100 via a first end spacer 201. The first end block 211 extends along a width direction Y that intersects with the stacking direction X of the batteries 100. The first end block 211 is adjacent to the battery 100 located at the end along the stacking direction X and supports the battery 100. The first end block 211 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the width direction Y. Fastening bolts 241 are screwed into a plurality of screw holes 211m formed on the side surface of the first end block 211 along the width direction Y shown in FIG. 11 . The first end block 211 is fixed to the first side plate 231 by the fastening bolts 241, as shown in FIG. 1 . Similarly, the first end block 211 is fixed to the second side plate 232 by the fastening bolts 241. The first end block 211 is formed with insertion holes 211n for inserting bolts or the like for fixing the battery pack 1. The first end block 211 is made of, for example, metal or resin.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 12 , the second end block 212 is stacked with the twentieth battery 100 located at the other end of the 20 stacked batteries 100 via a second end spacer 203. The second end block 212 extends along the width direction Y of the batteries 100. The second end block 212 is adjacent to the battery 100 located at the end along the stacking direction X and supports the battery 100. The second end block 212 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the width direction Y. Fastening bolts 241 are screwed into multiple screw holes formed on the side surface of the second end block 212 along the width direction Y shown in FIG. 11 . The second end block 212 is fixed to the first side plate 231 by the fastening bolts 241 as shown in FIG. 1 . Similarly, the second end block 212 is fixed to the second side plate 232 by the fastening bolts 241. The second end block 212 is formed with insertion holes 212n for inserting bolts or the like to secure the battery pack 1. The second end block 212 is formed of, for example, metal or resin.

[0024] 12, the insulating member 221 is inserted into the first end block 211. The insulating member 221 is also inserted into the second end block 212. The insulating member 221 is formed, for example, in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The insulating member 221 is made of an insulating material.

[0025] The insulating member 221 may be configured as follows. That is, the insulating member 221 may be molded integrally with the first end spacer 201, or may be molded separately from the first end spacer 201 and then joined to the first end spacer 201. In such a case, the first end block 211 has a recess on its surface facing the first end spacer 201 that accommodates the insulating member 221 along the stacking direction X. Similarly, the insulating member 221 may be molded integrally with the second end spacer 203, or may be molded separately from the second end spacer 203 and then joined to the second end spacer 203. In such a case, the second end block 212 has a recess on its surface facing the second end spacer 203 that accommodates the insulating member 221 along the stacking direction X.

[0026] 11, the insert nut 222 is embedded in a recess formed in the upper surface of the insulating member 221. A fastening bolt is anchored to the insert nut 222 via a bus bar that is electrically connected to an external control device, for example.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1 , the first side plate 231 is arranged at one end of the stacked batteries 100 in the width direction Y, along the stacking direction X of the stacked batteries 100. The first side plate 231 holds the batteries 100 along the stacking direction X. Both ends of the first side plate 231 extending along the stacking direction X are bent toward the width direction Y. As shown in FIG. 11 , fastening bolts 241 are inserted into a plurality of insertion holes 231m formed on the side surface of the first side plate 231 along the width direction Y. As shown in FIG. 1 , the first side plate 231 is fixed to the first end block 211 and the second end block 212 by the fastening bolts 241.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1 , the second side plate 232 is arranged along the stacking direction X of the stacked plurality of batteries 100, at the other end of the plurality of batteries 100 in the width direction Y. The second side plate 232 holds the plurality of batteries 100 along the stacking direction X. Both ends of the second side plate 232 extending along the stacking direction X are bent toward the width direction Y. As shown in FIG. 11 , fastening bolts 241 are inserted into a plurality of insertion holes 232m formed on the side surface of the second side plate 232 along the width direction Y. As shown in FIG. 1 , the second side plate 232 is fixed to the first end block 211 and the second end block 212 by the fastening bolts 241.

[0029] 10 , the fastening bolts 241 fasten the first side plate 231 to the first end block 211, and the first side plate 231 to the second end block 212. Also, the fastening bolts 241 fasten the second side plate 232 to the first end block 211, and the second side plate 232 to the second end block 212, as shown in FIG.

[0030] (Configuration of busbar unit 300) The busbar unit 300 shown in Figures 1, 10, and 13 electrically connects multiple batteries 100. As shown in Figure 13, the busbar unit 300 includes a first end busbar 301, multiple busbars 302, a second end busbar 303, and a holding member 311. The configuration included in the busbar unit 300 will be described below.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 10 , the first end bus bar 301 is joined to the positive terminal 103 of the battery 100 that is closest to the first end block 211 among the 20 stacked batteries 100. As shown in FIG. 13 , the first end bus bar 301 includes a plate-shaped first joint portion 301a, a plate-shaped second joint portion 301b, a curved connecting portion 301c, and an insertion hole 301d. The first joint portion 301a is joined to a bus bar that is electrically connected to an external control device. The second joint portion 301b is joined to the positive terminal 103 of the battery 100. The connecting portion 301c connects the first joint portion 301a and the second joint portion 301b. The insertion hole 301d is formed in the first joint portion 301a. A fastening bolt is inserted into the insertion hole 301d. The first joint portion 301a and the bus bar that is electrically connected to the external control device are joined by the fastening bolt. The first end bus bar 301 is made of, for example, aluminum. When the first end bus bar 301 is made of a clad material, for example, the first joint portion 301 a is made of copper and the second joint portion 301 b is made of aluminum.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 10 , the bus bar 302 electrically connects one battery 100 and another battery 100 that are adjacent to each other along the stacking direction X. As shown in FIG. 10 , the bus bar 302 is joined to the positive terminal 103 of one battery 100 that is adjacent to each other along the stacking direction X and the negative terminal 104 of the other battery 100 that is adjacent to each other along the stacking direction X. As shown in FIG. 13 , the bus bar 302 includes a plate-shaped first joint portion 302a, a plate-shaped second joint portion 302b, and a curved connecting portion 302c. The first joint portion 302a is joined to the negative terminal 104 of one adjacent battery 100. The second joint portion 302b is joined to the positive terminal 103 of the other adjacent battery 100. The connecting portion 302c connects the first joint portion 302a and the second joint portion 302b. The bus bar 302 is formed of, for example, a clad material in which copper and aluminum are bonded together, copper, or aluminum. When the bus bar 302 is formed of a clad material, for example, the first joint portion 302a is formed of copper and the second joint portion 302b is formed of aluminum. When the negative electrode terminal 104 of the battery 100 is configured such that copper is converted to aluminum, the bus bar 302 may be configured such that the first joint portion 302a and the second joint portion 302b are integrally formed of aluminum.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 10 , the second end bus bar 303 is joined to the negative terminal 104 of the battery 100 that is closest to the second end block 212 among the 20 stacked batteries 100. As shown in FIG. 13 , the second end bus bar 303 includes a plate-shaped first joint portion 303a, a plate-shaped second joint portion 303b, a curved connecting portion 303c, and an insertion hole 303d. The first joint portion 303a is joined to the negative terminal 104 of the battery 100. A bus bar that is electrically connected to an external control device is joined to the second joint portion 303b. The connecting portion 303c connects the first joint portion 303a and the second joint portion 303b. The insertion hole 303d is formed in the second joint portion 303b. A fastening bolt is inserted into the insertion hole 303d. The second joint portion 303b and the bus bar that is electrically connected to the external control device are joined by the fastening bolt. The second end bus bar 303 is formed of, for example, copper.

[0034] (Configuration of holding member 311) As shown in FIG. 1 , the holding member 311 holds the first end bus bar 301, the plurality of bus bars 302, and the second end bus bar 303. The holding member 311 holds the temperature measurement unit 500. The holding member 311 covers and insulates the stacked plurality of batteries 100. The holding member 311 corresponds to a so-called bus bar holder. In the embodiment, the holding member 311 is made of an insulating resin. The holding member 311 may be made of a conductive metal and coated with an insulating film.

[0035] 3 to 9 and 13, the holding member 311 includes a base portion 311a. The holding member 311 includes a plurality of openings 311b, attachment portions 311c, insertion portions 311d, protrusions 311e, anchoring portions 311f, and guide portions 311g.

[0036] 4 to 9, the base portion 311a is formed in a plate shape on the holding member 311. The base portion 311a of the holding member 311 is formed with an opening 311b, an attachment portion 311c, an insertion portion 311d, a protrusion 311e, a mooring portion 311f, and a guide portion 311g.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 13 , a plurality of openings 311b are formed in the base 311a of the holding member 311 from both ends in the width direction Y toward the stacking direction X. The plurality of openings 311b are spaced apart from one another. As shown in FIG. 13 , the openings 311b expose the second joint portion 301b of the first end bus bar 301 toward the battery 100 side. The openings 311b expose the first joint portion 302a and the second joint portion 302b of the bus bar 302 toward the battery 100 side. The openings 311b expose the first joint portion 303a of the second end bus bar 303 toward the battery 100 side.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 13 , the attachment portions 311c sandwich and hold the ends of the first end bus bar 301, the multiple bus bars 302, and the second end bus bar 303. The attachment portions 311c are formed on the edge of the opening 311b in the base 311a of the holding member 311. The attachment portions 311c are formed on the base 311a outward in the width direction Y from the opening 311b. The attachment portions 311c are formed in an upside-down L-shape in the base 311a. The attachment portions 311c extend along the stacking direction X in the base 311a. The attachment portions 311c protrude inward in the width direction Y in the base 311a. The attachment portion 311c sandwiches and holds the ends of the first end bus bar 301, the plurality of bus bars 302, and the second end bus bar 303 in a gap between the attachment portion 311c and the base portion 311a along the stacking direction X.

[0039] One direction X1 is a direction along the stacking direction X of the battery pack 1, centered on the insertion portion 311d of the holding member 311 and the support member 504. The other direction Y1 is a direction along the width direction Y of the battery pack 1, centered on the insertion portion 311d of the holding member 311 and the support member 504. The extension direction Z1 is a direction away from the battery 100 with the holding member 311 as the reference, and is a direction along the height direction Z of the battery pack 1. One direction X1 is a direction parallel to the X1 axis shown in FIGS. 3 to 9. The other direction Y1 is a direction parallel to the Y1 axis shown in FIGS. 3 to 9. The extension direction Z1 is a direction parallel to the Z1 axis shown in FIGS. 3 to 9. The X1 axis, Y1 axis, and Z1 axis are, for example, axes that constitute a Cartesian coordinate system with the center of the insertion portion 311d as the origin. In other words, the center of the insertion portion 311d is the center in the one direction X1, the other direction Y1, and the extension direction Z1.

[0040] As shown in Figures 4 to 9, the insertion portion 311d is a through-hole that penetrates the holding member 311 along the extension direction Z1. As shown in Figure 4, the support member 504 is inserted through the insertion portion 311d along the extension direction Z1. The insertion portion 311d is formed in a rectangular shape along a plane defined by one direction X1 and the other direction Y1. Four corners 311d1 of the insertion portion 311d protrude toward the center of the insertion portion 311d. Therefore, the insertion portion 311d penetrates the holding member 311 in a cross shape.

[0041] As shown in Figures 4 to 9, the protrusions 311e protrude from the base 311a of the holding member 311 in a direction away from the battery 100, i.e., in the extension direction Z1. Four protrusions 311e are formed on the base 311a so as to surround the insertion portion 311d. The protrusions 311e are formed on the four corner sides of the insertion portion 311d on the base 311a. The four corner sides of the insertion portion 311d include wide areas around the four corners of the insertion portion 311d. The protrusions 311e are rod-shaped, and the surface defined by the stacking direction X and the width direction Y is formed in a quadrangle.

[0042] The protrusion 311e includes a first surface 311e1 and a second surface 311e2. The first surface 311e1 and the second surface 311e2 intersect with each other. That is, the first surface 311e1 and the second surface 311e2 have relatively different angles relative to a reference plane. For example, when a plane formed by one direction X1 and the extension direction Z1 is taken as the reference plane, the angle between the reference plane and the first surface 311e1 is 90 degrees, while the angle between the reference plane and the second surface 311e2 is 0 degrees. The first surface 311e1 and the second surface 311e2 are connected in an L-shape and constitute two adjacent outer surfaces of the protrusion 311e. That is, the first surface 311e1 and the second surface 311e2 constitute the L-shaped outer surface of the protrusion 311e. Of the four protrusions 311e surrounding the insertion portion 311d, the first surfaces 311e1 of the protrusions 311e facing each other along the one direction X1 are opposed to each other along the one direction X1. Of the four protrusions 311e surrounding the insertion portion 311d, the second surfaces 311e2 of the protrusions 311e facing each other along the one direction X1 are positioned outside in the other direction Y1. Of the protrusions 311e facing each other along the one direction X1, the second surfaces 311e2 are spaced apart from each other along the one direction X1. In this case, the center of the other direction Y1 is the center of the insertion portion 311d. Of the four protrusions 311e surrounding the insertion portion 311d, the second surfaces 311e2 of the protrusions 311e facing each other along the other direction Y1 are not opposed to each other along the other direction Y1. In the protrusions 311e facing each other along the other direction Y1, the second surfaces 311e2 are relatively farthest apart.

[0043] The first surface 311e1 and the second surface 311e2 of the protrusion 311e are in contact with the support member 504. The first surface 311e1 and the second surface 311e2 hold the support member 504 while restricting the position of the support member 504. The first surface 311e1 and the second surface 311e2 are orthogonal to each other at the portions where they are in contact with the support member 504. The first surface 311e1 faces a first restricting portion 504R of the support member 504 along one direction X1. The second surface 311e2 faces a second restricting portion 504S of the support member 504 along the other direction Y1.

[0044] The protrusion 311e has a tip surface 311e3 formed at a position farthest from the base 311a. The tip surface 311e3 is formed parallel to a plane formed by one direction X1 and the other direction Y1. The tip surface 311e3 is adjacent to the first surface 311e1 and the second surface 311e2.

[0045] As shown in Figures 4 to 9, the mooring portion 311f is formed on the edge of the insertion portion 311d at the base 311a of the holding member 311. The mooring portion 311f is formed on both sides of the insertion portion 311d in one direction X1 so as to straddle the insertion portion 311d at the base 311a. The mooring portion 311f is formed in an upside-down L shape at the base 311a. The mooring portion 311f includes a base 311f1 extending in the extension direction Z1 and a hook portion 311f2 protruding from the tip of the base 311f1 toward the center of the insertion portion 311d. The mooring portion 311f includes a mooring surface 311f3 on the lower surface of the hook portion 311f2 facing the upper surface 100a of the battery 100, which moor the tip of the pressing portion 504Q of the support member 504.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 9 , the guide portion 311g is formed on the edge of the insertion portion 311d at the base 311a of the holding member 311. The guide portion 311g is formed on the base 311a on the outer side of the insertion portion 311d in the other direction Y1. In this case, the center of the other direction Y1 is the center of the insertion portion 311d. The guide portion 311g extends from the base 311a of the holding member 311 in the extension direction Z1. The guide portion 311g is formed in a plate shape along the one direction X1. The guide portion 311g extends along the extension direction Z1 and includes an opposing surface 311g1 that faces the support member 504. The guide portion 311g is located on the outer edge of the insertion portion 311d in the other direction Y1, near the two protrusions 311e that are aligned along the one direction X1. The guide portion 311g is spaced apart from the two protruding portions 311e located nearby in the other direction Y1. The opposing surface 311g1 of the guide portion 311g, together with the first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S, restricts the position of the support member 504.

[0047] (Configuration of voltage detection unit 400) The voltage detection unit 400 shown in Figures 2, 10 and 13 detects the voltage of the battery 100 based on control by, for example, an external control device. As shown in Figure 13, the voltage detection unit 400 includes a voltage detection terminal 401 and an electric wire 402. The configuration included in the voltage detection unit 400 will be described below.

[0048] 2 , the voltage detection terminal 401 is conductive and formed in a plate shape. The voltage detection terminal 401 is joined to the first end bus bar 301, the plurality of bus bars 302, and the second end bus bar 303 of the bus bar unit 300, respectively.

[0049] 2, the electric wire 402 is joined to the voltage detection terminal 401. The electric wire 402 provides electrical continuity between the voltage detection terminal 401 and an external control device.

[0050] 1 to 10 and 13 measures the temperature of the battery 100 based on control by, for example, an external control device. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, the temperature measurement unit 500 includes a temperature sensor 501, a heat transfer plate 502, an electric wire 503, and a support member 504. The components included in the temperature measurement unit 500 will be described below.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , the temperature sensor 501 is in contact with the battery 100 and measures the temperature of the battery 100. The temperature sensor 501 is a temperature measurement member. In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 501 includes a temperature measurement element and a circuit board. The temperature sensor 501 is in indirect contact with the battery 100 via a heat transfer plate 502. The temperature sensor 501 may also be configured to be in direct contact with the battery 100 without the heat transfer plate 502. The temperature sensor 501 is provided parallel to the upper surface 100a of the battery 100. In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 501 is formed in a rectangular shape. The surface of the temperature sensor 501 defined by the stacking direction X and the width direction Y may be square or rectangular. When the surface of the temperature sensor 501 defined by the stacking direction X and the width direction Y is rectangular, the longitudinal direction may be along the stacking direction X or along the width direction Y. The temperature sensor 501 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and has a pair of side surfaces perpendicular to one direction X1 and a pair of side surfaces perpendicular to another direction Y1. In the illustrated example, the protective member that covers and protects the temperature measurement element of the temperature sensor 501 is rectangular parallelepiped-shaped. The protective member is, for example, a resin that covers the temperature sensor 501 and fixes the temperature sensor 501 to the heat transfer plate 502. However, the shape of the protective member for the temperature sensor 501 is not limited to this. The protective member for the temperature sensor 501 may also be dome-shaped. In the embodiment, the temperature sensor 501 is attached to all of the batteries 100. The temperature sensor 501 may also be attached to some of the batteries 100.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , the heat transfer plate 502 is bonded to the temperature sensor 501. The heat transfer plate 502 is formed in a plate shape. The heat transfer plate 502 includes a contact surface 502a that contacts the upper surface 100a of the battery 100. The contact surface 502a of the heat transfer plate 502 is perpendicular to the first surface 311e1 and the second surface 311e2 of the holding member 311. The heat transfer plate 502 has a pair of side surfaces that are perpendicular to one direction X1 and a pair of side surfaces that are perpendicular to the other direction Y1. The heat transfer plate 502 has thermal conductivity. The heat transfer plate 502 is made of metal. The heat transfer plate 502 is not essential in this embodiment. In this embodiment, if the heat transfer plate 502 is omitted, the temperature sensor 501 includes a contact surface that contacts the upper surface 100a of the battery 100.

[0053] 3 and 9, the electric wire 503 is attached to the temperature sensor 501. In this embodiment, the electric wire 503 is connected to the temperature measuring element via a circuit board. The electric wire 503 provides electrical continuity between the temperature sensor 501 and an external control device.

[0054] In the temperature measurement unit 500, the temperature sensor 501 is maintained in surface contact with the upper surface 100a of the battery 100 via the heat transfer plate 502, thereby enabling highly accurate measurement of the temperature of the battery 100. The state in which the temperature sensor 501 is maintained in surface contact with the upper surface 100a of the battery 100 via the heat transfer plate 502 means that the heat transfer plate 502 to which the temperature sensor 501 is attached is not tilted and spaced apart from the upper surface 100a of the battery 100. The heat transfer plate 502 is not an essential component. The temperature sensor 501 may also be configured to maintain a state in direct surface contact with the upper surface 100a of the battery 100. If the position of the temperature sensor 501 relative to the battery 100 is not appropriately regulated, the temperature sensor 501 may be tilted due to vibrations or impacts acting on the battery pack 1, which could result in a decrease in the accuracy of the temperature measurement results of the battery 100. The battery pack 1 according to this embodiment includes a support member 504 that supports a temperature sensor 501 and a holding member 311 that holds the support member 504. As described above, the holding member 311 has a first surface 311e1 and a second surface 311e2. The support member 504 has a first restricting portion 504R and a second restricting portion 504S that contact the first surface 311e1 and the second surface 311e2 to restrict the position of the support member 504 relative to the holding member 311. By appropriately restricting the position of the support member 504 relative to the holding member 311, the temperature sensor 501 attached to the heat transfer plate 502 is prevented from tilting with respect to the upper surface 100a of the battery 100. By appropriately restricting the position of the support member 504 relative to the holding member 311, the temperature sensor 501 attached to the heat transfer plate 502 is prevented from moving away from the upper surface 100a of the battery 100. The configuration of the support member 504 that engages with the holding member 311 will be described in detail below.

[0055] (Configuration of Support Member 504) As shown in Fig. 3, the support member 504 is in contact with the temperature sensor 501 and supports the temperature sensor 501. As shown in Fig. 3, the support member 504 presses the temperature sensor 501 against the upper surface 100a of the battery 100 via the heat transfer plate 502.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 9 , the support member 504 includes a main body portion 504P, a pressing portion 504Q, a first restricting portion 504R, and a second restricting portion 504S. As shown in FIG. 3 , the main body portion 504P of the support member 504 is located closer to the battery 100 in the extension direction Z1 than the base portion 311a of the holding member 311. The pressing portion 504Q, the first restricting portion 504R, and the second restricting portion 504S of the support member 504 cross the base portion 311a of the holding member 311 in the extension direction Z1. The pressing portion 504Q, the first restricting portion 504R, and the second restricting portion 504S of the support member 504 are inserted into the insertion portion 311d of the holding member 311. The main body portion 504P, the pressing portion 504Q, the first restricting portion 504R, and the second restricting portion 504S are integrally formed. In this embodiment, the support member 504 is made of an insulating resin.

[0057] 9, the temperature sensor 501 is attached to the main body 504P on the side closer to the battery 100. The main body 504P has a pressing portion 504Q, a first restricting portion 504R, and a second restricting portion 504S integrally formed on the side farther from the battery 100.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 9 , the main body 504P has a housing 504a formed on its lower surface facing the upper surface 100a of the battery 100, which houses the temperature sensor 501. The temperature sensor 501 is fitted into the housing 504a. The housing 504a is in contact with the temperature sensor 501 in the extension direction Z1. Therefore, the pressing force generated by the elastic deformation of the pressing portion 504Q (described later) is transmitted from the housing 504a to the temperature sensor 501, pressing the temperature sensor 501 against the upper surface 100a of the battery 100. The main body 504P has a first recess 504b formed on its side surface facing the first direction X1, which is formed by recessing a portion of the main body 504P from both sides in the first direction X1. The main body 504P has a second recess 504c formed on its side surface facing the other direction Y1, which is formed by recessing a portion of the main body 504P from one side in the other direction Y1. The second recess 504c prevents interference with the electric wire 503 in the extension direction Z1.

[0059] The pressing portion 504Q is connected to the main body portion 504P. The pressing portion 504Q extends in a direction away from the battery 100 relative to the main body portion 504P. The pressing portion 504Q extends along the extension direction Z1. In this embodiment, a pair of pressing portions 504Q is provided. The pair of pressing portions 504Q are formed so as to move away from each other from the main body portion 504P toward both sides in one direction X1 along the battery 100. One end side of the pair of pressing portions 504Q along the extension direction Z1 is connected to the main body portion 504P. The other end side of the pair of pressing portions 504Q along the extension direction Z1 is in contact with the holding member 311. The pair of pressing portions 504Q is configured to be elastically deformable. The pair of pressing portions 504Q elastically deform along the extension direction Z1 and one direction X1. The pair of pressing portions 504Q elastically deforms to press the temperature sensor 501 toward the upper surface 100a of the battery 100 via the housing portion 504a.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 9 , the pressing portion 504Q includes a straight portion 504d extending from the main body portion 504P in the extension direction Z1, a first curved portion 504e extending from the tip of the straight portion 504d while curving outward in the first direction X1, and a second curved portion 504f extending from the tip of the first curved portion 504e while curving outward in the first direction X1. The first curved portion 504e is curved in a semicircular convex shape in a direction away from the top surface 100a of the battery 100. The second curved portion 504f is curved in a semicircular convex shape in a direction approaching the top surface 100a of the battery 100. The first curved portion 504e and the second curved portion 504f are formed into an S-shape rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise. The pressing portion 504Q includes an abutment portion 504g at the tip of the second curved portion 504f. The abutting portion 504g contacts the mooring surface 311f3 of the mooring portion 311f of the holding member 311. The pressing portion 504Q elastically deforms while expanding outward in one direction X1 along the battery 100 as it contracts along the extension direction Z1.

[0061] The first restricting portion 504R is connected to the main body portion 504P along the extension direction Z1. The first restricting portion 504R extends from the main body portion 504P in a direction away from the battery 100. The first restricting portion 504R faces the protrusion 311e of the holding member 311 in a first intersecting direction intersecting the extension direction Z1. The first intersecting direction corresponds to the first direction X1. The first restricting portion 504R restricts the relative position of the holding member 311 and the support member 504 in the first direction X1. In other words, the first restricting portion 504R restricts the relative position of the holding member 311 and the temperature sensor 501 supported by the support member 504. The first restricting portions 504R are located outside the temperature sensor 501 and at the four corners of the temperature sensor 501 in a plane defined by the first direction X1 and the second direction Y1. The surface defined by the one direction X1 and the other direction Y1 faces the upper surface 100a of the battery 100 along the extension direction Z1. The first restricting portion 504R is located at both ends of a pair of diagonal lines of the temperature sensor 501. The first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S have portions that contact the holding member 311 that intersect at right angles. The first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S are connected in an L-shape, and two adjacent inner surfaces contact the holding member 311.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 8 , the first restricting portion 504R is disposed opposite the first surface 311e1 of the holding member 311 with a small gap therebetween. The first restricting portion 504R comes into contact with the first surface 311e1 when the support member 504 moves in the first direction X1. The first restricting portion 504R comes into contact with the first surface 311e1, thereby restricting the movement of the support member 504 in the first direction X1. The first restricting portion 504R is formed by pillar portions 504h that protrude from the main body portion 504P in a direction away from the battery 100, i.e., in the extension direction Z1. The first restricting portions 504R are formed at the four corners of the main body portion 504P.

[0063] The second restricting portion 504S is connected to the main body portion 504P along the extension direction Z1. The second restricting portion 504S extends from the main body portion 504P in a direction away from the battery 100. The second restricting portion 504S faces the protrusion 311e of the holding member 311 in a second intersecting direction intersecting the extension direction Z1. The second intersecting direction corresponds to the other direction Y1. The second restricting portion 504S restricts the relative position of the holding member 311 and the support member 504 in the other direction Y1. In other words, the second restricting portion 504S restricts the relative position of the holding member 311 and the temperature sensor 501 supported by the support member 504. The second restricting portions 504S are located outside the temperature sensor 501 and at the four corners of the temperature sensor 501 in a plane defined by the one direction X1 and the other direction Y1. The second restricting portions 504S are located at both ends of a pair of diagonal lines of the temperature sensor 501 .

[0064] As shown in FIG. 8 , the second restricting portion 504S is disposed opposite the second surface 311e2 of the holding member 311 with a small gap therebetween. The second restricting portion 504S contacts the second surface 311e2 when the support member 504 moves in the other direction Y1. The second restricting portion 504S contacts the second surface 311e2, thereby restricting movement of the support member 504 in the other direction Y1. The second restricting portion 504S protrudes from the main body portion 504P in a direction away from the battery 100, i.e., in the extension direction Z1. The second restricting portion 504S is formed at four corners of the main body portion 504P. The second restricting portion 504S, together with the first restricting portion 504R, constitutes a column portion 504h having an L-shaped cross section. A mooring portion 504i extending outward in the one direction X1 is formed at the tip of the column portion 504h. The anchoring portion 504i faces the tip surface 311e3 of the protrusion 311e of the holding member 311 along the extension direction Z1.

[0065] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, movement of the support member 504 in a direction away from the battery 100 is restricted by contact between the abutment portion 504g of the support member 504 and the mooring surface 311f3 of the mooring portion 311f of the holding member 311. The direction away from the battery 100 is an upward direction along the extension direction Z1. Movement of the support member 504 in a direction toward the battery 100 is restricted by contact between the mooring portion 504i of the support member 504 and the tip surface 311e3 of the protrusion 311e of the holding member 311. The direction toward the battery 100 is a downward direction along the extension direction Z1. In this way, the support member 504 contacts the holding member 311 and supports the holding member 311.

[0066] The support member 504 is attached by being inserted from above to below in the extension direction Z1 shown in FIG. 9 into the insertion portion 311d of the holding member 311. At this time, the pair of pressing portions 504Q of the support member 504 are elastically deformed so as to approach each other in the one direction X1 and toward the center of the support member 504. Therefore, when the support member 504 is attached to the holding member 311, the abutting portions 504g of the pair of pressing portions 504Q do not interfere with the anchoring surfaces 311f3 of the anchoring portions 311f of the holding member 311. Thereafter, the pair of pressing portions 504Q of the support member 504 are elastically deformed so as to move away from each other in the one direction X1 and toward the outside of the support member 504.

[0067] At least one of the temperature sensor 501 and the heat transfer plate 502 has a pair of side surfaces parallel to the first surface 311e1 of the protrusion 311e and a pair of side surfaces parallel to the second surface 311e2 of the protrusion 311e.

[0068] (Configuration of holding member 321 in modified example 1 of embodiment) The configuration of the battery pack in modified example 1 of the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a main part of the battery pack in modified example 1 of the embodiment.

[0069] 14, the holding member 321 does not have the guide portion 311g formed thereon. The holding member 321 has the same configuration as the holding member 311 except for the above-described configuration.

[0070] (Configuration of holding member 331 and support member 514 in modified example 2 of embodiment) The configuration of the battery pack in modified example 2 of the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a main part of the battery pack in modified example 2 of the embodiment.

[0071] In the support member 514, the first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S shown in FIG. 15 are located at two of the four corners of the temperature sensor 501 in a plane defined by one direction X1 and the other direction Y1. Each of the first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S is connected in an L-shape. The first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S are located at both ends of one of a pair of diagonal lines of the temperature sensor 501. Except for the above-mentioned configuration, the support member 514 has the same configuration as the support member 504.

[0072] 15 are located at two of the four corners of the temperature sensor 501 on a plane defined by one direction X1 and the other direction Y1. The holding member 331 has two protrusions 311e formed to face and contact two sets of first and second restricting portions 504R and 504S. Except for the above-mentioned configuration, the holding member 331 has the same configuration as the holding member 311.

[0073] (Configuration of holding member 341 and support member 524 in modified example 3 of embodiment) The configuration of the battery pack in modified example 3 of the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a main part of the battery pack in modified example 3 of the embodiment.

[0074] In the support member 524, the first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S shown in FIG. 16 are located at two of the four corners of the temperature sensor 501 along the other direction Y1 on a plane defined by the one direction X1 and the other direction Y1. Each of the first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S is connected in an L-shape. The first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S are provided along the other direction Y1 so as to straddle one of a pair of pressing portions 504Q aligned along the one direction X1. Except for the above-mentioned configuration, the support member 524 has the same configuration as the support member 504.

[0075] 16 are located at two of the four corners of the temperature sensor 501 on a plane defined by one direction X1 and the other direction Y1. The holding member 341 has two protrusions 311e formed to face and contact two pairs of first and second restricting portions 504R and 504S. Except for the above-mentioned configuration, the holding member 341 has the same configuration as the holding member 311.

[0076] (Configuration of holding member 351 and support member 534 in modified example 4 of embodiment) The configuration of the battery pack in modified example 4 of the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing a main part of the battery pack in modified example 4 of the embodiment.

[0077] In the support member 534, the first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S shown in FIG. 17 are located at two of the four corners of the temperature sensor 501 along the first direction X1 on a plane defined by the first direction X1 and the second direction Y1. Each of the first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S is connected in an L-shape. The first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S are provided along the first direction X1 so as to be adjacent in the second direction Y1 to a pair of pressing portions 504Q aligned along the first direction X1. Except for the above-mentioned configuration, the support member 534 has the same configuration as the support member 504.

[0078] 17 are located at two of the four corners of the temperature sensor 501 on a plane defined by one direction X1 and the other direction Y1. The holding member 351 has two protrusions 311e formed to face and contact two sets of first and second restricting portions 504R and 504S. Except for the above-mentioned configuration, the holding member 351 has the same configuration as the holding member 311.

[0079] (Configuration of holding member 361 and support member 544 in modified example 5 of embodiment) The configuration of the battery pack in modified example 5 of the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing a main part of the battery pack in modified example 5 of the embodiment.

[0080] 18 are located at one of the four corners of the temperature sensor 501 in a plane defined by one direction X1 and the other direction Y1. The first and second restricting portions 504R and 504S are connected in an L-shape. The support member 544 has the same configuration as the support member 504, except for the above-mentioned configuration.

[0081] 18 is located at one of the four corners of the temperature sensor 501 on a plane defined by one direction X1 and the other direction Y1. The holding member 361 has one protrusion 311e formed to face and contact a pair of first and second restricting portions 504R and 504S. Except for the above-described configuration, the holding member 361 has the same configuration as the holding member 311.

[0082] (Configuration of a pair of pressing portions 554Q in the sixth modified embodiment) The configuration of the battery pack in the sixth modified embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a perspective view showing a main part of the battery pack in the sixth modified embodiment.

[0083] In the support member 554, the pair of pressing portions 554Q are connected to the main body portion 504P. The pair of pressing portions 554Q are formed to be curved in an arc shape toward both the extension direction Z1 and the one direction X1. One end side of the pair of pressing portions 554Q along the extension direction Z1 is connected to the main body portion 504P. The other end side of the pair of pressing portions 554Q along the extension direction Z1 is in contact with the holding member 311. The pair of pressing portions 554Q are curved in a convex shape toward the upper surface 100a of the battery 100, from the other end side toward the one end side. The pair of pressing portions 554Q has a configuration that is significantly simplified from the configuration of the pair of pressing portions 504Q.

[0084] (Advantages of Battery Pack 1 of the Embodiment) The advantages of the battery pack 1 of the embodiment will be described.

[0085] (1) The battery pack 1 includes a battery 100, a temperature sensor 501 (temperature measurement member), a support member 504 that supports the temperature sensor 501, and a holding member 311 that holds the support member 504. The support member 504 includes a main body portion 504P, a pressing portion 504Q, and restricting portions (a first restricting portion 504R and a second restricting portion 504S). The temperature sensor 501 is attached to the main body portion 504P. The pressing portion 504Q is connected to the main body portion 504P and is configured to be elastically deformable. The pressing portion 504Q may be directly or indirectly connected to the main body portion 504P. The pressing portion 504Q presses the temperature sensor 501 toward the battery 100 while contacting the holding member 311. The restricting portion is connected to the main body portion 504P. The restricting portion may be directly or indirectly connected to the main body portion 504P. The restricting portion restricts the relative position between the holding member 311 and the support member 504 by contacting the holding member 311 at a position farther from the battery 100 than the main body portion 504P. The restricting portions (first restricting portion 504R and second restricting portion 504S) restrict the relative position between the holding member 311 and the support member 504 in two different directions (one direction X1 and the other direction Y1) that intersect the direction in which the pressing portion 504Q presses the temperature sensor 501 (extension direction Z1). With this configuration, the restricting portions restrict movement (misalignment) of the support member 504 in two different directions relative to the holding member 311. This suppresses rattle of the support member 504 relative to the holding member 311, thereby suppressing tilting of the temperature sensor 501 supported by the support member 504. Therefore, even if the temperature sensor 501 is subjected to an external force, the battery pack 1 can prevent the temperature sensor 501 from separating from the battery 100 in at least two directions. Even if the temperature sensor 501 is subjected to an external force and separates from the battery 100, the battery pack 1 can bring the temperature sensor 501 into contact with the battery 100. In other words, even if the battery pack 1 changes from a state in which the temperature sensor 501 is in contact with the battery 100 to a state in which the temperature sensor 501 is separate from the battery 100, the battery pack 1 can restore the state in which the temperature sensor 501 is in contact with the battery 100. The external force is, for example, vibration or impact input to a vehicle in which the battery pack 1 is mounted, or vibration generated by the vehicle.Therefore, the battery pack 1 can improve the reliability of temperature measurement of the battery 100 by the temperature sensor 501. In particular, the restricting portion contacts the holding member 311 at a position farther from the battery 100 than the main body portion 504P. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the tilt angle and positional deviation of the support member 504 relative to the holding member 311 can be reduced compared to when the restricting portion is provided on the main body portion 504P.

[0086] (2) The restricting portions (first restricting portion 504R and second restricting portion 504S) extend from the main body portion 504P in a direction away from the battery 100. With this configuration, the positions of the holding member 311 and the support member 504 can be stably restricted compared to when the restricting portions extend from the pressing portion 504Q.

[0087] (3) The holding member 311 includes a first surface 311e1 and a second surface 311e2 that are arranged to intersect with each other. The restricting portion includes a first restricting portion 504R and a second restricting portion 504S. The first restricting portion 504R is connected to the main body portion 504P and contacts the first surface 311e1 of the holding member 311 to restrict the relative position between the holding member 311 and the support member 504. The first restricting portion 504R may be directly or indirectly connected to one or more of the main body portion 504P and the pressing portion 504Q. The second restricting portion 504S is connected to the main body portion 504P and contacts the second surface 311e2 of the holding member 311 to restrict the relative position between the holding member 311 and the support member 504. The second restricting portion 504S may be directly or indirectly connected to one or more of the main body portion 504P, the pressing portion 504Q, and the first restricting portion 504R. With this configuration, the relative position of the holding member 311 and the support member 504 in one direction X1 can be restricted by contact between the first restricting portion 504R of the support member 504 and the first surface 311e1 of the holding member 311. Furthermore, the relative position of the holding member 311 and the support member 504 in another direction Y1, which is different from the one direction X1, can be restricted by contact between the second restricting portion 504S of the support member 504 and the second surface 311e2 of the holding member 311.

[0088] (4) The first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S of the support member 504 extend from the main body portion 504P in a direction away from the battery 100. It is sufficient that at least one of the first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S of the support member 504 extend from the main body portion 504P in a direction away from the battery 100. The holding member 311 includes a protruding portion 311e that protrudes in a direction away from the battery 100. The protruding portion 311e includes a first surface 311e1 and a second surface 311e2. It is sufficient that the protruding portion 311e includes at least one of the first surface 311e1 and the second surface 311e2. The first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S of the support member 504 face the protruding portion 311e of the holding member 311 in a first intersecting direction or a second intersecting direction that intersects with the extension direction Z1. It is sufficient that one or more of the first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S of the support member 504 face the protruding portion 311e of the holding member 311 in the first intersecting direction or the second intersecting direction that intersects with the extension direction Z1. With this configuration, the first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S of the support member 504 can be realized with a simple configuration, and the holding member 311 that holds the support member 504 can also be realized with a simple configuration.

[0089] (5) The first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S are orthogonal to each other at the portions where they contact the holding member 311. With this configuration, the battery pack 1 can prevent the temperature sensor 501 from being separated from the battery 100 in two orthogonal directions, even if the temperature sensor 501 is subjected to an external force.

[0090] (6) The first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S are connected in an L-shape, and two adjacent inner surfaces are in contact with the first surface 311e1 and the second surface 311e2 of the holding member 311. This configuration allows the first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S to be miniaturized. Furthermore, this configuration allows the rigidity of the first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S to be improved.

[0091] (7) The first surface 311e1 and the second surface 311e2 of the holding member 311 are orthogonal to each other at the portions where they contact the support member 504. This configuration allows the holding member 311 to be realized with a simple configuration. This configuration allows the battery pack 1 to prevent the temperature sensor 501 from being separated from the battery 100 in two orthogonal directions, even if the temperature sensor 501 is subjected to an external force.

[0092] (8) The first surface 311e1 and the second surface 311e2 of the holding member 311 are connected in an L-shape and form two adjacent outer surfaces of the protrusion 311e, and these two outer surfaces are in contact with the support member 504. This configuration allows the holding member 311 to be miniaturized. Furthermore, this configuration allows the rigidity of the holding member 311 to be improved.

[0093] (9) The temperature sensor 501 is formed in a rectangular shape along the battery 100. In the examples shown in FIGS. 4, 14, and 15, the first restricting portion 504R is located at one end of at least one diagonal line of the temperature sensor 501. In the examples shown in FIGS. 4, 14, and 15, the second restricting portion 504S is located at the other end opposite the one end of at least one diagonal line of the temperature sensor 501. Note that in the examples shown in FIGS. 4, 14, and 15, four or two pillar portions 504h are provided, each of which integrates the first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S. However, the first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S may be separated. For example, only the first restricting portion 504R may be provided at one end of a diagonal line of the temperature sensor 501, and only the second restricting portion 504S may be provided at the other end opposite to the one end of the diagonal line of the temperature sensor 501. With this configuration, the battery pack 1 can prevent the temperature sensor 501 from separating from the battery 100 at both the one end and the other end of the diagonal line of the temperature sensor 501, even if the temperature sensor 501 is subjected to an external force.

[0094] (10) The temperature sensor 501 is formed in a rectangular shape along the battery 100. In the examples shown in FIGS. 4, 14, and 15, the first restricting portions 504R are located at both ends of one diagonal of the temperature sensor 501. In the examples shown in FIGS. 4, 14, and 15, the second restricting portions 504S are located at both ends of one diagonal of the temperature sensor 501. With this configuration, even if the temperature sensor 501 is subjected to an external force, the battery pack 1 can prevent the temperature sensor 501 from separating from the battery 100 along the diagonal, using the both ends of the diagonal of the temperature sensor 501 as references.

[0095] (11) The temperature sensor 501 is formed in a rectangular shape along the battery 100. In the examples shown in Figures 4 and 14, the first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S are located at the four corners of the temperature sensor 501. With this configuration, the battery pack 1 can prevent the temperature sensor 501 from separating from the battery 100 along a pair of diagonal lines of the temperature sensor 501, even if the temperature sensor 501 is subjected to an external force.

[0096] (12) The temperature sensor 501 includes a contact surface 502a that contacts the battery 100. The contact surface 502a of the temperature sensor 501 is perpendicular to the first surface 311e1 and the second surface 311e2 of the holding member 311. The contact surface 502a of the temperature sensor 501 may be perpendicular to at least one of the first surface 311e1 and the second surface 311e2 of the holding member 311. With this configuration, the battery pack 1 can sufficiently prevent the temperature sensor 501 from separating from the battery 100 even when the temperature sensor 501 is subjected to an external force.

[0097] (13) The first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S extend in a direction away from the battery 100. At least one of the first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S may extend in a direction away from the battery 100. The pressing portion 504Q of the support member 504 elastically deforms along the extending direction Z1 of the restricting portion. With this configuration, the battery pack 1 can have the first restricting portion 504R, the second restricting portion 504S, and the pressing portion 504Q of the support member 504 miniaturized, and the pressing portion 504Q of the support member 504 can sufficiently press the temperature sensor 501 against the battery 100.

[0098] (14) The pressing portion 504Q of the support member 504 extends in one direction X1 along the battery 100. The first surface 311e1 or the second surface 311e2 of the holding member 311 faces the first restricting portion 504R or the second restricting portion 504S of the support member 504 along another direction Y1 that is perpendicular to the one direction X1. With this configuration, even if the temperature sensor 501 is subjected to an external force, the pressing portion 504Q of the battery pack 1 can prevent the temperature sensor 501 from moving away from the battery 100 in the one direction X1, and the holding member 311 can prevent the temperature sensor 501 from moving away from the battery 100 in the other direction Y1.

[0099] (15) Movement of the support member 504 away from the battery 100 is restricted by contact between the tip of the pressing portion 504Q and a protrusion formed on the holding member 311. Movement of the support member 504 toward the battery 100 is restricted by contact between an edge formed on the first restricting portion 504R or the second restricting portion 504S and the protrusion 311e formed on the holding member 311. With this configuration, the holding member 311 can hold the support member 504 while restricting its position. Therefore, the support member 504 can sufficiently press the temperature sensor 501 against the battery 100. The protrusion formed on the holding member 311 is, for example, a mooring portion 311f including a base portion 311f1 extending from the base portion 311a in the extension direction Z1 and a hook portion 311f2 protruding from the tip of the base portion 311f1 toward the center of the insertion portion 311d. This allows the temperature sensor 501 to be appropriately pressed against the battery 100. The edge portion is, for example, a mooring portion 504i formed at the tip of the first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S. With this configuration, when the support member 504 that supports the temperature sensor 501 is attached to the holding member 311 in advance and then assembled to the battery 100, the support member 504 is prevented from falling off the insertion portion 311d of the holding member 311.

[0100] (Battery Assembly of Other Embodiments) The battery assembly of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the battery assembly described in the embodiments, and can be configured appropriately based on the content described in the claims.

[0101] The embodiments are described in detail or simply to make the present invention easier to understand, and do not necessarily include all of the components described, or may include components not shown. Also, some of the components of the embodiments may be deleted, replaced with components of other embodiments, or combined with components of other embodiments.

[0102] The number of batteries 100 included in the battery pack 1 is not limited to 20. The number of batteries 100 may be, for example, 1 to 19 or 21 or more. In particular, the number of batteries 100 included in the battery pack 1 may be one. The battery 100 is not limited to a lithium-ion battery. For example, a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lead battery can be used as the battery 100. The battery 100 is not limited to a secondary battery. For example, a primary battery can be used as the battery 100.

[0103] In the above example, the column portion 504h has the first restricting portion 504R, the second restricting portion 504S, and the mooring portion 504i, and the first restricting portion 504R, the second restricting portion 504S, and the mooring portion 504i are an integrated structure. However, the mooring portion 504i may be omitted depending on the assembly method of the battery pack 1. Also, the first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S may be arranged separately.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S are configured so that the entire portion extending from the main body portion 504P in the extension direction Z1 can come into contact with the protruding portion 311e of the holding member 311. However, the portions of the first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S that can come into contact with the holding member 311 are not limited to this. For example, only a portion of the tip side (upper end side) of the first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S may come into contact with the protruding portion 311e of the holding member 311 to restrict the relative position of the holding member 311 and the support member 504.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S is rectangular. However, the cross-sectional shape of the first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S is not limited to a rectangular shape and may be a curved shape such as an arc shape.

[0106] In the above embodiment, an example in which the cross-sectional shape of the column portion 504h is L-shaped has been described. However, the cross-sectional shape of the column portion 504h may be curved, such as an arc-shaped shape. In this case, for example, the protrusion 311e is formed in a cylindrical shape. This protrusion 311e does not have a first surface and a second surface that intersect with each other. The cross-sectional shape of the column portion 504h is preferably an arc-shaped shape with a central angle of 90 degrees or more. When the cross-sectional shape of the column portion 504h is an arc with a central angle of 90 degrees, one end of the arc regulates the relative positions of the holding member 311 and the support member 504 in one direction X1. Furthermore, the other end of the arc regulates the relative positions of the holding member 311 and the support member 504 in another direction Y1. The cross-sectional shape of the column portion 504h may also be circular. In other words, the column portion 504h may be cylindrical (equivalent to a hollow cylinder). In this case, the cylindrical protrusion 311e is inserted into the circular through-hole of the pillar portion 504h. Even if the protrusion 311e does not have a first surface and a second surface, the relative positions of the holding member 311 and the support member 504 in two different directions (one direction Z1 and the other direction Y1) are restricted by the arc-shaped or circular restricting portion.

[0107] The length from the main body portion 504P to the tip of the first restricting portion 504R and the length from the main body portion 504P to the tip of the second restricting portion 504S can be any length. In the above embodiment, the tips of the first restricting portion 504R and the second restricting portion 504S of the support member 504 assembled in the completed battery pack 1 are positioned farther from the battery 100 than the mooring surface 311f3 of the mooring portion 311f of the holding member 311, as shown in FIG. 3 . However, the length of the first restricting portion 504R may be set so that the tip of the first restricting portion 504R is positioned closer to the battery 100 than the mooring surface 311f3. Similarly, the length of the second restricting portion 504S may be set so that the tip of the second restricting portion 504S is positioned closer to the battery 100 than the mooring surface 311f3. The smaller the height dimensions of the first restricting portion 504R, the second restricting portion 504S, and the pressing portion 504Q are, the more compact the size of the battery pack 1 in the height direction Z can be.

[0108] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Battery pack, 100 Battery, 100a Top surface, 100b Side surface, 100c Main surface, 101 Container, 102 Lid, 103 Positive electrode terminal, 104 Negative electrode terminal, 105 Safety valve, 200 Holding unit, 201 First end spacer, 202 Cell spacer, 203 Second end spacer, 211 First end block, 212 Second end block, 221 Insulating member, 222 Insert nut, 231 First side plate, 232 Second side plate, 241 Fastening bolt, 300 Bus bar unit, 301 First end bus bar, 302 Bus bar, 303 Second end bus bar, 311 Holding member, 311a Base, 311b Opening, 311c Mounting portion 311d Insertion portion, 311d1 Corner portion, 311e Protruding portion, 311e1 First surface, 311e2 Second surface, 311e3 Tip surface, 311f Mooring portion (convex portion), 311f1 Base portion, 311f2 Hook portion, 311f3 Mooring surface, 311g Guide portion, 311g1 Opposing surface 321 Holding member, 331 Holding member, 341 Holding member, 351 Holding member, 361 Holding member, 400 Voltage detection unit, 401 Voltage detection terminal, 402 Electric wire, 500 Temperature measurement unit, 501 Temperature sensor (temperature measurement member), 502 Heat transfer plate (temperature measurement member), 502a Contact surface, 503 Electric wire, 504 Support member, 504P main body portion, 504Q pressing portion, 504R first restricting portion, 504S second restricting portion, 504a storage portion, 504b first recess portion, 504c second recess portion, 504d straight portion, 504e first curved portion, 504f second curved portion, 504g abutting portion, 504h pillar portion, 504i anchoring portion (edge ​​portion), 514 support member, 524 support member, 534 support member, 544 support member, 554 support member, 554Q pressing portion, X stacking direction (of battery pack 1), Y width direction (of battery pack 1), Z height direction (of battery pack 1),X1: one direction (a direction along the stacking direction X of the battery pack 1, centered on the insertion portion 311d of the holding member 311 and the support member 504) (first intersecting direction); Y1: another direction (a direction along the width direction Y of the battery pack 1, centered on the insertion portion 311d of the holding member 311 and the support member 504) (second intersecting direction); Z1: extension direction (a direction away from the battery 100, based on the holding member 311, and a direction along the height direction Z of the battery pack 1).

Claims

1. A battery comprising: a battery; a temperature measuring member in contact with the battery to measure the temperature of the battery; a support member in contact with the temperature measuring member and supporting the temperature measuring member; and a holding member holding the support member, wherein the support member includes: a main body portion to which the temperature measuring member is attached; a pressing portion connected to the main body portion and in contact with the holding member while pressing the temperature measuring member towards the battery, and configured to be elastically deformable; and a regulating portion connected to the main body portion and contacting the holding member at a position farther from the battery than the main body portion, thereby regulating the relative position of the holding member and the support member, wherein the regulating portion regulates the relative position of the holding member and the support member in two different directions that intersect the direction in which the pressing portion presses the temperature measuring member.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the restriction portion extends from the main body portion in a direction away from the battery.

3. The battery pack described in claim 2, wherein the holding member includes a first surface and a second surface arranged to intersect each other, and the regulating portion includes: a first regulating portion in contact with the first surface of the holding member to regulate the relative position between the holding member and the support member, and a second regulating portion in contact with the second surface of the holding member to regulate the relative position between the holding member and the support member.

4. The battery pack described in claim 3, wherein the holding member includes a protrusion protruding in a direction away from the battery, the protrusion includes one or more of the first surface and the second surface, and one or more of the first restricting portion and the second restricting portion of the support member faces the protrusion of the holding member in a first intersecting direction or a second intersecting direction that intersects with the extension direction.

5. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the first and second restricting portions are in contact with the holding member at right angles to each other.

6. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the first restriction portion and the second restriction portion are connected in an L-shape, and two adjacent inner surfaces are in contact with the first surface and the second surface of the holding member.

7. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the first surface and the second surface of the holding member are orthogonal to each other at portions in contact with the support member.

8. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein the first surface and the second surface of the holding member are connected in an L-shape and constitute two adjacent outer surfaces of the protrusion.

9. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the temperature measurement member is formed in a rectangular shape along the battery, the first restriction portion is located at one end side of at least one diagonal line of the temperature measurement member, and the second restriction portion is located at the other end side opposite to the one end side of the at least one diagonal line of the temperature measurement member.

10. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the temperature measuring member is formed in a rectangular shape along the battery, the first regulating portion is located at both ends of at least one diagonal line of the temperature measuring member, and the second regulating portion is located at both ends of at least one diagonal line of the temperature measuring member.

11. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the temperature measuring member is formed in a rectangular shape along the battery, and the first restricting portion and the second restricting portion are located at the four corners of the temperature measuring member.

12. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the temperature measuring member includes a contact surface that contacts the battery, and the contact surface of the temperature measuring member is perpendicular to one or more of the first surface and the second surface of the holding member.

13. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein one or more of the first and second restricting portions extend in a direction away from the battery, and the pressing portion of the support member elastically deforms in the extending direction.

14. The battery pack described in claim 3, wherein the pressing portion of the support member extends in one direction along the battery, and the first surface or the second surface of the holding member faces the first regulating portion or the second regulating portion of the support member along another direction perpendicular to the one direction.

15. The battery pack described in claim 3, wherein movement of the support member in a direction away from the battery is regulated by contact between the tip of the pressing portion and a convex portion formed on the holding member, and movement of the support member in a direction toward the battery is regulated by contact between an edge formed on the first regulating portion or the second regulating portion and a protrusion formed on the holding member.

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